Scott Classic Vs. Scott Specialized Vs Scott #1 Catalogues

I would like to get a little deeper into my 'Classic' stamps especially my US. (I have some ww but not a significant #). The information in the Scott Specialized on the Classic issues is informative but somewhat confusing with the very early issues(I suspect space considerations). Would the Scott Classic volume provide a more clear and in-depth detail(illustrations-color) on specific issues so as to make a better determination of Scott# and type or is the Classic volume just a repetitive of the US references of Volume 1 & Specialized?? I ask because of the $$ investment. (also is that true also of the ww classic issues??) Does the Classic Volume include BoB, Airmail etc.??

If you are primarily interested in U.S., then the U.S. Specialized is the way to go. If you are not concerned so much about current values, then a used edition from a few years ago will save some money. Last year, for instance, they added "I" grills and information on postal counterfeits. If that is not enough to sway you to pony up for a current edition, you can save quite a bit of money.

Scott Classic has more worldwide coverage than the basic Scott catalogues. The Classic includes more varieties, and more overall coverage. For instance, I don't believe the Brazilian semi-official airmails have been added to the regular catalogue.

First decide what U.S. classic issue you are mostly interested in. Then, try to find specialized books or booklets that go into more detail on them. There's the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society at http://www.uspcs.org and they have the different classic issues broken down very well there and they can offer a great deal of help on information and literature on U.S. classic stamps.

Volume 1 is a quick guide that might be helpful to a collector who does not specialize in US stamps. The Scott Classic Specialized catalogue covers worldwide stamps from 1840-1940, and is a great resource to have for collectors who collect WW and need a reference while out at a stamp show (I keep one in my office for quick reference). Neither of these catalogues contain the same details as the Scott Specialized catalogue for US stamps.

Edit: The Scott classic specialized album contains a limited number of BoB listings - esentially the same as the numbered WW catalogues. It will not show things like essay, proofs, revenues, etc. It does, however, show things like on-cover and never hinged prices for WW stamps - something the numbered catalogues do not contain.

The Scott Specialized catalogue of US stamps is by far the most widely used and respected authority on classic US stamps. There are other books, catalogues, or guides available, but the Scott specialized catalogue is the best catalogue for a US collector to start life with.

Prices have not changed significantly over the past few years so check out ebay and look for one that is not more than 10 years old. You should easily be able to purchase one for $5-$10 + shipping.

Brian

Thanks for the responses: I have both Scott Volume #1 and the Scott US Specialized. I am debating with myself as to whether to acquire a Scott Classic Specialized to supplement the information on US Classics. I am not that interested in value(not yet)as I am in discerning distinctive differences in issues types and variations and would like not to duplicate a reference resource I already have if possible. Since my WW is limited and if the Classic Specialized enhanced the US Information I might lean more towards acquiring an earlier Classic issue at a local show or supplier/dealer. (I am not into ebay). I do have some of the links bookmarked (1847 USA)for US Issues but was curious about having a hard copy reference.

Yes,I have been using the Scott's United States Specialized Catalog since the 31st edition,1952 and have always found it to be the best all around source to help collect our Nation's stamps. I have looked at the Classic catalogs from time to time and found the Specialized best for someone only interested in United States stamps.

I love the Classic, but I would not think of it as a supplement to the U.S. Specialized. For U.S. material, the U.S. Specialized has you covered.

The Classic shines in the worldwide arena.

The Scott Classic Specialized actually has LESS information on U.S. Stamps than the U.S. Specialized.

The only reason to buy the Classic Specialized in addition to the U.S. Specialized is if you want coverage of non-U.S. material 1840-1940 (to 1952 for British Empire).

Thank you again. Now the 'fog' has cleared quite a bit and I will delve into the Scott Specialized more closely (the front section Identifier of Definitive Issues)and use my glass (& possibly watermark ID skills)to better determine my examples of the early issues. As a side, I can appreciate the specific attention some collectors have with certain early issues,(Washington & Franklins as one). With color, paper, grilles, printing technique etc., they hold my interest for following discussions. As for collecting, my budget allows maybe a copy of an issue, but I would like to know which type (sub-category) I have and note that in my inventory. Thanks for the input. I just may acquire a more current US Specialized, because of the added information since 2010, my current edition.

If I were you I would no doubt go with a scott specialized catalogue if you think you may get serious into the world of pilatelics. Anyone on here that has any knowledge of or should I say "SERIOUS AND IMPORTANT" knowledge owns a Scott US postage specialized catalogue. besides the pricing in which the newest catalogues and real specific issues which you will probably not be tackling for a long while such as postal counterfits and are in the newest more expensive catalogues of 2013-2014. if your want to only spend say 20 or 30 bucks you can go on ebay and win a 2010-2011 catalogue which has still the most up to date for your experience level information you will need until you decide whether or not you want to continue in your pursuit of philatelic knowlegde, and hopefully by then you'll be wanting of the latest and greatest up to the second info most philatelists crave.

Another consideration is the on-line edition of the U.S. Specialized. I loaded it onto my tablet and can take the tablet to shows with me. Its always nice to have your own reference copy. The price is less as well, again if your only into the early U.S. There are various volumes that can be purchased for other areas. Suposedly, one down load will work for the tablet and smart phone. APPLE IOS only.

Art

Great information and I have actually started to delve into my 'classic' issues for determining Scott # & variety. I have a Specialized Catalog (2010)which does hold a significant amount of detail information. Now, to carry to a 'higher' level I am considering on making a purchase of current Amos/Scott publications. One being the Scott "Guide of US Regular Issue Stamps 1847 - 1934" (thought it might hold addition detail illustrations), The Linn's Stamp Identifier (help w/my ww), and most expensively, the Scott "Specialized Color Guides" for US Stamps. (given the many color variations noted in the 'classic' period, and using the Scott Catalogue for reference seems like a good idea). Any thoughts on these references would be appreciated.