Let's Talk About Machins

That's why I couldnt figure it out, as there's only one type. The bleaching thing makes sense. Thanks :)

For anyone doubting the variety and complex topic that is Machins then this article is well worth a look - http://machinmania.blogspot.com/201...winners.html

It is regarding a winning exhibit at last years Vapex.
Here is the link to the slides from this exhibit - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1476656/Exhibit%20scan.zip
All 64 pages of them and this exhibit is only about 1 value. The lowly ½p

Hey!

who, collect Machins, at level 2? searching for the phosphors bands? 895 different?

FM

Sounds fun. I don't but would be interested. I like phosphor bands and such. Need a good lamp though.

I try to identify to Deegam level 3, but I have a heck of a time trying to determine phosphors, gum and paper types. Actually, I don't even attempt to identify paper. A lot of times I can determine the level 3 number through process of elimination by verifying other characteristics. Still it's a lot of fun for me.
Cheers, Robert

In my view, despite the fact that Deegam is an extraordinary resource for the advanced Machin collector, Deegam doesn't really help further Deegam collecting as I think it should. It is so large, so confusing and such a mountain to climb. Yes, there is level one and two, but many collectors have a problem with empty holes and that's what level three creates.

In my view, SG Concise represents a much better place for the regular collector to focus attention. It captures bands and most gums and distinguishes between photogravue and litho, but doesn't obsess about value tablets and sources and the like. It's still a lot of stamps and is still a challenge but it is one within reason, imho.

Plus, I think that would the average collector there is a real advantage to having one's catalog in one's hand and not on a computer screen, sometimes in another room.

Perhaps not a fashionable opinion, but that's my view.

-Larry

I have the SG Concise and also the Deegam Handbook on disc. I refer to the concise far more than the Deegam. The Deegam is somewhat unwieldy to use. I have kept up with the updates and think I am up to date. After downloading them, (and backing them up on a CD) I have yet to plow through them.

Does anyone have the appropriate volume of the Specialised catalog with the Machins? How is it? Would it be worth the purchase to add to my aforementioned two references?

Ron-

If memory serves correctly it takes 3 SG Specialised catalogs to fully cover the Machin range.

For the predecimals, you need the predecimal SG Specialised and along with the Machins you get all the QEII predecimals. Its a fine catalog but the vast number of Machin collector won't bother here.

Decimal Machins which are denominated are in Spec catalog numbered Vol 4 pt2. NVI Machins are in a catalog that SG is not selling right now. I use the both but, when one of these came out, there were a huge number of errors and there was a great deal of derision of SG for having let such a piece escape into the public arena. Consequently, SG lost a great deal of its reputation amongst many advanced Machin collectors.

All the errors are available on the web and despite that I think that the volume on the denominated Machins is quite good. It lays the range out in a logical manner that is easy to follow and easy to use. But, you must know that many many advanced Machin collectors would disagree with me regarding the SG Spec volumes.

What are you missing by using the Concise rather than the Spec? Basically some of the phosphor varieties and much better description of constant plate flaws.

My view is that if you want to collect the entire series, than stick to the Concise. If however you wish to specialize in a particular issue or type of Machin then I would get the Specialised volume as well as have the Deegam as a reference.

And, in a view many would disagree with, if its the entire series, ditch the Deegam and stick to the Concise. Make you own album and you'll have a great collection, with lots of challenge and one that will look great as well.

-Larry

I use a blank album and have mounted the Machins in almost the order in the Concise. I omitted a few in the Concise order, but when you have hundreds mounted, it is a little late to think of changing the ordering. I just placed the boo boos at the end with the catalog number and a note that they were out of order.

I must say that a full page of the Machins presents a lovely sight with all the colors.

I knew that the QEII stamps in the Specialised were now in multiple volumes. So it comes as no surprise that I would need all three (four,soon?) volumes. Did not know that SG had made a mess of the Machins. That is really surprising from an outfit with the reputation of SG.

My album design starts with a binder done in the order and structure of the Concise.

A page of which is like this and is a clone of a Lighthouse album page-


Then in additional binders, I cycle through each value, using the Specialised as a guide and closing out the value with free form with blocks and other items I like.

Seems to work for me. If you are not sure about the SG Specialised, I would suggest you pick up the volume with the decimal denominated values.

What a great thread - I've only just started collecting Machins and have a long way to go. I'll be working on that Level I for quite awhile, since I'm working on collecting used, but the good news - since I collect GB in general, I always end up with lots of Machins to sort through when I buy mixed lots of GB stamps!

I say this all the time, the best way to collect Machins is used. Another part of the economic benefit is that it saves all about gum :

Do not forget, you can make a collection of Postmarks, slogans, cds, fun Postmarks, etc, etc.

Hey, Idhaber, nice page. A difficult topic about Machins is used or not an album. I like the style of Robin Harris Album, but still not use it (you know that 10p narrow and 26p narrow scare me).

Some years ago I tried to do an album, upload some examples of these leaves, long ago. But now it's a very difficult task with so many varieties that are at all times.

The best I think, is to put them in binders, envelopes, boxes, bags, shoe boxes, etc.. Then, when really want to set up a collection and leave it intact, start thinking about what album to use.


Do you need fill some gaps? Please let me now.


Has anyone seen a used 25p salmon pink non-Elliptical?

I found my one Machin!

Tried to scan it, but my printer seems to be waging a vendetta against me, so here's a poor picture.

Stamp is damaged and soaked off colored paper

I have collected basically all Machins Stamps one of the largest section of my G.B collection to me in time they would be that of the penny black in the Queen Victoria era. hi and low values for me

Novato, I'm looking for that little salmon 25p as well, along with quite a few others. I could plaster a wall with all the elliptical versions I have of that one, but no luck yet on the other.

-Mary