Let's Talk About Machins

An update. I was about to configure Acrobat to open links in a new window so that is a big improvement.

The other discovery was if you do not keep the Deegam folder stored in the root directory as recommended you get Acrobat warning messages when clicking a link. I tried changing Acrobat Trust settings based upon some internet recommendations but nothing seemed to work.

What aspect was cleared up? I have the Deegam hardcover 2003 and the latest CD. I like the cd better.

Jack

The initial challenge was when I clicked a link it opened in the same Acrobat window and no way to go back in Acrobat or the PDF.

Connoisseur is quite good.

Douglas G.A. Myall - who sadly died last year - set up his catalogue system that looks at the technique (printing, paper, phosphor bars, etc.). He ignores shades. Connoisseur, that is used by John M. Deering, a dealer / new issue service provider who writes "Machin Watch" in Gibbons Stamp Monthly, also discerns shades.

An advantage of Deegam is that you will find all listings of a single value together. Connoisseur requires you to identify paper/gum/printing technique type to find the listing. This may not be very helpful when you collect used Machins that no longer have gum. Deegam also is more encyclopaedic than Connoisseur. It, for instance, also lists the Hong Kong issues with the Machin Head.

The system of opening the pdf and looking for things from Deegam is interesting but it does not work as one wants, I tried the PDF before with acrobat without success, now I use Foxit reader it works very well, open each PDF in tabs, and I can return to the previous one without problem.

I will note the ability to keep the prior page open required an Acrobat setting change.

After using Foxit Reader for some 6 years, I just found the ability to identify a text string in multiples in a striking Puce colour.
Just fabulous.
I can now load my personal ID lists, and find every stamp of a particular design, that just yells out from the page.
Some of these modern programs are so rich in options, they remain hidden to us fellas that are not so adept.

For the true Machin junkies who are not afraid of an overdose.

In Appendix 11 of the Deegam Handbook, third edition appears a list of non-UK Machins. Here are a few of the Hong Kong Machins.

I miss my Machins. Been very busy lately. I did get around to updating my Adminware Novice album thru 2019.

Jack Kelley

I did look at Foxit. I was interested in the Commenting function.

It tries to get you to install 2 add-ons during the installation of the Free Reader and has ads on opening screen.. The reader version does not allow you the option to change search color.

When you install, it obviously wants to be the default PDF viewer and inserts itself into Microsoft Office by adding a menu item to command bar.

The interface is very Office like with a ribbon. When you open a PDF it prompts if you wan to stay in safe mode but does open links into new window by default.

The Comment function (how I add cat numbers to Steiner pages) worked similarly. The search function is nicer too.

A stamp to look out for.

In 1999, Royal Mail decided to bring the range of high value Machins in line with the lower values. The £1.50, £2, £3 and £5 were issued in the same size. However, they were printed in intaglio. In 2003, Royal Mail once again decided to bring the range of high value Machins in line with the lower values. This time, the printing method was changed.

On the dot cylinder sheets, the £2 stamp adjacent to the cylinder number was missing the £-sign. The error was only discovered after the stamp had been issued on 1 July 2003. It later appeared the British Philatelic Bulletin, issued by Royal Mail weeks in advance of the issue, had shown the error without anyone noticing it.

This was at a time when Royal Mail's philatelic bureau still provided stamps from a specific sheet position on standing order.

I stumbled across this specialist Machin dealer price list.

It is in a very concise format compared to most specialist catalogues and a cross references to Connoisseur and Deegham numbering.

http://sutherlandphilatelics.com.au...bspcmach.pdf

I have been looking at it. I get the idea it has not been updated since 2009 and always wonder if the dealer is still doing business.

They are Machin Collectors Club numbers, not Connoisseurs.

An interesting rabbit hole I've have resisted falling into so far.

Theosprey247

"Try it. You'll like it."