What Reference Books Do I Need?

Just getting back in to stamp collecting after an 18 year break. I've decided to collect US Classics & Covers. I'm heading to the local stamp store tomorrow and need an idea of the reference material that I should have. Need to educate myself before I start spending any serious money. If the store, Maryland Stamp & Coin, doesn't have what is recommended, then I can always order online. Just need to know what I should have in my stamp library.

Thanks,

Steven

Hi there Gunny, and welcome. The one US book recommended to me was the Scott's Specialized catalogue. Has lots of great info about not just postage, but essays, revenues, first day covers, the lot. I just got the 2012 edition at half price (the new 2013 is out). If you're not too concerned about current catalogue value, you should look into one of last years, or even a 2010. They're pretty reasonable now.

edit- Looking at the publishers website, the 2012 is now the same price as the new edition, but still $30 off regular price. You might be able to get a better deal if you shop around,
but here's the Amos Advantage website to get you started.

http://www.amosadvantage.com/scotto...category=CLG

Gunny,
If you're looking at US Classics, probably the most important and useful book is either the 2-volume or 3-volume set written by Lester Brookman "The Nineteenth Century Postage Stamps of the United States". There are several offerings right now on ebay. Each issue is described with all variations, usages, with detailed diagrams-- only problem is some of the old references are in B&W, so it doesn't help much with color. If you're patient, you'll find reasonably priced copies out there.

Covers are a completely different story. The Brookman book(s) have some information on covers, but you might want to understand all of the issues first, in case you want to consider specializing.

Of course it all comes down to if you want to fill holes, accumulate everything you can get your hands on, or specialize in 1 or several issues.

Either way, good luck.......Ray

The answers above are right on. The question then becomes what area of US are you more interested in? Covers, early U.S. (1847-1870), airmail or Zepps, specific issues? Its probably too soon to answer this. I would urge you to find a local stamp club and get involved. You will find that the more knowledgeable collectors are members someplace and are willing to share information.

Art

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm late in replying because my power just came back on from the storm that came through here on Friday night.

My focus will be on collecting the U.S. Classic stamps so will hunt down the Brookman volumes. The covers & postcards are secondary. I pick them up as I hit the antique stores here in Maryland & Virginia.

Thanks again.