Unitrade Editor

I second the idea of tabs (though not if the price increase is significant).

The other thing I would like personally is a section like for the definitives (at the back of the catalog - with pictures) for the Christmas issues.

I know there is a list under the topical section, but I spend a lot of time looking for a specific Christmas stamp because I can never recall the exact year is was issued (especially since the values are often unique to the Christmas rates).

Since there are not many, perhaps only one page (two sided) would be needed. Am I the only one wishing this?

Come on guys...Don't drive the poor man crazy...haha...He has a good product..

Re: Christmas Issues

I'll make a 'mockup' and see just how much space it will take to summarize the Christmas Issues.

When we add pages to the catalogue it needs to be in multiples of 8. I expect this year we will need another 16 pages, most of which will be required for the new issues.

Robin Harris

To add the chorus of Welcomes, I add another one to you Robin.

I am a loyal user/buyer of the Unitrade--and ever since I threw away my Scott Catalog in 1978, I've never looked back. Its definitive bible. But I'm not an over-the-top Unitrade loyalist , just because I am wierd (not flyspecking wierd) in that I only collect Newfoundland (since 1968). So, over time I rely much more heavily on Walsh and Butts catalogue--which is of course different but more relevant and broader for Newfie collectors.

Now, I typically only buy the Unitrade every other year as it just does not change that much for Newfoundland. And as you can surmise, I never even touch the first 90% of the pages...only the back...sort of sad, really.

Still its invaluable and handy to have. My only initial suggestion (might have more later) is that if I were editing it, I would try and push the catalog to be DEEPER in terms of the information, particularly with the older stamps. For example, not just refreshing the price data, new stamps, or whatnot, but expanding say the section on the 1861 pence stamps to not only say that some had a Stacey Wise 1858 watermark, but use the actual font of what is seen. or that the one shilling stamp is violet brown (but also list its dimensions). or tease in some postal historical data that frames up individual stamps. or expand to include a section of first flight covers (which is out there in the AAMC and NSSC)

Hope this is not out of line or too much information

Cheers

Do you ever think that your Canadian stamp catalog will ever be divided into two parts: 1) Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI; 2) Elizabeth II? John M. Walsh has a British North America (BNA) Specialized Stamp Catalogue that covers all pre-Elizabeth stamp issues which as a collector of older Canadian stamps I find covers the areas that I am mostly interested in.

Yes, Unitrade has been a great catalog since Robin became editor. The Canadian stamp specialist cannot do without it. Like Dianne, I get a new copy every 2 or 3 years.

My biggest wish list is for a digital version - perhaps a desktop computer version and a tablet/phone version.

Thanks Robin for checking into the feasibility of my idea. I doubt I am the only one that would benefit, but I'm not sure how you would gauge the value of a new feature (a survey?).

I can't see listing definities and Christmas issues again
in a separate section when they are already in the
the catalogue.

Why duplicate?

Adding stuff like this will only make the catalogue
too thick I'm sure more expensive.

Like who really wants a two volume Unitrade or pay $100?

lithograving, the defins are already listed in a separate section at the back (and a tremendously useful time-saver it is). Not sure what year catalog you have though.

Yes I realize that 3Dadeo.




But I love going through catalogues, searching for stuff.

I make time for stamps, that's the fun in stamp collecting.

I think it is just a matter of priorities in the hobby. I would rather spend time on other aspects of collecting/working with stamps than flipping multiple pages looking for a specific stamp that is hard to find.

As I said, it depends on how many others would find this feature useful, whether it makes sense to be included.

Welcome aboard Robin.

I have been buying the Unitrade every year now for quite some time. I find that each edition is improved.

What I am wondering is, what does it take (or what is the criteria) for a stamp variety (constant I mean) to be entered in the catalogue?

Some members in the SCF forum here have entered some varieties that other members also have, but, are not found in the Unitrade Catalogue.

Just wondering. Thank you.

Chimo

Bujutsu

Bujutsu:

1. the editor (myself) needs to be aware that a possible new variety exists.

Through my readings here and other sites/books/journals, etc. I become aware of some.

Many collectors have e-mailed me directly with their finds, either at unitrade@adminware.ca or through my website or via The Elizabethan II Study Group of BNAPS (in my role as editor of The Corgi Times).

With that said, there are times that I see a new variety and, for whatever reason, promptly forget about it! (an example are two Military College varieties illustrated by Darnell that are not in the Unitrade).

2. when I hear of a new variety I first check my own hoard (alluded to earlier in this thread) and/or contact others (I have several 'experts' who I have a good personal/working relationship with).

For a time period, a few years ago, I was in Ottawa a few times each year. I took advantage of that and visited the Library and Archives in Ottawa and viewed specific proof material. Confirming a variety on the original press sheet is very much a 'high' for a stamp collector who enjoys searching for varieties.

The goal here is to confirm the variety is constant.

Sometimes this process can take just a few hours; in other cases it can take months.

3. determine if the new variety is 'listable'. It must first be constant. And, if constant, it must be fairly prominent. There are many, many constant varieties (such as on the Centennial stamps) which are a bit too 'small' (i.e flyspecking). If we listed all of these the catalogue would grow even larger.

Consider the novice collector ... if the listings get too complicated or long it can actually turn the collector off. I would hazard a guess that most of the readers of this forum would want every possible variety listed in the Unitrade. However, there are many more novice collectors who would take issue with that. It is important to think of all collectors and specialists.

In most cases, once I determine that a variety is truly constant, I add it to the catalogue.

4. get a good image. A 600dpi scan of the stamp (preferably a mint copy) is best for this.

5. add the listing to the catalogue. Part of this process is contacting certain dealers to determine a 'catalogue price'.

Hope that helps.

The best way to start the process is to contact me directly.

[By the way, I have given several presentations over the years (as Editor) to different clubs/stamp shows and have passed along these same thoughts during those events.]

Robin Harris
Editor, Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps

Hi Robin, welcome. I really enjoy the catalog.

One area that interests me is the annual Canada Post books. I know they are not very valuable and will never go up in value but that is not why I like them. I like letting my non stamp collecting family and friends have a look at them . Usually I get positive reaction just because each stamp is there and its story. More eye candy for the unconverted..lol.

My question. Can you add production numbers for these? I consider even the first ones back to the fifties as annual collections even if they are just on a card and mounted.

I have never seen the reason why 1974 is so high valued. I know it has to do with the numbers but have never seen these numbers published.

Thanks and keep up the great work with Unitrade.

Re: Annual Collection quantities

I have never seen a published number for these ... has anyone else?

There are other important stamp issues that we have asked Canada Post for printing quantities, but have not been successful (yet).

That would be great information to include ... if it is available.

Robin Harris