Seeking Guidance With US Specialized Cat.

Hello and thank you for taking a moment to read and possibly provide assistance in my journey.

I collect US used pre 1935 and revenues and have been away for a long time from collecting. Purchased a used 2012 specialized to get back into the collecting world and have some basic questions.

1. I notice now alot more listings for double transfers and many other plate variaties within the US specialized some with picture examples and many without.

Is there another reference material that would help in understanding what the plate variaties listed in the US specialized catalogue look like? I was trying to get an understanding of the cap on 2 for @220 and after I googled it, it actually led me to this stamp community site and showed great examples. I did join tonight and now am off to the races in seeking knowledge growth.

2. Lots of color shade number listings. I just ordered a natural light for desk to help with light source, but am wondering if there is a reference that shows differences lets say between lake and carmine etc.

Any other essential reference material you may think of that I should pursue as I get back into collecting would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Richard

For plate varieties, you will want the Loren (Cloudy) French book referenced here: http://usstamps.org/books.html It is VERY complete and impressive.

Welcome to the forum. You'll find the people here have a plethora of information.
Another web resource you may want to try out is http://www.1847usa.com/
Here's a pic from Mystic cap on left

The French "Plate Varieties..." book is sold out on that site, there is one up for offer on the Bay auction site. John

Welcome to SCF, Richard!

As you may have already concluded, the Scott catalogue is a great resource, but in no way a complete resource. Truth is, there are more books on the subject of classic US stamps than you can imagine. Many books are out of print, while many others have been digitized.

There are a number of websites worth mentioning, and many more you will discover along the way.

Someone already mentioned one site - http://www.1847usa.com
I also like http://www.theswedishtiger.com/ for quick references to color and type.

However, if you're looking for good literature on classic US stamps, you can't beat Brookman's books on US postage stamps of the 19th century. The good news is that they are legally digitized and free for download at the US philatelic classics society webpage (along with several other books).

http://www.uspcs.org/resource-cente...nic-library/

I am happy to hear you have rejoined the hobby!

Cheers!

Brian Riley

Great link to the Library, Riley.

thank you Riley, always glad to have additional resources!

For revenues, the two best sources of information on plate varieties are The Revenue Unit Columns from the APS, and a pamphlet called Shift Hunter Letters. Plus several more recent columns in the American Revenuer are about the many varieties as well.

Shift hunter letters, good for early revenues.

Cloudy's book is excellent source of education for use on all stamps, not just postage stamps.