W-F Stamp Color Chart

Hi Group,

I need some advice on selecting a good color chart. My focus is with the Washington Franklin issues. Any input will be greatly valued.

Thanks,
Jack Kelley

I found the color guide on Amos Publishing to be helpful. It has small color chips to help match them. It covers the 1851 issue as well as the W/F issues.
Used for Scott 10,11, 64,65, 219D, 220, 267 and 279B. $55 bucks retail you may find it cheaper. You can search it and see what you think (Scott Specialize Color Guide).
Hobsun

The Scott Specialized Color Guide is specifically for the issues listed above and the latest stamp this covers (1894 or so) is well before the time of the Washington-Franklin stamps (1908).

In addition to the aforementioned specialized "guide", I have several general color charts and all have shortcomings. So I have no specific recommendations except to learn by trial and practice and use like stamps (where no color ambiguity is likely) for examples.

HungaryforStamps/ Jack,

Oh boy do I feel stupid. Obviously the color guide I mentioned was way off base given the question. Not sure what I was thinking. I do like it but it clearly will not help on the question raised. As noted, Color guides are indeed difficult and even with them it is hard to tell in many cases. This one does try to make it a little easier for comparison.

Sorry for the blunder. I shall read a little closer next time. (Hey at least Washington was on the stamps).

Hobsun

Thank you both for your input From what I gather, there is no single W-F color source available. What I have seen is:

Scott Specialized Color Guide - doesn't appear to have any W-F

Stanley Gibbons Stamp Colour Key - also no W-F.

Subway Stamp key and Potomic Supplies Wonder Gauge - These two guides may contain what I am looking for. Does anybody have any experience with these?

Thanks,
Jack Kelley

There is also the (expensive) set of books from Philatelic Research Ltd. by R.H. White, from 1981. The "Encyclopedia of the Colors of United States Postage Stamps" is available in a four volume set. I believe that it was printed in a run of about 500 units. It has extensive pictures of the earlier stamps through the Washington-Franklins. You can search for various examples in this forum. Good luck.

Jack

Gibbons is particularly useful with Gibbons catalaogues - although I still have problems picking colours. But it's also aligned with UK colour approaches. People in different countries seem to see the same colour differently, and have specific terms not used elsewhere!

Geoff