G&k Wonder Color Guide

I'm looking for a color guide for help in identifying the different shades of the 1847 Scott #1 issue as stated in this post: https://goscf.com/t/6287

Has anyone used this color guide, (see link) does it have the different shades for #1: http://www.subwaystamp.com/prodinfo...er=ZGKCOLTCG

1 Red-brown, pale-brown, brown
1a dark-brown, grayish-brown, blackish-brown
1b orange-brown
1c red-orange
1d brown-orange

Andy.....


That color gauge is ok for most common US stamps but you're going to need one that is coded specifically for the first imperfs.........and unfortunately they are not inexpensive.

I can't think of the name right now but there is one that you would find usefull......and out of print book....it could take awhile but I'll get back to you.

Thank you! I look forward to finding out!

Andy......


While we wait, this will help some.....http://www.nystamp.org/

Near the bottom........Re-examining the colors.

The G&K color guide has quality control problems. I don't recommend it as a guide for classic era minor color variations.

The best known comprehensive published work on early US stamp colors is "Color in Philately" by White. But it's pricey and out of print. I don't recall ever seeing it change hands for less than $200, and the price is typically $300+ (make sure all the color plates are there, because that's where the real value is; the text-only part can be had for roughly $10). Also, make sure the seller can confirm it is the complete work, not just a portion.

k

Andy....

Kim beat me to it......again.....and he's right about the price too.......don't buy one without the plates, you'll just end up waiting for another to surface.

Andy......

Found on listed on James Lee's site........

1131 Encyclopedia of the Colors of United States Postage Stamps; Vols. I - IV $495.00
White, 1981-86, 297p with 88 color plates, LL in 5-ring binder with slipcase. The only significant work ever done on color for United States postage stamps

http://jameslee.com/book22.htm

This is why you need to get a confirmation/guarantee that there are no missing pages.

I have seen it sell for as much as $600 for one in pristine condition.

Condition of the color plates is EVERYTHING when purchasing this.

Tom and Kim fantastic information on this extensive subject,I'll keep in mind the cost of these color charts if ever I contemplate doing a color study of these stamps.

Thanks so much for the info, all of you have been very helpful. By Monday morning I will post pictures of pages I have that may be from White, not sure I only have a partial. I have two picture pages my father gave me some years ago and at the lower right it says: "copyright 1981 Philatelic Research Ltd." They are five ring binder heavy pages with color shades of the #1 1847. My father has some other pages, we will check them out after the Giants game tomorrow. Again thanks for all the input!

Yup, Andy, that's it!

I think there is a total of 88 color plates or about that number, but don't hold me to that. I don't own a set, although if I had an opportunity to buy a set in almost new condition at a low price, I might jump at it.

I once viewed a very pristine set. But when I looked at the page with "pigeon blood pink", most of those shades of pink looked the same to me. The other collectors were able to notice and describe the slight differences. I was the only one who still couldn't tell most of them from each other. I stopped collecting US classics after that and moved back to collecting worldwide.

[EDIT: OK, I'm really going blind. I see that Tom already noted there were 88 color plates.]

khj and nr-notrare (kim and tom ??) Here is pics of the two pages I have, my father is coming over with whatever else he has. In these pics I can see the different pigments but they are pictures and pictures vary greatly. I still think a 1847 color gage is needed to really compare stamps side by side with a true defined color reference.

My father told me to stop being so obsessed with this color issue, but I believe that's part of the passion of stamp collecting!

Very Nice Andy !! I agree with you...we all have our own way of collecting...its the only way for odd ducks like STAMPCOLLECTORS !!

It's a great challenge, Andy! I think your Dad is merely trying to help you avoid a lot of frustration. But if you are passionate about it, it's not frustration but joy!

Yes, those are the pages from White.

The thing to keep in mind is that all these "color variations" are only meaningful for stamps in great condition (not talking about centering/grade, but condition). It doesn't take much to change the color of a stamp. Even minor color oxidation can make a huge difference.

Have fun! It's a real challenge!

Kim

Ditto to Kim's comment. My G&K must be at the pinnacle of their quality control problems. It has been useless at least 50% of the times I used it.

Marty

My father gave me the Encyclopedia of the Colors of United States Postage Stamps; Vols. I-II that a client of his gave him when it first came out. It's in very nice shape, hardly used. Just the first two plates he already gave me a while back, I put the back in the book. I have been reading the text and comparing colors as per the directions. It only seems to raise more questions about identifying some of the shades in my collection. Thanks to all who replied it's been helpful and great.