Billigs Handbooks : Seek Full Set.

Well done Rod!

There's nothing like the completion of a years long quest. Absolutely nothing at all.

Glad they finally got there. I was getting worried when they hadn't moved from Perth for almost 2 weeks.

Are you still missing any of the volumes, or do you have them all now based on what you already had in hand?

Hi Collin,
indeed I am, however, I am faced with a conundrum,

Brit copies are cheap, but the postage horrific.
Aussie volumes are expensive, and the postage not that much cheaper.

It boils down to about $35 -$45 a volume
I refuse to pay that.

I remain discombobulated with the entire series and just what
that entails. (inc later revisional copies)

I have 38 Volumes 1-40 missing Vol 32 and 38 and anything above 40

Discombobulation is easy since it's a dog's breakfast of subjects in no particular order.

Recall that I posted:


If you have 38 volumes then you are without the (I think) needed revised volumes. At least one of the revision/re-revision volumes is substantially different from the original edition. I don't know why that was done, since some very useful articles were removed from the revisions, though some useful articles were then added. And you won't know what you are missing unless you look for something in an index and find you don't have the correct version.

If you thought you got a bargain in the original set then I would recommend biting the bullet and get the missing volumes. Vol. 32 is the cumulative index including all versions and has the content from the original volumes 2-4 if you don't have those versions. Having the full index will make things clear and help you decide which missing versions you want.

Vol.38 is the first part of the Robson Lowe British Asia encyclopedia with the original quite dear nowadays at US$150-200 up; it would be nicer to have a non-musty copy in the 3 Billig books. Commonwealth collectors know both versions exist and will pay the same for either.

I think you can live without vol. 44, the Penny Black plating, that has no illustrations but descriptives. The current online plating site is illustrated.

I have 1 through 44 and I agree completely with the assessment of hy-brasil.

I also have Robson Lowe's Encyclopedia through the Leewards, and if you have any of those, Billig is pretty much a duplication (excepting Canada/BNA and Leewards). (I haven't done a page-for-page comparison, of course, but I think it's close enough.)

Thank you very much, for your expertise in this area...saved

I've seen Billig 44 offered at silly money. 125, 150, 200. I have no idea if they've sold for that, but it is only the completist gene that requires a purchase of 44. If you can live with not having the full set, you can be miles ahead with the plating information available online.

We won't judge you.

(Well, I won't...some of us might...tough crowd.)

Noted, and shall take your advice. Thanks for that.




A part of the "social ? media" cohort, that creeps in
I can handle that OK,
They go to the "Future ignore" flag.

Rod,

My humble apologies. The previously promised #32 will be in the mail to your PO Box tomorrow.


John

Hi John,
no problems at all, it has been a busy time.
My turn to apologise, I referred to you as "Frank"
in a post recently.

I witnessed my neighbour leaving his garden hose on overnight,
and watering a parking area.
I am waiting for my turn for the unthinkable

Many thanks for your generosity

If anyone is looking for some Billig's there is a short set (31 volumes, missing 3&6, includes 32) in the 1 January Kelleher sale. Opening at $100. Lot 5840.

https://stampauctionnetwork.com/V/v517921.cfm#123

Wow so many beautiful books and catalogues.
I was salivating.
Do they offer "prices realised" after the auction?

Yes Rod, they do.

I bought another bookcase yesterday.

Must....resist....temptation....