Who Are (Living) Experts On A25 Shades?

I'm trying to build my collection of A25 shades and I'm looking for experts who can validate or opine on what I have, trade when desired, buy if they're selling, and generally discuss the "art" of shade identification of that 1861-1869 issue. (I was able to see the exhibition collection of Rich Drews before it was broken up for auction.)

The user "RayMac" on this site often posted insights, information, and images that are very helpful, but I don't see his account as accessible any more.

I have read all of Mike McClung's published USCPS articles on the 64s and 65s, and years ago bought some 65 shades from Jack Daley on ebay.

Who are the experts out there in the philatelic world today? I'd like to make contact

Ray posted yesterday, so he may see this.

LB522, RayMac is still a member as GeoffHa stated above, but he is probably not accepting Emails from anyone on this forum. You may have to have 50 posts here in order to contact anyone on this forum!


Peter

Still here, but I would never consider myself to be an expert.
I'd love to meet Rich Drews someday as he is certainly "the expert", and I don't think Mike McClung has been active since he suffered a stroke at least 7-8 years ago.

LB- since you've read Mike's articles, you've certainly come to the conclusion that you need year-dated covers, and there isn't a reference available for the 54 shades, only date ranges.

That being said, Mike McClung did send me a very large .png file of the first 30 shades. But, I've never been able to use them in any way. You really need to have reference copies in hand, and the references don't exist, or there isn't a good way to get your hands on them.

I've posted many shades I have, that Mike I'd' for me, but the only are helpful in hand, and not helpful online from my scanner to your screen.

Wish I could be more helpful…Ray