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United States/Stamps : Time frame of US classics

 

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Poodle_Mum
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17 Jan 2014
09:25:41am
I recently found a number of older US stamps in the world lot I sorted. I know nothing about US stamps so can anyone tell me what is considered "classic" era? It varies with countries so I'm at a loss here - what is generally used as the cut off year?

Kelly
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TheBlueDude
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To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer

17 Jan 2014
10:28:05am
re: Time frame of US classics

Kelly,
I just looked through my Scotts Specialized Catalog. If found no direct reference to "What is a U.S. classic". In my opinion its any stamp issued prior to 1900. Hope this helps.
Ross

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dani20
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17 Jan 2014
10:36:38am
re: Time frame of US classics

Hey Kelly,
The designation "Classic" is more or less defined by the collector. For me, I consider the U.S.Classic to be between Scott Cat.#1-600.
Best,
Dan C.

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Poodle_Mum
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17 Jan 2014
10:49:08am
re: Time frame of US classics

Thanks guys - I appreciate it Happy

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BobbyBarnhart
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin

17 Jan 2014
12:16:34pm
re: Time frame of US classics

Personally, I go with Dan's definition. However, most specialists in "US Classics" I have encountered (personally, online, or by reputation through research) cut off the "Classics" era with the Trans-Mississippi issue of 1898, so Ross is probably more accurate.

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sponthetrona2
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17 Jan 2014
12:42:34pm
re: Time frame of US classics

I kind of disagree with Dan, albeit he is a US collector perfectionist, I vote for any stamps prior to the 1902 definitives. The Washington/Franklin series of stamps were so numerous and varied I find it hard to classify them as classics. Trans-Mississippi's yes would be classics but even the 1890-94 definitives although very old are still just definititives used for everyday mail between the average folks of the day. Since I enjoy collecting all US stamps I do not really care if it's a modern stamp or one of those oldies. My first stamps of old were MNH copies of the Norse Americans. These are not unusually rare or valuable but I always just thought they were beautiful. Happy Stamp Collectng Everyone! Perry

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michael78651
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17 Jan 2014
03:38:14pm
re: Time frame of US classics

I agree with you, Perry.

The Washington-Franklins could even classify as "transition era" as the Post Office Department did plenty of experimenting with that issue to try to find the best combinations of paper, perfs and colors to use on stamps, not to mention the watermarks.

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dani20
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17 Jan 2014
03:58:33pm
re: Time frame of US classics

So Kelly, trouble maker that you are,do you see what I mean?
To all you other folk-my work is doneLaughing
Best,
Dan C.

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Poodle_Mum
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A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).

17 Jan 2014
04:15:58pm
re: Time frame of US classics

Lol Dan - I was just thinking the same thing! Here we have a great debate based on my ignorance Happy I love it!

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joshtanski
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17 Jan 2014
08:29:44pm
re: Time frame of US classics

I do not know when the classics end, but I've seen several references to the "modern" era starting with the Prexies (~1938).

Josh

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Stampme

17 Jan 2014
09:48:43pm
re: Time frame of US classics

I believe some collectors consider the Classic Era beginning with 1847 and ending at 1869. I am hard pressed to counter that but I would go with anything upto 1898.
Bruce

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

17 Jan 2014
10:20:34pm
re: Time frame of US classics

Personally, I consider US Classics to end with 330 (1907).
I consider the 3rd Bureau (and interlaced Commemoratives) to be a transition period: 331-550 (1908-1921).
551+ (1922 to present) would be Moderns.
Obviously, opinions vary. Some may consider Classics to end with the 1st Bureau (1894).
eBay arbitrarily splits US up as 19th Century, 1901-1940, and 1941 to present. BidStart uses the same breakdown.
Pick your poison, I suppose!

Lars

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roy
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17 Jan 2014
10:31:35pm
re: Time frame of US classics

Here is what James Mackay, one of the most prolific of philatelic authors has to say in his book "The World of Classic Stamps 1840-1870"

Image Not Found

Image Not Found

(I actually won my local stamp club's award (by popular vote) at our Christmas meeting for my 10 page exhibit "A Taste of the Classics", and I defined it as he does -- the first 30 years.)

Roy

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

17 Jan 2014
10:57:56pm
re: Time frame of US classics

Roy,

Since the original question was about US Classics, that would end US Classics just before the Banknotes. That's certainly as reasonable a cutoff as any, but how would you break down periods in the US: Classics, Banknotes, Early Bureaus, Moderns?

Not a bad plan, really.

Lars

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roy
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17 Jan 2014
11:14:28pm
re: Time frame of US classics

"Classics, Banknotes, Early Bureaus, Moderns? "



Of course it depends on the context, but I'd personally add:

Classics, Banknotes, Early Bureaus, Washington-Franklins, 4th Bureaus (1922-32), Prexies, Moderns. Although I don't believe I have ever seen the use of "Moderns" in any context as a category. Other than commemoratives, the issues then follow as the Liberty series, Prominent American, Americana etc., but it is a reasonable designation for anything after the Prexies.

Roy

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

17 Jan 2014
11:47:54pm
re: Time frame of US classics

By "Early Bureaus" in that context I meant through the 3rd or 4th Bureau. Not just the first two.

Obviously you can define "Classics" as synonymous with pre-Banknotes and then break it down as banknotes, 1st B, 2nd B, 3rd B (Wash/Frank), 4th B, 5th B (Prexies) and go as far as you want before you call the stamps "moderns". I was considering a higher level definition with only 3 or 4 categories. That seemed to be in the spirit of the OP.

Lars

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Philatarium
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APS #187980

18 Jan 2014
12:53:47am
re: Time frame of US classics

The only problem with the James Mackay definition is that it completely bypasses Japan, whose first stamp wasn't issued until 1871. (That's one way to avoid the early forgeries Happy )

-- Dave

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HungaryForStamps
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21 Jan 2014
08:46:18pm
re: Time frame of US classics

Pre-1894 according to the tastes of the US Philatelic Classics Society:

http://www.uspcs.org/

But that doesn't mean you can't define "classics" anyway you want.

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Author/Postings

A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
17 Jan 2014
09:25:41am

I recently found a number of older US stamps in the world lot I sorted. I know nothing about US stamps so can anyone tell me what is considered "classic" era? It varies with countries so I'm at a loss here - what is generally used as the cut off year?

Kelly

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

emmettslegacy.webs.c ...

To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
17 Jan 2014
10:28:05am

re: Time frame of US classics

Kelly,
I just looked through my Scotts Specialized Catalog. If found no direct reference to "What is a U.S. classic". In my opinion its any stamp issued prior to 1900. Hope this helps.
Ross

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Members Picture
dani20

17 Jan 2014
10:36:38am

re: Time frame of US classics

Hey Kelly,
The designation "Classic" is more or less defined by the collector. For me, I consider the U.S.Classic to be between Scott Cat.#1-600.
Best,
Dan C.

Like
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this post

A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
17 Jan 2014
10:49:08am

re: Time frame of US classics

Thanks guys - I appreciate it Happy

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"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

emmettslegacy.webs.c ...

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
17 Jan 2014
12:16:34pm

re: Time frame of US classics

Personally, I go with Dan's definition. However, most specialists in "US Classics" I have encountered (personally, online, or by reputation through research) cut off the "Classics" era with the Trans-Mississippi issue of 1898, so Ross is probably more accurate.

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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"

www.bobbybarnhart.ne ...
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sponthetrona2

Keep Postal systems alive, buy stamps and mail often
17 Jan 2014
12:42:34pm

re: Time frame of US classics

I kind of disagree with Dan, albeit he is a US collector perfectionist, I vote for any stamps prior to the 1902 definitives. The Washington/Franklin series of stamps were so numerous and varied I find it hard to classify them as classics. Trans-Mississippi's yes would be classics but even the 1890-94 definitives although very old are still just definititives used for everyday mail between the average folks of the day. Since I enjoy collecting all US stamps I do not really care if it's a modern stamp or one of those oldies. My first stamps of old were MNH copies of the Norse Americans. These are not unusually rare or valuable but I always just thought they were beautiful. Happy Stamp Collectng Everyone! Perry

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michael78651

17 Jan 2014
03:38:14pm

re: Time frame of US classics

I agree with you, Perry.

The Washington-Franklins could even classify as "transition era" as the Post Office Department did plenty of experimenting with that issue to try to find the best combinations of paper, perfs and colors to use on stamps, not to mention the watermarks.

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www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
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dani20

17 Jan 2014
03:58:33pm

re: Time frame of US classics

So Kelly, trouble maker that you are,do you see what I mean?
To all you other folk-my work is doneLaughing
Best,
Dan C.

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
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A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
17 Jan 2014
04:15:58pm

re: Time frame of US classics

Lol Dan - I was just thinking the same thing! Here we have a great debate based on my ignorance Happy I love it!

Like
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this post

"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

emmettslegacy.webs.c ...
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joshtanski

17 Jan 2014
08:29:44pm

re: Time frame of US classics

I do not know when the classics end, but I've seen several references to the "modern" era starting with the Prexies (~1938).

Josh

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Stampme

17 Jan 2014
09:48:43pm

re: Time frame of US classics

I believe some collectors consider the Classic Era beginning with 1847 and ending at 1869. I am hard pressed to counter that but I would go with anything upto 1898.
Bruce

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larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
17 Jan 2014
10:20:34pm

re: Time frame of US classics

Personally, I consider US Classics to end with 330 (1907).
I consider the 3rd Bureau (and interlaced Commemoratives) to be a transition period: 331-550 (1908-1921).
551+ (1922 to present) would be Moderns.
Obviously, opinions vary. Some may consider Classics to end with the 1st Bureau (1894).
eBay arbitrarily splits US up as 19th Century, 1901-1940, and 1941 to present. BidStart uses the same breakdown.
Pick your poison, I suppose!

Lars

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

www.larsdog.com/stam ...

BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 300 categories
17 Jan 2014
10:31:35pm

re: Time frame of US classics

Here is what James Mackay, one of the most prolific of philatelic authors has to say in his book "The World of Classic Stamps 1840-1870"

Image Not Found

Image Not Found

(I actually won my local stamp club's award (by popular vote) at our Christmas meeting for my 10 page exhibit "A Taste of the Classics", and I defined it as he does -- the first 30 years.)

Roy

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"BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50- 10,000+ new covers coming Tuesday June 1"

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Members Picture
larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
17 Jan 2014
10:57:56pm

re: Time frame of US classics

Roy,

Since the original question was about US Classics, that would end US Classics just before the Banknotes. That's certainly as reasonable a cutoff as any, but how would you break down periods in the US: Classics, Banknotes, Early Bureaus, Moderns?

Not a bad plan, really.

Lars

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

www.larsdog.com/stam ...

BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 300 categories
17 Jan 2014
11:14:28pm

re: Time frame of US classics

"Classics, Banknotes, Early Bureaus, Moderns? "



Of course it depends on the context, but I'd personally add:

Classics, Banknotes, Early Bureaus, Washington-Franklins, 4th Bureaus (1922-32), Prexies, Moderns. Although I don't believe I have ever seen the use of "Moderns" in any context as a category. Other than commemoratives, the issues then follow as the Liberty series, Prominent American, Americana etc., but it is a reasonable designation for anything after the Prexies.

Roy

Like
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this post

"BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50- 10,000+ new covers coming Tuesday June 1"

www.Buckacover.com
Members Picture
larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
17 Jan 2014
11:47:54pm

re: Time frame of US classics

By "Early Bureaus" in that context I meant through the 3rd or 4th Bureau. Not just the first two.

Obviously you can define "Classics" as synonymous with pre-Banknotes and then break it down as banknotes, 1st B, 2nd B, 3rd B (Wash/Frank), 4th B, 5th B (Prexies) and go as far as you want before you call the stamps "moderns". I was considering a higher level definition with only 3 or 4 categories. That seemed to be in the spirit of the OP.

Lars

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this post

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

www.larsdog.com/stam ...
Members Picture
Philatarium

APS #187980
18 Jan 2014
12:53:47am

re: Time frame of US classics

The only problem with the James Mackay definition is that it completely bypasses Japan, whose first stamp wasn't issued until 1871. (That's one way to avoid the early forgeries Happy )

-- Dave

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"You gotta put down the duckie if you wanna play the saxophone. (Hoots the Owl -- Sesame Street)"

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HungaryForStamps

21 Jan 2014
08:46:18pm

re: Time frame of US classics

Pre-1894 according to the tastes of the US Philatelic Classics Society:

http://www.uspcs.org/

But that doesn't mean you can't define "classics" anyway you want.

Like
Login to Like
this post
        

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