Armenia

1920 "old" Scott 274 40r red brown & orange

Prepared, but not issued as the National Republic collapsed

Quick History
Armenia is bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey. Armenia was a National Republic in 1919-20, when the 1902-19 Russian stamps were handstamped with the Armenian letter "H" for Hayasdan (Armenia).
The Soviet Eleventh Army invaded in 1920, and the National Republic collapsed. The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic issued stamps until 1923. These stamp issues where then replaced by those of the Transcaucasian Federation of Soviet Republics, consisting of Armenia, Azerbajian, and Georgia. Population of Armenia was about 1 million in the 1930s.

In 1991, the Soviet Union was breaking apart, and Armenia became the first non-Baltic republic to establish its independence.

Interesting Fact: Armenia has not only its own language, but its own alphabet.

1921 Scott 291 15,000r slate blue "Lake Sevan and Sevan Monastery"

Big Blue Picture
On one page, Big Blue (1969) has 27 stamp spaces.
The Scott Specialized catalogue 1840-1940 has about 400 major varieties listed.
Big Blue provides 7% coverage.

Actually the coverage appears better, because 265 varieties are during the Russian stamp "handstamp" era.

For me, the most interesting issue is the 1920 set of 10 stamps that were never used because they were overtaken by history. Let me explain. In 1920, the National Republic prepared a 10 stamp design. The printing was done in Paris, but a large quantity was lost on their way to Armenia. Before they could be used, the National Republic collapsed as the Soviet Eleventh Army entered Yerevan. The use of these stamps was prohibited, and the stamp issues of the new Soviet Republic were used.

Big Blue has illustrations for five of these stamps, but they no longer have active Scott numbers. The set was  used fiscally, but not for postage.  For myself, I'm going to be happy to fill the spaces with this issue. Stamp collecting really is more than stamp collecting; and here it gives us a  little tangible piece of significant history.

The other five stamps of the collapsing National Republic not represented in Big Blue are:
1920
1r light brown "268"
15r violet "272"
50r blue & brown "275"
70r violet 7 brown "276"
100r dark red & brown "277"
Note:1947  Scott Standard catalogue numbers are used.

Additional stamps of the 1919-20 Russian stamp "Handstamp" Era
There are lots of additions possible, but if one would like to collect other denominations than those represented in Big Blue, here are some choices:

7k light blue: 37 or137 ($2+)
35k red brown & green; 41 or101 ($2+)
50k violet & green: 42 or102 ($1+)
60k on 1k orange: 1 or130 ($2+)
1 r pale brown, dark brown & orange: 44 or75 ($1+)
3 1/2r maroon & light green: 104 ($2+)

1922 ( not in Big Blue, but could be collected)
300,301,302,303,304,305,306,307,308,309 (<$1-$1+)

The rest of the 1922 issues ( 80 catalog varieties), are at least $5, and usually much more.

Big Blue Checklist (1969)
Russian Stamps of 1902-18 surcharged with various devices.
1920
2K green: 31or 91 ($1+)
3K red: 63or 32 ($2+-)
4K carmine: 93or 6 ($2+)
5K claret: 34or 94 ($1+)
10K dark blue: 36or 67 ($2+)
15K red brown: 38or 98 ($1+)
20K blue: 39or 99 ($1+)
25K green & gray violet: 40or 100 ($1+)
Note all these stamps actually have at least 4-7 different varieties. I listed two of the least expensive varieties.

1920
Set of 10 stamps prepared by the National Republic, but the government collapsed, and these stamps were not used for postage. Value of set-$10.
No Scott numbers listed ( withdrawn) in Scott Specialized catalogue. Scott numbers here are from the 1947 Standard catalogue.
3r green "269"
5r red "270"
10r black "271"
25r green & brown "273"
40r red-orange & brown "274"

Soviet Socialist Republic
1921
278,279,280,281,282,283,284,285,286,287,288,289,291,292  (<$1-$1+)

Soviet Armenia 1920-22

Kinds of Blue
The 1997 edition and the 1969 edition are identical.
Compared to the 1969 edition, both the 1947 and 1941 editions are the same.


Big Blue Bottom Line
Really I find Armenia's stamps fascinating; perhaps because of its unique alphabet. The history as reflected in Armenia's stamps (until they were absorbed into the larger Soviet sphere) during  1919-1920 is likewise fascinating.


Note: Map in public domain courtesy of Armenia.org

Links
Armenia 1919-22 stamps & Forgeries
Armenia - Bud's Big Blue


Comments appreciated!

Argentina

1878 Scott 35 16c green rouletted "Belgrano"

Quick History
In 1853, the Constitution of Argentina was established. The Capital, Buenos Aires, briefly seceded from the Confederation, but returned in 1862. Bartolome Mitre was elected the first president. Confederation stamps were first issued in 1858, and then  the first Argentine Republic stamps were issued in 1862. Population of Argentina was about 12 million in 1940. Today, Argentina is one of the G-20 major economies.

Trivia: Argentina is the largest Spanish speaking country that uses the pronoun vos instead of tu (you).

1890 Scott 83 & 84 1/2c on 12c blue "Juan Bautista Alberdi"

Lithographed surcharge in black & red

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue (1969) ,on 8 pages, has 223 stamp spaces, and 3 blank spaces for a total of 226 spaces.
2011 Scott Specialized Catalogue, beginning in 1858, has 571 major stamp descriptions ( 476 regular post, 42 air post, 53 official).
Big Blue coverage is 39%.

Would you believe, for the first 27 stamp spaces in Big Blue's Argentina from 1858 to 1898, the most expensive stamp is $2.25? And almost all 20th century stamps are less than  $1 to $3? There are some exceptions: a 1932 (C37) Graf Zeppelin catalogs for $20+. Then there is the 1939 Scott 470-72 set for $10+$30+. Apparently, stamps issued for the recording and mailing of phonograph records was not a big seller.

The largest surprise is the huge cache of cheap stamps available that is not in Big Blue. The Official Department Stamps (OD1-OD357) were overprinted with initials for various departments (such as M.G. for Ministry of War) from 1911 to 1937 on 1911-37 regular issues. I counted 299 of them for the minimum catalog value of 20 cents.

What other additional stamps could the Big Blue collector find interesting and affordable?

Well, Argentina has some nice classic issues. Caveat emptor: lots of reprints and counterfeits.

1858 Argentine Confederation
Scott 2 10c green ($5+)
Scott 3 15c blue ($10+)

1859
(Buenos Aires issues are when they succeeded from the Confederation) Buenos Aires
 Scott 10 1p blue ($20+)

1860
Scott 4 5c red ($5+)
Scott 4A 10c green ($5+)

Argentine Republic

1862
(Scott 5a) 5c rose lilac ($30+)

1863
Scott 7C 5c rose ($20+)

1864-72
11,11B,12 ($10+-$30+)

1867-68
20,18A,21 ($1+-$10+)

1873
26,25 ($2+-$5+)

1876-78
36,37 ($2+)

1877-80
40 ($5+)

1882
41,42 ($2+-$5+)

1884
47,49 ($2-$4+)

1888-90
59,61,63,64,64A,64B,65,66 ($1+-$2+)

I count 20 stamps prior to 1890 for less than $10 catalogue value.

What about issues from 1890 to 1940? Here are 87 more stamps, all ranging from less than a dollar to $4+.
(Scott 70,71,72,73.80,81,82,85,89,90,91,101,102,103,104,105,114,115,116,117,118,119,126,131,138,153,156,157,158,159,169,170,171,172,180,184,222,223,224,225,226,288,289,370,354,384,385,386,393,394,395,396,397,398,399,400,401,402,C14,C30,C42,O4,O5,O6,O9,O10,O15,O17,O18,O19,O37,O38,O39,O40,O41,O42,O43,O44,O45,O46,O47,O48,O49,O49B,O51,O52,O53,) (<$1-$2+)

Remember, the above list  is in addition to the choice matrix in Big Blue, where  a stamp is picked to go into the space from several choices. One can ( and should in some cases) also collect the alternatives.

Now let's take a look closer at some of Argentine's issues that are represented in Big Blue.

1892-98 issue
As is often the case, Big Blue provides only one space , even though there are two issues with different watermarks. The series are 1892-95 Scott 92-100 wmk 85 Small Sun, and 1896-97 Scott 106-113 wmk 86 Large Sun. So, one can just fill the eight stamp spaces without regard to the watermarks (Lumper approach), or one can fill one of the series in Big Blue, and use a supplemental page for the other series (Splitter approach). Price is not a consideration, as all stamps are less than a dollar.

1911-15 Agriculture
For these attractive stamps, there are 14 spaces represented in Big Blue. Eight of the spaces can be filled from either of two series; 1911 Scott 179-188 wmk 86 Large Sun, or 1912-14 Scott 189-200 wmk 87 Honeycomb. So the Lumper or Splitter approach?

1917-1920 San Martin
These 13 stamp spaces in Big Blue can REALLY be split,or REALLY be lumped. Your choice. For these 13 spaces actually represent 5 series, depending on watermark! All 5 series of issues are quite inexpensive, so no problem there.

1917: Scott 231-243 (<$1-$1+) wmk vertical & horizontal Honeycomb

1918-19: Scott 248-259 (<$1) unwatermarked

1920: Scott 264-275 (<$1-$1+) wmk 88 Multiple Suns

1920: Scott 292-298,300 (<$!-$1+), & Scott 299 12c blue perf 13 1/2 ($200)! wmk 89 Large sun

1922-23 Scott 304-307A, 310-314 (<$1-$6) wmk 90 RA in Sun Note: Since Big Blue is looking for 1917-20, doesn't technically qualify for a space.

This is one time where I am quite grateful that Big Blue is a Lumper. But if I have the energy and time, it would be fun to split this series.

1923-25 San Martin (Illustrated below)

These 14 stamp spaces in Big Blue consist of two separate issues; or three if one wants to consider the 1927issue. But the 1927 issue ( wmk 205) is in fact  ruled out of bounds for Big Blue by the year constraints. 

Of the two issues that fit the year boundaries, one (1923 Scott 323-334 wmk 90 RA in Sun) has a quite obvious "period" or "dot" after the  value.  The other, 1923-24 Scott 340-353 wmk 90 RA has no period after the value. The "period" is so obvious, that my spouse, who is not a stamp collector, could distinguish quite nicely between the two series. Perhaps they "lumped" them, because Big Blue was originally intended for "Junior" collectors? But I remember as a ten year old knowing the difference between these two series. :-)  

1923-25 San Martin: See the big fat dot behind the numeral on the upper stamps, while not there on the lower stamps? Yet Big Blue lumps these issues together.

Big Blue Checklist

1858 Confederation Imperf
1 ($1+)

1873
22,23 (<$1-$2+)

1877-78
34,35 (<$1-$1+)

1877-80
38,39 (<$1)

1884-87
52,53,54a or 54 (<$1-$1+)

1888-90
57,60 (<$1)

1888-90
75,68,69,76,77,78,83,84 (<$1)

1892-98
92 or 106, 93 or 107, 94 or 108, 95 or 109, 96 or 110, 98 or 111, 99 or 112, 100 or 113 (<$1)
Note: Scott 92-100 wmk 85 Small Sun, Scott 106-113 wmk 86 Large Sun

1899 Allegory, Liberty seated
122,123,124,127,129,130,134,135,139 (<$1-$1)
140,141,142 ($5+-$30+)

1901-03 Allegory, Liberty seated
125,128,132 or 132D, 137 (<$1)

1908-10 San Martin
144,145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152, 154A*,155 (<$1)
*Note: The 2014 catalogue parses the issue into separate perfs,
each with a major number. Scott 154A is perf 13 1/2, and Scott 154
is no longer in the catalogue.

1910 "Bicolored"
160,161,162,163,164,165,166,167 (<$1)
Blank space: suggest 168 (<$1)

1915 Agriculture
176,177,178,179or189, (<$1-$1+)
190,181or191,
182or192,183or193, (<$1-$1+)
194,195,196,185 or197, (<$1-$1+)
198 or186($2+), 187 or199($5+), 188 or200, (<$1-$1+, except those noted)
Note: Scott 179-188 wmk 86 Large Sun, Scott 189-200 wmk 87 Honeycomb

1916
Jose de San Martin, Declaration of Independence
220,215,216,217,218,219, 221 <$1)

1917-20 Jose de San Martin (Total:13 stamps)
1/2 c violet Scott 231 or 248 or 264 or 292 or 304* (<$1)
1c buff Scott 232 or 249 or 265 or 293 or 305* (<$1-$1+)
2c brown Scott 233 or 250 or 266 or 294 or 306* (<$1)
3c light green Scott 234 or 251 or 267 or 307* (<$1-$1)
4c red violet Scott 235 or 252 or 268 or 307A* (<$1-$1+)
5c red Scott 236 or 253 or 269 or 297 (<$1)
10c gray green Scott 237 or 254 or 270 or 298 or 310* (<$1)
12c blue Scott 238 or 255 or 271 or 299 or 311* (<$1-$1+)
20c ultramarine Scott 239 or 256 or 272 or 300 or 312* (<$1-$1)
24c red brown Scott 240 or 257 or 313* (<$1-$5+)
30c claret Scott 241 or 258 or 274 or 314* (<$1-$1+)
50c gray black Scott 242 or 259 or 275 (<$1-$2+)
1p slate blue & red Scott 243 (<$1)
* The 1922-23 issue technically doesn't qualify for a space, as issued after 1920.

Note :Actually consists of 5 series, depending on watermark!
1917: Scott 231-243 (<$1-$1+) wmk vertical & horizontal Honeycomb
1918-19: Scott 248-259 (<$1) unwatermarked
1920: Scott 264-275 (<$1-$1+) wmk 88 Multiple Suns
1920: Scott 292-298,300 (<$!-$1+), & Scott 299 12c blue perf 13 1/2 ($200)! wmk 89 Large sun
1922-23 Scott 304-307A, 310-314 (<$1-$5+) wmk 90 RA in Sun Note: Since Big Blue is looking for 1917-20, doesn't technically qualify for a space.

1918-20
247,280,281,282,283 (<$1-$1+)

1921
284,285,290,291,286,287 (<$1)

1926
357,358,359,360 (<$1)

1928
361,369 (<$1)

1923-25 San Martin
323 or (340 or 362?), (<$1-$2+)
324 or (341 or 363?),(<$1-$2+)
325 or (342 or 364?),(<$1-$2+)
326 or 343, 327 or 344,(<$1-$2+)
328 or (345 or 365?),(<$1-$2+)
329 or (346 or 366?),(<$1-$2+)
330 or 347,(<$1-$2+)
331 or(348 or 367?),(<$1-$2+)
332 or 349, 335 or 353,(<$1-$2+)
350,333 or 351,(<$1-$2+)
334 or 352 (<$1-2+)
Note: price for series stamps ranges from <$1-$2+; I didn't break down the price of the individual stamps.

Note: 1923 Scott 323-334 wmk 90 RA in Sun WITH period after value; 1923-24 Scott 340-353 wmk 90 RA in Sun WITHOUT period after value;
Note: 1927 Scott 362-267 wmk 205 AP in Oval WITHOUT period after value- this series not technically eligible for inclusion as Big Blue specifies 1923-25.

1929
372,371,373 (<$1-$1+)

1930 Spirit of Victory attending
374,375,377,378,379,380,376,381,382,383 (<$1-$2+)

1932
406,407, 408

1933
409,411,410,412,(<$1-$1+)
413($6)

1934
414,415 (<$1)

1935
416,417 (<$1)

1935-37
418,419,420,422,425,427,428,430,432,434 or 435,437, ((<$1)
442,441,443,444,447 (<$1)
445,446,448,449,450 (<$1-$1)

1938
453,454,455, 456,457,458 (<$1-$2+)

1939
421,423,426,429,431*,433,438,439 (<$1)
* Note: Scott 431 is 10c brown ('42) in 2011 Scott Specialized. But Big Blue and 1947 Scott Standard catalogue describes as ( old Scott number 429) 10c red brown('39). Still, Scott 231 is the only "brown" 10c stamp in the series, so must be it. :-)  Addendum April12, 2011: There is definitely a red-brown colored 10c, because I have it. But it might be Scott 490 '49 wmk 288. There is also a 10c brown-I have it too. But it could be Scott 529 '46 unwmk. The "real" 10c "brown" is wmk 90. Time to get out the watermark tray...

1939
459,460,462,463,461 (<$1)

1939-40
473,469 (<$1)

Scott 470 1.18 Indigo; Bird carrying record ($10+)
Scott 471 1.32 bright blue; Head of Liberty and Arms of Argentina ($10+)
Scott 472 1.50p dark brown; Record and winged letter. ($35) !

Air Post

1928
C1,C2,C3,C4,C5 (<$1-$2+)
C6,C10,C12 ($1+-$2+)
Blank space: suggest C13 ($2+)

C7,C8,C9 ($1+)
Blank space: suggest C11 or  C15 (<$1)

1932 Graf Zeppelin
C35 ($2)
C36 ($5+)
C37 ($20+)

1940
C39,C38,C40,C41 (<$1)

Official stamps
1901
O31,O32,O33,O34,O35,O36 (<$1-$1)

1923-37 Official Department Stamps OD85 & OD92 Overprinted

Ministry of War (M.G.): Not in Big Blue

Kinds of Blue
The 1997 edition and the 1969 edition are identical.
Compared to 1969 Big Blue, both the 1947 and 1941 editions have these differences.

Added
Extra blank space for "1867-73" issues. Suggest Scott 26 or 25 ($2+-$5+)

Added
1916
222,223 (<$1)

Deleted
1899
140,141,142 ($5+-$30+)

Deleted
1921
290(<$1)

Deleted
(1936 issues)
447,445,448,449,450 (<$1)

Deleted
Air Post
1928
C7,C10,C12 ($1+-$2+)

Deleted C9 Illustration.
But blank space there: suggest C9

1910 Scott 161 1c blue green & black

"Nicolas Rodriguez Pena and HipolitoVieytes"

Big Blue Bottom Line
Argentina's stamps have a lot to offer the Big Blue collector. Very attractive and inexpensive stamps! And lots of additional stamps to collect if you are so inclined.
Watermarking will help parse several series. But, you will be most satisfied with Big Blue's presentation of Argentina if you are a "Lumper". Otherwise, pull out the supplementary sheets.  IMHO, Big Blue should have provided space for the with period/without period types on the 1923-25 San Martin issue.

Links
Argentina - Bud's Big Blue

Comments appreciated!

Missing A's- Annam & Tonkin

1888 Scott 3 5c on 10c black/lavender overprint with "A & T"

This stamp issuing French protectorate is truly missing, as I am unaware that Annam & Tonkin have ever been in Big Blue.

Quick History
Part of French Indo-China ( Protectorates of Annam, Tonkin, Cambodia, Laos, and the colony of Cochin-China), Annam & Tonkin has six stamps recognized by Scott with major numbers. Actually, only three stamps (those illustrated), and another set with a hyphen between the "A" and "T".

These stamps were issued in 1888, and handstamped surcharged "A&T" with the value on 1881-86 French colonies stamps. The protectorate had a population of 14 million in 1890.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

1888 Scott 1 1c on 2c brown/buff overprint with "A & T"

Big Blue Picture
The least expensive stamp is valued at $35, which might explain why the protectorate never appeared in Big Blue.

Big Blue Checklist
None

1886 Map of Indo-China: Note Annam & Tonkin located in present day Northern Vietnam

Kinds of Blue
None

1888 Scott 2 1c on 4c claret/lavander overprint "A & T"

Big Blue Bottom Line
As Scott's Big Blue is the most popular "serious" international album in the U.S., nice to know when a stamp issuing entity is NOT there.  :-)

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Comments?

Anjouan

1892 1c black/blue & 2c brown/buff 

"SULTANAT  D'ANJOUAN"

Anjouan is missing from the 1997 Big Blue edition list of countries, although it is in my 1969 and other  editions. (Update; See Al Layton's comment- Anjouan is now (2016) back in the '97 BB copyright pages from Amos.)

Quick History
Anjouan is one of the Comoro islands in the channel between Madagascar And Mozambique. It was a French Colony with a population of 20,000 in 1912. The capital was Mossamnondu.  This French colony  issued stamps between 1892 and 1912. Madagascar then issued stamps; and  finally the Comoro islands issued stamps after 1950.

Into the Deep Blue
The 2017 Scott Classic Specialized 1840-1940 catalogue has, for Anjouan 1902-1907, 30 major number descriptions.

Of those, 16 are CV $1+ -$6+, or 53%. Anjouan is a bit expensive (Classic French Colony), but a representative collection should be available.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Centimes = 1 Franc

1892 Scott 3 4c claret/lavender

"Navigation and Commerce"

Anjouan only had two issues: the 1892-1907 "Navigation and Commerce" issue, and the 1912 surcharged issue. The surcharged issue (11 stamps) can be found with different minor number spacing between the surcharge figures - be aware.

The 1892-1907 issue had 19 stamps, and has the familiar "Navigation and Commerce" motif of many French colonies.

The name of the colony is either in blue or carmine ink.

1902 Scott 4 5c green/greenish

For the 1892-1907 issue, eight stamps are CV $1+-$10+.

Deep Blue

1892-1907 Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has one page for the stamps of Anjouan. All of the Scott major numbers have a space. For the surcharged issue of 1912, the minor number stamps (11) that have the alternate spacing between the surcharge figures do not have spaces. One may need a separate quadrilled page for those.

Big Blue Picture
On two lines of one page ( located just before Ascension in my 1969 edition) are seven stamp spaces.
In the 2011 Scott Specialized 1840-1940, there are 30 major varieties listed.
Big Blue has 23% coverage.

The stamps in the 1969 Big Blue are inexpensive ($1+-$2+), and there are least five additional stamps ( 24,25,26,27,29) that could be added for $1+-2+.

Big Blue Checklist (1969 Big Blue)

1892
1,2,3 ($1+-2+)

1912
20,21,22,23 ($1+)

Anjouan (Comoros) in the Indian Ocean

Kinds of Blue
The country is not in the 1997 edition.
The 1941, 1947 and 1969 editions DO have the stamps listed above.
A little more about the location of Anjouan in the Albums...
'69-After Armenia, before Ascension.
"47 & '41-After Angola.

Big Blue Bottom Line
The country is not in the 1997 edition.  That is a shame as the stamps are fairly inexpensive.

Note: Anjouan is back in the '97 edition, and with increased coverage! -See Al Layton's comment.

Note: Map in public domain.

Update note (November, 2016): The "Into the Deep Blue" section was added.

Links
Anjouan - Bud's Big Blue

Have a comment?

Big Blue Checklist-How to Use

Azerbaijan:1922 Scott 21 100r dull red "Goukasoff House"

Bob Skinner of 'Filling Spaces" blog http://globalstamps.blogspot.com/, had a great analysis recently of the various ways a checklist for Blue could be setup.

I would like to add to the conversation by showing what  I "fell into" when I started the checklist-perhaps some good, and some bad.

1) Labeling the year(s)

Until I receive the 1997 edition now on order, I label based on how Big Blue (1969) breaks down the years and issues. If the Big Blue's year label says 1922-26; that is how I also label the checklist, and the stamps or stamp issues that are illustrated/described are listed until the next year label in Big Blue 1969. Works quite well if you are following with the same edition.

 But the 1947 edition might parse the larger issue down to say 1922, 1923-26, with the stamps now in those tighter categories. In contrast, Big  Blue (1969) has lumped them, and will intermix the "tighter" presentation from Big Blue (1947). So although all of the stamp spaces will be there, ( unless there is an exception noted in my "Kinds of Blue" subsection), the  Big  Blue (1947) collector will have to find the stamp spot on the page, and not go easily from space to space from the 1969 based checklist. Of course most of the time the albums are identical in presentation of the years or issues.  But there are  differences at times, especially in the earlier issues.

But the other advantage with following Blue 1969's year labels ( or other edition years really), is that this  gives a huge clue to which stamp(s) Blue was intending to go in the spaces. As we well know, Blue often times is pretty opaque about its' intentions, so any little clue helps! :-)

I looked  briefly at labeling years or issues based on Scott Specialized Catalogue 1840-1940, which is of course the "official" breakdown.  But really it is too much work- it parses too finely, for the usually broader catagories that Blue represents on its pages.

2) Scott numbers and descriptions

Here is how Aden's " ship depicted" stamps of 1937 in a series would look like.

1937
1,2,3,4,5 ($1+-$2+)

That of course means Scott numbered stamps 1,2,3,4,5. They are all in a series, and all with spaces in Big Blue. Horizontal format to save space, and generally no descriptive labels, as the Scott number should be enough to identify.  The reality is to interpret the checklist in more detail, you will need your Scott catalogue handy. :-)  Labeling each stamp descriptively -example- Scott 1  1/2a green - is a LOT of work, and I would like to eventually finish this project in this century. :-)  Each Scott number is listed set off by a comma, so you can circle the entry for inventory purposes, or for want list purposes. That is why this format was not used:

1937
1-5

Not good. :-)

What about if the stamps are listed like this?

1937
1, 2 or 2A, 3, 11 or 4,5

That means you and I will have a choice of stamp to fill the space-either Scott 2 or Scott 2A. Same with Scott 11 or Scott 4, you can choose; but notice Scott 11 is listed before Scott 4? I try to put the less expensive stamp first.

I sometimes use an alternative listing for multiple choices for a stamp space - see example below.
1937
Scott 2 ( or 2a,2c,2d)

Means the same thing.

3) Blank spaces

I usually will suggest an appropriate (sequence) stamp for a blank space

Example:
1937
1,2,3,4,5
blank space: suggest 6 or 9

That means Scott 6 or 9  might be good less expensive choices. I always try to suggest a stamp that would fit logically in the space for that year or series. I also take into consideration, in some cases, if a stamp choice will fit if the space is horizontal (long) or vertical (tall) .

4) Prices

Scott prices for the stamp or stamp series are given in rough  'ball park" figures. I bin the prices as such:

Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.
<$1= less than a Dollar
$1+= more than a Dollar
$2+= more than two Dollars
$5+= more than five Dollars
$10+= more than ten Dollars
$20+..and so on.

 If you want the exact price, consult your Scott catalogue. The prices will go out of date anyway after a few years.

Note: remember these are "retail" prices for very fine copies. Often, real world prices will less than that - a  "% of Scott".

Here is a price example  using Aden's "ship depicted" 1937 series.

1937

1,2,3,4,5 ($1+-$2+)

That means the prices ranges from more than a dollar to more than 2 dollars.

Another example

1937

1,2,3,4,5 (<$1)

That means the stamps are less than a dollar, really often 20 or 40 cents.  But it is much easier for me to lump the prices less than a dollar into just one symbol.  And for specific pricing, consult the Scott catalogue.

I will, however, usually break out a much more expensive stamp(s) in a series. Example:

1937

1,2 (<$1)

3 ($5+)

4,5 ( $1+)

I hope the checklist will be useful. If you spot any egregious errors, please let me know. And if you have some ideas for improvement, please give me your wisdom.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kinds of Blue

Canada: 1934 Scott 208 3c blue "Cartier's Arrival at Quebec"

I've gone back through the counties I've  finished (through Antigua), and added a section that notes additions/deletions of stamps in the 1947 and 1941 "Junior" editions in comparison to the 1969 edition.
In all cases except one so far, the 1947 and 1941 editions, if they do differ from the 1969 edition, have been identical with each other.
.
When my 1997 edition arrives, I will add the additions and deletions of that edition also. Note: (3-5-2011) This has been done.

I have named the section "Kinds of Blue", after the my favorite jazz artist, the incomparable Miles Davis. :-)

I probably will not update "Kinds of Blue" with the  release of an individual country blog, but will probably wait until I can batch them 7-10 countries at a time. I will send a notice blog when "Kinds of Blue" is updated with a new batch.

I am presently using the 1969 edition of Big Blue as my "Gold Standard" to make up the checklists for each country. If you have another edition, check the "Kinds of Blue" section for the country blog to see what additions/deletions you can expect with your volume.

When my 1997 edition arrives, I expect my checklists will be based on that edition.

I appreciate your comment - isn't it fun to be a Big Blue collector?

Jim Jackson

Upload Section
Note (August, 2016): I will be using this section for scan/photo uploads when I am involved in discussions on Stamp Forums, and I would like to present a scan/image...

Minkus supreme pages in a three ring binder

Steiner pages in Vario G and F Binders

Can I upload a Excel spreadsheet?

http://bigblue1840-1940.blogspot.com/

How do three vs 2 rows look?

Again 2 vs 3

Western Australia 1854 Scott 3 4p blue (SG 5) with hole punch?

With Swan watermark (Wmk 82) sideways

Catalog Values ($s, used examples) for Selected BB China Spaces

Scott #/ Year	10	11	16	18	28	78	79
1911	$0.36	$0.36	$0.12	$0.12	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08
1933	0.50	0.35	0.75	0.60	0.20	0.25	0.50
1970	1.75	2.00	1.35	0.75	0.40	0.60	3.50
1993	10.00	10.00	6.00	3.00	5.75	50.00	70.00
2011	30.00	40.00	32.50	25.00	30.00	250.00	375.00
2013	100.00	140.00	47.50	37.50	32.50	300.00	450.00
2017	90.00	120.00	47.50	37.50	32.50	275.00	400.00

 Test Table on China

Uruguay Carrier Issue Scott 3 1r vermilion "El Sol de Mayo"
Genuine vs Forgery

Copy One

Copy Two

The Classic Archives - Printable Stamp Album Pages

Uruguay Parcel Post 1922-27

Page scan "The Classic Archives-Printable Stamp Album Pages"

Uruguay Parcel Post 1922-27

Vintage Reproduction Page

Vintage/Subway Stamps hold copyright

Upper Silesia 1920

Page scan "The Classic Archives-Printable Stamp Album Pages"

Upper Silesia 1920

Scott International "Brown" album

Vintage/Subway Stamps hold copyright

Uruguay 1859-60 Forgery

Dash on Left Cheek; White Teardrops have all white interior

Armenia 278-294 Imperforate & Perforate

None

No unsharp

Low unsharp

Medium unsharp

Honduras - For Nelson

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. - Courier

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. - Ariel

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. - Georgia

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. - Helvetica

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. - Times

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. - Trebuchet

In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God. - Verdana

h2o2 image

Scan D1

D2

D4

D5

D7

D3

D6

h202-1m

original

h2o2-10m

SS4-1,2,3; SS4-4,6,7

pre-H2O2 for 1,2,3,4,6,

original

10m H2O2

H2O2

H2O2 - L1

L1 R