Stamps Bought Off Ebay! How Did I Do???

Satholiday: www.ebay.com/usr/satholiday
How to Identify Penny Red Plate Number:
• Penny Red Stamp, How t...

[@cogidubnus1953]

As a right-pond GB collector, unfamiliar with US dealers pricing I nonetheless think you did absolutely fine..just watch out for those trimmed edges and the odd perfin I noted... The first page ($32)...a really good way to jump-start a Queen Victoria collection...two big cautionary "buts" though:- (1) Do check out all the variants yourself...Don't assume the original collector was any more expert than you on identifying...he/she may have struggled with ID too! (2) Watch out for some of the more "obvious" colour variants, particularly in the green shades. Some of these were printed using fugitive inks which change colour permanently when subjected to damp, rain or injudicious soaking, and these altered colours are worth far less...they may also be presented as shades which they don't truly represent (I'm colour deficient too, which is a very real disadvantage as you can imagine!). This water damage/colour running becomes even more of an issue with the 1883 "Lilacs and Greens" set, as you'll find later on...don't know about the Scott catalogue but the Gibbons one contains a cautionary note about these! Second lot ($33) - I think you did very well indeed here - stamps of the 1860-1880 era do hold a fair bit of value and as always condition is all...ID is generally fairly straightforward as long as you are methodical - first thing to check always is the corner letters (large or small, coloured or uncoloured), next the watermarks, and then the plate numbers (which fortunately on these issues are easy to see) - most of the shades are fairly obvious but you may need several specimens to make comparisons against in some of the tricky "light" or "dark" variants. I found it useful to compare with other folk's collections , when I joined a stamp club, and this helped... Third lot ($28) slightly earlier than the second...Again you did well...same comments apply but add paper thickness and paper colour to your ID filters - do watch out as there are some wonderful variants - some of these are vary scarce indeed and although it's most unlikely you've got any of these do, do check because after all, somebody has to have them for Gibbons/Scotts to list them and it just might be you... Fourth lot (penny reds at $34) plate numbers definitely need a magnifier and can prove tricky if the engraving is iffy or the postmarks are heavy - I love the optimism that left the collector to leave a space for Plate 77 - but don't we all live in hope? I don't think there was anything exceptional there (you'd need to check as you said) but again think you did ok ...it's given you a very good start indeed...Wait until the obsession drives you to buy a Plate 225 - when you do, make sure you get a good one right from the start...there are lots of damaged or lesser copies around at sub-premium prices to tempt but do not succumb...these will cost you dear in the long run and you'll regret it if you do (how do I know this?). You did well overall and I look forward to seeing you build up a great GB Collection...few seem to any more and it's a shame because the issues up to the early 1960s are very attractive and incredibly interesting - I have faithfully collected issues right up until 2018/19 but am now seriously considering drawing the line there until the Post Office see some sense. Many other GB Collectors I know stopped much earlier. The British Post Office are killing the hobby for younger collectors...badly designed crap at stupidly high prices and no hope of collecting them all as hardly any are genuinely postally sold/used - there I've said it... Thank goodness for your oasis of calm online - thanks!

[@philstephens8006]

Again from the right side of the pound, and I would guess perhaps a year younger than you. I have to say that you are spot on with the comments, and careful checking can pay dividends, as well as filtering out the less desirable items. I've got a not very good copy of Plate 225, one day I'll get a better one, but that's the hobby. Have to agree with your final paragraph, my GB collection stops at 1970, but I'm always looking to add branches to it, including Duplex Cancellations (good lot above) and Perfins. Have to say Mallard is doing a first class job for philately, I'm an avid viewer.

[@cogidubnus1953]

@@philstephens8006 Good to see you Phil...yes I'm 68 this year and would you believe I think I'm one of the youngest members of my stamp club...and that's sad...but how do you encourage the youngsters to collect? They probably see almost no stamps on mail, what they do see is isolated commemoratives or unsoakable boring (to them) Machins...completing any set costs (again for them) a fortune...(that's assuming the postman doesn't pen cancel it or smudge a felt pen over), and where's the geographic/historic incentive nowadays? I tried with my own kids (mixed success) and again with my grandchildren, but no real bites so far... Despite this, yes Mallard and one or two other stalwarts are indeed doing a brilliant job ...maybe they'll seed the ground so to speak...but seen from a youngsters point of view, where are the shop-bought stamp packets, the peeling and soaking stuff, the interest tweekers? (Could you look in GSM and Stamp and really find articles that might attract kids?)...if you're lucky enough to have a post office does it even stock all the stamp issues? You're right about diversifying...I recently got into early postal history (some still fairly affordable for what it is) and crash mails (often not very affordable) but I'm going through one of my phases of wondering whether to continue or not...ignore it...I'm probably a bit down, but I'll be back like a wasp to the honeypot. Dave

[@philstephens8006]

@@cogidubnus1953 Heads up Dave, I've been collecting for well over 50 years concentrating on KG VI Commonwealth, but the money tends to run out before the end of the list. I have to say that I recognise and understand all your comments, but telling someone it's loads of fun and you'll learn all about Empire and the World doesn't cut it. Like you I think I might be one of the youngest members of my stamp club, perhaps we are the new generation. Good luck I'll keep an eye for your comments and lets support Mallard and others.

[@cogidubnus1953]

@@philstephens8006 I collected as a youngster, sold up when I was twenty or so, and didn't start again until our youngest twins were about six and started childhood collections...They're thirty two now, so I've been collecting this time just the twenty six years (even that with a gap in the middle where I ran out of both money and motivation for a while!)... Nominally I collect GB only, but you know how it is with stockbooks that need filling to make them worthwhile shelf-occupiers. And yes I'll continue to support Mallard and the others...It's been a great hobby for me and although my committee (including Packet Secretary) years are behind me. I'd like to feel I was putting a little back...even if it's only feedback...

[@kingcurry6594]

I stopped actively collecting GB later than 1863 - I mainly collect 1d Blacks, 1d Reds and 2d Blues with stars in the top corners. I have an almost complete collection of all plates from all issues. I do also have almost every stamp from 1863 up to 1936 bar some QV 10 shilling, £1 and £5 values, the De la Rue £1 Ed VII and the GV £1 Green (I have a lovely PUC £1). The Ed VII shades are magnificent: I need a 6d Bright Magenta, a 2d Tyrian Plum, the 2 3d Harrison Grey on Lemons and the 10d Dull Purple and Glossy Carmine and I'll have them all, but the first 4 aren't going to happen! I agree with your last paragraph 100%, by the way!!

[@johnaron9926]

I think you did quite well - what adds value are interesting town cancels of which you have a good number with the Penny Reds. Also, some of the stamps are well centered with decent perfs, and some are very lightly cancelled which is always interesting! The only page I wasn't crazy about was the one with the late QV Jubilee and matching KEVll. Otherwise, very nice!

[@JasonTheCollectorGamerreseller]

I am new to stamp collecting this is very cool 😎 I have the penny black uk stamp it’s so Beautiful I injoy it so much 😇

[@KristiaanVanErmengem]

I don't have any idea about the value of British stamps, but I agree that it's a good idea to buy stamps in lots instead of individually.

[@psarj]

Nice video, and a nice haul of GB Victorian stamps! I also buy from Satholiday, and highly recommend them. It's worth noting for the Penny Reds that the plate numbers in the side margins can ONLY be found on the stamps with check letters in all four corners (Scott #33, SG #43). The earlier Penny Reds with stars in the upper corners do NOT have the plate numbers engraved anywhere on the stamp. Determining the plate numbers of these earlier stamps (right back to the Penny Blacks) is a lot more complicated and requires access to reference materials not included in the catalogues. Same applies to the 2d Blues from this period. Those with 4 check letters have engraved plate numbers, those with stars in the upper corners do not.

[@zaro6348]

Very nice collection, you got a great deal!

[@Robertbrown08049]

Nice set of stamps. If you trust your seller that is great but I always check every watermark. I cannot tell you how many times I have bought a stamp with the wrong watermark.

[@mallardstamps]

I think I will check randomly throughout just to make sure, but yes I have had the same problem as well in the past!

[@foot094]

The peny red,s was a awesome i will totally check that out on ebay

[@philstephens8006]

Have to say a very impressive lot, an excellent foundation for your new album, keep up the good work. I would have certainly paid a premium for some of the Duplex Numbered cancellations. Great stuff again.

[@clarkmorgan2439]

Not a bad lot of used /good used GB Victoria. As you said it's a good start to your collection. I have used them on numerous occasions, a great way to get that missing plates at a reasonable price. Keep up the good work. Regards Clark. GB collector.

[@jasonparr4275]

Love the 1d reds!!!!

[@stampcollector0452]

What a Haul !!!

[@lauraorben7128]

Thanks Daniel! I truly appreciate knowing which sellers are good and I am excited about your purchases. I seem to enjoy the older stamps (pre WWII) and really love the ones you got your hands on. I also appreciate your viewers @cogidubnus1953 adding their expertise and sharing their knowledge of the hobby! I finally dipped my toe into a real auction and came away with a Penny Black plate 1a on cover. As soon as it comes, I am going to send it off to APS for expertising (following your instructions). It's the most I have ever spent on a stamp at $180 with buyers premium, but now I have the very first stamp and the crown of my little GB collection. I also went hog wild and got my hands on a 2 shilling blue after listening to Sam West on Exploring Stamps, lol. Now to secure the credit card, haha.

[@wallyb7207]

You got some nice stamps there, good value for what you paid. Thanks for the video found it quite interesting. Another seller which I use quite often is CK stamps you might want to check them out. Just bought two Canadian lots from them for over $500. Will be getting them on the 24th and 29th of this month. 🙂🙃🙂🇨🇦

[@williamarmagost]

I think you did great! Good price.

[@fruisen9436]

Wow, thanks for recommending this seller.

[@jaketreloar692]

Hey mallard good haul! Still new to the hobby so don’t have an option on how you faired but is an impressive lot none the less!

[@djsurf]

good post - yesterdays auction was disappointing - although i think vintage cards and covers will always be good - great history -

[@willardtaylor6249]

I think you have done well. Old British stamps have grown in value over the years and probably will continue to do so. Like you mentioned, buying in lots costs a lot less than buying individually. Light cancels and dated town cancels add value to early British stamps.

[@RichardLaurence]

That’s a really good price for Victorian stamps. Personally, I would check all the Waterman, shades and plate numbers though.

[@alanwitty1665]

I've bought from them, they're very good

[@kingcurry6594]

I can say with complete certainty that the colours on the Queen Victoria Jubilees are not correct, and those described as the rare shades are not right. Sorry. Satholiday is a very good seller - I've bought from her (she's called Sarah Lees) myself with total satisfaction. But she tends to sell with the same description that the people she buys from used and it's not always correct. There are also no watermark varieties in the Jubilee/Ed VII stamps except inverted watermarks. Some of the stamps have been soaked, causing the green colour to run, which makes them pretty worthless. The Ed VII stamps are decent quality. But $32 is OK. The 2 surface printed lots are good average to fine used and $33 and $28 are good prices. The 1d red plates are common stamps, but these are nice used and worth more than $34 any day. By the way, the comment by cogidubnus1953 is spot on in every respect.

[@leedaintry2923]

She has a KZbin channel, and on one video showed a common 25 cent stamp thinking that it was worth £25000.

[@rockydelnegro550]

Hello , Did you win these stamps on auction ?

[@stephenjackson584]

Great lot l have been buying 1 stamp at a time

[@IllBeStamped]

23 dollars for the 1st GB

[@gustaaf1892]

British stamps catalogue prices are a joke and grossly over valued. You often buy the stamps at auction for 5% of CV or less. The penny red buy was a steal and the first $32 buy was also a good value because of the mint 10d and the other 10d if it truly is a SG210a, which it might not be, because people will often throw the wrong stamp on to a page as a page filler. These lots are more less sold as received and the correctness of stamps as displayed on a page is not checked. In the past I have also bought from this seller and the bulk lots can provide good value if you're still building a collection as the average price per stamp is cheap. Once you start to look for single stamps to fill gaps that is no longer the way to go, unless you also sell stamps.

[@tad27612]

You should pay attention to post marks as well.

[@petersouthall6699]

Can't find on ebay

[@anjanmishra1980]

looks good to me!

[@Kunoswildworld]

Wow that's super...

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Beautiful stamps - I love those plate variations. Keep in mind that any damaged stamps (missing perforations, tears, thins, creases, cut corners, etc.) are usually not considered to have any value so having albums with mounts that allow you to easily swap in new stamps are great because if you ever get a duplicate you can keep the best one in terms of condition, cancel, etc.

[@philmerrill4280]

These were all great purchases, but never, never, never trust a dealer about perfs and watermarks. Well, ok, you can trust, but like Reagan said, trust but verify. You are just as likely to find something better as you are something worse.

[@stephenjackson584]

If you could hook me up with satholiday stamps that would be awesome

[@senemorcaykalyoncu6369]

JUST 34 BUCKS FOR ALL THOSE PENNY REDS ? YOU MUST BE JOKING....THOSE STAMPS ARE NO DOUBT THE FAKE ( OR COUNTERFEIT ) ONES ...AN ACTUAL PENNY RED IN GOOD CONDITION IS WORTH AT LEAST 2,5 POUNDS OR MUCH MUCH MORE...

[@davidpankey6570]

Hello mallard. I watch your stamp videos often and really appreciate the info and work that you put in. This isn't a sells pitch but I wanted to share a buyer that I utilize on ebay. "Kdee-buyer." Super inexpensive for a ton of old old stamps. Most from the 1800s. If you do check him out then let him know I sent you. I've been dealing with him awhile now and I think it might help me out too. Again thx for your time and effort.

[@mallardstamps]

Send a link here to his ebay page so I can check it out!

[@petersouthall6699]

Can't find on ebay