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[Back to the main catalogue page]
Information regarding the On=Line World Catalogue
(Please read before using the catalogue)
- General Introduction
Over a long period of time, a large number of catalogues have come in to use, not only for specific areas, but also in various parts of the world. This means that a buyer, seller or collector can quote a catalogue number using the printed matter available to them, yet others who may be intrested in the item, will have no idea about the item as they use a different system.
The idea behind this on-line version is to give everyone access to a standard catalogue, where not anly can individual stamps be referenced using a standard numbering system, but also where the user can check for themselves that the allocation has been correctly made by checking against details and a picture, but also where the seller, dealer or collector can link to a specific page within the listing to allow the item in question to be checked.
- How will the catalogue be presented ?
To start with the catalogue will be presented as a simpified listing.
The task of getting just the simplified data in place is a big undertaking, and will involve the listing, numbering and illustration of over 250,000 stamps. The idea is to get each country in place, these forming individual sections with sub sections to each for various parts of the listing.
Only countries with information in place are listed in the index and all the data is cross referenced where possible. Should you find an item that should be referenced from a seperate heading, then please let us know and this will be put in place to make the location of the data easier.
- What is the aim of this catalogue ?
The aim of this catalogue is to provide a straightforward and easy to use illustrated guide to the stamps of the world that can be used by anyone with access to the internet.
- How is the catalogue arranged ?
The catalogue is arranged with the listing by country in name order and these can be accessed from the index letters that appear on the main catalogue page. Selecting a contry will bring up a start page which lists all the sub-sections so that the user can go straight to the required section. Once here, links are provided to step forwards or backwards throught the listing to see other issues. Some areas are split into various sub-headings, and in cases where this has been done, (such as with the Aden Protectorate States), a link to each of the areas appears at the top of the start page. The item where the user is currently viewing is shown in red with the other areas appearing as links to allow easy access.
- What does the catalogue cover ?
The initial idea is to cover the stamps of the world in a simplified format.
This principle will be followed as new sections are added, however, the layout has been selected so that any given stamp can be linked to expanded details, and in cases where this detail has been added, the item will appear as a link in underlined blue type.
- The catalogue numbers
Every item within the lists has been numbered starting at 1 and later issues numbered 2, 3, 4 etc and so on. In this way any stamp can be identified by giving the section title, (that appears in the header band towards the top of every page), and the item number. This is important as identification by number alone, (such as 1), could refer to the first stamp from any given country.
- Prices for stamps
This catalogue does not give prices for the stamps listed. This information can easily be obtained by searching the various dealers and auction sites and as it would mean constant revisions, it would make the task almost impossible.
- Illustrations
The intention is to provide an illustration of every stamp listed. This will be shown when the mouse is moved over the listing discription. With a project of this size, the user may encounter some items where there is no picture available, and in these cases we would request a scan of the item so that the catalogue can be made as complette as possible. In cases where a user supplies pictures, credit can be given on the specific page if required and requested at the time of submission.
Illustrations load as required by each page, As such, there may be a small delay from the main page loading to the illustartion appearing when the mouse is moved over the discriptions. We have tried to make this load time as fast as possible but the use of reasonable quality illustrations means that the small delay is unavoidable.
Most of the illustrations used in the catalogue are scaled to fit the display of the page. If you require a larger version, then right click on the picture and save the item to your hard drive.
- Key Types
Many catalogues refer to the key types and use a single illustation and text reference. As already stated above, our intention is to illustrate every stamp, and thus this system has not be adopted.
- Coloured papers
These are described as black on pink, or such like, when the stamp is printed in black on pink paper. All these should be easily seen from the illustrations of the item.
- Colours
In the main lists, the colours have been kept as simple as possible. This information may be extended if there are further details on a specific stamp
- Perforations
Where known, details are provided at the top of each sub listing
- Watermarks
Where known, details are provided at the top of each sub listing
- Printers
Where known, details are provided at the top of each sub listing
- Dates of Issue
The dates of issue given both in the index to the country and in the various sub sections, may refer to the earliest stamp in the series. Where known, other dates of issue are noted in the text to the sub group or above the values concerned.
- Identification of stamps
At this time we do not identify stamps for users or number them in relation to this catalogue.
- Additional items
In some cases additional items, such as airmail and registration labels have been listed. Again these are illustrated and numbered for identification.
These lists where they appear are generally outside the scope of specialist listings, however, as with all the items covered, if details are supplied to us, they will be added in for the benifit of all users.
- Number of stamps listed
Once a section has been completted a tick ( ) will appear after the country name. Following this will be a number which indicates the number of listed items in the section. This number refers only to the basic items and does not include any of the more detailed listings that may appear for any given stamp.
In cases where the number appears without the tick, this shows how many items are in place at this time. This happens when details have been uploaded, but where the section has not yet been completted.
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