How to create perfect cross-references between Scott, Michel, Stanley Gibbons etc. stamp catalogue – legally
For some time I’ve been thinking stamp catalogue index numbers (yes, those running numbers that stamp catalogues use to identify each stamps) and their purpose. I know it sounds a silly topic to bother the mind, but it’s actually very interesting one.
The thinking behind catalogue catalog numbering systems is simple – create a straightforward numbering system (that is preferrably consecutive) to identify different stamps of each country/area.
But alas, the numbering system should also be unique to avoid possible copyright contradicts with existing numbering systems. And in case of errors, it should have room for extension. And… It’s both amazing and absurd to see how differently the same stamps can be specified in different catalogs.
Without a doubt this is a bottleneck that many dealers, collectors and alike have learned to live with. I’m sure many readers of this blog are familiar with rules like “use Scott numbers for US stamps” or “Use Michel numbers for German (or any mid-European) stamps”… Some collectors try to go detour and seek cross-references (=Excel sheets) between various stamp catalog numbering systems. Here’s a newsflash: such cross-references do not exist legally (notice the bolding on last word).
But… Here’s a truly mind blowing thought I received last night. And above all, it’s a perfect and simple way to cross-reference between any stamp catalog.
What if we, collectors and dealers, simply abandon the use of stamp catalog index numbers when buying/selling/exchanging stamps?
And before you suggest that I’ve lost my marbles, please read on the following… Let’s take an example… Assume You are seeking a used copy of 1937 USA m/s commemorating the 43rd Annual Convention of Society of Philatelic Americans. A textual description like this is pretty self-explaining. Year, country and issue. If anything else needs to be said, it’s pretty easy to add. The more complex the stamp, the more likely a textual description does only good for it.
But if you try to say the same with stamp catalog index numbers, it’s going to be one ugly mess you can’t translate without a specific stamp catalog. The US sheet above would be USA Block 8 in Michel. Or Scott #797. Or Yvert B7. Or Stanley Gibbons MS793… Digging up these numbers took me several minutes. And if you in weeks time ask me if I own US Yvert B7, very likely I will say no 
Just think about…The time anybody spends on seeking/translating specific catalogue number (and typing them), could very well be put on writing a textual inscription that anyone can understand. And everyone would benefit from it.
Now, tell me what do You think?
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Agree whole heartily. Simplicity and clarity are best.
The UPU and the WADP have developed a numbering system that is simple and straightforward (only back to 2002).
http://www.wnsstamps.ch/en/
I have never seen it used nor promoted, but it is a step in your direction.
If the online catalogues (Michel, SG) would allow for searches using text for issue description and fields for year, perforation, color, etc, then this could push us away from proprietary numbering systems forever.
Of course, a listing such as,
GB 1911 1p King George V, scarlet, Die B, perf 12, watermark…
is more expensive than “SG#332″ when listing in a dealer ad or an auction title. Abandoning the current system will become necessary at some point, but not until there is a more convenient system for inventory and resale.
@David… The WNS system has been planned as such NOT TO replace stamp catalogue index numbers; nor to be used by collectors. It’s just a tool UPU members, dealers etc. can use to differentiate non-legal issues from legal ones. Sadly it has never taken off as even UPU member states ignore it completely.
As for online catalogs, both Michel and SG allow free text search based on issue details. It’s not perfect, but still very usable (and getting better).
@David
“GB 1911 1p King George V, scarlet, Die B, perf 12, watermark…”
While Scott insists on denominating pre-decimal GB stamps as ‘p’ there will be confusion. Scott lists the Machin 1p in two forms (at least). One is olive the other maroon. Except that only one has the denomination 1p. Why does Scott do this to us?
@Keijo
Thanks for the further understanding of the WNS. I have only recently become aquainted with that system. Also, thanks for correcting me about the online catalogues. In Michel’s demo version, the search ability is quite limited, but the premium version does have extended search capability for color and denomination in addition to topic and year.
@ian – Norvic
Scott used to list the Machins within the regular postage area of the catalogue so it was less confusing even with the universal ‘p’ denomination since the sets were separated. I don’t recall why they switched the location of the Machins in the catalogue.
Sounds Ideal in an ideal world. Sadley, need I say more. You all have a great day Chris