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.

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?

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).

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.