INTRODUCTION

Sooner or later the collector of US stamps will be confronted with the proper classification, identification and authentication of the Washington-Franklin Issues of 1908 -1921. This will be a difficult and complex group for those that do not, or will not, take the time to study and learn it. But it is also one of the most fascinating, challenging and rewarding series for those who resolve to do so. If one really seeks to"know" this issue one must aquire the complete "skill set" of the true philatelist including precise perforation measurement, watermark detection, design typing, paper typing and printing method identification. This guide will attempt to introduce collectors only to the absolute basics of the Washington-Franklin's upon which to build in mastering this group of stamps.

THE FOUNDATION

To start you will need a fairly recent Scott Specialized Catalogue of U.S. Stamps & Covers. This book is the foundation of everything ever written about the Washington-Franklins. Why? Scott (over time) has assigned  major listing and design numbers to each of the stamps. These numbers have become the universal standard for classifying, identifying and discussing the issue. Later, when you know the basics, you will need The Expert's Book - A Practical Guide to the Authentication of United States Stamps (Washington/Franklin Issues 1908-1923) by Paul W. Schmid.

THE BASIC DESIGNS

Scott lists 4 major design types. They reference their pictures (cuts) with a letter/number nomenclature. The basic designs, according to Scott, are (A138), (A139), (A140) and(A148):

     (A138)                                (A139)

Franklin and Washington designs with denomination in words. The design format is a vertical rectangle. The profile portraits (vignettes) were taken from busts by the sculptor Houdan. The portraits face left within a vertical oval surrounded by Laurel leaves extending upward from furled ribbons. U.S POSTAGE is in a straight line across the top. The postage denominations are spelled out in words across the bottom in a straight line. These are the only two denominations spelled out in words.

(A140)                                      (A148) 

Washington and Franklin designs with denominations in numerals. Design (A140) is the same as (A139) above except for the denomination in numerals. Design (A148) has U.S POSTAGE curved around the top of the oval. The lower oval is cradled by Oak leaves. The CENTS is enclosed in a stylized value tablet. Design (A138)  appears in the 1c denomination only. All of the denominations from 1c to $1 appear in Design (A140). Only the 8c to $1 denominations appear in Design (A148).

Tip: Memorize the Scott design numbers. Trust me. This will be very helpful later on when using their catalogue.

THE DENOMINATIONS

There are only 26 value denominations within the 4 basic design types:

(A138)     1c Franklin          Basic color - green.

(A139)     2c Washington    Basic color - carmine

(A140)     1c Washington    Basic color - green

(A140)     2c Washington    Basic color - carmine

(A140)     3c Washington    Basic color - violet

(A140)     4c Washington    Basic color - orange brown

(A140)     5c Washington    Basic color - blue

(A140)     6c Washington    Basic color - red orange

(A140)     7c Washington    Basic color - black

(A140)     8c Washington    Basic color - olive green

(A148)     8c Franklin          Basic color - olive green

(A148)     9c Franklin          Basic color - salmon red

(A140)   10c Washington    Basic color - yellow

(A148)   10c Franklin          Basic color - orange yellow

(A148)   11c Franklin          Basic color - green

(A148)   12c Franklin          Basic color - claret brown

(A140)   13c Washington    Basic color - blue green

(A148)   13c Franklin          Basic color - apple green

(A140)   15c Washington     Basic color - ultramarine

(A148)   15c Franklin          Basic color - gray

(A148)   20c Franklin          Basic color - ultramarine

(A148)   30c Franklin          Basic color - orange red

(A140)   50c Washington     Basic color - violet

(A148)   50c Franklin           Basic color - violet

(A140)   $1 Washington       Basic color - violet brown

(A148)   $1 Franklin             Basic color - violet brown

If you can, memorize this list. It will be essential as you move on to study perforation, watermark, paper and printing and plate varieties. Out of these 26 basic design/value types Scott lists 197 major catalogue numbers and many more minor varieties!  

Study suggestion: After digesting the above go to the Scott Catalogue and look at their listings with new eyes.

Collecting suggestion: If you are just starting out, try to complete a set of the 26 design/value types. This would be a good start in building your Washington - Franklin reference collection. Don't worry about perforation, watermarks, printing processes and the like. Look in the catalogue and find the least expensive fully perforated example. They are all quite affordable used condition.