Want list

Want list

In stamp collecting, a want list is simply a list of postage stamps that the collector is seeking to acquire. They are the major tool by which collectors organize the construction of a collection, and stamp dealers frequently advertise to collectors to "send us your want lists".

Since most major countries have by now issued from 1,000 to 6,000 types of stamps, it usually difficult for even a single-country collector to remember what is still missing from a collection. Still, most stamps are cheap, and collectors frequently get started by acquiring one or more existing collections, which will include most of the common stamps. Then the problem is to get stamps to "fill the holes"; only a handful of dealers will have a complete stock, and so the want list may take on a life of its own as the collector carries it to stamp shows, mail copies to out-of-town dealers, and so forth, gradually crossing off entries as they are located and purchased.

Topical stamp collectors will also use want lists in their search for stamps that relate to a particular subject.

Some companies, such as Scott Publishing, have published pocket-sized stamp catalogs with much less detail and checkboxes for each type.

Specialist collectors may have a want list with a rather different character; instead of looking for one of each major type, they are looking for particular color shades, particular postal markings, uses in particular locations, and so forth. Often these items are intended to become part of an exhibit entered into competition at shows; they may not be particularly rare, but even so it may take years of combing to pick them out of the mass of surviving postal material.

External links

* [http://www.linns.com/howto/refresher/wantlists_20031006/refreshercourse.asp?uID= Want lists and databases assist collecting by Janet Klug] Linns.com Refresher Course


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • want list — n. a list of things that someone wants. (See also laundry list; shopping list.) □ Some of the things on her want list we can take care of easily. □ Send me your want list, and I’ll see what we can do …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • want list — noun : a list compiled (as by a hobbyist or the curator of a collection) that indicates specific items lacking and needed and that is circulated among dealers and retailers * * * a list of desired items, as stamps, coins, or books, circulated… …   Useful english dictionary

  • want list — noun A list of items missing from a collection; especially a list of postage stamps that a collector is seeking to acquire …   Wiktionary

  • want list — a list of desired items, as stamps, coins, or books, circulated among dealers by a hobbyist, museum, or collector seeking to locate and purchase them. * * * …   Universalium

  • Want (disambiguation) — Want may refer to:* Want One , album by Rufus Wainwright * Want Two , album by Rufus Wainwright * Want , a repackaging of the Rufus Wainwright albums Want One and Want Two as one album, with some extra tracks. * Want is one of the two children of …   Wikipedia

  • List of philatelic topics — This is a list of philatelic topics. compactTOC NOTOC A Acknowledgement of receipt Aerogram Aerophilately Affixing machine Airmail Airmail etiquette Arrow block Astrophilately Philatelic auction Philatelic auction catalogB Balloon mail Bicycle… …   Wikipedia

  • List of role-playing video games: 1990 to 1991 — Part of a series on …   Wikipedia

  • List of role-playing video games: 1992 to 1993 — Part of a series on …   Wikipedia

  • List of The Beach Boys songs — List of songs by The Beach Boys The Beach Boys songs Brian Wilson songs | Carl Wilson songs | Dennis Wilson songs | Mike Love songs This list is an attempt to document every song released by The Beach Boys. It does not include songs released only …   Wikipedia

  • Want You Bad — «Want You Bad» Sencillo de The Offspring del álbum Conspiracy Of One Formato CD Grabación 2000 Género(s) Pop punk Punk Rock Duración …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”