Catalogs
We have used the current editions of Scott Catalogs, except where specifically mentioned otherwise.

Estimates
In addition to the Scott Catalog price, we have listed estimates for each lot. You will find that our estimates are more reflective of the current stamp market, and are what you can reasonably expect to pay for a lot. You may, of course, bid higher or lower than the estimates. You may also speak with one of our lot describers for a more detailed description of a particular lot. Please call at least 72 hours prior to the sale (the earlier-the better). Remember, a Public Auction is not an approval service, lots are not returnable unless misdescribed.

Covers & Postcards
 Covers should be expected to have slight reductions, minor nicks and tears usually from opening. Folded letters normally have one or two file folds, and these are not normally described and are not grounds for return.

Limits
 You may limit your total purchases by simply indicating the amount on your bidding form. This way, for example, you can bid on $5,000 worth of lots, but limit your purchases to $1,000. Remember that all lots are sold in lot number order. Bids on specially desired lots over and beyond your limit may be added to your purchase if you indicate they are to be excluded from your limit.

'OR' Bids
 You may bid on several similar lots with the assurance that you will purchase only one of them. Simply place an 'OR' between the bids submitted on the lots involved, and we will buy the first 'OR' lot for you, and void the rest. Remember that all lots are sold in lot number order, so you may not indicate a preference for one lot over another

Centering Grades
XF Extremely Fine Almost perfectly centered on all four sides.
VF Very Fine Well centered, all perforations well clear of design on all four sides, but design slightly off center.
FVF Fine to Very Fine Perforations clear design on all four sides, but design is noticeably off center usually on two sides.
F Fine Perforations barely clear design, or may touch on early issues prior to 1899.
AVE Average Perforations cut into the design.
Important: Early stamp issues prior to 1900 of most countries were printed in such a way that the design was naturally very close to the edges. This is taken into consideration when grading. For SETS, the above classifications are used in describing the overall appearance of the set with particular attention to the high values.
Gum & Hinging
MNH Never Hinged Mint, full original gum. No trace of any hinge mark and no gum disturbance. The presence of an expertizer’s mark does not disqualify a stamp from this designation.
LH Lightly Hinged Unused, original gum with light gum disturbance form the removal of a hinge. No hinge remnant present, and only a trace of the hinge mark visible.
H Hinged Unused, original gum. Hinge marks will be readily present, and there may be some small pieces of the hinge still adhering to the stamp.
NG Unused Unused, no gum.
NGAI Unused No gum as issued.

Symbols & Abbreviations

«« Mint, never hinged P Proof BOB Back of Book
« Unused, hinged R Reprint pmk Postmark
(«) Unsued, no gum F Forgery var Variety
¡ Used ? Autograph wmk Watermark
* Cover cds Circular date stamp PH Photo illustration
& Literature S Specimen BK Complete booklet
TC Trial Color FDC First Day Cover OG Original gum
HR Hinge remnant S/S Souvenir Sheet SMQ Stamp Market Quarterly
E Essay SH Full sheet


Bidding Increments
 All bids must be made on the increments in the following chart. Any bids not on increments will be rounded down to the previous increment.

Bidding Increments

Bids

 Increments Bids Increments Bids Increments
Up to $50 $ 2 $300 to $700 $ 25 $3000 to $7000 $ 250
$50 to $150 $ 5 $700 to $1500 $ 50 $7000 to $15,000 $ 500
$150 to $300 $ 10 $1500 to $3000 $ 100 $15,000 and Up $ 1000