FAQ

Using the web version of the catalogue

Do I have to log in with a Bidder Number in order to browse the on line catalogue?

You can browse and search the catalogue, but all of the site's features will not be available to you until you log in with your Bidder Number.

How do I get a Bidder Number?

Please click 'What's My Bidder Number' on our home page and submit the form. We will respond with your permanent Bidder Number as soon as possible.

After you have logged in with your Bidder Number, you will be able to use all of the site's features which include compiling a list of the lots that interest you. In the meantime, you can still browse the catalogue

How can I search the on line catalogue for the things that I collect?

To help you find what you are looking for in the on line catalogue we have provided several different search methods. You can reach the main search page by clicking "Power Search" on our home page, or "Search" at the bottom of other pages throughout the catalogue.

Search for a country: Select the country from the drop-down box in the blue section at the top of the search page.

Search for words: Enter your key words in the pink section on the search page. This Search is intended for simple searches (i.e. Specimen, Churchill, etc). All of the words that you enter have to be in a lot description for a match to occur, so shorter Searches are more successful.

Power Searches: To help simplify more complex searches, we have provided a list of Power Searches. For example, you can click 'Go' beside 'Channel Islands' to find all lots containing Jersey, Guernsey,and Isle of Man all in a single search.

Search for a specific lot: From our home page, you can go directly to a specific lot description by entering the lot number.

There is also a Search field at the top of every catalogue section. You can enter a word or a phrase, and then search that section or the entire catalogue. A short query will likely be more successful. For example, if you search for 'imperforates', you will find all of the lots that include the word 'imperforates' but you will not find lots with 'imperf' or 'imperfs' Searching for 'imperf' will find all three. The search is not case sensitive.

How do I create a list of the lots that interest me?

In order to use this feature, you must log into the site with your permanent Bidder Number. As you browse or search the on line catalogue, you can check the small box beside any lot that interests you. To save all of the lots that you have selected on a page, you must also click the save button at the bottom of that page.

Can I request scans of lots that are not illustrated?

Yes. We will do our best to provide scans of individual singles, sets, or covers at no charge.