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General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

 

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

22 Jan 2015
03:53:52pm

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I have a friend that asked this question and I don't know the answer, so I'm asking the experts:

To collectors outside of the USA, what is the commonly accepted term to describe stamps that include selvage with the color dots. In the US, we generally say Traffic Light Pair (or Gutter Pair, shown), Traffic Light Block, etc. I have also seen Color Dot Pair and Color Dot Block used.

I ask in the interest of making sure my listings show up in searches. Should I just include both terms? I don't want to clutter up my titles unnecessarily with excess verbiage, but I also don't want to use only 'Traffic Lights" if that is not common usage elsewhere.


He has a gutter pair of stamps from Australia that has the "traffic lights".

Any help would be appreciated.

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michael78651

22 Jan 2015
04:29:22pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Yep. Traffic light gutter pairs.

Image Not Found
Image Not Found
Image Not Found
Image Not Found

As you see from the images,the "traffic light" can have different styles.

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

22 Jan 2015
05:27:52pm

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re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Thanks Michael,

One more question (like I always have just one more question Batting Eyelashes ) what is color registration markings ?

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michael78651

22 Jan 2015
05:48:17pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Color registration markings are part of the quality control process during printing. They are used to ensure the printing plates are properly aligned in multiple color processes. The color dots, squares, etc., in the images above are color registration markings. Traffic light gutter pairs sounds better than "would you like to buy some color registration markings pairs of stamps?" Happy

The marks are used to perform initial setup and adjustments of the print heads during the print run. When you have a stamp where one or more colors are shifted from how the proper design should look, we call those "misregistered colors". Someone wasn't paying attention to the printing press.

You can sometimes see color registration markings on miscut magazine pages and on the flaps of cardstock boxes and most other items that are printed where the cutters were not properly aligned. Usually the registration marks (there are cutting registration marks too) are removed by the cutters.

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

22 Jan 2015
05:56:11pm

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re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

That makes all too much sense, now.

Do they increase the value of the stamp or are they there for the sake of just being there? Big Hug

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michael78651

23 Jan 2015
03:06:19am
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

They do add a little to the value, but they are not as popular as they were in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I was selling new issues at the time, and had several subscribers wanting nothing but traffic light gutter pairs.

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

23 Jan 2015
06:53:38am

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re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Michael R.....so glad you are still around and seeing through all my mischief! We all have imaginary friends. They are really spirits....Laughing But really it was a person from the other place that shall not be spoken. I know when I need real help to come here and the other place was not coming forth with help. You made me smile this morning, thank you!

Michael #'s, you are the best. I have been passing on your information. The part about the value of the stamp was just out of my own curiosity. If I remember correctly (amazing as that is) I think I have some stamps with traffic lights so the value I place on them will be taken into consideration.



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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

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michael78651

23 Jan 2015
05:51:51pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

So, Luree, why couldn't Ted pay us a visit and post his question here? Doesn't he like us anymore?

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cdj1122
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..

23 Jan 2015
06:11:17pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

" .... They do add a little to the value, but they are not as popular as they were in the late 1970s and early 1980s. ...."

One of our members put several books of British Gutter blocks in the approvals section at least a month or two ago.

As of a few minutes ago, two books remain available with zero sales, one has 50% available and I guess one book was sold out or otherwise retired.
I too recall when they would have been snapped up in a short time, but just as other fads have faded away, there appear to be no real demand for them, at least in our approvals section.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

23 Jan 2015
06:34:02pm

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re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Michael, I don't know the answer to that question. He hasn't been around there very much either. Maybe he's busy listing elsewhere or there or where ever.

I'm sure he likes all of you guys. Is he even a member here? Don't know that either. I shall ask him and see what he says. If he's not a member, he should be! I'll ask him to join us over here.


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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/store/dianealthea
cocollectibles

23 Jan 2015
08:48:41pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Luree, I've used the term Color Control Markings on past sales. Maybe not the correct formal term, but they seemed to get the message across. The key is the image of course.

Glad to see you posting here, albeit with questions unanswered at the second "other place" (remember over there, when people called eBay "the other place"? How the world turns.)

Cheers,
Peter

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"TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE."
michael78651

23 Jan 2015
09:20:50pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Luree, yes, he's a member here too.


Charlie, another fad I'm sure you'll recall happened about the same time as the traffic light gutter pairs craze. It was the "Specimen" issues. They were selling for many times above catalog value of the normal stamps. Hard to sell those now too.

Because the traffic light gutter pairs and regular gutter pairs have been so difficult to sell, I've simply broken them apart and sold the stamps as regular sets. Those have sold.

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

24 Jan 2015
06:53:56am

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re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Peter, according to the new glossary I found that is the right phrase, Color Registration Markings. There was nothing listed for Color Dots or Traffic Lights. The things we learn. I'm redoing the computer room which will be my new Stamp Emporium. While I'm going through all the papers and notes, they will be organized into a notebook. That glossary will be added.

Michael, if Tedski is a member, then he should be asking informational questions over here, where the experts live! Happy

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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/store/dianealthea
michael78651

24 Jan 2015
09:36:54am
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Hmm, I tried to look him up in the SOR database. Couldn't find him.

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youpiao
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26 Jan 2015
07:10:39pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

All right, Generali, you outed me. I shoulda come here first. I was just a bit reluctant because I've been out of touch for so long and I felt a bit shy about popping in all of a sudden. Happy

Thanks for all the answers.

Cheers,

Ted

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philatelia
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26 Jan 2015
07:21:26pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Hah! Next time listen to Purrfin! She's a smart cookie!

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michael78651

26 Jan 2015
09:50:37pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Ted, if there's one thing that's consistent on this site is that people don't worry about being shy. Just pop in and opine with the rest of us anytime. New members are joining all the time as well. I'm sure that they'd be interested in what you have to say too.

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youpiao
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27 Jan 2015
02:02:11pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Thanks, Michael.

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

27 Jan 2015
03:29:11pm

Approvals
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

So nice to see youpiao!

Stop by again, we missed you.

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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/store/dianealthea
cocollectibles

27 Jan 2015
06:04:22pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Exonumia, Tedski! Happy

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Philatarium
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APS #187980

28 Jan 2015
12:38:18pm
re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Ted:

Loreen also posted your question (I didn't realize it was yours) on another site, where I replied.

Japanese catalogs use the term "color mark" (transliterated into Japanese) to identify these tabs, and they are priced for definitive stamps, although they also occur on commemoratives, too.

These color marks at first were just bars, with dots emerging on the scene later.

Great to see you again!

-- Dave

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Author/Postings

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
22 Jan 2015
03:53:52pm
Approvals

I have a friend that asked this question and I don't know the answer, so I'm asking the experts:

To collectors outside of the USA, what is the commonly accepted term to describe stamps that include selvage with the color dots. In the US, we generally say Traffic Light Pair (or Gutter Pair, shown), Traffic Light Block, etc. I have also seen Color Dot Pair and Color Dot Block used.

I ask in the interest of making sure my listings show up in searches. Should I just include both terms? I don't want to clutter up my titles unnecessarily with excess verbiage, but I also don't want to use only 'Traffic Lights" if that is not common usage elsewhere.


He has a gutter pair of stamps from Australia that has the "traffic lights".

Any help would be appreciated.

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this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
michael78651

22 Jan 2015
04:29:22pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Yep. Traffic light gutter pairs.

Image Not Found
Image Not Found
Image Not Found
Image Not Found

As you see from the images,the "traffic light" can have different styles.

Like
Login to Like
this post

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
22 Jan 2015
05:27:52pm
Approvals

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Thanks Michael,

One more question (like I always have just one more question Batting Eyelashes ) what is color registration markings ?

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
michael78651

22 Jan 2015
05:48:17pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Color registration markings are part of the quality control process during printing. They are used to ensure the printing plates are properly aligned in multiple color processes. The color dots, squares, etc., in the images above are color registration markings. Traffic light gutter pairs sounds better than "would you like to buy some color registration markings pairs of stamps?" Happy

The marks are used to perform initial setup and adjustments of the print heads during the print run. When you have a stamp where one or more colors are shifted from how the proper design should look, we call those "misregistered colors". Someone wasn't paying attention to the printing press.

You can sometimes see color registration markings on miscut magazine pages and on the flaps of cardstock boxes and most other items that are printed where the cutters were not properly aligned. Usually the registration marks (there are cutting registration marks too) are removed by the cutters.

Like
Login to Like
this post

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
22 Jan 2015
05:56:11pm
Approvals

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

That makes all too much sense, now.

Do they increase the value of the stamp or are they there for the sake of just being there? Big Hug

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
michael78651

23 Jan 2015
03:06:19am

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

They do add a little to the value, but they are not as popular as they were in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I was selling new issues at the time, and had several subscribers wanting nothing but traffic light gutter pairs.

Like
Login to Like
this post

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
23 Jan 2015
06:53:38am
Approvals

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Michael R.....so glad you are still around and seeing through all my mischief! We all have imaginary friends. They are really spirits....Laughing But really it was a person from the other place that shall not be spoken. I know when I need real help to come here and the other place was not coming forth with help. You made me smile this morning, thank you!

Michael #'s, you are the best. I have been passing on your information. The part about the value of the stamp was just out of my own curiosity. If I remember correctly (amazing as that is) I think I have some stamps with traffic lights so the value I place on them will be taken into consideration.



Like
Login to Like
this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
michael78651

23 Jan 2015
05:51:51pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

So, Luree, why couldn't Ted pay us a visit and post his question here? Doesn't he like us anymore?

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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
23 Jan 2015
06:11:17pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

" .... They do add a little to the value, but they are not as popular as they were in the late 1970s and early 1980s. ...."

One of our members put several books of British Gutter blocks in the approvals section at least a month or two ago.

As of a few minutes ago, two books remain available with zero sales, one has 50% available and I guess one book was sold out or otherwise retired.
I too recall when they would have been snapped up in a short time, but just as other fads have faded away, there appear to be no real demand for them, at least in our approvals section.

Like
Login to Like
this post

".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
23 Jan 2015
06:34:02pm
Approvals

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Michael, I don't know the answer to that question. He hasn't been around there very much either. Maybe he's busy listing elsewhere or there or where ever.

I'm sure he likes all of you guys. Is he even a member here? Don't know that either. I shall ask him and see what he says. If he's not a member, he should be! I'll ask him to join us over here.


Like
Login to Like
this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
cocollectibles

23 Jan 2015
08:48:41pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Luree, I've used the term Color Control Markings on past sales. Maybe not the correct formal term, but they seemed to get the message across. The key is the image of course.

Glad to see you posting here, albeit with questions unanswered at the second "other place" (remember over there, when people called eBay "the other place"? How the world turns.)

Cheers,
Peter

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"TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE."
michael78651

23 Jan 2015
09:20:50pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Luree, yes, he's a member here too.


Charlie, another fad I'm sure you'll recall happened about the same time as the traffic light gutter pairs craze. It was the "Specimen" issues. They were selling for many times above catalog value of the normal stamps. Hard to sell those now too.

Because the traffic light gutter pairs and regular gutter pairs have been so difficult to sell, I've simply broken them apart and sold the stamps as regular sets. Those have sold.

Like
Login to Like
this post

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
24 Jan 2015
06:53:56am
Approvals

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Peter, according to the new glossary I found that is the right phrase, Color Registration Markings. There was nothing listed for Color Dots or Traffic Lights. The things we learn. I'm redoing the computer room which will be my new Stamp Emporium. While I'm going through all the papers and notes, they will be organized into a notebook. That glossary will be added.

Michael, if Tedski is a member, then he should be asking informational questions over here, where the experts live! Happy

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Login to Like
this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
michael78651

24 Jan 2015
09:36:54am

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Hmm, I tried to look him up in the SOR database. Couldn't find him.

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youpiao

26 Jan 2015
07:10:39pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

All right, Generali, you outed me. I shoulda come here first. I was just a bit reluctant because I've been out of touch for so long and I felt a bit shy about popping in all of a sudden. Happy

Thanks for all the answers.

Cheers,

Ted

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"Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-PTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z'nourrwringmm"
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philatelia

26 Jan 2015
07:21:26pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Hah! Next time listen to Purrfin! She's a smart cookie!

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michael78651

26 Jan 2015
09:50:37pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Ted, if there's one thing that's consistent on this site is that people don't worry about being shy. Just pop in and opine with the rest of us anytime. New members are joining all the time as well. I'm sure that they'd be interested in what you have to say too.

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youpiao

27 Jan 2015
02:02:11pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Thanks, Michael.

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"Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-PTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z'nourrwringmm"

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
27 Jan 2015
03:29:11pm
Approvals

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

So nice to see youpiao!

Stop by again, we missed you.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
cocollectibles

27 Jan 2015
06:04:22pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Exonumia, Tedski! Happy

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Philatarium

APS #187980
28 Jan 2015
12:38:18pm

re: "traffic Lights" or "Color Dots"

Ted:

Loreen also posted your question (I didn't realize it was yours) on another site, where I replied.

Japanese catalogs use the term "color mark" (transliterated into Japanese) to identify these tabs, and they are priced for definitive stamps, although they also occur on commemoratives, too.

These color marks at first were just bars, with dots emerging on the scene later.

Great to see you again!

-- Dave

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
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"You gotta put down the duckie if you wanna play the saxophone. (Hoots the Owl -- Sesame Street)"

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
        

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