( 
)Collecting 'SMILERS' Sheets is fast becoming one of newest and most exciting ways to both build up an interesting and varied collection of these Sheets as well as to also build up an Investment Portfolio.
There is particular interest around the Customised Sheets BUT care is required. A number of Sheets have been reprinted and significant numbers are appearing with different Royal Mail reference numbers (at the bottom left of the Sheets where they exist) - these may well be Sheets to make up the 'balance' of the original Order where the Vendor was perhaps uncertain whether the initial full amount would sell or they may be reprints. If they appear more than 6 months after the original publication they are likely to be reprints.
Many of the 'Themed' Customised Smilers are produced purely with the 'tab' showing a particular picture and with the rest of the Sheet containing no additional artwork (see some of the Business Customised Sheets to see examples of some very fine artwork). To be perhaps somewhat critical it is likely that producers of these have made significant sums of money for very little effort and out of Sheets with little real interest / significance. One or two sellers are now producing much improved 'over-printed' Themed Customised Sheets - they are setting an altogether new standard.
The newly published 'Customised Stamp Sheets of Great Britain' catalogue is a must for all serious collectors - it contains a mass of information.
My best advice is 'buyer beware' - you can end up paying a lot of money for Sheets which are not likely to appreciate in value. If you collect thematically then this a new way to enjoy your hobby. If you are looking for investment growth then be careful, go for the lower numbers of Sheets produced (10 - 15) or those of particular interest (e.g. Titanic Heritage Trust) or rarity (e.g.Kreizler Sheet where although 100 were produced it seems that less than 20 have survived as full Sheets).
If you want to feel good inside support those issued for charitable causes (e.g. 'The Snowman' for the NSPCC issued by Buckingham).
Study eBay carefully - there are some real bargains to be obtained but, equally, you can may pay a lot more than you need. Always try to buy directly from producers / issuers of the originals, there is good information about this in the catalogue referred to above which lists who produced every single Generic abd Business Customised sheet.
DISCLAIMER: The above is information provided in a personal capacity and its accuracy can not be guaranteed nor should it be relied on in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and should carry no additional weight. The reader needs to satisfy him / herself as to what reliance, if any, to place on any of the above statements / opinions expressed.
There is particular interest around the Customised Sheets BUT care is required. A number of Sheets have been reprinted and significant numbers are appearing with different Royal Mail reference numbers (at the bottom left of the Sheets where they exist) - these may well be Sheets to make up the 'balance' of the original Order where the Vendor was perhaps uncertain whether the initial full amount would sell or they may be reprints. If they appear more than 6 months after the original publication they are likely to be reprints.
Many of the 'Themed' Customised Smilers are produced purely with the 'tab' showing a particular picture and with the rest of the Sheet containing no additional artwork (see some of the Business Customised Sheets to see examples of some very fine artwork). To be perhaps somewhat critical it is likely that producers of these have made significant sums of money for very little effort and out of Sheets with little real interest / significance. One or two sellers are now producing much improved 'over-printed' Themed Customised Sheets - they are setting an altogether new standard.
The newly published 'Customised Stamp Sheets of Great Britain' catalogue is a must for all serious collectors - it contains a mass of information.
My best advice is 'buyer beware' - you can end up paying a lot of money for Sheets which are not likely to appreciate in value. If you collect thematically then this a new way to enjoy your hobby. If you are looking for investment growth then be careful, go for the lower numbers of Sheets produced (10 - 15) or those of particular interest (e.g. Titanic Heritage Trust) or rarity (e.g.Kreizler Sheet where although 100 were produced it seems that less than 20 have survived as full Sheets).
If you want to feel good inside support those issued for charitable causes (e.g. 'The Snowman' for the NSPCC issued by Buckingham).
Study eBay carefully - there are some real bargains to be obtained but, equally, you can may pay a lot more than you need. Always try to buy directly from producers / issuers of the originals, there is good information about this in the catalogue referred to above which lists who produced every single Generic abd Business Customised sheet.
DISCLAIMER: The above is information provided in a personal capacity and its accuracy can not be guaranteed nor should it be relied on in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and should carry no additional weight. The reader needs to satisfy him / herself as to what reliance, if any, to place on any of the above statements / opinions expressed.
Guide created: 22/06/07 (updated 20/02/08)
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