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Glad to hear you're keen on starting to collect again and Weimar is a very interesting period. I cannot comment on that period specifically but perhaps I could make a few general points. In my experience one has always had to exercise an element of caution when buying stamps, particularly those which are rare when found genuinely used. The postmark forgers and manipulators usually zero in on these for a quick profit. Also some stamp overprints are known to be forged, and usually pointed out as such in the Michel specialised catalogue (now available in English as well as German - 20% off if you join the Society !!). Covers can be manipulated or tarted up to falsely represent a scarce usage. But in my experience all this is not a problem that has particularly grown over recent years with the advances in technology. Many forgers still make elementary errors which can be spotted fairly easily.
Some points I would advise:
(1) Always take opportunities to read up on your subject - knowledge is key
(2) For high value stamps, and particularly those known to have been forged, or where used examples are rare - look for properly expertised examples.
(3) Get yourself on mailing lists of German and British auction houses (see adverts in the Society's magazine Germania and/or the national stamp magazines).
(4) Be especially cautious of one to one internet sales, although may vendors are perfectly reputable, there are some who are not, and many who are ignorant of what they are selling - which of course can also work to the buyer's advantage.
(5) Go to stamp fairs and get to know dealers who specialise in your area. Through the Society I could give you some names of such dealers.
6) Join our Society (!) - details on the website - and come to meetings, talk to fellow members, read the literature.
Happy collecting.
Giles du Boulay
Chairman
Germany & Colonies Philatelic Society
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