1. Chicago Philatelic Society - History of philately in Chicago, Illinois
1. Chicago stamp paper - A.B. Mason's Coin and Stamp Journal - twelve issues from May, 1865 - April, 1866
2. Chicago stamp paper - Haines' Curiosity Shop -six issues from July 1865 - December 1865
2. USA - Confederate States stamps
1. First Confederate States stamp issue 
2. Confederate States express company markings
3. Interchange of mail between USA and Confererate States
3. Short items
1. Brazil cigar revenue
2. Colombia bisects
3. Honduras
4. Chicago receives largest shipment of USA stamps
5. Earliest New Jersey stamp exhibition
6. A. C. Roessler  - Newfoundland 6c Guy issue with the reversed "Z"
4. Book review of  "The Cayman Islands: Their Stamps and Post Office," by D. B. Armstrong, C. B. Bostwick and A. J. Watkins edited by Fred J. Melville
5. German postmaster auctions Hanover stamp collection for $22,000
6. USA postal savings stamps change color
7. New issues
1. North Carolina Feeding Stuff inspection revenue stamp
2. USA precancels
3. Azores
4. Bosnia
5. Canada -money order envelope
6. Cuba -  postal stationary
7. Montenegro
8. New Zealand
9. Nicaragua
10. Rhodesia
11. Russia - Offices in the Levant
12. Switzerland
13. Uruguay
8. Introduction to Watermarks 
9. Queries and Comments
1. St. Helena stamps - diamond bars cancel are remainders
2. Great Britain - 1887-1892 issue 1/2 penny 18 blue changling
3. USA Locals - Allen's City Despatch, Chicago - stamps lost to collectors
10. Hawaii - 1853 5 cent and 13 cent reissues? - second half of article from January 7, 1911 issue - see that issue

EDITORIAL. A Start - The history of philately in this country will be a record largely of the transactions of the past in the stamp centers; and this remark may be qualified further by the statement that the proceedings of their societies furnish data covering the period of the modern or more systematized philately. However any history of a philatelic society properly would be embracive enough in its scope as to include a history of philately in the city that supports the organization. A committee of the Chicago Philatelic Society has been working on a history of the society and it is the intention to broaden the subject so as to present in a compact form, the history of stamp collecting in Chicago. For several reasons, data on early Chicago philately is not easy to find and the committee thought it advisable to call for information publicly. Any authentic tidings of the years up to 1880 is desired in particular; and readers of the WEEKLY who may be in a position to help the committee will be held in grateful remembrance if they will act upon any kindly impulse. Practically the only material the committee has in hand is shown in the following recital. We (the editor is on the committee) have the names of stamp dealers and stamp papers of the period but we omit them here, but nevertheless, we should be pleased to receive these very names from readers.

Tabloid - What may be said to have been the first public demonstration of philately in Chicago was embodied in A.B. Mason's Coin and Stamp Journal, which began publication in May, 1865, and issued twelve numbers, from May, 1865, to April, 1866, inclusive. Haines' Curiosity Shop, a "paper largely devoted to stamps," presented six numbers, dated from July to December, 1865, inclusive; and so it was that the last half of the year 1865 claimed two stamp papers with a Chicago imprimatur. It is a logical conclusion to say that these papers received some meed of support in their home city. In the later '60's, there were many philatelic indications to be observed but as the "odd practice" of collecting stamps was restricted to the school-boys as a rule, no real importance was attached to the manifestations, in the adult mind. The late Hon. Washington Hesing has often told of how his example of collecting foreign stamps was copied almost unanimously by his companions at school with the utmost avidity. Indeed, the wave of enthusiasm that marked the year 1869, approximately, in Chicago, produced lasting effects, as its recession found not a few of the boys still engrossed in their stamps; and they developed into permanent collectors who are among the veterans of today. While we have heard that there were stamp dealers in Chicago before the great conflagration of 1871, yet it will not be claimed that Chicago could boast of any ascendency in commercial philately. The terrible disaster of 1871 cast its pall on philately and the pursuit was not evident during the rehabilitation of the city in any marked way; in time, the dormant philatelic instinct became aroused and it was not long before dealers became well known locally. A good many stamp papers had come and gone and at least one series of albums of some pretentions had been published here before 1880.

Oddly Missing - An interesting situation is developed through the researches of James Lewis Howe, as contributed to the issue of December 31st, 1910, to authenticate the date of the issue of the first Confederate government issue. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Howe says: "I have made a rather careful examination of the files of the Richmond papers for the fall of 1861, and fail to find in the Examiner of October 19th, any reference to the stamps, but the quotations which I give below settle, I think, beyond any question that the first stamp of the confederacy was sold to the public on October 16th, 1861." It is shown by a newspaper item that the stamps were on sale at the Richmond postoffice on October 16th. We copy from a book containing a record of the fateful events of 1861 and published early in 1862, the following: "The first of the new Confederate States postal stamps were issued on the 18th of October, and were eagerly bought up. The new stamp is green, with a lithographic likeness of President Davis within double oval border, surmounted with the inscription 'Confederate States of America.' Outside the circle, and at the head of the stamp, is the word 'Postage,' and at the lower edge its denomination, 'five cents.' - Richmond Examiner, Oct. 19." An annuall cyclopedia that enjoyed a reputation for accuracy, says, in its volume devoted to the year 1861: "The new postage stamp did not make its appearance until the 18th of October. It was green, with a portrait of President Davis," etc. It is curious indeed if the announcement of the issue of the stamp was not made in the Examiner of October 19th, and that the item ascribed to it was a supposititious one. If a mistake was made basically, the consequences gained a wide circulation even in the contemporaneous historical chronicles. The earliest dated cancellation on the five-cent green, of record, is October 18th; on the ten-cent blue, December 4th; and the two-cent green, September 4th, 1862. In view of the circumstances, it is possible that Mr. Howe will again scrutinize the columns of the Richmond Examiner for October 19th, 1861, for a clue to the item that seems to be so mysteriously missing. It will be strange if a philatelic tradition of many years' standing is shattered at this late date.

Express Marking - A reader has called attention to an item describing an envelope that was sent in the Confederate states without a stamp but franked with the impression or cancellation of an express company; the cancellation is similar to the "railroad" cancellation that was described in these columns some time ago. If we remember rightly, a cover of this kind was sold in the collection of Dr. Henry C. Pope at auction some years since. The following explanation will account for the existence of an envelope of the kind. About July, 1861, an announcement of which we give the salient particulars, was given publicity in the north. The American Letter Express Company, Louisville, Ky., would receive fully prepaid letters from northern points and if such letters enclosed, in each instance, another letter addressed to a southern destination, accompanied by twenty cents in U. S. postage stamps, it would be delivered. Out of the twenty cents the express company would pay the five or ten cents Confederate postage, according to the distance it was to be carried from Louisville, which was in the neutral zone, so to say. The letter to the southern address had to be sent to the express company in Louisville, enclosed in a U. S. government stamped envelope, in accordance with the federal laws in regard to express companies transmitting letters; and the Confederate postage was paid to the authorities by special arrangement. It is understood that the express company at Louisville removed the letter from its envelope and enclosed it in a blank envelope, on which the address was copied, and on this envelope the impression of the company was made. 

Soon Prohibited - The interchange of postal courtesies that has been described between the contending sections was soon discontinued, as Postmaster-General Blair, under date of August 26th, 1861, in a proclamation authorized officers and agents of the department, "without further instructions," to lose no time "in putting an end to written intercourse with these States (so-called Confederate), by causing the arrest of any express agent or other persons, who shall, after the promulgation of this order, receive letters to be carried to or from these states, and will seize all such letters and forward them to this Department." It is scarcely necessary to say that after the publication of this order there were no public attempts made to continue postal relations between the two sections, although there were many secret mail-carrying operations conducted with more or less success. 

NEWS GLEANINGS. Under this heading we desire to publish all the news from the various philatelic centers. Correspondents' names will be given unless prohibited as we desire to give full credit for services rendered.

-A serious error occurred in the advertisement of the Economist Stamp Co. in No.. 1045. The Chile 1910 set, 1c to 1 peso, was advertised at 35c when the price should have been $1.50. We regret the error.

-The marriage of Miss Rayne A. Mecosta to Edward Michael, both of Chicago, has been announced; and upon their return from a trip east and south, they will occupy their new home. Edward Michael is a member of the firm of Fred Michael & Bro., Chicago, and in a short time, comparatively, he has attained a high place in the regard of his stamp customers and associates.

-W. H. McDonald, Chicago, has handed us a band from a cigar of Brazilian manufacture, which encloses the fiscal stamp, 20r "consumo", that pays the tax on the cigar.

-Oscar Sevon has received in Chicago a cover sent from Medellin, Nov. 14th, on which the postage from the Colombian Republic to this country is paid by two of the 2c Jubilee and the diagonal half of a third 2c, making the rate of five centavos. 

The 10 (red) on 20c blue and 1 (black) on 20c blue, new provisional Honduras, are shown on cover.

-Clippings are acknowledged with thanks from Arthur H. Keyes, Henry P. Day, Wm. Meier, H. T. Willcox (4), Jos. L. Weber, C. M. Breder, Robert G. Montgomery (2), Dr. W. L. Babcock (5), Hugo Kuenstler (7), Herman W. Boers (5) and H. S. Williams.

-From a batch of clippings sent in by Hugo Kuenstler we extract the following items of interest: - Chicago has just received the largest shipment of postage stamps ever sent out from Washington, there being 72,500,000 stamps of all denominations valued at $1,522,000; Brazil has signed the papers establishing a parcels post between Brazil and the United States ; the sale of articles accumulated in the division of dead letters of the Post Office Department realized nearly $9,000; Representative Victor Murdock of Kansas has commenced a movement to prohibit express companies from handling low class mail matter.

-In a communication to the WEEKLY Alvah G. Clark takes friendly exceptions to the claim made by Wm. C. Webb that the first and only stamp exhibition in New Jersey was held by the Boonton Collectors Association. Mr. Clark shows that a number of stamp exhibits have been held, dating as far back as 1881, when one was held at Ewingville.

-Herman W. Boers sends us five clippings from Detroit papers. The one of particular interest relates to the retirement of Herbert Bowen from the Detroit Library Board. Mr. Bowen has been connected with the Board for more than twenty-five years and his retirement is regretted by all his colleagues. Mr. Bowen is one of Detroit's leading collectors and at the present time is serving the Detroit Philatelic Society as vice-president.

-Thos. L. Hosmer, Des Moines, Ia., has taken the editorial management of a stamp department in the Young Knight.

-The "Co." was omitted from the large advertisement of the "W. C. Phillips & Co. in the WEEKLY of Dec. 31. The error was ours and we humbly apologize. The firm name of L. B. Dover & Co. was made "B. L. Dover & Co." but we cannot feel that any direct injury to the firm's business resulted.

-A. C. Roessler calls our attention to the fact that the Newfoundland 6c Guy issue with the reversed "Z" is being priced by Ewen at $1.20. Here we have an illustration of the desirability of buying the stamps of a country in which you are interested as fast as they appear. Emily King states that the postal authorities of Newfoundland are awaiting a further printing of the set, the same having been dispatched from London.

- "I am informed that the editor of the Svensk Filatelistisk Tidskrift, Hilmer Djurling, F. R. P. S., is unable to continue in the position he has so creditably filled for many years and from the 1st of January the Swedish journal will have a new editor. Mr. Djurling is well known as a philatelic author and co-worker with the late Mr. Krasemann. He was one of the judges at the Berne international exhibition and is an active member of our own A. P. S. The staff of the Swedish journal will have an entirely new composition and the only old associate to remain will be Mr. Kjellstedt of Scranton, Pa. The name of the new editor is Ernst Wilms of Stockholm and we can not wish him better than that the Swedish philatelic journal may continue to maintain its present high standard." - L. HARALD KJELLSTEDT.

OUR BOOK REVIEW.

The third number of that admirable series, the Stamp Lover Booklets, edited by Fred J. Melville, "The Cayman Islands: Their Stamps and Post Office," by D. B. Armstrong (in collaboration with C. B. Bostwick and A. J. Watkins) is one of engrossing interest and its appearance at a time when the fascinations of the stamps of the Caymans are strongly felt is a publishing triumph. The paper covered pamphlet contains twenty-four large pages, each with two wide columns, and on this expanse, the Cayman Islands and their stamps are scrutinized and analyzed in a way to delight the many collectors who will wish to absorb the story with fullest particulars of the stamps and their background. The illustrations are beautiful reproductions of singles, blocks, sheets, etc; and two insert plates, showing sheets of the id on 5 shilling and 1/2d on five shilling, respectively, are a striking feature.

We read that not only were the stamp holdings of the authors under examination but that access was had to the superb specialized collection of A. Leon Adutt, F.R.P.S.L. The Jamaican stamps that were used before the distinctive Cayman stamps were issued are listed and certain of them are illustrated with their Cayman postmarks. We are pleased to see that our countryman, C.B. Bostwick, is one of the authors; and he contributes, among other information of importance, some remarkable facts of a trial issue of Jamaican stamps, surcharged "Cayman Islands" in two lines. It may be added that Mr. Bostwick's collection is a grand one and includes many early postal curiosities.

Particular attention is given to the provisionals and there seem to be facts that have not been recorded heretofore, plentifully distributed throughout the study. The appendix contains official reports, documents, etc., a reading of which will assist in grasping the conditions that prevailed at the different periods. All in all, there is a singular charm to the work under notice; it is interesting for the story it tells and it is invaluable as a printed record of deep and successful study of its theme. We congratulate the authors on the brilliant results that they have attained; and we think that those who obtain the book will share our enthusiasm for it. Published for the Council of the Junior Philatelic Society, by H. F. Johnson, 44 Fleet St., E. C., London, England; price 2 shillings. 

HANOVER STAMPS FETCH $22,000.
(Clipping from DR. W. L. BABCOCK.)

The German postmaster-general has just had put up at public auction the collection of Hanoverian stamps which was discovered a year ago. The auction was held at the well known mart of Lepke in Berlin and resulted in the sum of nearly $22,000. 

Private stamp collectors and dealers from England and most European countries competed. Chief interest was shown in a lot of 1500 10gr 1861, divided into six lots, and sold at from $750 to $1,250 each. The blue 2gr 1864 also led to lively scenes among the bidders. 

A CHANGE IN COLOR OF POSTAL SAVINGS STAMPS.

We are informed upon reliable authority that the color of the postal savings bank stamp has been changed from orange to blue and the printing of the new color has already been begun. All the offices (one in each state) that have been designated for the trial of the Postal Savings Bank idea, have been supplied with the orange stamp and we anticipate a lively correspondence with these towns in view of the short life the orange stamp will enjoy. Our readers should understand that orders for these stamps will not be filled by bank officials but must be secured through a local correspondent.

- We are indebted to Dr. A. R. Butler for a report of the Third Assistant Postmaster General.

Edited by HENRY A. Kidder Any information regarding new issues will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Address HENRY A. KIDDER, 17 Addison St., Arlington, Mass. Letters calling for a reply should contain a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot give applicants the addresses of our correspondents.

UNITED STATES. - J. Arthur Wainwright sends us a specimen of the North Carolina Feeding Stuff inspection stamp, 1c yellow brown, to be placed on the analysis tag of every bag of 100 pounds of feed.

Mr. Wainwright reports having found a 2c stamp, used by Houghton, Muffin & Co. of Boston, which is imperforate at top and bottom, perforated on the right side, but with the left very faintly perforated or rouletted.

Paul E. Bryant has shown us the current 1c stamp, precancelled "St. Louis, Missouri," and with what is called the "Mailometer I" perforation, six large holes at the right and left.

E. W. Murray shows us three interesting envelopes from Milledgeville, Ga., mailed presumably in 1861. The printing is in a blue black stamping ink, the postmark being placed at the left and reading "Milledgeville, Ga." in a circle, with the date in the middle. The year is not given. The lot includes the 5c on buff and 10c on white. There is also a 3c on buff, with a similar postmark, but reading "Paid 3 Cts" at the right in one line of capitals. These envelopes were all found in papers of a gentleman recently deceased.

Frank B. Eldredge reports the following new precancels:
No. 323, Montpelier, Vt.; normal; Type I.
No. 323, Prov., R. I.; inverted; Type IV.
No. 326, Boston, Mass.; normal; Type V.
No. 327, Minneapolis, Minn.; normal; Type V.
No. 323, St. Louis Mo.; normal; Type II.
No. 324, Warren, Pa.; normal; Type I.

E.R. Slater reports the following new precancel:
No. 323, New Haven, Con.; normal; Type III.

Frank B. Eldredge has shown us specimens of the current 2c envelope, blue paper, with a colorless line running from the edge of the central oval across the left of the "C.' of "Cents"..

AZORES. - Hermann Focke has shown us a used specimen of the 75 reis Azores stamp, overprinted "Republica" in red.

BOSNIA. - The C. E. Hussman Stamp Co. sends the following additional odd perforations to those printed in No. 1041

25h, perforation 10 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 12 1/2.
25h, perforation 10 1/2 x 12 1/2.
25h, perforation 9 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 13.
25h, perforation 9 1/2 x 10 1/2.
25h, perforation 10 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 13.
25h, perforation 12 1/2 x 13.
25h, perforation 10 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 13 x 9 1/2.
50h, perforation 9 x 9 1/2.

CANADA. - Robert J. Wagner shows us a specimen of a Canadian official envelope, which has "Money Order - Advice" in the upper left corner, and "Free Under Convention" in the upper right corner. This was mailed at Ottawa and sent to Fostoria, Ohio.

CUBA. - Carlos Tellez sends us a specimen of a new envelope just issued by the Cuban Postoffice Department. The stamp is an upright oblong, with embossed portrait of Gen. Sorain Sanchez in an oval, with "Republica de Cuba' above the oval, and the name of the portrait below, with the figures of value at each side below the portrait. A colored band across the bottom of the stamp has the value in words.

Envelope.
2c red on white.

MONTENEGRO. - Specimens of the new set have been kindly sent us by A. Reinwein, Cetinje.

NEW ZEALAND. - The 4d and 1sh values of the current stamps are now coming perforated 14 x 14 1/2 by the new machine. The 1sh is also in a new shade. Specimens have been shown us by the New 'England Stamp. Co.

NICARAGUA. - Hermann Focke sends us a new provisional, the 50c of 1909, American print, having been surcharged "Vale - 10 cts" in two lines of large Italic type, the surcharge being in black.

Provisional Adhesive.

10c on 50c green.

Mr. Focke also sends us the following varieties of the two provisionals recently chronicled
Vale 5c on 20c, Red on Brown.
a. Double surcharge.
b. "L" in "Vale" Italic.
c. "E" in "Vale" Italic.

Vale 10c on 15c, Black on Black.
d. Surcharge reading "Vale" only.
e. "V" in "Vale" Italic.

All the latter specimens submitted have an Italic "1" in "10".

We are also indebted to the C. E. Hussman Co. for specimens of the recent provisional, the 10c on 15c black.

RHODESIA. - The New England Stamp Co. has shown us the 1 pound stamp in the new series, in a different shade from that first chronicled. The stamp now comes with a decidedly blue tinge in the slate of the frame.

Russia. - Offices in the Levant. - Two new names have been added to the sets of the Russian Levant Jubilee issue, "Beyrouth" and "Dardanelles". The complete set from 5pa to 7Opi have been thus treated, the overprint in both cases being in black.

SWITZERLAND. - The Postage Stamp says a novelty in the way of Charity stamps were introduced by the Swiss Federal Council when the new postal law came into force on January 1, 1911. Under this law, approved charitable institutions will be allowed to frank a stipulated quantity of postal matter each year without any charge. To regulate the use of this privilege the Swiss authorities have prepared special stamps, using the design by M. C. L'Eplattenier, recently adopted for the postage due stamps. This design has been printed on blue-grey paper in the denominations of 2, 5 and 10 centimes, 1,600,000 of each being printed as a commencement. These stamps bear in the value tablet the letters "P. P." (port payé) at either side of the numeral thus :- 
       P
         2
           P

The stamps will be doled out to the various societies in quantities to be regulated within limits fixed annually, and are only for the use of the particular societies on their own postal matter. Collectors, however, will be supplied with obliterated copies, at the nominal face value, by the considerate Swiss Post Office Department. It is clearly not the present intention to allow them to be trafficked in the unused condition.

The New England Stamp Co. has shown us specimens of the 12c, 15c, 35c, 40c, 50c and 70c values in the current set, all in new shades.

URUGUAY. - Ewen's Weekly notes an other provisional, the 1c of the Waterlow set having been overprinted "Provisorio 5 - Milesimos - 1910" in four lines, in black.

Provisional Adhesive.
5m on 1c green.

WITH THE BOY PHILATELIST.

Edited by BERTRAM W. H. POOLE, Route 2, Box 40, Pasadena, Cal. We propose to insert upon - this page matter that will be of interest to the boy collector. Some two thousand boys are now on our mailing list and It is our desire to come closely in contact with them In such a manner as will be most helpful. Any information desired will be cheerfully rendered through these columns. Do not submit stamps for examination.

WATERMARKS.

Last week we had a short chat on the subject of. perforations and it will, perhaps, be as well now if we make a few remarks regarding watermarks, which, often prove a greater stumbling block to the philatelic tyro than perforations. First of all what is a watermark? if we turn to a dictionary we find it described as "a series of translucent lines, letters, or designs, in the body of paper, usually adopted by a manufacturer to indicate his own make." From a stamp-collector's point of view a watermark is a device in the paper upon which stamps are printed, which can usually be discerned by placing the stamp unite flat upon a dark surface or by holding it up to a strong light. The watermarks are formed during the process of making the paper - a subject we must discuss at an early date for it is essential that the collector should be acquainted with the chief varieties of paper upon which stamps are printed and also have a rudimentary idea of how paper is made. When the pulp, which finally becomes paper, is well-mixed and in a highly liquid state, it is spread over a closely woven wire cloth and automatically run under a series of hot rollers. While still in this half-formed state it is passed under a roller - known technically as the "dandy-roll" - on which the designs of the watermark appear in relief. The pressure of this roller on the film of paper-pulp results in an infinitesimal thinning which causes the watermark in the finished article. The amount of pressure, and consequent thinning, combined with the thickness of the paper made, all have an important bearing, from a philatelic point of view, on the ease with which a watermark can be distinguished. When a thin hard paper, like that employed for most British Colonial stamps, is used the watermark can be seen without difficulty but when a fairly thick soft paper, like that upon which the United States stamps are printed, is utilized, it is often anything but an easy matter to discern the watermark. When any difficulty is encountered in distinguishing the watermark a few drops of highly rectified benzine should be poured on the stamp. This will usually show the watermark very distinctly and the benzine will quickly evaporate without having any, ill-effect upon even mint stamps. It is as well to note, however, that benzine is of no assistance whatever in finding watermarks in stamps printed upon chalk-surfaced paper. 

THE USE OF WATERMARKS.

When postage stamps were first introduced, the great fear of the authorities was that they might be counterfeited and it was with the idea of defeating the forger that watermarked paper was employed. The special paper upon which stamps are printed is manufactured under the most stringent restrictions, which make it a practical impossibility for any unauthorized person to obtain a supply for any nefarious purpose. But though the practice of using specially watermarked paper in stamp production is now very general, it is doubtful if the watermark is of any practical value as a preventive of forgery. The average postal official rarely knows that the stamps he sells are watermarked or, at any rate, has no knowledge of the special device used and, of course, once a stamp is stuck on a postal packet the watermark is no safeguard whatsoever. To the philatelist, however, the watermark is frequently of very real value in determining the authenticity of certain stamps. It is generally safe to assume that, if one has a stamp upon unwatermarked paper that is only known to exist with watermark, it is not genuine.

TYPES OF WATERMARKS.

It is interesting to note what a variety of different designs have been adopted for watermarks by different countries. Some, like those of this country, consist merely of letters, while others consist of more or less elaborate devices having some symbolic reference to the country using them. Thus in the stamps of Great Britain we find an Imperial Crown, as the emblem of royalty; in the early stamps of Jamaica is a pineapple, signifying the abundance with which that fruit is grown in the island; Western Australia provides us with a Swan - the black variety of which is indigenous to Australia only; Hungary shows its famous iron crown; China, the wonderful ying-yang symbol, typifying the two great elements of nature, and so on.

In most sheets of stamps the watermark is so arranged that one complete device is apportioned to each stamp. This is, however, by no means an invariable rule. Sometimes one large design spreads over the whole sheet, so that each stamp shows but a small portion of it; again, the design may cover only a few stamps in a sheet so that the majority are found without watermark; or, again, it may consist of a repetition of a device-like the "multiple" watermark of modern British Colonials-repeated so closely that each stamp shows portions of several watermarks; lastly it may consist of the repetition of certain letters - like the "U S P S" on our own stamps - so arranged that one letter should show on one stamp. 

QUERIES AND COMMENT.

Edited by C. E. Severn.

Our readers are cordially invited to ask the editor for any information desired concerning stamp collecting. Should a personal reply be desired kindly enclose postage. This department is for the beginner as well as the advanced collector. Address, C. E. Severn, 721 Oxford Bdg., Chicago, Ill.

T. B. D.: - "Is it illegal to print pictures of U. S. stamps of the current series in foreign countries and then distribute them here?" In case any attempt were made to systematically introduce such pictures into this country or to import them in quantity, the authorities would soon interdict such commerce. (2) It is illegal for newspapers to print cuts of U. S. stamps but the law is sometimes broken through ignorance of its existence' latterly, the infractions seem to be less numerous than formerly. (3) The St. Helena stamps canceled with diamond bars are remainders and therefore real postage stamps. (4) It would be a splitting of hairs to say that there was a difference between the terms, "mint" and "P. O. state," as the one means that the stamp is uncirculated and the other as the stamp is sold from the post-office window. Either qualification is equal to the other.

G. D. M.: - This reader says: "I have examined many of my used as well as unused U.S. stamps but never have I been able to find any stamp watermarked U.S.P.S. Are the letters, U.S.P.S., used in watermarking or is sonic line or character used? What is the best way to detect watermarks? The article refers to the use of benzine but I have been holding the stamps to the light. Could I find the watermarks as easily that way as in the benzine?" The watermark theoretically should fall one letter to a stamp; and the recent change in watermark consisted of the adoption of a single line letter instead of a double line character. We sympathize with your difficulty in discerning the watermark and it must be admitted that the marking is very faint in many of the United States stamps, issued since 1895. Some watermarks are very stubborn and cannot be seen unless the stamps having them are given a bath in benzine; and then the thinner body of the paper that represents the watermark shows forth. Practice in looking for watermarks is helpful and skill in detecting them seems somehow to increase with one's association with philately. Our boys' page will be glad to be of service to you; we know that you will ask only questions that are worthwhile answering.

W.N.: - Your half-penny Great Britain, blue, type A54 really must be a changeling; in other words the color, green, of the stamp in some way became altered to blue. If such a stamp existed in blue, you may be sure that the wise old cataloguers would know all about it. Philatelists with spectacles have searched the records of British stamp issues and it is impossible to doubt their word when they say that the blue half-penny was never issued. Green is a color that is rather easily turned into blue by immersion in "chemicalized" water, for instance.

R.S.: - You certainly are an enthusiastic collector; and the course that you are taking is the best one. Cheap stamps in good condition are just what you should "specialize" in until you get almost all of them. So soon as you begin to spend more money for stamps than you should, the element of worry will enter into your collecting pleasure. Conform to the wishes of your parents in gathering your stamps; no doubt, you find it very encouraging that they take an interest in your collecting work.

D.B.: - Stamps on "original cover" are those that are on the envelope or letter- sheet on which they paid the postage at the time they were sent through the mails. In the early days of stamps, envelopes were not generally used.

M.E.V.: - The stamp that you described so plainly is a United States local stamp, Allen's City Despatch, Chicago, red on yellow paper. The stamp is worth but a few cents, as when the government suppressed this private enterprise about 1883, while its officers supposedly confiscated the stamps, yet some of the messenger boys who were employed by the despatch obtained large quantities of this particular stamp and had lots of fun pasting them on posts and windows in Chicago's downtown section. (2) The two German stamps that you describe are German private local stamps, no doubt. (3) You are right; in the catalogue, first comes the number of the stamp, then the description, followed by price, unused, and last column, price used.

R.E.: - The stamps that you mention are not reprints; they are the original stamps, which, having been declared obsolete and no longer good for postage, are sold to dealers at a price much under their face value. In consequence, collectors may buy them so low in price. "The boy who started me to collecting hasn't got as many stamps as I have now; I beat him easily." Our enthusiastic correspondent evidently is out after a record but we advise him not to get his stamps so fast that he cannot give due attention to each individual specimen.