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The text and stamp images on this web site are in the public domain. The text of these articles was published in the United States of America in 1922 and earlier. This information is provided for informational purposes only, no warranty of usefulness, accuracy, or fitness is implied or given for this information. Use at your own risk. |
Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News Feb 25, 1911 Volume XXV, Number
8, Whole Issue Number 1052
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| Stamp market commentary - Page 62 THE STAMP MARKET. By SENEX. Some old issues of Argentina are now figuring in one or two lists, in quantity; this seems an opportunity since such quotations have not been generally seen for some time. The recent 30c Straits, seems a good article of commerce at the moment; so does the 50c Hong Kong. The 6d pictorial, Tasmania, is harder to get, the 75c Ceylon, probably easier. The 3 annas, current Patiala Service, does not seem to be so much in evidence as the 4 annas. Perhaps the 3 pies, India, O.H.M.S., current, should be a good stamp to gather in quantity. There are countries of which the fine copy should be worth double the price of the average specimen. It is something of a burden to have to remember the different prices for the different grades, but it is some comfort that the poor copy is in demand; at half price it sells pretty freely, but birds of a feather must flock together - all the same sort must adorn the same sheet. From each parcel a certain number of inferior copies have to be weeded out, and it is some satisfaction to know that there is a market for such. Sometimes a customer wants something cheap, quality being a second consideration. Well, we are able to oblige him. What is selling on the Continent? The following seem to be to the fore -: Panama, the three surcharges of 1906; Crete, ‘Ellas;" Brazil Service; Bulgarian surcharges; surcharged Russian and Italian Levant; Denmark newspaper stamps; Argentine 1910; triangular Ecuadors; Siam, 1909; “Java;" recent Iceland; Servia, 1905; Monaco, recouverements; and similar. The demand for high values is of course apparent; in this particular Greece is a favourite country, as also are the German Colonies. The rarities advertised in Continental journals are interesting. South Americans are popular all through, and in this sphere there are extensive ramifications in the way of Postage Dues, Officials, etc. British Official stamps bring good prices, while now and again there is a half page devoted to some British Colony, the figures of which are interesting. The new 30h, Bosnia, is apparently valued at about 6d used. The current 5c value, of both Honduras and Salvador, seems much less plentiful than the values round about it. The 5c Salvador, 1910, however, is already on sale. Perforated Australian Official stamps are listed by a good many dealers. The chalk-paper Dominicas have doubtless proved good property to those who have kept them. Wholesale quotations for the stamps of Spain, 1910, now to hand for the first time, are interesting. The 5c, 10c, 15, and 25c, are of course, cheap, though not nearly so cheap as those of the recent issue; the 20c is evidently worth 2d, the 40c looks as if it might be worth 3d the 1 peseta is cheaper than the 50c the 4 pesetas seems many times than its predecessor of 1901, while the 10 pesetas is also dearer though not to the same degree. The 12c Argentine 1899, grey catalogue 6d and the sky blue catalogue 1s, are often found in mixture, unseparated, by the wholesale gatherers of them; the mixture should be examined in daylight when quite a number of the scarcer variety may present themselves. In the same way purchasers of the 5-on-20c Crete should be on the look out for the variety with straight top to the “5." The retail price of the 20c Malay States ought to go up one would think. We repeat the remark that Siams are popular. But there are gaps in the lists, and where the same gap occurs in several lists attention is called to the omitted stamp. Some of the old unused British Colonials of twenty years back still seem to exist in sheets. Canada Quebecs are dear. The 30c orange of Chili, 1900, is probably an under-rated stamp at the present time. 4c values of some South American States may not be very dear, but seem to take some finding; there is also a 15c Venezuela, 1904, which not everybody has yet seen. 3c values of Suriname seem by no means plentiful. Some used copies of the 2 1/2d South African Union stamp have disappeared in a few hours. The 2/6, 5sh and 10sh current Transvaal may be met with occasionally; I saw a set last week; these are good wares. I fancy the 15c Mauritius, 1905, on chalky paper, is slightly less plentiful than the variety on plain paper. Penmarked and rubber-marked middle values of West Indian have a market. The 2 1/2d Sierra Leone of 1897, is dearer to buy than a year ago. A purchase of the 20c Guatemala, 1886, reveals the two varieties of this stamp, one worth double the price of the other. The 20 on 5 piastres Egypt, 1884, is found to sell fairly well, and this shows the readiness with which such stamps are gathered by collectors; the stamp is priced 1sh, and possibly the majority of stamps of similar value, locality, and antiquity, may be depended upon to disappear in the usual gratifying manner. The old and fairly common 1 piastre. rose, of Egypt, 1872, is another stamp with the mark of antiquity upon it; its cost varies a good deal in different quarters, but it is worth attention. “Old” stamps have their fascination like old furniture. I should place the intrinsic value of used Persia, 1906, as follows: 3, 6, 2, 1, 13, 10 chahis, the last named being the dearest. Perhaps the 2 1/2d Bermuda “docks” is a good stamp; not often does one see it offered in quantity. I gather that the 2h Bosnia, 1910, is worth 2d, the 5h, 2d; 10h, 3d; 35h. 6d; with perhaps no prospect of being cheaper. An Australian correspondent says that fine used of his country, of the better sort, fetch good prices out there. The new 5c Mauritius, 1910 will probably be no easier to get than its predecessors have been. - Stamp Collectors’ Fortnightly. |
| Nyassa - first issue through fifth issue - 1898-1911 including
the local issue (“COMPANHIA - DO NYASSA”, “CABO - DELGADO,”, “PROVINCIA -
DE MOCAMBIQUE”) - page 63-65 Written for MEKEEL’S WEEKLY. NYASSA. By Bertram W. H. Poole. The Portuguese colony of Nyassa is a large district of Mozambique in East Africa covering an area of about 100,000 square miles. It extends from the Indian Ocean to Lake Nyassa embracing littoral tracts 60 to 70 miles wide; a rolling plateau similar to the veld of South Africa; and a highland region, well-wooded, and divided into fertile and well-watered valleys. In common with British and German Nyasaland it receives its name from the great equatorial lake Nyassa which, it is interesting to note, was known to the Portuguese early in the 17th century (as Lake Maravi) though Dr. Livingstone was the first to fix its situation and navigate it in 1859. Its philatelic history is short, being confined to a couple of provisional issues, which followed in rapid succession in 1897 and 1898, a pictorial set, placed on sale in 1901, a small crop of surcharges in 1903, and two more provisionals last year. Its story from a stamp-collector’s point of view would also have been uneventful but for the fact that the first attempt made at stamp issuing ended in a glorious fiasco. An Unfortunate Issue. In 1894 a company known as the Nyassa Company, having on its Board of Directors an Ex-Minister of Marine, and as its Royal Commissioner an Ex-Minister of Public Works, was authorized by the Portuguese Government under Royal Decrees to administer and develop the territory of Nyassa. The company had extensive rights, including that of receiving all taxes and customs dues and of maintaining, working, and making all the means of communication in the country under its control. Somewhat naturally it also considered it had the privilege of issuing its own postage stamps and accordingly a set was prepared almost as soon as the company had its offices in working order, apparently with the main idea of allowing stamp collectors to do their share in providing working capital. The labels are well described in the following caustic paragraph which appeared in the Monthly Journal for September, 1894 -: A stamp-issuing company has been started here, which, judging from the appearance of its products, should be of a similar nature to the providers of other locals, and doubtless possesses the same philatelic capabilities. In the centre of the design is depicted what chess-players call a “rook,” perhaps a delicate allusion to the principal object of the issue; across this is printed the value; in curved labels at the sides are the words “COMPANHIA - DO NYASSA”, at the top “CABO - DELGADO,” at bottom “PROVINCIA - DE MOCAMBIQUE”. It will be seen that the company professes to do business over a very considerable area, but we fancy that its efforts will be for the most part confined to "Provincia Philatelica!" The set consisted of 10, 20, and 50 reis values, both perf. and imperf. and the same values surcharged 5, 75, and 100 reis respectively, also perf. and imperf. The issue of “provisionals” before any of the stamps ever reached the place where they were to be used is pretty sure proof that the company had an “enterprising” philatelist on its staff. The governor of the company left England for Nyassa early in September, 1894, taking with him, it is said, a first parcel of stamps amounting in value to 158,737,000 reis. How many millions worth were left in London for sale to collectors history does not relate. Whether any of these stamps were actually placed on sale for postal use or not is a point on which information is lacking but the issue received its quietus early in 1895. The Portuguese Government ordered the stamps to be suppressed, claiming that while the company was within its rights in having a separate issue it should have conformed to the internal regulations of the Mother Country by having the stamps printed and issued from the Royal Mint at Lisbon. The company either ignored or neglected this regulation by having the stamps prepared in London and they thus had to be withdrawn from circulation. The First Issue. After the humiliating experience related above the company took no further steps to provide stamps for this territory until 1897. Evidently it was decided to treat the Portuguese Government with fitting respect and permission was asked and granted to issue a set of stamps. A Decree was published authorizing the company to have the then current stamps of Mozambique overprinted with the word “NYASSA” until a special die could be made to supply its requirements. The stamps so overprinted were the 1894 type of Mozambique, viz. :— 2 1/2 reis brown. 5r yellow. 10r reddish violet. 15r chocolate. 20r lavender. 25r green. 50r pale blue. 75r carmine. 80r yellow green. 100r brown on buff. 150r carmine on rose. 200r dark blue on blue. 300r dark blue on salmon. Where the stamps were overprinted I have been unable to discover but it it seems probable the work was done at Lisbon. The 50 reis is known with inverted surcharge and, curiously enough, this error does not seem to have been discovered until late in 1900 - long after the stamps had become obsolete. The Second Issue. No special effort seems to have been made to provide the “special die” referred to above and and when Mozambique was supplied with a new set of stamps in 1898 this series was likewise overprinted for use in Nyassa. The stamps were issued on August 1st and the set comprised the following values :— 2 1/2 reis grey. 5 " orange yellow. 10 " bright green. 15 " brown. 20 " gray violet. 25 " blue green. 50 " dark blue. 75 " rose. 80 " purple. 100 " dark blue on blue. 150 " brown on buff. 200 " red lilac on pink. 300 " dark blue on rose. This set provides no varieties and, therefore, calls for no further comment. The Third Issue. In 1900 the company again made representations to the Portuguese Government for permission to issue stamps of distinctive design. This permission was granted and the stamps were placed on sale on August 1st, 1901, as shown in the following Decree :— Decree of the 12th June, 1901, published in the Diario do Governo, No. 132, dated the 17th June, 1901. GENERAL MINISTRY OF THE COLONIES. 2nd Department, 2nd Section. Acceding to the representation made by the Nyassa company, H. M. the King has thought it desirable to authorise that company to put into circulation, in the territories of its concessions in Africa, from the 1st August next a new issue of postage stamps of the following values: 2 1/2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 80, 100, 200 and 300 reis, approved by despatch of the 21st November, 1900. The present stamps of the same values, which are those of the province of Mozambique, surcharged “Nyassa,” must continue in circulation, according to the Royal Decree of the 27th October, 1897, and are to be considered valid simultaneously with the new stamps until the 31st August, but they may be exchanged for stamps of the new issue until the 30th September next, according to paragraphs 3 and 4 of the postal regulations of 1892. (Sd.) Antonio Teixeira De Sousa. Palace. 12th June, 1901. How the company got over the difficulty I know not but this issue, like the ill-fated labels of 1894, was manufactured in London. The stamps form a handsome set, being bi-coloured and beautifully engraved in taille-douce. They were engraved and printed by Messrs. Waterlow & Sons, Ltd., on white-wove unwatermarked paper, and were perforated 14 to 16. The colours chosen for the respective values were as follows, the border being in the first and the centre in the second named in each case :- 2 1/2 reis black and-red brown. 5 " " " violet. 10 " " " deep green. 15 " " " orange brown. 20 " " " orange red. 25 " " " yellow orange. 50 " " " dull blue. 75 " " " carmine lake. 80 " " " lilac. 100 " " " brown bistre. 150 " " " deep orange. 200 " " " Prussian blue. 300 " " " yellow green. The design adopted for the 2 1/2r to 50r inclusive has, as its centrepiece, a giraffe and two palm trees with a range of hills as a background. In the upper corners are shields, that at the left bearing a portrait of King Carlos and that at the right the Portuguese Royal Arms. At the top, between the shields is the word “REIS”, at the base is “NYASSA”, on the left reading upwards “correos”, and on the right reading downwards “PORTUGAL”. In small circles below the side inscriptions the value is shown in numerals. These stamps are upright rectangular in shape. The denominations from 75 reis upwards are oblong stamps with two camels forming the centrepiece. The inscriptions correspond with those on the lower values with the addition of numerals at the top as well before “REIS.” The stamps were printed in sheets of fifty in five horizontal rows of ten for the 2 1/2r to 50r values and in ten rows of five for the others. Several values are known with centre inverted i.e., the 2 1/2r 10r, 50r, 150r and 300r. The 150r was reported first (chronicled in July, 1905), followed by the 300r in Nov., 1905; 10r, Feb., 1906; 2 1/2r Nov., 1908, and 50r Dec., 1908. It is said that only one sheet of each was discovered. In September, 1902, the 150 reis was recorded as existing in vertical pairs imperforate between. For some time a London dealer had an arrangement with this company under the terms of which he was permitted to purchase large quantities of these stamps cancelled to order in entire sheets at a good deal less than face value. This practice has. I believe, now been stopped but “used” sets are still plentiful and cheap. The Fourth Issue. In 1903 an attack of “surchargitis” broke out, beginning in the colony and then spreading to London. In May of that year the philatelic journals recorded the receipt of five provisionals - the 80r, 150r, and 300r, surcharged 65r, 115, and 130 reis respectively and the 15r and 25r overprinted “PROVISORIO.” What the latter was intended to signify I have been unable to discover. The word ‘PROVISORIO” was in small capitals, while the other surcharges had the figures small and “reis” in ordinary Roman type. These provisionals were made locally and apparently the number printed was limited. The surcharges were hardly distinct enough and further supplies were printed in London in heavy capitals. The London edition were first chronicled in September, 1903. The 65r, 115r, and 130r, were, it will be remembered, values which were issued to most of the Portuguese colonies in 1902-3 though, so far as Nyassa is concerned, these denomination were never included in the regular issue. The Fifth Issue. In December, 1909, there was a shortage of 5r and 50r stamps and on the 17th of that month a Government decree was published authorizing the issue of temporary stamps of these denominations. Curiously enough these provisionals were made in London so that they could not have been very urgently required and, one might ask, was there any real necessity for provisionals at all? If the overprinting had to be done in London it might surely have been dispensed with altogether and fresh supplies of the regular 5r and 50r values could have been printed. Probably the real truth of the matter lies in the fact that when the 15r and 25r stamps were overprinted “PROVISORIO” in 1903 the printers, through some misunderstanding, also surcharged a number of the 2 1/2 r and 100r with the same word. The company refused to accept these, as they had not been ordered, and the printers were thus saddled with a number of useless stamps. These were ultimately utilised for the new 5r and 50r provisionals the printers probably agreeing to surcharge them at a nominal cost to make up for their previous error. It, therefore, seems more likely that the provisionals were made, rather as a means of using up otherwise useless stock, than to fill any genuine shortage of these values. The West End Philatelist for June of last year illustrates an interesting sheet of the 50 reis on 100r, the top row of which was surcharged “PROVISORIO” only. |
| USA - 2 cent and 3 cent issues with purple or white ink streaks
- page 65 THOSE PURPLE STREAKS. By KARL KASLOWSKI. Reading in the WEEKLY of Jan. 28, of the current 2c U. S. stamp with purple streak, I may say that some months ago I bought one whole sheet at the Detroit postoffice, of the same kind of variety; and these stamps, judging from the description of the Pierre find, show more plainly the purple streak, or mixture of colors, that I first thought was caused by printing from a plate that was not thoroughly wiped off; or in wiping the plate, perhaps a waste was used that had been used for some other purpose. I prefer to call it maroon as some parts of these stamps are almost dark cherry red. The mixture shows up much better by electric light and is quite fascinating. The plate is No. 5315; the perforations, as usual, almost touch at right. I now have a block of nine, and one stamp in the block has only a little corner of the usual carmine color; the others have more or less of the maroon mixture. The rest of that sheet showing less of the streak was divided among several local shade collectors, as even the parts of stamps not affected by the streak differ some from the many other bright and dark shades to be found. I also have a block of the 4c stamps of Plate No. 5426, where one of the stamps has a bright orange streak, which starting under the ear runs parallel with the hair, tied in queue, and ends at the edge of the oval; also the hair above the ear is gone: at least the shading of the same is missing. A block of the 3c stamp shows an interesting variation, - a white streak. Apparently a piece of thread got stuck to the plate, and so I came to the conclusion that the plate was wiped off with waste. A thin line starts under the outer frame line at top and runs, curved, through centre of “E” of “Postage” and intersects with a straight line, that starts from the outer frame line to right just below the top corner, under the first section of the olive branch and ends below the ear in a big oblong spot, cutting the queue in two and forming the letter y. There also is a big dark spot along where the thread runs through the hair. |
| Items - (Trading advocated over selling duplicate stamps,
Winnipeg Telegram and Winnipeg Free Press newspaper stamp columns) - page
65 NEWS GLEANINGS. - I. C. Greene, Leominster, Mass., has issued in compact form a statement giving the advantages of exchange over sales in disposing of duplicates. Mr. Greene maintains that exchange is the more profitable and will be pleased to send any interested party the system used in connection with the Mutual Stamp Exchange, which is limited to A. P. S. members only. - Louis E. Ewing, Bluffton, Ind., has some philatelic papers that he will be pleased to donate to anyone paying transportation charges. Write him enclosing stamped self-addressed envelope. — Bert J. Turner, secretary of the Winnipeg Stamp Club, sends us specimens of the stamp department contributions now being contributed to the Telegram and Free Press of that city. Both columns are widely read and prize competitions bring replies ranging from twenty-five to one hundred per week. Mr. Turner states that the local club is forming a library and that donations will be welcome. - Clippings are acknowledged with thanks from Carl Koehier, H. V. Blackburn, Karl P. Baum, Chas. R. Trowbridge, Wm. Meier, Harry Caden (2), Cleveland Bundlie, Hugo Kuenstier (3), Bert J. Turner, M. A. Lesser (3), Frederic C. DePuy (5), Jos. Henderson, Geo. Hoppe, Jr. (2), and Henry Bausinger. COLONIAL STAMP AGENCY. If any of our readers have any claims against the Colonial Stamp Agency of New York City we should like to be made acquainted with the facts in the case. The Agency has through one of its employees been placed in an embarassing position and the proprietors would like to know of any unfilled orders. Write at once to office of the Weekly. |
Editorials - page 66
EDITORIAL. Our Special Subject - Nyassa, a country that has contributed liberally to the pictorial aspects of philately, is chosen for special acclaim in this issue. Nyassa may not be an important country in the estimation of the seasoned philatelist but it occupies a conspicuous place in the affections of the newer collector who is apt to give much attention to the externals of philately. Needless to say, it is the gorgeous issue of 1901 that gives Nyassa its distinction; the set is one of the best sellers that ever was produced and it has been the means of giving the widest publicity to the remote Portuguese colony in Africa. Mr. Poole contributes the leading article and this fact is a guaranty that the philatelic side of Nyassa is fittingly portrayed. * * * As Suggested - Writing to the London Times, a correspondent says that it would be “a splendid innovation” if the postage stamps of the colonies, dependencies and protectorates of Great Britain would have incorporated into their design, the words, “British Empire Postage.” The proposal is that all the stamps would be of uniform type with the exception, of course, that the name of the particular country would have place. “The stamps could be uniform in colour throughout the Empire,” it is suggested by the proposer who says further that “it is understood that Mr. Henniker Heaton intends to bring the matter before the members of the Imperial Conference in May.” * * * Change of Face - Ewen’s Weekly Stamp News now says that it appears that the Plebiscite commemorative stamps of Italy bear the portrait of Garibaldi and not of Count Cavour, but it is something of a shock to hear Stanley Gibbons Monthly Journal call the picture that of Cavour. We have seen the stamps in question and they depict the features of the Italian patriot, Garibaldi. * * * Milk River - Major Edward B. Evans, editor of the Monthly Journal has the kindness to write: “Re query in WEEKLY of Jan. 28, “201” was the cancellation mark of the Post Office at Milk River, Jamaica, in 1885 and later, possibly to the present day.” C. E. Jenney, Fresno, Cal., names Milk River. Inadvertently, “Mila River” was used for Milk River in our reference to this question in the query column. * * * Final - To amplify the correction made last week of the misstatement concerning the limit of weight to first class matter, we quote a letter from J. F. Harrison, Assistant Postmaster, Cleveland, Tennessee: “I notice an article in your number of January 21st on the limit of weight of first class mail. Your attention is invited to section 487 P. L. & R., which limits the weight of each package in the domestic mails to four pounds ‘Except in case of single books weighing in excess of that amount, and except for books and documents published or circulated by order of Congress, or printed or written official matter emanating from any of the Departments of the Government or from the Smithsonian Institution.’ Paragraph 1, section 488 of the Regulations was amended by order dated August 20, 1904. (See amended paragraph of the section mentioned to be found on page 71 of the Supplement to the P. L. & R., in effect March 4, 1907.) If a package went through the mails weighing more than four pounds, other than the exceptions, it was in violation of this amendment, as it limits first class mail to four pounds domestic.” The Chicago postmaster, the Hon. D. N. Campbell says that the “limit was made effective by an order of the postmaster general dated March 3, 1904.” The P. L. & R., 1902, and the Supplement, 1907, were consulted before the editorial was written; in the Supplement, section 488, reads: “Mail matter of the first class addressed for delivery in foreign countries other than Canada, Mexico, and Cuba (to which domestic regulations apply) ..... will be accepted for mailing regardless of the weight thereof.” It is somewhat problematical whether the amended section 488 as given in the Supplement would be understood as disqualifying section 488 in the P. L. & R., 1902, which was printed by us in the issue of January 21st. A knowledge of the order of 1904 would be necessary for the full realization of the meaning of section 488 in the Supplement. In an almanac published by a newspaper and accepted as a standard work, we read that the limit of weight is not “enforced against matter fully prepaid with postage stamps affixed at the first class or letter rate of postage.” However, there is a limit of weight of four pounds to domestic matter of the first class. * * * Heed - Very opportunely, Edward F. Coffin, Worcester, Mass., writes: “The writer of the editorial on ‘Missionary Stamps’ evidently failed to note a misstatement of fact which appears in the original news item, and the reprinting of the error without correction may doubtless have the effect of spreading a misapprehension which already is quite general, I think, among stamp collectors. The item quoted, referring to the sending of missionary stamps by mail, states that the postage rate is one cent per ounce.’ This statement is correct only by assuming that the stamps are forwarded as merchandise. Fortunately for stamp collectors, the U.S. Post Office Department has ruled that old postage stamps, unmounted, (including revenue, etc.,) are to be considered as ‘printed matter’ under which classification of postal rates it is permitted to send two ounces for one cent. In order to secure the benefit of this rate the package should be plainly marked to indicate the contents and forwarded in a manner to permit ready postal investigation. Furthermore it may be stated that stamped envelopes are not included and cannot obtain the lower rate. As I believe that these facts are not well known to collectors, I call attention to them at the present time in the hope that they may prove beneficial in connection with the extensive interchange of miscellaneous lots of stamps among the readers of the WEEKLY, as well as setting right the manner of forwarding missionary stamps, to which the item in question had particular reference.” * * * An Old Account - Fred M. Smith of the Calvary News, Brooklyn, N. Y., says that the editorial on Missionary Stamps brought to mind an old clipping from the New York World that he preserved; and he has sent it for inspection. The long article is headed: “Postage Stamp Swindle. How A German Dealer Has Obtained An Enormous Fortune. One of the Most Gigantic Impositions Ever Perpetrated Upon Mankind - Making All the World Collect Stamps for Him Without Charge - Hundreds of Thousands Sent to Him Dailly - How He Does It.” The German dealer is alleged to have employed with monumental success, the Syrian Orphans’ Home scheme and the familiar baby - saving dodge, - for every million stamps sent him, a Chinese baby was to be saved from the jaws of the crocodiles of the Yellow River and educated and christianized. The enterprise of which the expose was made was the old peoples’ home imposition; the circular promised that “for 1,000,000 stamps a home will be found for an old lady or an old gentleman for the remainder of their lives in one of three homes - one located in London, another in New York, and a third in Cincinatti. For half a million stamps, a bed will be endowed in a hospital. For 100,000 stamps, a home will be found for some fatherless or motherless child for a year.” Clergymen, physicians, philanthropists and society ladies were named as willing to receive the stamps; and these persons sent the lots to agencies in different large cities, where the scarce stamps were selected for exportation to Stettin. The estimate is made by the World that “this swindler has collected over 100,000,000 postage stamps in the United States alone, and that he has obtained among them rare stamps worth from $500,000 to $1,500,000.” Old-time collectors need not be told of these and many other forms of deception practiced at the expense of the charitably inclined and it is somewhat painful to think of the number of good stamps that has reached undeserving hands. The suspicion of the purity of motive of the missionary stamp collectors had its origin in the fraud of the past. * * * Good and Bad - It is not to be wondered at that those who long have been associated with philately view with sympathy, the plans for gathering stamps from the public that constantly are in operation. Too often it has been discovered that what ostensibly is a commendable charitable endeavor in reality was an individual and selfish scheme for obtaining stamps under false representations. Shrewd, indeed, have been some of the methods employed in persuading the public to fill the stamp coffers of the schemer and had not the cleverness been misapplied, it would have evoked admiration. It is certain that many a good stamp found its way into tainted hands. It must be borne in mind that all the missionary stamp work is not condemned; on the contrary, there are several collecting systems that fulfill the duties that are imposed by the managers and the performance of the work is attended with credit to both the donors of the stamps and the recipients. There is much that could be written on the subject and if the subject were done full justice, the facts in some instances would be as entertaining as the most engrossing fiction. |
| Boston Philatelic Society - 20th anniverisary celebration
- Philatelic metal token given out as soouvineer - page 67 BOSTON SOCIETY CELEBRATION. Twentieth Anniversary Observed with Fitting Ceremonies. For months the members of the Boston Philatelic Society have been busily preparing for the appropriate celebration of the twentieth milestone. The event took place February 17 and 18 and a representative body of philatelists gathered to do honor to the occasion. On Friday evening, February 17, the regular meeting of the Society was held in Chipman Hall, Tremont Temple, the regular routine of business being somewhat shortened in order to give ample time for the event of the evening, a lantern lecture by John N. Luff of New York assisted by Joseph S. Rich. While this lecture was elementary in character, even the advanced philatelist who was present found in it much of interest and value. On the following day, Saturday, an exhibition of rare stamps took place in Chipman Hall anterooms, these rooms being admirably fitted for exhibition purposes. The following collections were shown :- Mr. Worthington’s Mauritius, a book of Mr. Mason’s proofs and essays of U. S. envelopes, Mr. Sawyer’s Gambias, Mr. Green’s Hawaiians, Mr. Pack’s Capes and Brazils, while a frame of rarities from the collection of Mr. Dudley L. Pickman was the cynosure of all eyes. The exhibition lasted from two until five p. m., and during this time several hundred people visited the rooms, including such prominent philatelists as Henry N. Mudge of Chicago; W. H. Barnum of Cleveland, 0; Chas. L. Pack of Lakewood, N. J.; John N. Luff, Joseph H. Rich and Dr. L. A. Micheloni of N. Y. City; H. E. Deats of Fleming-ton, N. J.; Percival Parrish and Eugene Klein of Phila., Pa.; Wm. C. Stone, J.D. Bartlett and J. W. Prevost of Springfield, Mass.; J. B. McIntyre and F.M. Mason of Providence, R. I.; and J. M. Bartels of New York. The two sons of Mr. Rich, Stephen G., and Gilbert were also in attendance. The dinner at the City Club in the evening was a very brilliant affair and we regret that we are unable to make more than a passing reference to the splendid program of entertainment afforded. L. L. Green, ex-president of the society; was toastmaster and seated at his right were Messrs. Wylie, Mudge, Barnum, Deats, and Bartlett and at his left Batchelder, Pack, Luff, and McIntyre. The total attendance numbered fifty-six, and the following excellent menu was served :- Cotuit Oyster Cocktail on Half Shell Celery Queen Olives Sweet Pickles Puree of Game, St. Flubert Lobster a la Dewey, en Cassolettes Iced Cucumbers Potatoes Gaufrettes Filet Mignon Saute a la Richelieu Stuffed Fresh Mushrooms Pommes Duchesse Punch Creme de Menthe Roast Fancy Birds au Cresson Currant Jelly Salade Jardiniere Queen Fritter with Almonds, Sauce Vanille Nesselrode Ice Cream Cakes Roquefort Cheese Toasted Crackers Demi Tasse A very handsome souvenir of the occasion was a watch fob of oxidized silver suitably inscribed, and which will be treasured by those present. On the obverse is a figure representing Philatelia presenting a wreath to the “B. P. S." On the reverse is the name of the society and date of organization. A. W. Batchelder, chairman of the committee on anniversary, presented Mr. Green as toastmaster and he in turn presented Willard O. Wylie, the president of the society for an address of welcome. Mr. Mudge followed with an extended address dealing with the A. P. S. and its work. Among those who responded to calls made upon them were Messrs. Pack, Luff, Bartlett, Deats, Mcintyre, Barnum, Stone, Sawyer, and Geo. L. Gilmore of Lexington. charter member No. 1. All the post prandial exercises were of a highly interesting order and all the speakers were given a very hearty reception. Many compliments were paid the society for its splendid record and hearty greetings were extended for future prosperity. Mr. Pack, who on the previous evening had been elected an honorary member of the society, was given a particularly cordial reception and after addressing the gathering in a very happy manner presented the society with a handsome book showing photographic reproductions of his reconstructed sheets of early Uruguays. This contribution to the society’s library is not only a valuable one, but a pleasing recognition of the work the society is doing. Numerous letters of regret were received, notably from Fred J. Melville, who at the last moment found it impossible to attend; also from His Royal Majesty King George, the latter’s recognition of the event meeting with hearty applause. Among the telegrams received was a lengthy one from Ex-President C.F. Rothfuchs which was also greeted with applause. Mr. Green was in his happiest vein as toastmaster and all present voted the occasion the best ever. The occasion was graced with the presence of another ex-president, M. H. Lombard, and his many friends were all glad to meet him. All in all, the occasion will stand forth as the brightest and best ever held under the auspices of the Boston Philatelic Society, reflecting great credit upon the organization and setting a pace that will be very difficult to surpass. The committee of which Mr. Batchelder was chairman worked indefatigably to make the celebration a success and particular credit is due to the sub-committee having in charge the dinner and of which Mr. E. M. Carpenter was chairman. |
| USA - Postal Stationary - Book review "Bartel's Catalog and
Reference List of United States Stamped Envelopes, Wrappers, Letter Sheets,
Postal Cards" - page 67 OUR BOOK REVIEW. In our estimation Bartels’ Catalogue and Reference List of the United States Stamped Envelopes, Wrappers, Letter Sheets and Postal Cards, Fourth Edition, compiled and revised by Victor M. Berthold, is an indispensable publication and it serves a most commendable purpose in philately for it is an instructor without a peer in that fascinating and somewhat complicated field of U. S. entire envelopes. It is not to be questioned that a guide so embracive and so orderly in its treatment of entire U. S. envelopes will he immensely helpful in encouraging the specialty. Not alone will the Bartels’ catalogue be of immeasurable assistance to those who now collect the envelopes with varying degrees of understanding but it will have great influence in inducing new collectors to essay their collection. In a work of this kind, simplicity of arrangement is the sine qua non; if the presentation of the subject is made in a cumbersome way, the practical value of the treatise is sadly impaired. We feel that the editor of Bartels’ catalogue has achieved all success in plainly demonstrating his theme without sacrificing any of the essentials. There are about 200 broad pages, 9 by 12 inches, in the cloth bound book, 75 of which picture the outlines of the different knives, 86 in number, of the Nesbitt manufacture, down to date. The value of this feature need not be emphasized. In an appendix, a list of "specimen” or bidders’ samples is given. Philippines, Cuba and Porto Rico, cards and envelopes, are covered. The book is dedicated to George H. Worthington, the “premier U. S. envelope collector of America.” and a fine portrait of this distinguished philatelist is an appropriate frontispiece. So much material has been added to the fourth edition that one would have to elaborate any notice that could fairly be made. A review of the work, with attention to detail, would far exceed the bounds of space at our disposal here. Suffice it to say that the recut 1903 envelopes concerning which there has been some discussion, as well as the later varieties are described; the 1864 issue is regulated and the important varieties of the Hartford series are given. The systematization of the work seems to be almost perfect and nothing has been left undone to render the consultation of the catalogue a convenience. The illustrations are given as liberally as the government will allow. All in all, the Bartels’ catalogue is the last word in envelopes up to the present time. Published by J. M. Bartels Co., New York City. |
| Stamp fraud - "Stoltz" collecton fraduently purchased and
sold for $22,000 - Page 67 JUDGMENT AGAINST MAKINS CO. (Clipping from various parties.) Henry J. Crocker, merchant and philatelist, obtained judgments in the United States district court against Arvill Makins, James and Elizabeth Makins, and Joseph H. Makins, as the result of a transfer of property in the firm of the Makins company, stamp collectors, while that firm was insolvent. Crocker’s claim lay in indorsing a note for $20,000 to enable the Makins company, since declared a bankrupt, to buy the rare Stoltz collection of stamps. The collection was taken over about two weeks before the April disaster by Joseph Makins. Some time later he sold it for $22,000, and then transferred the various sums involved in the case to members of his family, alleging old debts for loans or salaries. He gave himself $1,125 for back salary as president of the corporation, and without the consent of the trustees. After the firm went into bankruptcy Crocker was appointed trustee. He claimed the firm was hopelessly insolvent at the time the money was paid out. United States District Judge Robt. S. Bean, in his decision, takes the same view and holds the payments fraudulent. - Call. |
| WHY I COLLECT PRECANCELS. Chester Myers of St. Louis, Mo., an ardent enthusiast in the collecting of precancelled stamps, offers a prize of 350 varieties of precancelled stamps, the retail value of which is $5.00, for the best essay on “Why I Collect Precancels.” All articles should be sent to the office of the WEEKLY and should be received on or before March 10, upon which date all entries will be turned over to a committee of three, F. N. Chase, S. M. Schoemann and W. A. Sisson, all of St. Louis. At least three entries shall be necessary in order that prize may be awarded and all manuscript shall become the property of the WEEKLY. At the present time considerable interest is being taken in this side-line of philately and the WEEKLY believes that it is entitled to even more consideration than is being shown. We shall probably publish several of the better entries. |
| New Issues and Varieties - page 68
Chronicle of New Issues and Varieties. 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. - Specimens of the new post card described in No. 1050 have been sent us by Jno. J. Spencer, C. D. Mecutchen and H. F. Metz. Post Card. 1c carmine on cream. It has been decided to issue a new one cent postage stamp for Postal Savings use, says the Philatelic Gazette, as much matter is being sent out in unsealed envelopes covered by one cent postage. The color has not been given out, but it is presumed it will look something like the special two cent black Postal Savings stamp. The Philatelic Gazette states that the stamps thus far issued on paper with the new watermark have been as follows 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 6c, 8c and 10c postage, 10c special delivery, the 1c and 2c postage imperforate and the same values perforated 8 1/2 either horizontally or vertically. Scott’s Circular reports having found the 30c Interior Department on soft porous paper, and this statement seems to have caused something of a controversy, as J. M. Bartels questions the value of the find in the Philatelic Gazette. The latter says, “The paper used by the Continental Bank Note Co. was not uniform in texture or thickness, and at times has even a porous appearance. The stamp in question does not show the thickness in paper which is found always in stamps of the other Company.” Frank B. Eldredge reports the following new precancels: No. 323. Ansonia, Conn., precancelled with one horizontal bar; Type III. No. 323. Clintonville, Conn., reading up; Type IV. No. 323. Clintonville, Conn., reading down; Type IV. No. 324. Calla, Ohio, normal; Type IV. No. 323. Calla, Ohio; normal; Type IV. No. 327. Hyde Park, Mass., normal; Type I. Br. South Africa. - C. H. Stone calls attention to a defect in the stamps of the recently issued series with portraits of the King and Queen. The 2d stamp from the top row in each sheet, shows an oblong colored mark extending across the Queen’s ear, making it appear as though a generous piece had been taken out of it. Mr. Stone says this error occurs on all values. Ecuador. - Hermann Focke has shown us a cover having four dark green fiscal stamps used as postage stamps, but without surcharge, and with the date changed to 1911-1912. Mr. Focke also reports having seen the 10 centavos of the new issue, similar to 1907 issue, blue and black, with head of Moreno. Honduras. - Herrnann Focke has shown us two more values in the new set, the design being the same as the 5c and 6c already chronicled. Adhesives. 2c green. 10c blue. Jamacia. - Hermann Focke has shown us the new 2d stamp, with head of King Edward, the design being the same as that of Nyasaland Protectorate. The stamp is printed in gray, according to the color scheme, on multiple paper, and perforated 14. Adhesive. 2d gray. Nicaragua. - Hermann Focke writes: “Bluefields is following the interior of Nicaragua in issuing provisionals, including the 1 peso yellow of 1909 surcharged in two lines ‘Vale-5 cts' in black, in same type as the recently reported provisional of 10c on 1 peso of Nicaragua, and above the new value a ‘B’ standing for ‘Bluefields, but without the traditional ‘Dpto. Zelaya’. Evidently the entire surcharge has been made in one printing, as the position of the ‘B’ is the same on all, and I have not seen the stamp without the ‘B’ for use in Nicaragua proper.’ Panama. - Gerald D. Bliss sends us a copy of the new stamp book issued by the Republic. This book contains six 10c stamps, six 5c, 12 2 1/2c, 18 1c and 18 1/2 c, the face value being $1.47. The books are sold by the Post Office at each, and as all the slip sheets are printed with advertisements on both sides, they must be money makers. The 1c has not been previously chronicled for Panama, but was issued some time since for the Canal Zone. This stamp is not yet on sale except in book form. The book also contains the new 1/2c stamps, which are of the 1905 design, and printed in a single color. This stamp is issued in sheets of 70, seven vertical rows of 10 stamps, says Mr. Bliss, “and it seems reasonable to assume that the remaining three rows are detached and bound in the books, the leaves of which consist of two horizontal rows of three. This is not official, however, and is only the result of a little ‘Sherlock Holmes’ deduction on the part of the writer, but it is further supported by the fact that the stamps are bound in the books by the left margins. The stamps are ungummed and I infer that Panama ‘O. G.’ is now a thing of the past, if indeed such a thing ever occurred." Adhesives. 1c orange. 1c green and black. Papua. - Hermann Focke writes: “It will interest specialists in this territory that on the first day of the year no 1d stamp was to be had at the Port Moresby P. O., that the 4d vertical wmk. was still for sale, while all other values. 1/2d, 2d, 2 1/2d, 6d, 1sh and 2sh 6d, were of the recent issue with ‘Papua’ in large type, white paper with vertical wmk., and small pin perforation 12 1/2." Uruguay. - Frank C. Davis shows us covers bearing the two provisionals recently issued and chronicled. Venezuela. - Philip Wolff sends a translation of an article in the Revista del Circulo Philatelico de Cuba. giving the text of recent official decrees, authorizing sets of postage and official stamps. The postal set will have six values, the 5c and 10c having a portrait of Gen. Francisco de Miranda, the 15c and 2c a portrait of Gen. Rafael Urdaneta and the 50c and 1b stamps a portrait of Gen. Simon Bolivar. There will be five official stamps, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c and lb. Both postage and official stamps will be printed in two colors, and the frames of the regular postage, which will be in lilac, will be in fugitive ink. |
| Rhode Island Philatelic Society - 26th annual banquet - page
68 ANNIVERSARY OF R. I. SOCIETY. By WM. C. POLK, Sec. The 26th annual banquet of the Rhode Island Philatelic Society was held in the parlors of Brooks’ Restaurant, Providence, Feb. 15, 1911, at 7 P. M., with 19 members and friends present. After dinner Pres. Mowry introduced Mr. Warren H. Colson of Boston, who entertained us with an account of his recent trip through the Hawaiian Islands. Following this Mr. Simmons of New York gave us a very clear explanation of the various changes in the registration fees in the U. S. and its bearing on the scarcity of some of the 5c stamps in used condition. The following officers were elected to serve during the ensuing year: Pres., B. A. Webber; V. Pres., R. F. Chambers; Treas., W. Irving Cox; Sec., Wm. C. Polk, Box 22, Arnold Mills, R. I.; Ex. Mgr., Geo. L. Babbitt; Librarian, F. M. Mason; Auction Corn., W. H. Congdon and Geo. C. Arnold. Mr. Simmons displayed an excellent collection of U. S. and Colonies, and Mr. Colson showed a fine lot of Sidney Views |
With the Boy Philatelist - page 69
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 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. OUR SIAM STAMP STUDY CONTEST. Though we had a large number of entries in this competition I must confess I was rather disappointed with the quality of the essays as compared with those sent in for our first stamp study contest. Perhaps if I give a few hints they may serve as a guide to competitors in any similar competition we may have later on. The greatest mistake, and the one made by most of the competitors, was that of wandering on into subjects which had little to do with the matter in hand. One boy sent a long essay on the country of Siam, another wrote me a biographical sketch of King Chulalongkorn, another gave a list of all the stamps issued in this particular design and so on. What we really requested were notes dealing with the essential facts concerning the stamp illustrated. It is a 1 att stamp of the 1906 issue for Siam. It was engraved and printed in two colours - orange and green. It was printed on unwatermarked paper and perforated 14. The portrait is that of the late King Chulalongkorn and supporting the circle are two Siamese children. In the background is a view of Wat Ching or the “Temple of Light.” At the sides are ornamental pillars, while the name and value are shown in both English and Siamese characters. These are all facts that relate to this particular stamps and with a little elaboration could be worked up into a very creditable essay. The winning essay, which appears in another column, is that sent by Vinton E. McVicker, 14 Portsmouth St., Jackson, Ohio, and I must say that this composition, short and to the point, is far ahead of any of the others received. The second prize goes to David D. Reid, 20 Magnolia St., Malden, Mass., and the third to Cleveland Bundlie, Box 303, E. Grand Forks, Minn. To all the Unsuccessful competitors I would say better luck next time. CONTRIBUTIONS WANTED. We have already written, and we now repeat it, that we want all our boy readers to treat this page as their very own. We want to discuss just those topics that appeal to the boy collector and give any information and help we possibly can but we can only do this thoroughly if our readers will take the trouble to write and tell us just what they want. We cannot please everybody, perhaps, but if our boys will assist we can do and intend to do our best to please the majority. I want every boy reader of this page to take this as a personal appeal. What topic do you want discussed; and what difficulty do you want explained? Another point I would like to mention. Some boys no doubt have noticed little peculiarities in certain stamps that may not be generally known, or perhaps they can give hints that would be useful to other boy collectors on storing duplicates or in making little philatelic accessories, etc. If so write me a short essay and if it is likely to be of general interest I shall be pleased to publish it on this page. PROOFS. A reader in Philadelphia writes: ‘Shall be glad if you can tell me what a proof is.” Well, in writing on this matter some years ago I defined a proof as "an impression taken from a die or plate, completed or incomplete, of a stamp design subsequently issued for use.” In other words a proof is really a trial printing from a plate or a printing from the die used to make a plate. When an engraver is at work on a die he takes impressions every now and then to see if the design is being cut as satisfactorily as it should be or not. These impressions are known as “die-proofs” and they are eagerly sought for by specialists. When the plates are complete impressions are taken to see if all is in order or, sometimes, so that the colours for the stamps may be decided on. These are known as “plate - proofs.” Usually proofs are imperforate but plate - proofs are also found gummed and perforated like the issued stamps but in different colours. REAY AND PLIMPTON. A reader who is “comparatively a new beginner” is having trouble in placing the different issues of United States envelopes. Evidently, he has no catalogue, which would aid him somewhat in his quest for information. Our correspondent asks how the different issues of United States envelopes may be classified. They are to be distinguished by differences, sometimes very slight, in the different stamps. The Plimpton issue, 1874, was a copy of the Reay, 1870 issue, in so far as the Reay values extended. The catalogue gives a verbal description of the salient points of difference between the issues, as the United States envelopes or stamps may not be illustrated. An investment of fifty cents in the forthcoming new edition of the standard catalogue would be a wise one for almost any beginner. We append a brief description of the points of difference between the lower values of the Reay and Plimpton issues. Reay: 1-cent, bust points to the ‘n” of one. 2-cent, bust narrow at the back; small, thick figures of value. 3-cent, queue projects below the bust. The workmanship of the Reay envelopes is much superior in its finished detail to that of the Plimpton envelopes. Plimpton: 1-cent, die a, bust nearly touches the frame at back and points to the end of “e” of one; the “o” of Postage is a distinct circle. Die b, bust well centered in frame and head inclined downwards. 2-cent: die a, lettering indistinct, numerals thin and in circle; head of “p” of postage is very thin or narrow. Die b, numerals in oval, fat type; bust broad. Die b2, retouched state of die b; numeral at left touches oval. Die b3, similar to die b, but the “o” of two has center netted instead of plain, and the “g” of postage and “c” of cents have a diagonal cross line. Die c, bust broad and hair on forehead leaning forward; numerals in oval short and thick. Die d, cut into bottom of bust so as to show half circle, almost. 3-cent: die a, large thin numerals in oval. Die b, lettering large and clear and numerals in small fat type. Die c, top of Washington’s head egg-shaped instead of round. SHORT REPLIES. J.V. (Oak Par) - This reader asks if the first issue of the new postal card was limited as a friend tells him it is a rarity. I am sorry I know nothing of the value of post cards so perhaps some other reader can oblige with information. R.W.P. - Many stamps of the smaller countries like the Cameroons you mention are rarer used than unused. They are imported in quantities unused by dealers while the number actually used on correspondence is small. (2) The 15c French stamp (Scott’s No. 92) is found on both toned and bluish paper and is equally common on either in used condition. SIAMESE STAMP STUDY. By Vinton E. McVicker Prize Winning Entry in Siam Contest. The stamp illustrated in the Stamp Study of January 7th is the one-att stamp of 1906 issue of Siam. This stamp is an excellent example of the engraver’s art, the most minute details being almost perfectly executed. It presents a very uncommon feature, the showing of a portrait and of a scenic design on the same stamp. In the upper part of the center, which is all in green, and upheld by two Siamese children, is a medallion containing a profile of King Chulalongkorn I, whose death was recently announced in the newspapers. Below this is a small picture of the Great Pagoda of Watching, situated in Bangkok, the capital. Although this picture covers a space of less than one-fourth of a square inch, it is all very distinct when examined with a strong magnifying glass. The border, printed in yellow-orange, is in the form of an arch, with a column at either side and a mass of foliage at the top. On a ribbon at the top is the name “Siam,” in native characters at the left and in English at the right. At the bottom, arranged in the same way are the two expressions of value. Each column bears near the top, a small circular design. These are among the minute details referred to before in speaking of the fine engraving. In the one at the left is a trident, and in that at the right are the three elephant heads found on the Siamese arms. The eight other values in this 1906 set, all of which are on unwatermarked paper and are perforated 14, are of the same design as the one-att, and several others like it have been issued since. |
| Crete - label inscribed "Candia" and "ten paras" is not valid
for postage - page 70 Written for MEKEEL’S WEEKLY. A CRETAN LABEL. By BERTRAM W. H. POOLE. Mr. Henry H. Hart sends for inspection a curious label he lately received from a valued correspondent in Crete and in the hope of elucidating some information regarding it we describe the label as follows: The design consists of a single line circle, 37 mm. in diameter, containing a Union Jack with a label below inscribed “CANDIA” in large uncoloured letters. The flag measures 25 mm. by 15 mm. and the label 23 mm. by 5 mm. The flag, label, and circular outline are in a dull lilac-blue and were evidently struck by a hand stamp. Above the flag are the figures “10” and below is “ten paras”, both these inscriptions being written in with ordinary pen and ink. The label is gummed and imperforate, while the paper is laid batonné and shows part of a large double-lined letter (P or T?) - evidently part of the paper maker’s watermark. The only observation made by Mr. Hart’s correspondent is “Timbre de service, occupation anglaise de Candie,” i. e., “Official stamp; British occupation of Candia.” Can any of our readers furnish any information regarding the authenticity or status of this label? The only official document I know of relating to the British post in this island distinctly states, “Letters on Her Majesty’s Service and soldiers’ letters will go free, but should bear the signature of an officer,” from which it would seem that there were no official stamps of any kind whatsoever. Mr. Hart also invites information regarding the status of the revolutionary labels of 1905. Gibbons’ catalogue lists fourteen stamps in five types and in addition all sorts of errors and varieties are known. The publishers of that catalogue state “the above issues are listed with a great deal of reserve, as we are unable to say definitely whether they are issued under any justifiable authority.” This expresses broadly practically all that is known concerning these issues. The only item I have been able to trace in their favor is the following letter written to the Monthly Journal in 1905 by a correspondent at Athens :— “In regard to the revolutionary stamps of Crete, the Decree of the Revolutionary Government establishing the postal service and announcing the issue of these postage stamps is dated from Therisson, 30 August, 1905, and bears the signatures of the President, J. Pappajaulas, and the Secretary, C. Manos. Five post offices use these stamps - Therisson, Bamos, Authopyrgos, Castelli and Atsipopoulos; but the last two have been occupied by the Russian Army, and the regular Cretan stamps now circulate in those offices. This decree was published in the official paper of this government and also in the newspaper of Athens." This is indeed slender evidence in their favor and it must be remembered that the consensus of opinion at the time was that the stamps were printed at and circulated from Athens and never saw the island of Crete at all. Even if any did reach the island the territory occupied by the insurgents seems to have been confined to a small mountain on which there was one insignificant village so that the need of postage stamps could hardly have been very pressing. Their status may be summed up in the words of the Philatelic Record, We believe the whole of these revolutionary stamps to be entirely speculative and to possess no franking powers.” |
| Germany - new unofficial 2 mark issue found - page 70 INTERMEDIATE TYPE OF THE 2M “DEUTSCHES REICH” Translated for Gibbons Weekly from Deutsche Briefmarken Zeitung. In the Mittecilungen der Firma Paul Kohl, No. 1, December 1908, appeared the following account of a discovery :- “An interesting stamp has just been shown us, the 2 mark stamp of 1902 with the sunset rays of Type 1 and the large figure ‘2’ in the upper corners betokening the first engraving, whilst the inscription ‘Deutsches Reich’ is in Roman type, denoting the re-engraving altered to accord with the Berne regulations. The stars before and after the word ‘Reich’ are also remarkable, being in the case of this stamp fairly large and clearly five-pointed, whereas in the case of the final type, with finer rays and altered ‘2,’ the stars are smaller and almost round. Whence can this stamp or, rather, the plate have come, of which no one has up till now heard or read? There are two possible explanations; first, that the intention was to make the best possible use of the first plate, and only to alter the inscription; and that after this had been done the plate was for some reason not accepted and was returned to stock; or, secondly, that the Roman plate was at once prepared, the first plate being at the same time altered and held in reserve. But how comes it that impressions should have been taken, or, rather, that such impressions could have found their way out into the light of day? It would be interesting to discover whether any further examples of this stamp are known, and to what extent and by what means they have found their way into the hands of their lucky possessor.” We have only lately had a sight of copies of this intermediate type. Herr Philirm Kosack has submitted them to us with other examples of the “Reichspost” and “Deutches Reich” issues: In this little collection are set out the various shades which occur in both issues, but which are caused solely by soft, fine-lined or heavy coarse-lined printing. The finer lines of the original die can be distinguished only in the case of good clear prints. The colour of the issued stamps was always the same dark blue, and the light blue appearance of part of the picture (the angel and so on), compared with the deeper blue of the two warriors, is only to be found in the current issue. We shall have more to say on the subject of this shading later on. The original die for the 1 mark stamp was prepared in the Engraving Department of the State Printing Office, whilst the dies for the higher values - 2, 3, and 5 marks - were entrusted to Herr Geheimen Regierungsrate Professor Wilhelm Rose, chief of the Copper Engraving Department. The result might have been foretold by any practical printer; the engraved 1 mark stamp, in spite of the unfavourable red colour, gave clearer impressions than the three etched dies of the 2, 3 and 5 mark stamps. “Calcography” is a name of Greek derivation for copper engraving, and it might thus be supposed that the dies made by the chief of this department were copper-plate engravings. This presumption, however, is incorrect, for the three dies were prepared by a chemical process, a method of etching on copper, intended to take the place of copper engraving. As also in Paris, so in the German State Printing Works, attempts are being made to solve this problem, but the results have everywhere been disappointing, as the Danish portrait stamps of 1904, for example, have shown. The entire replacing of the graver by acid will probably remain a Utopian dream. Special difficulty stood in the way of chemically engraving the 2 mark stamp, which had to show an angelic figure shedding rays of light, beside two strongly drawn old German warriors, and in the background of the picture, mountains with eternal snows. The chemical process did not succeed in satisfactorily reproducing this appearance, so an endeavor was made to produce the desired effect by means of the printing ink, to which end a quite light blue colour was chosen, which showed up the angel figure very well. Satisfied with this result, the orders to print in this colour had been given when the matter was laid before a certain philatelist, also experienced in matters appertaining to printing, with the request that he would give his opinion on the new 2 mark stamp. The verdict was an unexpected one. The light blue colour was condemned as altogether unsuitable, because it did not sufficiently bring out the figures of the two warriors, and also left the frame of the picture indistinct, and a dark blue ink was at once ordered for the printing. Of the light blue impressions, nothing more has been seen. The intermediate type submitted to us recalled to our recollection this little story of jugglery with the 2 mark stamp. As a result of the decision of Wurtemberg to abandon its own type of stamps and to make use in future of stamps of the “Reichspost” type, it was decided to altar the inscription “Reichspost” to "Deutsches Reich.” This alteration was accomplished without difficulty on all the stamps except the 2 marks. It seemed that some correction was called for in the picture of this stamp. At any rate the type of the inscription was altered, with the description of the country. To be in keeping with the picture the Roman letters were abandoned, and old German characters adopted. Since, however, the Postal Union regulations require that stamps destined for use throughout the world should bear Roman-lettered inscriptions, the old German lettering had to be again removed shortly after the issue was made. In the same way as the so-called Gothic inscriptions were inserted in the original dies, or more probably into a replica of the original die, so also the Roman letters were next substituted on the same die. This was the origin of the intermediate type. These repeated corrections naturally damaged the design to some extent, and gave occasion for the decision (perhaps as early as the time of the first corrections) to make a perfectly new die. The chief reason for this re-engraving was found in the angel’s figure, together with the wish to improve the appearance of the water, mountains, and sky. The now current stamps show with what great success the preparation of this new die was carried out. Only in a few too heavily inked impressions does the figure of the angel stand out above the two warriors. As a rule it appears as a luminous apparition. The mountain ranges appear more distant, the shading on the cliff walls can be seen, the two heroes appear strong and lifelike, the frame is more clearly engraved. There are also a number of more or less noticeable departures from the drawing of the first original die. The chief object, that of making the angel of peace stand back from the two warriors, has been well carried out by means of engraving the new die instead of etching it chemically as before. All the lines are distinct, and even the finest lines of shading are clear. It is a matter for congratulation that the State Printing Office has recognized the impracticability of chemical copper etching, and, like Denmark, has reverted to the noble art of engraving. The intermediate type is unknown in a used condition. It exists certainly ready gunned and perforated 14 1/2 x 14, but must have fulfilled its mission in the essay stage. Its discovery, six years after its preparation, gives it naturally a higher value amongst collectors as a really interesting subject for any specialist’s collection. Common it can never become, and no collector need to be distressed that this stamp, which really never came into use, is likely to remain on the list of the unattainables. |
| USA - Coil stamps - change from perforation 12 to perforation
8 1/2 to prevent tearing of the coil of stamps - page 72 NEW COIL PERFORATION. A change has been made in the perforation of the United States stamps issued in coils. Joseph A. Steinmetz is the first to show us this new novelty, which will eventually be listed in all catalogues because it is an official perforation. The stamps shown us by Mr. Steinmetz are printed on the new watermark paper, and are issued in coils for mailing machines. It seems that when operating the coiling machines, it was found that the previous perforation (12) caused great loss and waste from breakage and tearing off. To overcome this the perforations were widened. So far only the vertical perforations have been issued. Wmk. Single line U.S.P.S. Perf. Vertical 1c green 2c carmine We cannot let this novelty pass without commenting on the possibilities which will now arise as to the status of perforations as used by mailing machines. The new government issue will most assuredly have to be listed in catalogues, and if the part perforate are listed “perforated vertical 8 1/2" would not the previous part perforate issues of the government have to he listed “perforated vertical 12”? Both are official perforations, although the latter has not been listed in the Standard Catalogue, because of the possibility of trimming stamps issued ordinarily to resemble the part perforates. But now we think that both will he listed and the possibilty of the private perforations being listed, such as Schermack No. 1; Scherniack No. 2; Schermack No. 3; Mailometer No. 1, Mailometer No. 2; United States Automatic Vending No. 1; Brinkerhoff No. 1; and Brinkerhoff No. 2, is not a thing of many years .- Phila Stamp News. |
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