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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 Mar 4, 1911 Volume XXV, Number
9, Whole Issue Number 1053
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| Montenegro - the 1910 Coronation issue - pages 73-74 Written for MEKEEL’S WEEKLY. THE CORONATION ISSUE OF MONTENEGRO. By. L. Harald Kjellstedt. As the first supply of this issue arrived in this country during the latter part of November many collectors have already had an opportunity of admiring the exceedingly handsome designs and the beautiful engraving which make these stamps an ornamentation to any album. In the Schweizer Briefmarken Zeitung Dr. O. Weber furnishes an article, which sets forth the historical meaning of the dates found on these stamps, and as Montenegro is a country so comparatively little known in this hemisphere a review of the article referred to will serve an educational purpose. The courage and bravery, and intense patriotism of the people of Montenegro displayed during a struggle for independence covering 400 years have secured them the respect and admiration of every liberty-loving nation in Europe. The former principality, and present kingdom of Montenegro is located between Austria-Hungary and Turkey with an outlet to the Adriatic Sea. Its area is only 3,630 square miles, a little more than the area of our two smallest states, Rhode Island and Delaware, combined, and nearly exactly the same as that of Porto Rico. The country consists of a series of high ridges with lofty mountain peaks. Its main industry is the raising of live stock. The population is 228,000 and furnishes no standing army but every able bodied inhabitant is a trained soldier and liable to service. The education of the children is free and compulsory. The name Tschernagora (Montenegro or black mountain) appears first in the 15th century and referred to the territory between Cattaro and Scutari. After the decline of Servia which followed the defeat at the hands of the Turks in the battle of Kossowo, 1389, a number of families with the help of the Venetians maintained their independence of Turkey. Their chief adviser was the bishop of Cetigne. In the beginning of the 18th century, the metropolitan Danilo of the Njegosch family entered into negotiations with czar Peter the Great of Russia and attacked Turkey in 1711. From that time up to 1796 the litle country was constantly on the warpath. The latter year, Prince Peter I defeated the Turkish commander, Karamahmud Pascha in the battle of Krusi and as a result the Brda territory in the east was added to Montenegro During Peter II, who ruled from 1830 to 1851, began the time of reforms which included the establishment of a cabinet, a senate, a government printery, schools etc. Heretofore the princely authority had been exercised in conjunction with the Bishopric authority and Danilo I, who ruled from 1851 to 1860, was the first to assume the independent title and authority of Prince of Montenegro and Brda. He did so with the consent of his own people and was recognized by Austria and Russia. Turkey, on the other hand, protested, and sent an army into the little country but as this was done without any consultation with Austria, Turkey was prevented from continuing the war. During the Crimean war, Montenegro remained quietly engaged in domestic reforms. At the Congress of Paris, in 1858, Ali Pascha, succeeded, notwithstanding the opposition of France, in having the European powers declare, that Montenegro formed an integrant part of the Ottoman Empire, and in order to prove their sovereignty, the Turks attacked Montenegro without any previous declaration of war. May 13, 1858, Prince Mirko Petrovitsch, brother of Prince Danilo and father of the present King Nicholas, defeated the Turkish general Hussein Pascha and his army of 20,000 at the battle of Grahovo. The sultan now declared himself willing to have the boundaries adjusted through an International commission. Before this was accomplished, Prince Danilo was assassinated in Cattaro, August 11, 1860. It should be mentioned that the succession to the principality of Montenegro always went to a nephew of the ruling prince. Thus, on the death of Prince Danilo, he was succeeded by his nephew, Nikola I, the present King Nicholas. King Nicholas was born October 7, 1841 and was educated at Triest and at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris. The 1 para stamp of the coronation issue shows a portrait of the 14 year old prince while he was a student at the French college. At the time his uncle was assassinated Nicholas spent his vacation in his own country and was immediately proclaimed as successor. October 27 of the same year he married the princess Milena to whom he had been engaged since his earliest youth. The 2 para stamp shows the fine faces of the young couple. In 1861, the Herzegovinians, who are of the same race and religion as the people of Montenegro, started a rebellion against Turkey, unofficially supported by Montenegro. This caused the Turkish commander, Dervisch Pascha, to march on Cetigne, the capital of Montenegro, with an army of 60,000 men. Through international pressure, the Turks were prevented from availing themselves of the advantages gained through their victory at the battle of Ricka; and peace was declared in 1862 with heavy restrictions on Montenegro, which the latter afterwards ignored. Now followed 14 years of internal development until the Herzegovinian revolution in July 1876 when Montenegro and Servia united, declared war against Turkey. The 15 para stamp shows us the features of the Prince at that time. The proclamation that the young Prince issued to his people on this occasion was indicative of his high spirits. “Montenegrins! I do not order you to be brave because bravery is a characteristic which was given you, in the cradle with your mother’s milk. I see the light in your falcon eyes and the heaving of your bosoms. The defeat of Kossowo shall be avenged. I march against the Turks. I do not need to urge you to fight because I know I could not hold you back even if I tried to do so. You, like me, have only one desire: The destruction of our hereditary enemy. Forward, then you falcons of Tschernagora! During Amurat I, the Servian land was laid low, during Murat V it shall rise again. This is my and your hope, and the will of the God whom my family has served and worshipped for centuries.” Right in the beginning of the war, the brave Montenegrins won the bloody battles of Padgoritza, July 23, and Vutschidol, July 28, 1876. The Turks suffered enormous losses and the forts of Medun fell into the hands of Prince Nicholas. The Turkish general Hamdi Pascha, was recalled and Mahmud Pascha took his place. After a time of temporary peace, the war broke out again in 1877, with Russia on the side of Montenegro and Servia. In June, Suleiman Pascha joined his forces with those of Ali Saib Pascha in order to operate against Cetigne. Prince Nicholas repulsed them and afterwards laid siege to the forts of Niksitsch which he took after 7 weeks by the aid of heavy Russian artillery. Five days later, Nicholas stood before Antivari which held out until January 10, 1878. On that day the Turkish commander Ibrahim Bey hoisted the white flag and requested an interview with Nicholas which took place in the residence of the Bishop of Antivari. The Montenegrins showed the Turks all military honors and Nicholas greeted Ibrahim Bey heartily and asked him to be seated, but with tears in his eyes and shaking voice Ibrahim announced the unconditional surrender of the forts. Nicholas comforted him by saying that even heroism has its limitations when left unsupported, and gave orders for the protection of civilians, women and children in the surrendered town. Two hours later the army of Montenegro occupied the forts which had been shot to ruins. Eight days later Dulcigno surrendered and this ended the war. According to the treaty of San Stefano, Montenegro was permitted to keep all it had taken, which would bring its territory near to the Servian frontier, but in the following Berlin congress, through the diplomacy of Bismark, about one third of the territory was restored to Turkey. Nevertheless Montenegro secured an outlet to the sea and had its independence recognized by all the powers. This glorious aera in the history of Montenegro is referred to on the 15 para stamp with the dates 1876 - 1878. Since that time Montenegro has progressed peacefully under its wise ruler. Nicholas has also shown his gifts as an author in a drama from his pen entitled “The Empress of the Balkans,” and in the dialog entitled “The Poet and the Fairy.” From his marriage with Milena, the golden anniversary of which is indicated on the 20 para stamp. Nicholas has three sons, of whom the Crown Prince Danilo Alexander, was born in June, 1871, and seven daughters. Two of the latter are married to Russian Grand Dukes, one is the present queen of Servia, and another is Queen Helena of Italy. The elevation of Montenegro to a kingdom and the coronation of King Nicholas took place August 28, 1910, followed by a week’s celebration by the people. The 5 perpera stamp shows the latest king on horseback in his royal uniform. It is refreshing to contemplate the active and patriotic life of this rugged mountain king, standing out so brilliantly from the background of indolency and luxury of modern royalty. Nicholas has also shown his gifts as an author in a drama from his pen entitled “The Empress of the Balkans,” and in the dialog entitled “The Poet and the Fairy.” From his marriage with Milena, the golden anniversary of which is indicated on the 20 para stamp. Nicholas has three sons, of whom the Crown Prince Danilo Alexander, was born in June, 1871, and seven daughters. Two of the latter are married to Russian Grand Dukes, one is the present queen of Servia, and another is Queen Helena of Italy. The elevation of Montenegro to a kingdom and the coronation of King Nicholas took place August 28, 1910, followed by a week’s celebration by the people. The 5 perpera stamp shows the latest king on horseback in his royal uniform. It is refreshing to contemplate the active and patriotic life of this rugged mountain king, standing out so brilliantly from the background of indolency and luxury of modern royalty. |
| Book review - “Canada; Its Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery,”
by Clifton A. Howes - page 75 OUR BOOK REVIEW. “Canada; Its Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery,” by Clifton A. Howes, B. Sc., F. R. P. S. L. has been received and we say without a word of qualification that it is a crowning triumph both for its gifted author and its generous publishers. We pledge on behalf of all good philatelists our gratitude to the publishers in the belief that though the entire edition be sold, a substantial loss will yet face the publishers. While fully conversant with the superior ability and attainments of Mr. Howes, we did not anticipate so impressive a volume as has been presented. In fact, in his “Foreword,” Mr. Howes says that the book as issued far outgrew the original plans; and that when the realization came that if the subject were to be done justice, a book of some magnitude would result, it was decided to treat the stamps of Canada thoroughly. A special trip to Ottawa was made by the author to consult the Reports of the Postmaster Generals of Canada in the Library of the House of Commons; and at Ottawa, he had the invaluable assistance of Messrs. Landry and McKetchnie. Among others whom Mr. Howes remembers with gratitude is Mr. E. Y. Parker of Toronto. The magnificent collections of Chas. Lathrop Pack, Geo H. Worthington and John F. Seybold, deceased. were freely at the disposal of Mr. Howes; and these distinguished patrons did all in their power to encourage the brilliant progress of the author. The volume before us has 287 pages, cut 8 by 10 1/2 inches. The paper is of finest quality and the press-work is a beautiful example of the art preservative. Besides the front-ispiece - a page of the six pence from the Pack collection there are fourteen plates, unattached, which in the aggregate show all the stamps of Canada in perfection state, singly and variously, from first to last; splits, imperforates (of perforated varieties normally), specimens with marginal imprints, etc., and withal the plates are so true to their objects that one is lost in admiration of the illustrations. An “Introduction” and a chapter on “Preliminary Matters” pave the way for the issue of 1851. Mr. Howes weaves a story of fact so fascinatingly that one could read the book with profit and pleasure, if one had no philatelic inclinations. How much more engrossing is the witchery of the narrative to the philatelist; and as for the specialist in the stamps of Canada, he will be enthralled by the orderly presentation of he story of the issues of our northern neighbor. It would be impossible to conceive of a better use of the wealth of the material that is made by the master-hand of Mr. Howes. One would be presumptuous indeed to attempt to follow the glorious march of the author through the issues. The keen insight of Mr. Howes and his absolute command of the history of the stamps combine to make all involved points simple and lucid; and he speaks not in the tone of the pedant but with the sympathetic voice of the philatelist who knows his stamps and his readers. Mr. Howes has been eminently fair in assigning his credits and he meets all the requirements of ideal authorship in our opinion. We are proud of Mr. Howes who has given a monument to the philatelic literature of America; and we acclaim his publishers who have so public-spiritedly made possible the grand achievement which we refer to readers with confidence and with every assurance that, weigh it in the most exacting scales they will, “Canada" will not be found wanting. If we were to express a wish, it would be that an appreciation so instantaneous and so overwhelming would descend upon the book that the edition would be exhausted at once; the projectors of the volume well deserve any sentimental satisfaction that would be occasioned by such a welcome. Canada; Its Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery, by Clifton A. Howes, B. Sc., F. R. P. S. L., Published by the New England Stamp Company, Boston, 1911 : Price according to the style of binding. |
| News gleanings - page 75 NEWS GLEANINGS. - After an absence of some months, Mr. W. T. Wilson of Birmingham, England resumes his advertising in our columns and he opens his campaign with the announcement of the sale of a fine Dutch collection, which has been a medal-winner. He will have advertisements on page 6 this week and the following. - One of the firms advertising in the Weekly occupies a field all to themselves. We refer to the Providence Washington Ins. Co., which has contracted for three months’ space in which to present to the philatelic public the desirability of insuring stamp treasures while in transit and the facilities which the firm offers. We bespeak an investigation of its methods. - There was a serious mistake in the advt. of the J. W. Scott Co. Feb. 18. All the revenues should have been described as “imperforate”. Look up the list and note the prices. - Clippings are acknowledged with thanks from J. Harper Blaisdell, Chas. L. Wright, M. Klingenstein, Emil J. Rall, Egbert Bagg and Geo. D. Pettit (7). - Leon V. Cass announces this week his removal from Binghamton, N. Y., to Southern Pines, N. C. His stamp business will be continued from his new home. - We have made over the American Philatelic Society heading this week and shall no doubt be able to publish the official matter regularly hereafter. When page 8 is crowded too much by reason of advertising, we can run this matter on an inside page and do it much more easily with a single column heading than with a double. - The Toledo Stamp Co. wishes to hear from any parties who have had unsatisfactory dealings with Ralph Emerson, Chanute, Kansas. - It is becoming more and more the custom for stamp houses to issue publications that shall be made organs of communication between themselves and their customers. The latest is Charlat’s Advertiser, to which reference is made elsewhere in our columns. |
| Editorial - First Great Britian King George issues,
Earl of Crawford philatelic library catalog - page 76 EDITORIAL. King George Issues - According to the London Times, the British Postmaster General has stated in a letter to a correspondent: “It is not probable that any issue of any postage stamp bearing the effigy of his Majesty King George will take place before June next, and it is not at present possible to say whether or not sets of all postage stamps of the new issue will then be available. The issue of the stamps will thus be some months later than the new coinage, of which several denominations are already in circulation.” Several weeks ago, the probability of the issue of a special coronation celebration stamp was mentioned; and there is every prospect of a period of pleasant speculation and expectancy for philatelists for some months to come. When once the King George issues of the mother country are placed in circulation, there will follow the new stamps of the host of colonies; and a piquancy will be loaned to philately during the coming year that will be relished particularly by those to whom new issues make direct appeal. * * * The King’s Interest - The influence of the kingly example in honoring philately by still affiliating with it is manifested in England in different and impressive ways. For instance, the London Times, the greatest of newspapers, has been treating generously in its columns, news of stamps and associated subjects, and this gratifying course is inspired, we suppose, by a knowledge of the king’s interest in and approval of philately. The publicity that the newspapers of Great Britain are giving stamps is distinctly stimulating to the pursuit, it must be, and those who so faithfully have upheld philately in its weakling days have the sentimental reward that has now come to all philatelists. We abridge a Times paragraph, headed, “The King As Stamp Collector:" “Sir J. A. Simon, K. C., M. P., who was supported by his rival at the recent election. Mr. L. Stanley Johnson, opened on Saturday afternoon, an exhibition of postage stamps in the Walthamstow Public Library, The exhibition derived a special interest from the fact that the King, who is known to be an ardent collector, lent several exhibits .... proofs of the penny scarlet stamp (1901), one of which is initialed by the late King ‘Appd. E. R.,' These exhibits have been allotted a special case, and there can be no doubt that they will form the most attractive feature of the exhibition.” * * * Latest - Quite opportunely, we have received for incorporation in this number through the courtesy of Messrs. Alfred Smith & Son, London, a newspaper clipping to the effect that the designs for the new postage stamps have received the approval of the king, and we are pleased to quote the following well ordered account: “As an enthusiastic philatelist, King George’s interest in the suggestions for the new postage stamps, which have been submitted to him, has been more than a mere formality. His Majesty has now approved a design executed under the supervision of the Master of the Mint. A notable feature of it is uniformity in conspicuously denoting the value in figures, when figures are used. In the new three-halfpenny stamp, for instance, the figures 1 1/2 appear in each of the top corners. Another innovation is a dolphin introduced at the bottom of each corner, perhaps intended to suggest King George’s association with the Navy, or our maritime supremacy, or both. The accepted designs wil be engraved in the course of a few days.” * * * Great Work - A wonderful volume has been (or is just about to be published) in London and its value in systematizing the printed annals of philately and the postal service almost is beyond estimate. The Catalogue of the Philatelic Library of the Earl of Crawford, K. T., which is dedicated by special permission to King George V., is due to appear in one volume of 470 pages, folio 14 by 10 1/2 inches, double columns, on specially prepared paper. There will be Lord Crawford’s private edition and an additional three hundred copies for public distribution but of this number one hundred books are to be taken by members of the Philatelic Literature Society. There remain but two hundred copies for sale at two guineas each. The embracive character of the catalogue is to be marveled at, as it includes every book, catalogue, periodical and price-list, ‘whether important or not, relating to stamps and stamp-collecting, posts and postal service, and all cognate subjects coming within its purview, and the Catalogue besides listing the works contained in the Library, also indicates the known omissions.” The thoroughness and magnitude of the work almost pass belief. That the thousands of transient sheets and inconsequential lists even, are now permanently of record, is cause for congratulation; and the printed side of philately has now received a recognition that will astound the public and gratify the philatelist. It need not be repeated that Lord Crawford has the greatest philatelic library in the world. Could the late John K. Tiffany have seen this latest contribution to the bibliography of philately, he would realize that his work as historian of philatelic printing had been continued under most favorable conditions. Mr. Tiffany in the 70’s as well as in the 80's compiled the literature of stamps. We may have further details of this remarkable catalogue to offer later. * * * Of Rare Merit - While on the subject of philatelic literature, we must pay our respects to Mr. Howes’ “Canada,” a work that exceeds expectation. We are glad that philately is not so commercialized that a publication of this kind is possible. It is our sincere belief that the publishers know that a financial loss no doubt will attend their venture but that in order to promote the welfare of philately and assist in its elevation, they are willing to make a sacrifice. The position of this country as a congenial home of unselfish philatelic promotion is greatly strengthened by Mr. Howes’ book; and we know that the book is deserving of all the superlatives of the reviewer for its conception and execution. * * * Cheaper Postage - A Pennsylvania representative has proposed one-cent postage for all local or city delivery letters. According to the statesman’s statistics, the profit at the one-cent rate would be nearly three-quarters cent; and he avers that every reduction of letter postage has soon shown an increased volume of mail and consequently, increased postal revenue. * * * Misinformation - — An article in a Stoughton, Wis., newspaper displayed the startling words: “No More Printed Envelopes,” and the information is given that “after next January” the government will discontiue the printing of stamped envelopes. We must find space for this sensational bit of fiction elsewhere in our columns. |
| Walthamstow, England stamp exhibition, King George's
exhibit, Earl of Crawford exhibit - page 77 Special to Mekeel's Weekly. THE EXHIBIT AT WALTHAMSTOW. By Albert H. Harris. Philatelists from all parts of London were well in evidence at the Walthamstow Carnegie Library on Saturday afternoon, February 4th, when the philatelic exhibition organized by the South Essex Philatelic Society was opened by Sir John Simon, K. C., M. P., his Majesty’s Solicitor-General. Undoubtedly the exhibit by King George formed the great attraction, and Sir John Simon made happy allusion to his Majesty’s kindness in his opening speech. “By the loan of his unique collection,” said Sir John, “the King was following a tradition set him by his father and grandmother - that of associating himself actively and sincerely with the amusements and hobbies of his subjects, as well as with the toil of their daily life.” The exhibition, though not large, consisted of a choice selection of displays, and I venture to say was no less interesting owing to the absence of the “bloated” collections with which all who frequent philatelic exhibitions in this country are so familiar. The stamps shown were interesting rather on account of their history and associations than their rarity, and inasmuch as they were not too far ‘above the heads" of the visitors, were doubtless the better appreciated. The King’s exhibit was prominently displayed in the centre of the hall, decorated with the Union Jack and the Royal Standard. It consisted of four items, each of them unique, and of the highest philatelic interest. Who, for example, could fail to be attracted by the sight of the original sketch by Mulready of his famous envelope, or Rowland Hill’s water-colour sketches of the first "penny black” and “twopenny blue?" The specimens shown of the twopenny mauve stamp, strangled at its birth owing to the death of Kind Edward, were a trifle disappointing. The design in some respects resembles the stamp in current use, the head being in a small circle in the upper part of the stamp, and the value tablet below. The rest of the design consists of scroll-work somewhat after the style of the 7d, but the stamp, as a whole, is not so pleasing. Three copies were shown, a marginal pair from the corner of the sheet, and one used on an envelope addressed to the King when Prince of Wales, and posted at the West Strand post-office. As, at the time of posting, it was contemplated issuing this stamp within a few days, this copy - the only used one known - does not appear to be of the “cancelled-to-order” variety, evidently having paid postage. Such exhibits as these can only fall into the hands of a Royal collector, and philatelists owe a debt of gratitude to King George for placing at the disposal of his fellow-collectors the results of his philatelic enthusiasm and research, which might otherwise be lost to our hobby. The Earl of Crawford’s exhibit filled several frames and consisted of interesting prints and documents relating to early postal matters in this country, all of which are worthy of careful study by serious philatelists. It is too often overlooked that true philately embraces not stamps merely, but the whole postal history of the world, and that the collection of stamps should be a means to an end, rather than an end itself. Facing the Earl of Crawford’s stands we have Mr. S. R. Turner’s fine collection of English line-engraved stamps, and, admirably annotated as they are, they could not fail to dignify any philatelic exhibition. Mr. Chas. Nissen, and Mr. Albert Ashby also contribute to the display of Great Britain, the former with an attractive array of documents and colour-trials of the 1887 issue, and the latter with a well arranged exhibit of “penny blacks.” As an example of a complete and compact specialised collection, Mr. Leon Adutt’s Cayman Islands would be difficult to match. Commencing in the most approved manner with maps and views, a local atmosphere is created before the stamps themselves are reached, and these embrace sketches, proofs and colour trials in bright array, in addition to the issued stamps, entires, and postmarks. This collection is well-known, and was displayed before the Royal Philatelic Society a month ago. All the provisional issues are strongly represented, both used and unused, some even in blocks, and many of the pieces are, Mr. Adutt tells me, unique. The collection, too, is fully annotated indeed, the notes at the foot of the pages and between the stamps form a comprehensive history of the Cayman Islands from the time Jamaican stamps were in use until the opening of the South Essex Philatelic Exhibition. Mr. W. E. Lincoln exhibited a most interesting collection of stamps prepared in connection with his admirable lecture, “Philatelic Monuments to War,” and as Mr. Lincoln - when he was not doing a roaring trade at his stall - was busy describing his frames to numerous visitors, I have not the least doubt that many of the curious left the hall with a greatly improved opinion upon the value of philately from the historic standpoint. The method of preparing an engraved plate was clearly demonstrated by Messrs. Perkins-Bacon’s exhibit, where the two original dies required for producing a bi-coloured stamp were shown side by side. Next to these was the transfer-roll showing impressions from the dies in relief, and a finished plate of one hundred impressions from the transfer-roll, in ten rows of ten, made the whole process of manufacture clearer to the novice than any philatelic handbook. Among the other exhibits there was little calling for comment. They were uniformly attractive and, as I have indicated, there was neither a surfeit of good things to irritate the small collector, nor too much of one subject to weary the non-collector who is always induced to attend these gatherings by some enthusiastic philatelic missionary, in the hope that it may result in his mental salvation. Another time, perhaps, it will be possible to open the exhibition at an earlier hour than 4 p. m. on a Saturday (the public were not admitted until 6 p. m.) and to provide a few chairs for the weary. But these are details, and the exhibition as a whole was most praiseworthy and instructive. Pianoforte and orchestral selections were admirably rendered at intervals, and the exhibition was crowded throughout the evening. The South Essex Philatelic Society is certainly to be congratulated upon the success of its efforts, and the energy and initiative of its President, Mr. A. H. Clarke, to whom a large measure of credit is due. Although suffering from a severe cold, Mr. Clarke was in attendance throughout the evening, and was untiring in his efforts to render visitors every possible assistance in order that they might appreciate the exhibition to the full. Of the success of the opening day there can be no doubt, and the exhibition, which will remain open for one week, cannot fail to have a salutary effect upon philately, not only in Walthamstow, but throughout the country. The South Essex Society has clearly demonstrated its usefulness to the body philatelic, and should immediately reap the benefit of a largely increased membership. |
| Canal Zone - 10 cent overprint on 13 cent issue
- page 78 - Emil J. Rail, favoring us with a specimen of the new 10c Canal Zone, also sends us the Canal Zone Record, in which the history of the stamp is given. Five hundred thousand stamps of the 13c value were originally ordered by the Canal Zone government from the Panama government. This was in 1910, shortly before the increase in the postal registration fee from 8c to 10c. By the time the stamps were printed the increase in the fee had been made effective in the Canal Zone, hence an attempt to dispose of the issue by overprinting them 10c. |
| Chronicle of New issues and Varieties - page 78 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. - We are indebted to Frank B. Eldridge for a specimen of the current 2c envelope which shows Washington with a very much more pronounced “Adam’s apple” than usual. J. M. Brooks, M. D., shows us the current playing card stamp in greenish blue instead of ultramarine. This color is not chronicled by Scott, though the Boston Philatelic Society’s Revenue Books says the stamp was issued in “cobalt blue” in 1898. Albert Ritter shows specimens of albino and other curious freak envelopes. Mrs. Mary A. Hill reports having found the current 6c stamp part perforate and precancelled “Chicago, Ill.” George Curtiss Job has shown us specimens of the current 2c due stamps, in a slightly different shade, but printed with so much ink as to present a striking contrast with the ordinary stamps of the same issue. Ecuador. - Hermann Focke shows us a cover having five of the new fiscal 1c stamps, dated 1911-1912, postally used without surcharge. The cover also has the provisional 5c on 20c fiscal, and No. 171, making the full postage 30 centavos. Newfoundland. - Orville H. Milburn reports having found the 5c of the Guy set perforated 12x14. Practically all of this set show minor varieties of lettering. The new 6c is in nearly the same shade as the first issue, but there are many changes in the design, the new printing being from engraved plates, instead of being lithographed. The most striking difference is in the tablet containing the legend at the bottom of the stamp. In the original issue that had a background of vertical lines, but in the engraved stamp is colorless. Ewen’s Weekly reports that the Guy set has been engraved by the Waterlows of London, and therefore other engraved values may be expected to follow the 6c just issued. There is reported to be considerable excitement in stamp circles, in both London and Newfoundland, over the remainders of the lithographed set. Nicaragua. - Hermann Focke reports having received a full sheet of 25 of the 5c on 1p yellow reported last week, and finds that it is free of any serious errors, though on stamps Nos. 4 and 5, 5, the stop after “cts” is missing, and on No. 6, the space between the “5” and “cts” is 1 1/2 mm. instead of 3 1/2 mm. as on all other copies. Mr. Focke also sends us two new provisionals made by surcharging two values of the 1909 official set in new values for regular postal use. The new surcharge is in a single line, and reads “Vale 5 cts” or “Vale 10 cts” below the word “Oficial”. “Vale” and "cts" are in Italic letters and the value in upright figures in each case. All surcharges are in black. Provisional Adhesives. Officials of 1909 Surcharged with New Value. 5c on 3c orange. 10c on 4c violet. The C. E. Hussman Stamp Co. reports having a strip of 3 of 10c on 15c slate, two normal and one without the "10c". Nyassa. - The New England Stamp Co. has shown us the long heralded new set from this Colony. The stamps are all surcharged “Republica” in red, so that it is a question whether they will be ever obtainable without the surcharge, or what value they would have in such case. There are four designs used, the two designs of the 1901 set being repeated, with another in the square shape of the old set, but showing a zebra instead of the familiar camels, and still another showing an ancient caravel under full sail. The frames have portrait of King Manuel in place of King Carlos, and a crown has been inserted in the centre of the frame at the top. There are also several other changes in the frame and several of the higher values are printed on colored papers. All the frames are in black, like the 1901 set, except the 100, 200 and 300r values. Adhesives. Square Shape with Camels. 2 1/2r black and violet. 5r black. 10r black and green. Square Shape with Zebra. 20r black and red. 25r black and brown. 50r black and blue. Upright Shape with Camelopard. 75r black and yellow brown. 100r yellow brown and green. 200r black and green on salmon. Upright Shape with Caravel. 300r black on blue. 400r black and brown. 500r olive and brown. Uruguay. - The Stamp Collectors’ Fortnightly illustrates a stamp issued by the Uruguayan Government in honor of the meeting of the South American Postal Congress at Montevideo January 8. The design suggests the Centaur stamps, issued last year, the central figure being a female allegorical figure representing commerce and communications. The stamps were printed by the South American Bank Note Co., Buenos Ayres, on paper watermarked diamonds with “RO” in the centre of each diamond, and perforated 11 1/2. Adhesive. 5c carmine and black. |
| With the Boy Philatelist, Canada 1851 12 pence
issue currency explained, Hair lines on 1862 Great Britain issue, Transvaal
/ South Africa motto "EENDRAGHT MAAKT MAGT” explained, Duplicate stamps
- advocation on studying them before sellling/trading them away - page79 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. A CANADIAN NOTE. A correspondent asks me why the 12d stamp of the 1851-52 issue of Canada is inscribed “Twelve Pence” instead of "One Shilling" as is usual with other British Colonial stamps of corresponding value. The reason for this somewhat curious way of expressing the denomination is due to the fact that at the period the stamp was issued a penny had a fixed value throughout Canada, while a shilling varied in value in different parts of the Colony. This stamp, therefore, had its value denoted in pence to save dispute and prevent loss to the Post Office. Had it been simply a shilling stamp it would have had to be sold for 6 1/2d, 7 1/2d, 10d or 12d according to locality, but as it was plainly inscribed "‘Twelve Pence” no misunderstanding could possibly arise. HAIR LINES. Another reader tells me he notices several British stamps are listed in Scott’s catalogue as having “hair-lines" and he would like to know how to identify these varieties. These hair-lines are small white lines drawn diagonally across the four extreme corners of the stamps. They are only found on the 4d, 6d, and 9d stamps of the 1862 issue of Great Britain and they were added to the design so that the stamps printed from certain plates could be identified from those produced from other plates. They really take the place of the plate numbers found on later editions of the same design. Another sort of hair-lines known to specialists are very fine coloured lines running through various parts of the designs of certain stamps. They are often found in connection with early line-engraved stamps. These lines are really “guide-lines” drawn on the plates as a help in accurately placing the impressions, and their presence on the stamps is purely accidental and due to certain impressions not being in the exact positions they should ocupy. They are varieties the young collector need hardly trouble about though it is as well he should understand their real character. A TRANSVAAL NOTE. A correspondent asks the meaning of the motto "EENDRAGHT MAAKT MAGT” which appears on so many of the stamps of the Transvaal or South African Republic, as it was once called. This is Dutch for “Union is Strength,” and it was chosen as a suitable motto by the dissatisfied Cape Colony farmers who formed the Republic. U. S. A. PROOFS. Carlos Mundt writes as follows :— “Is it a good plan to buy india proofs or cardboard proofs of U. S.? I have several in my collection as set-fillers, and where the original stamp is very high in price.” Proofs, though indispensable in any collection formed on specialist lines, are generally considered as being a little outside the scope of the general collector. I can hardly advise young collectors to purchase proofs when there are so many interesting stamps they might add to their collections with the same outlay. At the same time if you have any proofs it is as well to keep them though I certainly think they should be mounted on special pages or in a special book and kept quite apart from one’s ordinary stamps. I cannot advise the plan of my correspondent in using them as space-fillers as in that case, though of course no deception is intended, they are really falsely masquerading as stamps. The same correspondent asks “is it a good plan to buy U. S. now in preference to foreign inasmuch as it is said they are going up in price?” True, U. S. in fine condition are steadily advancing in price and will probably continue to do so. But so are the stamps of most countries in really fine condition. The advance in prices, however, chiefly affects the rarer stamps and I do not think the man or boy who spends small amounts on stamps may worry unduly about market conditions. It is far better, though for the general collector to confine his attentions to a few countries at a time if he can, rather than collect haphazardly and so have only a few of the commonest stamps of every country. Take, say, two of your favorite countries and obtain all the stamps of these that come within the limits of your purse, then take one or two more countries. By this systematic way of collecting, one will accumulate a much better collection and fewer duplicates, that by adopting the more usual happy-go-lucky way of buying mixed lots and packets. DUPLICATES. Mention of duplicates reminds me of an interesting letter, which appeared on this subject in the Postage Stamp some weeks ago, and from which I make the following extracts :— "My advice to beginners is, don’t sell your duplicates till you have learned all there is to know about them. I started collecting about five years ago, and soon began to accumulate duplicates of all sorts. My idea was to get one stamp of a kind, no matter the shade, perforation or watermark, and I naturally thought I was very clever if I could get rid of some. “So I joined a Stamp Club and sent sheets regularly every month. Some of the stamps that I thought of no value sold like the proverbial hot cakes. I was then tempted to part with solitary specimens. Perhaps I had only one on a page and I thought there is no use keeping that. “You get past the stage when one stamp of a kind suffices. You begin to find real pleasure in hunting for the varieties of watermark and perforation, and very likely the stamps you sold at the beginning are just the ones you would now be glad of. So again I say stick to all you can get and look for more. “Stamp collecting is a hobby and a study, not a crude commercial enterprise.” There is much sound advice in the above and the inexperienced collector should be quite sure that his duplicates are really duplicates before he attempts to trade them for new varieties. SHORT REPLIES. F. A. B. - Cannot say why Scott’s catalogue does not list postcards but probably because there is so little sale for them. Most collectors would hardly consider albino envelopes and watermark varieties such as you mention of sufficient importance to warrant mention in catalogues. W. F. - I’m sorry I cannot undertake to value stamps for if I once started that I’m afraid I should lose even the little time for sleep and meals that every scribe is justly entitled to! C. R. P. - The letter “G” on your Cape of Good Hope stamp signifies that it was intended for use in Griqualand - now a part of Cape Colony but at one time having its own postal administration. J. L. R. - Your Sudan stamp perforated with the letters "SG" is an official stamp. It was in use before the set overprinted “O. S. G. S.” made its appearance. |
| London Letter - page 79 - South African commemoratives
delayed due to possible theft of funds, Great Britain postal stationary -
question of issuing it at face value without any extra cost for the envelope,
Rhodesia - 21st annual report of the Rhodesia Company - sales of its stamps
in London, Great Britain - new post office building examined by philatelists Written for Mekeel's Weekly. OUR LONDON LETTER. By Albert H. Harris. London, Feb. 16th, 1911. A Commemorative Re-echo. - In my last two letters I have had occasion to dwell upon the enormous demand for the South African Commemorative, and the consequent delay. I now have it on good authority that a portion of the money remitted by collectors to the offices of the High Commissioner in Victoria Street, Westminster, was the subject of a theft, and this may in part explain the abnormal delay which occurred. Free Stationery. - The proposal mentioned in my December letter that the English Post Office should fall into line with the other great countries of the world, and supply stamped stationery at face value, has led to organised protest by the stationers of the United Kingdom who urge that the proposal, if adopted, will rob them of their trade and keep out of their shops people who would, by frequenting them, be induced to purchase articles of greater value. The Postmaster-General’s argument that poor people suffer a hardship by having to pay 3/4d for a 1/2d card, and the stationers’ reply that poor people, when they want to write, at present go to them for a packet of stationery, are alike weak. A protest meeting is to be held in London after Parliament meets, but I do not personally think that the stationers’ opposition will be allowed to carry the weight it did thirty years ago, when similar proposals were rejected. Rhodesian Progress. - The twenty-first report of the Chartered Company, just issued, records an increase of no less than £17,000, or about $85,000.00, in the receipts from posts and telegraphs for the nine months ending December 31st last. The whole report shows the territory to be in a more prosperous state than ever before, and while postal and telegraphic development is the necessary accompaniment of such prosperity, it must not be forgotten that the postal revenue has been considerably augmented during this period by sales to stamp collectors, largely owing to the introduction of the “King George and Queen Mary” design, and partly, perhaps, to the currency of an overprinted series. Such things are not likely to be overlooked, however, by the astute authorities who supply the stamps wholesale at the Company’s London headquarters, and that they anticipated a fairly brisk demand for the new series seems evident from the fact that they decided to decline all orders for less than $25.00. Apparently, however, it is owing to this satisfactory increase in the revenue of the department which has caused the board to authorize a reduction in the rate for letters from Rhodesia to other parts of the British Empire from 2 1/2d to 1d per half-ounce from April 1st next. How they Came. - So far we have but two Georgian designs before us - the South African and the Rhodesian. They mark the advent of the philatelic Georgian era and, as indicating the influence of stamp collecting in the present generation, it is interesting to observe the details connected with their issue. Once upon a time a stamp was issued in a distant land, and by and by someone wrote about it to one of the early philatelic magazines. Today the Dominions sell through their High Commissioners, who write to the papers giving all particulars, and intimating that they hold a stock in London, and that all who want may buy, while postmasters in our Crown Colonies are instructed to record their sales to stamp dealers in a separate ledger. I do not deplore the granting of such facilities to stamp collectors, and I have bought some of the stamps in London myself. But the comparison with the old days is significant, is it not? Philatelists and the New P. O. - The new and handsome edifice erected for the housing of our ever-expanding postal department has already been described in these columns. Only the main hall, where counter business is transacted, is open to the public, but the Postmaster General has kindly provided facilities for a party of members of the Modern Collectors Club to be conducted over the various departments on the afternoon of March 25. As this is the first opportunity philatelists have had of inspecting a Government building which is so inseparably connected with their hobby, I have no doubt that members of the “Modern” will turn up in full force. Tea is afterwards to be served at the King’s Hall Cafe, Cheapside. |
| Private postal insurance policy advertisement
mentioned elsewhere in this (March 4, 1911) issue - page 80 Have You Bought a Postal Policy Yet? Doesn’t our proposition appeal to you? Judging by the scores of inquiries and orders we have received from leading dealers and collectors from all parts of the U. S. and Canada, the merits of Postal Insurance were instantly appreciated by even a greater number of philatelists than we had anticipated. If you saw a five dollar bill lying on the ground would you leave it there because it would be too much exertion to lean over and pick it up? Is the exertion of sending us a postal, with your name and address on it, any more than this? If you knew that by sending a postal you could be shown an absolutely sure means of picking up five to five hundred dollars, wouldn’t you sit right down and send that postal? Well, most of you would, but evidently some of you wouldn’t, or you would write us. We absolutely guarantee to save you 25 to 75% of your registration expense. By using Postal Insurance you get this money just as surely as if you picked it up. How much you save depends on the size of your mail. WRITE US. WHY WASTE YOUR MONEY? Policies cost from $2.50 up, with a trial size at $1.25. Remember, “We save you money, time and trouble.” [tf Providence Washington Ins. Co. Philatelic Dept. S.B.Whitehead, Mgr., 77 Beaver St., New York City |
| End of Issue |