2023-04 American Philatelist

APRIL 2023 $6.95

MONTHLY JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHILATELIC SOCIETY

Shangri-la Found!

Found!

A Wonderland of Revenues

WWW.STAMPS.ORG

Mystic: Big Stamp Buyer – Small-town Values CAMDEN, N.Y. The year 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Mystic Stamp Company, America’s leading stamp dealer.

A lot has changed since it opened its President of Mystic doors, but two things Donald Sundman remain the same is a lifetime stamp – Mystic’s small- collector with over four decades in the town values and its stamp business. commitment to being the most active buyer of stamps in the US. It’s obvious that old-fashioned values and big business can go hand-in-hand when we look back at Mystic’s history. Let’s step back in time – to the Roaring Twenties when Warren Harding was president, Prohibition was raging and Mystic opened its doors...

Humble Beginnings Lawrence K. Shaver founded Mystic in 1923 in the tiny upstate New York village of Camden. Shaver sold his own collection of US 3¢ 1851s for two hundred dollars, using the funds to buy stamps for resale. He began his business in a one-room office over the Camden Post Office.

Today, Mystic operates out of a 50,000 square foot headquarters, employs 150 colleagues and reports it has spent tens of millions of dollars on stamps and coins over the last five years.

Purchased by the Sundman Family In 1974, Maynard Sundman bought Mystic. Sundman, a pioneer in the stamp and coin approval business, put his youngest son, Don, in charge. Mystic grew quickly under Don Sundman’s leadership, earning a solid reputation for paying collectors and dealers more for stamps. The motto “Mystic Pays More For Your Stamps” became the company’s tag line in ads in stamp publications.

Major Acquisitions 1998 saw Mystic setting a record for highest price ever paid for a US

stamp. For just under one million dollars, Mystic became the owner of the 1868 1¢ Z Grill, America’s rarest stamp.

Since then, Mystic has made several headlines acquiring rare stamps.

In 2005, Sundman traded the 1¢ Z Grill for the unique 1918 Jenny Inverted Error Plate Block. This transaction – called the “$6 million dollar trade” – was featured by news outlets worldwide.

When the National Postal Museum held two auctions to sell deaccessioned US Revenue stamps, Mystic was the main buyer. The company spent over $3 million on the Revenue stamps and paid over 60% of the prices realized.

In recent years, Mystic has also focused on buying worldwide stamps.

The company bought the rare China #64 stamp (less than 10 are known to exist) for over $85,000 – over three times the stamp’s Scott Catalogue value at the time. Mystic was also the highest bidder at a private sale for the rare “Levante Italiano” 1874 5 centesimi without overprint. This stamp is believed to be unique.

Mystic paid $84,232 for the stamp, winning it in a highly competitive auction. Likewise, in 2012, Mystic purchased the unique 1918 Black Honduras for $165,000.

Mystic Buys All Kinds of Stamps – And Pays More to Get Them The majority of the firm’s purchases are made from individual collectors and small dealers. However, Mystic

also purchased Fleetwood, America’s premier First Day Cover producer and moved the entire operation from Wyoming to upstate New York.

Asked how he and his buyers manage to be so active in a competitive business, Sundman says there’s no secret to Mystic’s success. “People want a high market price for their stamps – and we pay it.”

Sundman also emphasizes the professionalism of the company’s stamp buyers. “I receive hundreds of letters from collectors and dealers describing how pleased they are with the honesty and professionalism of our stamp buyers and the stress-free convenience of our service.”

What the Future Holds Mystic serves thousands of collectors each week. So its need to buy both US and worldwide stamps continues. Although Mystic buys all kinds of stamps, of particular interest are British Colonies and other European Colonies. The stamps of Asia, specifically China and Japan, are of special interest.

Mystic is looking to purchase stamps and coins from private collectors, plus entire store inventory and dealer stocks. The company’s buyers are prepared to travel and pay high market prices for high-value collections. They pay with a check “on the spot” and remove the stamps, leaving only a satisfied client.

Call 1-800-835-3609

Mystic’s stamp buyers are anxious to speak with prospective sellers.

They can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-835-3609. They’ll guide you, helping you to make a smart decision about the sale of your stamps and enjoy peace of mind after the transaction.

Mystic Stamp Company Attention: Buying Department 9700 Mill Street Camden, NY 13316-9111 StampBuyer@MysticStamp.com Fax: 1-315-245-9838

BA2491

NEWSFLASH: UK ‘New Issue’ Because Collectors are seldom treated as Very Important Decimal Machins Philatelists (VIP’s) UPA is paying for this ANNOUNCEMENT to be Invalidated...

UPA VIP Series … British Post Office Swap-Shop

If You Collect Great Britain QE2 IGNORE THIS AT YOUR PERIL ...

IMPLI If You Wish to protect the value of Your surplus MINT regular British QEII Decimal Stamps Act Now –

ACT NOW

SS T / LOECTORS ?

S O C US O LL SERIONS FOR C O CATI

There’s Still Time If You Act NOW – Everybody knows that prices of NEW ISSUES are under-pinned by the ‘face value’ printed on the stamps because the face value signifies the amount of ‘service’ that the issuing Post Office is liable to provide.

Imagine MINT United States stamps suddenly becoming invalidated … well that is precisely what is happening in the UK … Even before the untimely demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2 the British Post Office announced that the regular small decimal Machin Queen’s Head series issue will be invalidated.

Now You may be thinking “so what ?” – that will make my stamps more valuable. We urge you to think again because the amount of MINT BRITISH QE2 regular Machin stamps on the market issued over the past 50 years is H U G E Nobody can predict the future – but we urge you to DO this now if you have quantity of MINT DECIMAL Stamps suitable for ‘postage’ … because after January 2023 these stamps will be invalidated. PLUS – bear in mind that the market is ever-moving backwards to quality classic stamps that they aren’t printing any more – Bear in mind that some modern GB collections have $1,000’s / £1,000’s face value … So, here’s where you go to check this out NOW:

https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps Or simply Google: Post Office Swap Shop And here’s where you go if you collect Classic British and British Empire Stamps, USA Foreign - nobody can invalidate them: FREE 20,000+ Auction Lot Catalogue + 1st US$60 FREE Introductory Offer when you win stamps in excess of $85 (GBP£75):

There’s Still Time If You Act NOW: https://www.upastampauctions.co.uk/catalogue-request/ Or simply Google: UPA Stamp Auctions FREE Catalogue

AMERICAN PHILATELIST THE

April 2023

Table of Contents

VOLUME 137 • NO. 4 • WHOLE NO. 1,467

PAGE

304 A PHILATELIC SHANGRI-LA

BY MICHAEL MAHLER Stamps confirming mandated payments attached to bonds from the Gilded Age – particularly those from railroads – lay hidden for many decades. The author explores several documents displaying these somewhat innocuous, but important, stamps.

PAGE

GOING FOR THE GOLD

PAGE

316

TRACKS OF WAR

BY LAWRENCE FISHER The author was stuck for several years on an exhibiting plateau, showing a good exhibit but one that he wished so much more for, like a higher score from philatelic judges.

He takes the reader on the step-by-step journey of the analysis and changes in the thematic exhibit that finally brought him his long-awaited gold award.

321

BY WILLIAM J. STIER A lot of humanity gets lost during the fog and mayhem of war. Philately can help clear that fog, though. The members of one extended family from northeast Florida caught up in the Civil War are tracked and remembered thanks to the correspondence that has survived more than 150 years since the war’s end.

Thank 327 You PAGE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U.S. POSTAL CARD

BY WAYNE YOUNGBLOOD The prestamped postal card – an unsealed and unfolded piece of paper with a postage indicia printed on it – had its origins in Austria, but started 150 years ago in the United States. Our columnist digs into the history of this important postal product that took short personal and business messages across the country and world for much less than the price of a letter.

PAGE

333

OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE

BY APS STAFF The annual development report and recognition issue is now available. Highlights include: a report of 2022’s successes and growth opportunities; a sincere thank you to our many volunteers; and listings of the names of every contributor who made the APS and APRL’s work possible last year.

ON OUR COVER Designed by Chad Cowder, a close look at material from Michael Mahler’s “Philatelic Shangri-la.”

Other Features 360 358 368 296 371

APRL Notes Books & Catalogs Classified Ads Editing Philately Index of Advertisers

290 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

298 364 354 380 382

Letters to the Editor Membership Report National Postal Museum New U.S. Issues New World Issues

294 293 372 384

Our Story President’s Column Show Time Worldwide in a Nutshell

The Stamp Marketplace

UP TO

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hipstamp.com/save50 ENDS SOON

AMERICAN PHILATELIST THE

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Since 1887 — The Longest Continuously-published Philatelic Magazine in the World EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF APS PUBLICATIONS Susanna Mills, ext. 207 • smills@stamps.org SENIOR EDITOR Jeff Stage, ext. 221 • jstage@stamps.org GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST Chad Cowder, ext. 223 • CCowder@stamps.org ADVERTISING SALES Steve Schwanz Fox Associates, Inc. 800-440-0231 x114 adinfo.theamericanphilatelist@foxrep.com

American Philatelic Society American Philatelic Research Library 100 Match Factory Place • Bellefonte, PA 16823 814-933-3803 • 814-933-6128 (Fax) STAMPS.ORG • STAMPLIBRARY.ORG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Scott English, ext. 219 • scott@stamps.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Wendy Masorti, ext 218 • wendy@stamps.org CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Jeff Krantweiss, ext. 216 jkrantweiss@stamps.org GENERAL INFORMATION apsinfo@stamps.org ADDRESS CHANGES & MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES membership@stamps.org, ext. 201 DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION/ YOUTH/DIGITAL CONTENT Eric Spielvogel, ext. 239 eric@stamps.org DIRECTOR OF EXPERTIZING Ken Martin, ext. 205 kpmartin@stamps.org DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES Scott Tiffney, ext. 246 stiffney@stamps.org DIRECTOR OF SALES Carol Hoffman, ext. 270 stampstore@stamps.org EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & DONATIONS Amy Larimer, ext 225 • amy@stamps.org SHOWS/EXHIBITIONS, ext. 209 stampshow@stamps.org

The American Philatelist (ISSN 0003-0473) is published monthly by the American Philatelic Society, Inc., 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

Periodicals postage paid at Bellefonte, PA 16823 and at additional mailing offices. Price per copy $6.95. Canadian Distribution Agreement Number 40030959.

Opinions expressed in articles in this magazine are those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by the society and/or the magazine. The American Philatelist cannot be responsible for the accuracy of any information printed herein.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: The American Philatelist 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823. ©2023, The American Philatelic Society, Inc. 292 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Own 10 Flags of Our Nation First Day Covers

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ct now to get 10 limited-edition First Day Covers for just $9.95 – that’s less than $1 per cover – and get FREE shipping and guaranteed delivery!

With this special offer, you’ll get all 10 covers from the second Flags of Our Nation issue. It includes the flags of eight states, the District of Columbia, and Guam, as well as a “snapshot” of each place – showing everyday activities, natural beauty or wildlife characteristic of the region.

Save Over 70% Order today and receive 10 First Day Covers honoring our country’s heritage. You send only $9.95 – that’s $27.55 off Mystic’s regular price.

Satisfaction Guaranteed You get FREE shipping and guaranteed delivery. Reply today and you’ll also receive special collector’s information and other First Day Covers on approval. Strict limit of one set at this special price.

10 U.S. First Day Covers – Save $27.55!

✔ Yes! Send me 10 Flags of Our Nation US First Day Covers. Enclosed is $9.95. ❏ Strict limit of one collection. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Quick order at MysticAd.com/LM205

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________

❏ Check or money order enclosed* ❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express

*Add state sales tax to order total.

❏ Discover Exp. Date: ____ / ____

Please send to: Mystic Stamp Company Dept. LM205, 9700 Mill St., Camden, NY 13316-9111

President’s Column

BY Robert Zeigler President Ziggy_Travesty@yahoo.com

Become a Happier Collector

T

here are few delights more uplifting to the philatelist then the discovery of something unusual or valuable that has lain hidden for months or years in one’s own stockbooks or envelopes of alleged duplicates.

Such a discovery is often accompanied in my own case by incredulity that as a seasoned collector I could have overlooked such a thing after having owned it for years!

But it happens.

There are certain things you can do which make it more likely that you, too, can have a “eureka moment.” A few suggestions follow, discussing how to increase the odds of a good find, whether it’s in your own duplicate material or in a dealer’s stock.

If you collect according to a specialized catalog, it is worth re-reading such a catalog, or parts of the catalog, or monographs on a specialized subject area. Unless you have a photographic memory, you tend to forget a lot of detail, and revisiting the written authorities often refreshes or puts a search into focus.

Second, there is no substitute for a good magnifier used in a good light. Magnification of 8x to 10x is plenty for scanning alleged duplicates. You may wish to keep an instrument like a binocular microscope in some cases, but that is normally more power than is necessary for scanning purposes. And small pocket magnifiers may not work because they do not blow up the view enough or the field is too small.

Third, if you have already been fortunate enough to find the rare shade, perforation variety or plate flaw once, you can increase your odds of finding more of them by carrying a specimen book with you to shows or trips to dealers. A side-by-side comparison is the best way to eliminate Many Graded Stamps from 80–100

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www.hbphilatelics.com Official APS Web Sponsor

A few pocket-sized tools are a big help at shows.

forgeries or a stamp that closely imitates what you may be looking for.

Fourth, it is not a bad idea to carry a pocket ultraviolet lamp to shows. I have forgotten to do this sometimes, and have been unpleasantly surprised later to find defects in an item that I would not have bought if I had looked at it under UV light.

Fifth, know your dealer. The vast majority of dealers in the stamp business are knowledgeable and honest. If you have doubts, arrange for highly valuable items to be bought on condition of expertization by a recognized authority.

These are just a few things to keep in mind. I hope one or more of them is helpful to you.

Happy hunting!

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APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 293

Our Story

BY Scott English Executive Director scott@stamps.org

Your Hobby, Your Society, Your Impact

E

very April, we dedicate pages of our journal to recognize the significant contributions by our members for our members, staff, and hobby. Thank you to those members who generously give to the APS and APRL until it hurts. Whether making cash contributions to one of our worthy causes, volunteering time with the APS, or donating stamps to support education and other purposes, you are making a difference.

The Mighty Buck Club continues to be one of the most innovative and meaningful programs, serving the APS and APRL in many ways. In the past year, we’ve replaced aging computers used by staff and added new equipment in the library for patrons. The Mighty Buck Club also allowed us to invest in cameras to increase access to live events, including APS and APRL Board meetings. For those unfamiliar, the Mighty Buck Club is a $12 annual contribution that, combined with donations from other members, creates a big impact on one-time technology purchases. You recently received a mailing about the Mighty Buck Club, and we ask you to participate in this great program. For more information, go to https://stamps.org/donate/mighty-buck-club.

For collectors looking to find a home for duplicate stamps or helping a friend get stamps into the hands of collectors, we accept in-kind donations of philatelic material. For stamp donations, there are three ways they help us further our mission. First, we use stamps to support our education programs, including them in Stamps Teach packages and for the Young Stamp Collectors of America. Second, stamps, including counterfeits, make it to the reference collection to use as reference material for our expertizing program. Finally, we sell stamps through the Stamp and Cover Shop or auctions, generating income for the Education Department and Reference Collection. In 2022, we generated more than $181,000 in sales of donated material. We also use donated mint postage for mailings, saving $61,600 in 2022.

Another important contribution is time. As you can see from the list, APS members contribute their time and talents in many ways. From volunteering at our annual Great 294 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

American Stamp Show to giving time to the APRL, members help us make every event successful for you. One great way to contribute time is our annual Volunteer Work Week. APS members travel to Bellefonte each year to help with critical projects, spend time in the library or the sales department, and meet fellow collectors. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the APS and meet our great team at the same time.

Stay up-to-date on registration and other details at https:// stamps.org/learn/volunteer-work-week.

Another critical opportunity to give time to the APS and the hobby is to serve as a mentor or instructor. Mentors provide their time and knowledge to our Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship candidates. We also offer opportunities to knowledgeable instructors to teach courses online or at our annual Summer Seminar. In June, we will hold our first in-person Summer Seminar since 2019, and we have several incredible instructors who will give their time. If you’re interested in teaching a course, a good first step would be to join us for Summer Seminar in June. There is still time to register, so please visit our website at https://stamps.org/ summer-seminar.

For those who have given your time, talent, and treasures to the APS and APRL, thank you for your service and all you do. If you’re interested in contributing to the APS or APRL, please contact me at scott@stamps.org or send me a letter. Hearing from you and growing our giving community every year is always rewarding.

1847–1945

Quality U.S. Stamps Singles (mint and used), Plate Blocks, Booklet Panes plus Complete Booklets, Price lists $2 each category or free online. We also buy quality U.S. & foreign stamps.

Mountainside Stamps, Coins and Currency P.O. Box 1116 • Mountainside, NJ 07092 Tel: 908-419-9751 or 908-232-0539 E-mail: tjacks@verizon.net • www.mountainsidestamps.com Tom Jacks, owner; member APS, ASDA

Have Tongs, Will Travel!!

“SELLING A STAMP COLLECTION SHOULD BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE.”

BY CAR

BY BUS

The “BEST SALE” is when the buyer will personally visit your city and view your collection. The dealers listed below will travel to “any city” to view appropriate holdings.

UNFORTUNATELY many collections in the $2,000.00 to $20,000.00 range do not economically justify the time and expense for a professional buyer to travel long distances to personally view your collection.

BY TRAIN

BY PLANE

We Want to Visit!!

We Want to Buy!!

WE OFFER A SOLUTION:

Each dealer listed below has designated a state, and region, he will make every effort to personally visit. Contact that dealer direct and discuss your collection and options.

YOUR GUARANTEE:

While each dealer listed is an independently owned business, all are members of either the ASDA or APS (most - both), insuring fairness and integrity in purchasing your collection.

If you lIve In:

Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New England, New Jersey, New York and Canada Call or WrIte:

Randy ScHoll

Randy ScHoll STaMP co.

7460 Jager Court | Cincinnati, OH 45230 Email: randyscholl@fuse.net Phone: (513) 624-6800 www.randyschollstampcompany.com If you lIve In:

If you lIve In:

California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Washington Call or WrIte:

neWPoRT HaRboR STaMP P.O. Box 3364 | Newport Beach, CA 92659 (800) 722-1022 (Dave) newportharborstamps@gmail.com

If you lIve In:

Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, South/North Dakota, Missouri, New Mexico, Wisconsin Colorado and Arkansas

North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Virginia

Call or WrIte:

PRM enTeRPRiSeS, inc.

coinS, STaMPS ’n STuff llc JeRRy KoePP

P.O. Box 42037 | Urbandale, IA 50323 1-847-778-5519

Call or WrIte:

Randall T. ScRibneR 10700 Hickory Ridge Rd. | Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone: (704) 575-2795 E-mail: scrib1@yahoo.com Coins also wanted

Editing Philately

BY Susanna Mills Editor-in-Chief of APS Publications smills@stamps.org

T

Short and Sweet

his month, the APS department directors are reading Smart Brevity, The Power of Saying More With Less. Smart Brevity introduces a system for clearer communication that saves the writer and readers time – and actually stands a chance to keep readers’ attention.

The core concept? “Brevity is confidence. Length is fear.” Tough stuff for a self-indulgent gal who loves her soapbox. So, I’ve cut my usual meandering asides and will keep this to the point.

In this issue

Your support matters. Thanks to your help, in 2022 we added over 6,000 new journal issues to our digital library. We saved nearly $62,000 in postage costs by using donated mint postage.

We recruited 1,580 new members. These are just a few of the successes we celebrated last year that you made possible.

This, the annual recognition issue, names and thanks our many contributors. You may be curious how you can get involved yourself. Take a look at pages 333-353 and see what opportunities await you.

Our feature article this month is by Mike Mahler, editor of American Revenuer. Mike recently published the award-winning New York Stamp Taxes on Bonds, 1910-1920. In these pages, Mike gives the short and sweet version of his discovery of this stunning, previously unknown subfield of revenue collecting.

Lawrence Fisher is searching for gold. Isn’t everyone? Lawrence tells his story of FIP exhibiting, a decades-long and frustrating journey towards a gold medal. His tale is also deeply personal to his identity, faith and family.

William Stier has been researching Florida Confederate Captain Winston J.T. Stephens for years. He narrates Stephens’ life as illustrated by Civil War-era postal history material that survived the centuries.

Finally, we celebrate an important anniversary – the sesquicentennial of the first U.S. postal card. You’d never guess that this simple open-backed card would have been so contentious.

Wayne Youngblood hits the highlights of this postal innovation and explains why it became so popular with the American public.

A few other notes

In previous columns [September, November 2022] I invited you to tell me how your club or society is thriving. Are you trying new things? Recruiting new members? Diving headfirst into the digital age?

For example, the Israel Philatelic Federation and Society of Israel Philatelists have joined together for April 2023 to promote Holy Land Philately. Their website, www.israel75.org.il, will display philatelic exhibits, and together they will host 10 virtual lectures via Zoom – well worth checking out.

As another example, the Asheville (N.C.) Stamp Club is celebrating its 100th (plus a few) anniversary this spring (http://ashevillestampclub.org/). To celebrate, the club has planned a playful exhibit competition for April and a May banquet (which will also celebrate the 100th birthday of member Lewis Blodget).

All this to say – our October 2023 AP will celebrate National Stamp Collecting Month by exploring the wide topic of social philately. Several clubs are planning articles for the issue to discuss their ambitious projects and missions. I also plan to feature conversations about the future of organized philately, the digital philatelic world, what show organizers and club leadership are doing to keep things fresh and relevant, and much more. I would be glad to hear your ideas and receive proposals for this issue at smills@stamps.org, or (814) 933-3803 (ext. 207).

296 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

APS Official Family

2022–2025

PRESIDENT Robert Zeigler ziggy_travesty@yahoo.com BOARD OF VICE PRESIDENTS Mark Banchik mebanchik@gmail.com Cheryl Ganz cherylganz@yahoo.com Yamil Kouri yhkouri@gmail.com SECRETARY Peter P. McCann ppm103226706@aol.com TREASURER Kathryn (Kathy) Johnson kjj5217@gmail.com DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Elizabeth Hisey lizhisey@comcast.net Michael Cortese mc@noblespirit.com Matthew Kewriga matt@kewriga.com Evan (Van) Siegling sieglinge@yahoo.com IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Stephen Reinhard StephenReinhard42@gmail.com STAMP THEFT COMMITTEE Nicholas A. Lombardi P.O. Box 1005 Mountainside, NJ 07092 stamptheft@stamps.org APS INSURANCE PLAN Hugh Wood Inc., 220 Match Factory Place Bellefonte, PA 16823 Toll Free: 888-APS-6494 Phone: 212-509-3777 Fax: 212-509-4906 aps@hughwood.com

ADDRESS CHANGES To change your address online visit stamps.org and log into your My APS account. Or mail your new address information to APS, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823 (Fax: 814-933-6128).

Please try to give us four weeks’ notice. You can also add an e-mail address or website to your APS record.

CONNECT ONLINE

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Letters to the Editor LetterToTheEditor@stamps.org

Vermont also had an early locale named for Lafayette Charles Posner’s excellent article in the February edition on the 1957 Lafayette Bicentennial stamp indicated that Fayetteville, N.C. was the only community in the U.S. that was named after the general before his death in 1834.

Mr. Posner got the community’s name right, but he missed the fact that there actually were two of them before 1834!

That other Fayetteville lay well to the north of the first one in North Carolina. It also was four decades the junior, having been established in 1825, when Fayetteville, Vermont gained both a new site and a new name for itself.

Much earlier, in 1787, the town of Newfane had become the county seat of Windham County, Vermont, with its courthouse and jail set on a hilltop in the town’s center. The village surrounding those two government buildings, as well as the village’s post office, bore that same Newfane name, since it had been the first settlement and earliest post office in the town.

In 1825, though, the authorities decided to move the physical seat of county government a few miles down into the valley. This both eliminated arduous trips up a high hill and put the county functions conveniently alongside a main road. Newfane Village apparently saw the logic of that location and it moved downhill as well. However, it also decided to accompany that move by renaming itself and its post office “Fayetteville” in honor of Lafayette’s visit to all of the states, including Vermont, that year.

Fayetteville, Vermont then remained a thriving little village in the town of Newfane, along with its Fayetteville post office, from November 25, 1825, until January 20, 1882. At that point, for reasons I haven’t yet uncovered, Fayetteville and its office reverted to being Newfane once again, as they still are today.

During its 57-year lifespan, Vermont’s Fayetteville used both manuscript and at least four different handstamped postmarks, including a scarce 1831 straight-line and an 1838 manuscript. are shown here as examples of its town markings. Each has a different recipient free usage.

Richard Marek, president Historical Society of Windham County, Vermont

A lesson learned from dealings with a modern-day huckster I enjoyed the February issue of The American Philatelist and reading about philatelic hucksters.

We all know this is far from a dead issue.

Years ago, in the ancient days, I responded to a dealer of French stamps on a CompuServe forum. I explained that I 298 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Vermont’s community of Fayetteville used both manuscript and at least four different handstamped postmarks, including a scarce 1831 straight-line and an 1838 manuscript, as shown here.

spent about 20 bucks a month on French stamps and would love to see an approval selection. A month later I received a fat envelope and trembled when I opened it, seeing that I could buy the entire selection for the awesomely reduced price of only $5,000! I promptly put the package into a new envelope and ran it up to my post office, spending that month’s French budget on shipping and paying to by notified when the package was received. I sent a note stated such to the dealer.

You know what happened next.

A month later – also publicly on CompuServe – I received a message from said dealer stating that I was an obvious shyster, that he received neither stamps nor payment, and, though he was loathe to do it, he now publicly demanded that I send 5,000 bucks pronto. I smiled and wiped my brow when I wrote back to him that the stamps were lovely but priced far above my budget, and that I have a statement from his post office that a) they received my package, b) it was delivered to the recipient’s box, and c) it was picked up on such and such a date. It was the last time I heard from him and the last time I saw his name on that forum.

Why Sell Your Stamp Collection to Dr. Bob Friedman?

Because we are the nation’s largest buyer and seller of stamp collections! And have been for over 35 years.

Why sell to other buyers who often simply resell to us?

From Melanie Weisz Ness, daughter of Chicago’s famed “Stamp King”

“My father, Bob Weisz, was a major stamp dealer and auctioneer for some 50 years in Chicago. Many of dad’s large stamp purchasdes over the years were sold intact to Dr. Robert Friedman and Sons as he felt they were completely reliable, reputatble, professional and a pleasure to work with. Recently, it became time for the remainder of dad’s holdings to be sold. These holdings weighed some thousands of pounds in hundreds of boxes. The entire Weisz family knew that Dr. Friedman and Sons would be the best company in the country to buy this material and, as expected, they wrote out a check for the amount the family felt to be reasonable. In the opinion of my dad and the entire family, Dr. Friedman and Sons are among the most reputable stamp buyers in the country. We strongly suggest that collectors with major properties avoid the problems so frequently encountered in selling collections by dealing directly with Dr. Robert Friedman and Sons.

Melanie Weisz Ness • Illinois

And we are always available to immediately come to you.

Dr. Bob can travel to you from either of our two locations—the Chicago area and Southeastern Florida. Call us!

Deal with a family owned and operated business. While many collectors are anxious about selling their collection, selling a collection to us is generally a very pleasant experience.

Do you wish an immediate response?

If you have a substantial collection, you may ship it to us at our expense. After you call us, we can provide you boxes, tape and prepaid labels—and have UPS pick up right in your living room. We will call you within 48 hours with our cash offer. Immediate payment is always made by cashier’s check or personal check, whichever you prefer.

Good News!

We always offer to purchase EVERYTHING of value in your collection

and will pay you the highest possible price for your collection.

We can afford to pay a very proper price as we have $5,000,000 available for the purchase of collections.

Over 95% of our offers have been accepted.

Coin collections & accumulations also wanted!

We pay very high prices.

Call Toll Free:

1-800-588-8100 & ask for Dr. Bob Dr. Robert Friedman & Sons STAMPS

2029 West 75th Street • Woodridge IL 60517 Toll Free: (800) 588-8100 • Fax: (630) 985-1588 Visit our website: www.drbobfriedmanstamps.com E-Mail: stampcollections@drbobstamps.com

* * Fill out, tear out and mail this.

We’ll get back to you immediately!

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Email Address: Please describe what you have for sale: ____ _________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ ____________________________________ Mail to: Dr. Bob Friedman (Mark your envelope “personal”)

2029 West 75th Street • Woodridge IL 60517

As in all things, especially when money or humans are involved, to remember: caveat emptor!

Dennis Mitton Florence, South Carolina

Recording tells other side of WWII-era recordings I greatly enjoyed Wayne Youngblood’s “Mailing Memories” article in the February issue, which discussed recordings made by servicemen and sent home. I can shed a tiny bit of light on recordings that went the other direction, from home to servicemen.

In 1944, my to-be-parents were engaged, and my father was serving in the Navy. My mother recorded a “WilcoxGay Recordio Disc” and sent it to him. In a separate letter, she described the process. It was done on equipment set up in a department store in Long Beach, California, and store personnel were nearby to operate the machinery, which put something of a damper on what she wanted to say.

The record was two-sided, 6.5 inches across, recorded at 78 RPM, with a little under two minutes on each side. Physically it consisted of an aluminum substrate with an acetate coating. The labels on either side had blank space where the customer could write the date, content, what have you.

Unlike the Pepsi-Cola recordings, it was not free. My mother paid for the record and the postage. Any mailing materials have been lost but she packed it herself and sent it, probably via airmail to my father’s FPO address.

Somewhere along the line, the recording found its way back home. Mom’s children found it among her possessions after her passing. It is still playable, if scratchy, and has now been digitized.

Laura Neff Kirkland, Washington

Father’s recorded voice is precious memento I wanted to thank Wayne Youngblood for writing his excellent article on the Pepsi-Cola armed services recording project in the February edition of The American Philatelist. I have such a recording of my father’s voice from World War II. Ten years after his death, my aunt found the old disc and gave it to me. I had the curious experience of hearing my

father’s young voice speaking from a military hospital where he was recuperating from the crash of his Navy dive bomber.

I want to add one small fact to Youngblood’s great store of knowledge on this subject. I was puzzled by my father’s voice and his words, which sounded very formal. I realized that he was not speaking but reading to the machine. I suspect that the Navy made servicemen submit a script of what they were sending to their families.

Dana Gioia Santa Rosa, California

So, why no Lepus antilocapra on a U.S. stamp April 1, 2023 Editor: Our stamp club, the Greaterhoople Area Stamp Society (GASS) has discussed with grave concern the upcoming Endangered Species commemorative sheet of 20 (!!!) at our weekly late Monday night meetings at the Thirsty Cowboy – we meet there ever since the Trifle Rusty – or was it the Trusty Rifle? – shut down.

What concerns us is the inexcusable oversight of Lepus antilocapra, known locally as the Western jackalope. The boys in the club all agree that local sightings of this already rare mammal seem to have become very infrequent. Some of us reckon now our chances of seeing one are about as likely as getting a right-side up Jenny from the cave. A few of the boys say the apparent disappearance happened just about the time we had to relocate to the Thirsty Cowboy. A few others claim, no, it’s because the Thirsty Cowboy closes early and everyone knows that the jackalope comes out only after 2 am.

Now, I grant you, sometimes our meetings go long when our regular and only featured speaker gets carried away, and maybe I’ve been trying harder to keep the program short.

And this all happened about the time we decided to order a batch of Clarity and quit using lighter fluid to check watermarks. We all agree that the jackalope is endangered, no matter how you look for it.

Anyway, we’re outraged that the CSAC somehow decided to bypass Lepus antilocapra in favor of a crayfish? Come on, we use those for bait all the time! Or a marmot? Hey, we don’t call ‘em popguts for nothing! I don’t even want to talk about the toad. Or that mouse! Where’s Janet when you need her? Or Scott, for that matter? Do we need to call on the top investigative reporter of Spring Mills?

Westpex 2023 Stamp Show Burlingame, CA April 28-30 USA Postal History Colonial to Prexies: Transatlantics, Destinations, Expos, Inland Waterways, Railroads, Express, Possessions & Military

STEPHEN T. TAYLOR

5 Glenbuck Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6BS England 011-441-372-468566 info@stephentaylor.co.uk www.stephentaylor.co.uk

Your American Dealer in Britain 300 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Nieser Stamps & Coins PO BOX 8533 Houston, TX 77249 832-212-1285 www.kennieser.com kennieser@yahoo.com

We’re aware our friends across the border in the Alberta Stamp Devotees Alliance are actively promoting a stamp featuring the bigfoot, but we all know that’s just hype and they ought to stick to their poutine.

I just came back from our local horse doc and he checked me out with his equine thermometer (ooof!) and he says based on his reading I really do need some bed rest so I’ll leave for now.

Tom B. Hoople, North Dakota

Attracting new collectors I read Henry Jehan Jr.’s letter to the editor from February (Marketing of new US Stamps cuts chances of attracting youth) and, sadly, I must agree with it. Mr. Jehan makes several valid points about why youth are not becoming collectors. I also had just visited my local post office (for the first time in decades), and was struck by the inability to purchase single stamps and the high resulting cost for youth.

What appeals to me about collecting (classic period) philatelic items is that they are small works of fine art, antiques, historical objects, and also tangible assets-all rolled into one.

My daughter has a keen interest in art and history, so we frequent the museums in our area. I was also struck by the lack of anything philatelic in any of the art and history museums in my area. These seem like natural places for philatelic items to be displayed. I would even think that philately would be at home at a science museum considering all of the related scientific processes, such as paper manufacturing, printing, watermarks, tagging, and expertizing, etc.

I came back to collecting two years ago after showing my daughter my old stamp album. We had just returned from a visit to a local art museum and she was curious to look at the little art works. She looked at the older stamps under a 10 power glass – and was absolutely amazed at how beautifully detailed they were.

I am curious if the APS has any efforts aimed at placing philatelic displays at museums?

Scott Zimmer Woodbury, Minnesota [Editor’s note: At this time, the American Philatelic Society does not have a formal program to connect to local museums, libraries or other groups, but we love to hear from clubs and societies that are making these efforts on their own. For example, I was delighted while on vacation in the Outer Banks to see a philatelic display at the Wright Brothers National Memorial visitor’s center!]

Errata

FEBRUARY

Page 132. The name of philatelist J.M. Bartels was misspelled.

Page 152. Herman B. Wells was president of Indiana University in Bloomington. Purdue is in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Page 176. The website for dealer KS Philatelics is www. ksphilatelics.com.

302 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Arapahoe County Fairgrounds

25690 East Quincy Ave. Aurora, Colorado

­

T he

An AAPE Invitational Exhibition

special guest

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We encourage readers to send their comments, questions and feedback to The American Philatelist.

Submission of a letter implies consent to publish, unless specifically prohibited by the sender. The decision of whether to publish is made by the editorial staff of The American Philatelist.

Generally, letters will be published unless determined to be offensive, disrespectful, libelous, or not chiefly related to the stamp hobby.

The opinions expressed in a Letter to the Editor are those of the author and not The American Philatelist.

We do not publish or accept requests for the publication of anonymous letters.

To allow more Letters to the Editor, you are respectfully requested to limit submissions to 500 words or less. If your submission is longer, the editorial team will ask you to resubmit a shorter version, or provide you a copy of an edited version to review prior to publication.

Submit your letters to letterstotheeditor@stamps. org or mail a typewritten copy to: Letter to the Editor The American Philatelist, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

Philatelic Shangri-la: Discovery of a Spectacular Philatelic Field Hidden for a Century New York Stamp Taxes on Bonds, 1910-1920 MICHAEL MAHLER

I

magine the discovery, in some Himalayan or Amazon fastness, of a previously unknown enclave, with a complex social structure unlike that of any known society. Let us further stipulate that its populace must be, both on average and in its extreme examples, at least arguably the most physically attractive specimens of humanity. Such a discovery would be a sociological, anthropological and popular sensation, headlined on virtually every media outlet.

Imagine next the philatelic analog, the discovery of a subfield hidden for a century, governed by an unprecedented, complex system of rates, comprised of what are at least arguably the most visually attractive items ever to bear stamps. To an informed, aware audience this would surely rank among the most significant philatelic events of this or any generation.

The purpose of this article is to point out that just such a discovery has

Figure 1. An 1894 bond with Mortgage Endorsement orange stamp affixed in 1917.

Above, a close view of the stamp.

304 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Figure 2. An 1887 bond with Secured Debt $5 stamp affixed in 1912. At near left, a close view of the stamp.

Figure 3 shows a 1911 £100 bond of the Imperial Chinese Government Hukuang Railways with Secured Debt $1 affixed in 1917, and Investments $1 in 1918.

Then as now, bonds were the physical representation of gilt-edged investments, and as such were security instruments, produced by companies like the American Bank Note Co. and its competitors, typically finely engraved with engine-turned borders, large vignettes and other features designed to deter counterfeiting. At the same time they served as prominent public faces of the issuing companies, and their attractive designs were chosen to project prosperity and inspire confidence.

During America’s Gilded Age — roughly 1870-1900 — as illustrated by the examples shown here, as in other aspects of society, bonds became extravagantly ornate and colorful, perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but certainly a spectacular setting for the stamps under discussion.

in fact occurred, of bonds subject to New York’s Mortgage Endorsement, Secured Debt and Investment stamp taxes of 1910-20.

Most beautiful? Staking the claim As for the visual appeal of these bonds, the examples shown here speak for themselves.

Figure 1 shows an 1894 $1,000 bond of the New York and Putnam Railroad Co. with Great Britain embossed transfer tax stamps struck in 1894 and Mortgage Endorsement orange stamp affixed in 1917.

Figure 2 shows an 1887 $1,000 bond of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad Co. with Secured Debt $5 affixed in 1912. Note the Great Britain 1891 transfer tax adhesive; as explained below, the use of such foreign stamps would play an essential role in the creation of these New York issues.

Bringing bonds under the philatelic umbrella A salient point here is that until the discovery of this subfield, with a single brief exception, bonds in the U.S. were not known to have been subject to a stamp tax after 1872 — when the broad slate of Civil War era documentary taxes was rescinded — until a new federal tax was imposed in 1932. The sole exceptions were the relatively few bonds bearing U.S. Spanish-American War era documentaries affixed upon issue in from 1898 to 1902. To repeat the claim made at the outset, the New York bond taxes bring under the philatelic umbrella what are at least arguably the most visually attractive items ever to bear stamps.

Stamps of mystery (I) Yet, for a century these exceedingly beautiful pieces and the stamps they bore were virtually unknown to philatelists.

Brewster C. Kenyon, whose Documentary State Revenue Stamps of the United States was written while the Investments APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 305

stamps were still current, provided a complete list of their denominations and colors via correspondence with the New York Comptroller’s office in Albany, but had almost certainly not seen the stamps.

The same can presumably be said for Kenyon’s description of the Secured Debt stamps, which preceded the Investments issues. The information Kenyon obtained and circulated was timely and useful, for bonds bearing these stamps would not be in collectors’ hands for decades. For example, George Cabot’s esteemed 1940 Priced Catalog of the State and City Revenue and Tax Stamps of the United States left all Investments denominations unpriced, explaining that “until the documents upon which the stamps are used mature or are transferred, releasing a larger supply of them, it seems almost impossible to set judicious valuations”(Figure 4).

Why they lay hidden Most bonds bearing these stamps reached philatelic hands only after three successive sequestrations. First, as noted by Cabot, while viable as investments they remained in the hands of bondholders until maturity, typically after 25, 50 or more years. (The New York and Putnam bond shown in Figure 1 had a 99year term!)

Next, after the hundreds of railroad consolidations that occurred, bonds of the consolidated roads typically passed into the archives of the surviving lines and remained there for more decades.

Finally, bonds from railroad archives passed into the inventories of dealers in collectible stocks and bonds, who typically ignored the stamps occasionally found on them.

had absorbed over more than a century scores of earlier railroads — most notably the rival Pennsylvania and New York Central railroads — all of whose obsolete stock certificates and bonds resided in its archives. When the cash-strapped company was advised that these many thousands of instruments had considerable value in the collector market, it agreed to sell them at auction. Nearly all went in bulk lots to dealers in obsolete stocks, bonds and related financial instruments.

Similar “liberations” of other archives were made by enterprising dealers, for example, those of the Baltimore and Ohio and Northern Pacific railroads.

The holdings of these dealers have been scoured for bonds bearing stamps, and it is only now, fully a century after these stamps were used — Mortgage Endorsement in 1910-20, Secured Debt in 1911-17, Tax on Investments in 1918-20 — that they, and especially the bonds that bear them, have emerged as a significant subfield of fiscal philately.

The Penn Central ”great disgorgement″ A seminal development for this field was the sale in the late 1980s and early 1990s of the vast archives of the Penn Central railroad system, which

Figure 3. A 1911 bond with Secured Debt $1 stamp affixed in 1917 and Investments $1 stamp in 1918. At left, a close view of the Investments stamp.

306 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

“shall thereafter be exempt from taxation in the state or any of the municipalities or local divisions of the state.” This raises more questions than it answers. A tax securing exemption from other taxes? Why?

Rosetta Stones (I): Paid in lieu of property tax The archives of the New York Times provided a series of contemporary “Rosetta Stone” articles revealing the fundamental principle governing the use of these stamps, as well as the answers to other perplexing questions.

Payment of these taxes was optional, as unlikely as that seems on its face. However, there was a useful tradeoff: they were paid in lieu of state property tax. As it applied to bonds, that tax was considered confiscatory by bondholders — bonds yielded about 4 percent per year, while the tax was roughly 2 percent — and it was widely evaded. In order to salvage more tax revenue from bonds, the state devised a series of much lower optional taxes whose payment made bonds exempt from property tax. These were the Mortgage Endorsement, Secured Debt, and Investments taxes, with their eponymous stamps.

Any bond, issued anywhere in the world at any time, could be subject to these taxes, provided it was held by a New York resident who opted to exempt it from property tax by paying the appropriate stamp tax. The table below specifies the details of these options. This unprecedented style of taxation was later adopted by other states.

Figure 4. Listings of the Tax on Investments stamps by Cabot (1940), all unpriced (and nearly all unseen).

Rosetta Stones (II): Stamps ex machina!

Stamps of mystery (II): Unprecedented rules of use

The Mortgage Endorsement tax, the first to go into effect, applied only to bonds secured by mortgage of property within the state. It was not originally envisioned as a stamp tax, and there is no mention of stamps in the relevant statutes. How it became a stamp tax is revealed only in a New York Times article of October 31, 1910. For mortgages, payment of the tax was simply annotated on the mortgage itself; however for bonds:

These stamps are found only on bonds. On examination of stamped examples, it is apparent that the rules governing their use were different from the familiar patterns seen for all other stamp taxes. The stamping dates bear no consistent relation to the issue dates of the bonds. Most were used on bonds issued a decade or more earlier, the lion’s share circa 1885-1905, but with outliers as early as 1847 and 1863.

The late stamping puts one in mind of a transfer tax, like that paid by the Great Britain stamp shown in Figure 2. However, some bonds were stamped before issue. Something else was going on here!

The relevant statutes are of little help; their key provisions state that instruments on which these taxes are paid

. . . the Stock Exchange holds that any document in the shape of a paper attached to a bond makes it a non-delivery just as would the writing of names upon the bond or the addition to the bond of anything which might serve to raise any question regarding the actual status of the bond.

[However, for] bonds which have been held abroad and to which a tax stamp has been fixed [see the British transfer tax adhesive in Figure 2]

Tax

Rate

Exemption from Property Tax

Tax Period

1.

Mortgage

50¢/$100

Perpetual

December 27ca, 1910 – May 9, 1920

2.1

Secured Debt 1911

0.5%

Perpetual

September 1911 – March 1915

2.2

Secured Debt 1915

0.75%

Five Years

May – October 1915

2.3

Secured Debt 1916

75¢/$100

Five Years

April 21, 1916 – December 1916

3.

Investments

20¢/$100/year

Up to five years

June 1917 – May 9, 1920

Table 1. Property Tax Exemption Table APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 307

Figure 5. An 1884 bond with Mortgage Endorsement green imperforate stamp affixed December 27, 1910, the earliest recorded use of these stamps.

the Stock Exchange has held that the bonds are not thereby invalidated for delivery.

Within two weeks, the Board of Tax Commissioners settled upon the idea of putting the endorsement upon bonds in the form of a stamp, and received a favorable opinion of the attorney general as to its legality. By December 27, the stamps were in use, in green, imperforate (Figure 5).

In the five-year twist and turn of events culminating in creation of the Mortgage Endorsement stamps, until the Stock Exchange weighed in on the form required of endorsement upon bonds, there had been no hint that production of a stamp was in the offing. Only at its very end did the process devolve simply into a case of one type of tax stamp — foreign documentary revenues — leading to another, a state taxpaid.

Philatelically delicious irony!

Widening the net: The Secured Debts tax Encouraged by the success of the Mortgage Endorsement tax, the state widened its net. By an Act of July 28, 1911, effective September 1, the Secured Debts tax offered the same inducement — permanent exemption from personal property tax upon a one-time payment of 0.5 percent — for all bonds, excepting those already subject to the Mortgage tax. Payment via stamps having proved essential for the Mortgage tax, it was now incorporated into the enabling statute for the new tax, and Secured Debt stamps were created in 10 denominations, 1 cent to $100. Bonds could be stamped only at the offices of the comptroller in Albany or his deputy in New York City, where 308 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

some 98 percent of the taxes were paid.

Good to be a Vanderbilt!

Figure 6 shows a matched pair of 1898 series $50,000 bonds of the Vanderbilt-controlled New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, each stamped with two Secured Debt $100 and a $50, made to trustees under the will of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. The Michigan Central Collateral bond, in blue, issued January 16, 1900, and stamped September 25, 1912, was held in trust for Alfred G. Vanderbilt; the Lake Shore Collateral bond, in red, issued and stamped on the same days to the same trustees, named Alice C. Vanderbilt as executor, but with no beneficiary specified.

Cornelius II, who died in 1899, was the grandson of the titanic “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, and eldest son of William H. Vanderbilt, thereby titular head of the House of Vanderbilt. William’s 1885 will bequeathed $67 million to Cornelius II, $65 million to William K., and $10 million apiece to his two younger sons and four daughters. It was all strikingly expressed by Edwin P. Hoyt in The Vanderbilts and Their Fortunes (1962): To put this in perspective, inheritances of $10 million meant that each of the Vanderbilt children was endowed with a sum that seemed to the average American to be almost infinite — as much as the total expenditure of the state government of New York — and this in a period in which President Cleveland vetoed a congressional bill which would have given $12 a month to every disabled Union veteran.

Figure 6. Two $50,000 bonds from 1898 to trustees under the will of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Each bears two $100 Secured Debt stamps and a $50.

If $10 million were converted to gold, it would take [have taken] 500 horses to pull it from Grand Central Terminal to Wall Street.

After the death of Cornelius II in 1899, his wealth likewise was dispersed on a wide scale, as exemplified by the bonds shown here. The squandering of virtually the entire Vanderbilt fortune within a few generations is a cautionary tale for the ages — but that is a story for another day.

1915 Amendments: Rate increase, five year exemption On April 30, 1915, the Secured Debts tax rate was increased to 0.75 percent, which now secured exemption from other taxes for five years only; previously the exemption had been permanent.

Cutting down coconut trees The latter change had been presaged by a critical analysis

by Harvard economist Charles J. Bullock, comparing the state legislature to “savages who in order to gather cocoanuts, cut down the trees upon which the nuts grow. It is elementary in the science of taxation that the worst possible tax is one that dries up future sources of revenue and the secured debt tax of New York appears to come clearly within this category.”

New denominations needed and supplied The rate increase to 0.75 percent led to problems. For the workhorse $1,000 bonds the new $7.50 tax could be readily paid by the $5 and $2.50 stamps; for $100 and $500 bonds, though, the new 75 cents and $3.75 taxes required a minimum of six and seven stamps, respectively (Figure 7)! These and similar difficulties were solved in 1916 by the issue of 25- and 75-cent stamps as well as those valued at $3.75 and $7.50 (Figure 8).

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 309

Figure 7. A 1902 $500 bond with 1915 $3.75 tax paid by Secured Debt $2.50, $1 and five 5-cent stamps; the seven stamps were the minimum possible!

Figure 8. A 1909 $500 bond with $3.75 in tax due in 1916 paid precisely by newly issued Secured Debt $3.75 stamp.

310 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Figure 9. Payment of the Investments tax for one to five years was indicated by distinctive cancels with different shaped frames: circle, octagon, keystone, shield and square, respectively. Note their use here on the Secured Debt 5 cents, 25 cents and $50, as well as the Investments $2 and $8; until the Investments stamps became available, the old Secured Debt stamps were used.

Investments tax, 1917-20 Effective June 1, 1917, the tax on bonds was revived and increased yet again, to 20 cents per $100 per year of exemption, for up to five years at a time, and Tax on Investments stamps in 16 denominations — 20 cents to $100 — were created to pay it. The name was perhaps ill-chosen, as the tax applied only to bonds, not to other investments such as stocks.

Cancels for one to five years Payment for one, two, three, four or five years was indicated by distinctive cancels with different-shaped frames: circle,

Figure 10. A $50,000 bond with Investments tax paid for one year by Secured Debt $100 in 1917, then by Investments $100 in 1918. This is the sole recorded bond showing this extraordinary combination of $100 stamps.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 311

Figure 11. A $500 bond with Civil War-era 30-cent stamp affixed in 1863, Investments tax paid for one year by Secured Debt $1 in 1917, then

by Investments $1 in 1918, the sole recorded combination of Civil War and Investments taxes.

octagon, keystone, shield and square, respectively (Figure 9). Judging from surviving stamps, nearly all users chose to pay for one year or five. Two years has been recorded on just nine bonds (11 examples); three years on only two examples of a West Shore Railroad 1885 bond; and four years has been seen only on a few loose stamps.

Tax initially paid by Secured Debt stamps The Act of June 1, 1917, which created the Investments tax, took effect immediately upon passage. This guaranteed that the new stamps mandated by the Act would not be available for the first weeks or months of the tax. In the interim, the old Secured Debt stamps were used (Figures 3,10, 11). A survey of cancel dates allows this transition to be delineated rather precisely. The latest recorded use of a Secured Debt stamp is December 27, 1917, and the earliest recorded usage of an Investments stamp is January 15, 1918.

The riddle of the missing $500 Figure 12 shows a U.S. Steel Corporation 1901 series $100,000 5 percent bond issued in 1920 to the trustee under the will of Andrew Carnegie, steel magnate and philanthropist, for George L. Carnegie, Andrew’s nephew. It is stamped 312 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

with Secured Debt $100 strip of five with “Tax Exempt for Five Years” Investments tax cancels dated September 26, 1917. Use of the word “for” was critical; this and similar bonds effected $5,000 annuities to selected beneficiaries, the bonds to revert to the trustee upon their deaths.

The $500 tax paid on these Carnegie annuity bonds is the highest recorded on any bonds. However, the Investments tax for five years on a $100,000 bond was $1,000, not $500. The stamps are tied by “PAID” embossing, and there are no missing stamps. They were affixed at the Office of the Comptroller in New York City, by presumably knowledgeable agents. How, then, was only $500 paid?

The answer is that these bonds replaced “pre-annuity” bonds already stamped in 1912, on which $500 tax on $100,000 had been correctly paid at the Secured Debt 0.5 percent rate. The tax on replacement bonds was the same as on the originals, hence $500, not $1,000.

The curious case of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Figure 13 shows a 1903 $1,000 coupon bond of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Co. with Investments $1 and 80-cent stamps paying the Investments tax for one

Figure 12. A $100,000 bond by trustee under the will of Andrew Carnegie, generating $5,000 annuity for his nephew, George Carnegie, stamped with Secured Debt $100 strip of five. The $500 tax paid here and on similar bonds is the largest recorded.

year in September 1918. The tax was ostensibly $2; however, each stamp is tied by the requisite “PAID” embossed seal, and there are no stamps missing. Moreover, this is one of seven such usages recorded, coincidentally the only bonds bearing the Investments 80 cents.

Figure 14 also shows another Lake Shore $1,000 bond with Secured Debt $7.50, $1 and 25¢ pair affixed in July 1917, paying the Investments tax for five years, a payment of $9 rather than the expected $10; five more consecutively numbered essentially identical bonds surfaced along with this one. Yet another Lake Shore bond has $9 paid for a five year exemption, by Investments $8 and $1 affixed in November1918, the only recorded usage of the Investments $8.

Split taxes on interstate mortgage bonds!

As the stamps were affixed by agents of the comptroller, the conclusion is inescapable that the tax on these bonds was officially construed to be 90 percent of the normal levy, and a review of the statutes furnishes a satisfying explanation. If a bond was secured by mortgage of property situated partly within and partly without the state of New York, only a portion of the bond was subject to the Investments tax, based on the value of the property outside the state relative the value of the entire property.

The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern ran from its eastern terminus at Buffalo, along Lake Erie (the “Lake Shore” in the company name), then all the way to Chicago, with numerous branch lines in several states. A map of its holdings in 1914 is perfectly consistent with an assessment that 10 percent of its value lay within New York state, and that the applicable Investments tax was thus only 90 percent of the full amount.

The grail, approximately This sets the stage for the Lake Shore 1903 $20,000 bond shown in Figure 15, bearing both a Mortgage Endorsement orange and a 90 percent proportional payment of the Investments tax for five years by Secured Debt $100, $50, $25 and $5 stamps. At first glance this appears to be one of the figurative holy grails of the field, with Mortgage Endorsement and Secured Debts/Investments stamps paying their respective proportional taxes.

A closer look, though, reveals that the Secured Debt stamps did not complement the Mortgage stamp; they replaced it. The latter was affixed May 3, 1917, in Erie County, with manuscript notation “Cancelled June 20/17”; the Investments tax was then paid instead on July 2, 1917.

The full Mortgage tax was $100; why pay $180 in InvestAPRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 313

Ninety per cent of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern’s rails lay outside New York, thus by the letter of the law the Investments tax was assessed on just ninety per cent of the bond’s face value.

Figure 13. A $1,000 bond with $1.80 Investments tax paid for one year; not the usual $2.

Figure 14. A $1,000 bond with $9 Investments tax paid for five years; not the usual $10.

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Figure 15. A $20,000 Lake Shore bond with Mortgage Endorsement orange initially paying the $100 mortgage tax in May 1917, this cancelled in June and the 90 percent pro-rated Investments tax of $180 paid in July by Secured Debt $100, $50, $25 and $5 stamps.

ments tax? A plausible explanation is that it provided exemption from the state’s new 5 percent estate tax, amounting to $1,000, but paying the Mortgage tax did not. But why was only 90 percent of the full Investments tax paid? Waiving determination of the proportional rate and paying the full tax would seem to have been even more beneficial, and certainly simpler (albeit far less philatelically desirable). In any case, we now have a fantastic scenario resulting in a unique and spectacular combination!

In this article it has only been possible to present only an outline and a few key items from this emergent field. The author welcomes correspondence at mikemahler1@ verizon. net.

References Cabot, George. Priced Catalogue of the State and City Revenue and Tax Stamps of the United State (Weehawken, NJ: published by author, 1940).

Hilton, James. Lost Horizon (Macmillan, 1933).

Hoyt, Edwin P. The Vanderbilts and Their Fortunes. (New York: Doubleday, 1962).

Kenyon, Brewster C. Documentary State Revenue Stamps of the United States. (Long Beach, CA: published by author, 1920).

Mahler, Michael. Philatelic Shangri-la. New York Stamp Taxes on Bonds, 1910–1920. A Spectacular Philatelic Subfield Hidden for a Century.

(Santa Monica, Calif.: Paper Trail Publications, 2023).

T

he Author

Michael Mahler is a retired research scientist turned professional philatelist, residing in Santa Monica, California. After spending a decade studying the movement and consumption of oxygen in muscle, he became a describer at the stamp and postal history firm of George Alevizos, and turned his research energies to the study of revenuestamped documents of the U.S. Civil War era. These efforts have been rewarded, for literature, with two Colby awards, for “How Were U.S. Civil War Documentary and Proprietary Revenues Made Available to the Public?” (I993); and for “U.S. First Issue Stamps that Almost Were (and Almost Weren’t!): Evolution of the Documentary and Proprietary Taxes of 1862” (2018); and the Elliot Perry Cup for “A Catalog of United States Revenue-Stamped Documents of the Civil War Era By Type and Tax Rate” ( 1999); and for exhibiting, by the Champion of Champions multiframe and single frame awards, for “U.S. Civil War Fiscal History, A Summary of the Documentary Taxes “ (2001) and “Big Rug, Small Rug, Baby Rug: U.S. Civil War Era $200 & $500 Revenues, Their Purpose Illustrated” (2017), respectively. Later iterations of the multiframe exhibit were nominated for the Grand Prix National at World Stamp Show-NY 2016, and awarded Best Revenue at London 2022. Since 2013 he has been editor of The American Revenuer, the flagship publication of the American Revenue Association.

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The Search for Gold, the Quest of a Thematic Exhibitor LAWRENCE FISHER

I

have a confession to make. I am a thematic exhibitor and I want a large gold medal. All fellow collectors are probably saying, so do we.

Let me add to my problem. I exhibit internationally according to Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP) guidelines and I do not have deep pockets. Actually my pockets have become shallow with the years, especially after marriage and the birth of my daughter – and yes, I can hear many fellow collectors agreeing with me and commiserating. I actually have a large gold medal at the national level, which I won in 2016 at Zaragoza, Spain.

I also have an additional problem; my subject matter is modern. What does that mean? It means that there is no classic material that fits my theme. If you take a subject like lions, or the heart, you have beautiful material available, much of which is prephilatelic, but my own subject, not so much.

I exhibit the history of Israel and the Figure 1. From the author’s exhibit, a page illustrating the Declaration of the State of Israel. nation’s struggle for survival (Figure 1).

I started exhibiting nationally in 1990.

But I continued exhibiting for a few reasons; the first was It is hard to believe that I am talking about three decades to show my stamps. If you keep them at home, then others ago. The international rules were different then. I exhibitcannot enjoy them with you. Second, for me personally, it is ed in what is known today as Thematics 2.0, meaning that very enjoyable to prepare for an exhibition and then display I used standard exhibition page layouts and gave brief texit and be there to discuss my exhibit with others. It is a bit tual descriptions of my stamps, basically pulling stamps out of a rush. of my album and mounting them on an exhibit page. My After a few years of exhibiting, I advanced to what beexhibit was called “The Arab Israeli Conflict.” I received a came known as Thematics 2.5,which means that I intronational bronze medal and I was not very happy. Part of the duced material that was diversified, such as POW mail, crash problem was that the judges did not really know how to handle a thematic exhibit. covers and other items, not just simply stamps and meters.

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This bore fruit and I was awarded a national vermeil medal with 83 points, which enabled me to exhibit internationally.

I improved on this only slightly until someone told me that I need to rethink how to introduce better material. Up until this point, I had made the mistake of calling my exhibit, “The Arab Israeli Conflict,” beginning it in 1948 when the State of Israel was declared. However, that was quite myopic thinking on my part as there was the buildup to the declaration, and before that, the Holocaust, and before that, the British Mandate and the League of Nations, which not only enabled the creation of the state but also outlined its borders.

In essence, my exhibit took on a different look and needed to be renamed. Hence my exhibit was renamed: “Holocaust, Statehood and the Struggle for Survival” (Figure 2). I had a five-frame exhibit and every frame was a different chapter.

Quite stringent, of course, but at least my exhibit plan had balance.

I exhibited this a few times, receiving an international award of a vermeil medal. However, once again I was now stuck. My exhibit remained at 82, 83 points. Judges at the jury critique simply said, “You need better material.” I have heard that in English, Hebrew, German and French. It still does not help you much. It is a comment basically saying, “We don’t have a comment.”

At the international exhibition in 2008 in Tel Aviv, one judge turned to me and said, “Be serious with your exhibit please.” That was insulting, hurtful and inappropriate at the same time. Just think that in order to prepare for an exhibit, you spend ages not only writing it up but also on the mounting, the windowing and the like, and then you get comments with no take-away message. Shall I give up?

I was actually thinking, what is the point of a jury critique if they don’t actually have anything to add? You spend money for the privilege of displaying and then you travel thousands of miles away and you have no advice to take home.

What material am I missing? As far as I knew, the material that I had was the best available. If they knew of better material, how about letting me in on the secret? The truth is, the judges do not know of better material, but when you look at an exhibit, you can actually see whether it warrants a higher medal or not. Looking at other exhibits at the same exhibition, I could see that my exhibit was not at the same level. Others had proofs, essays, artwork, errors and the like, which I simply did not have.

I joined the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE) and paid for a critique and got some good points, but nothing that suggested how to improve. It may be that the problem was the subject itself.

As a thematic exhibitor, you have to know your own subject from top to bottom; you are the expert. If you exhibit computers, you may get a judge who also collects or exhibits that and can say what you are missing or what you should do. The same goes for many subjects, but I have a subject with decades of personal research and knowledge, so can a judge really say what I should or should not have?

Figure 2. An early exhibit title page.

Figure 3. The title page from a later exhibit.

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In essence, someone can say something like, “what about doing a philatelic study of the first postage stamp of Israel, the Doar Ivri.” However, I have heard some judges say that it is not for them to tell you what to do, but to judge you and what you have. I am okay with that, but if you give someone a low result, explain why.

So what is the next step? You need to rethink. A judge turned to me and said, “Write the story first and then look for suitable material. Forget what you have now, write a story.” The truth is that thematic exhibiting is all about a story.

It is not a topic, but a theme. So I set out to rethink.

In thematic exhibiting, you can get 15 points for your title and plan page, 15 for your development and 5 for innovation. I figured that I should aim as high as possible in that category because once again, I don’t have deep pockets.

Presentation is another 5 points, so it needs to look good.

This was in the days when the use of various colors on the same page was frowned upon. So the aim is to get as many of those 40 points as possible.

I am not a writer (well, I wasn’t in 2008; my book was only written in 2011. If anyone is interested, it is about funny stories from the world of dating as a middle-aged man.) How do many stories start? “Once upon a time…” If I start off like that, I have to go to the very beginning. What is the very beginning? The Holocaust? No, the Jewish people have been in the Holy Land for more than 3,000 years. Wait a moment, the Jewish people? An idea popped into my head, a new title,

“The Jewish Homeland, the Struggle for Survival” (Figure 3).

So now that I have a title and want to write a story from the beginning, I then have to go the beginning, meaning the Book of Genesis from the Bible.

I have to start with Abraham. So I wrote the chapters that I wanted and then within each chapter wrote a story. Of course, only the first page starts off with “Once upon a time.”

While thinking of my concept, my storyline appeared.

I wanted to show G-d’s promise to Abraham (Abram) and other relevant Bible stories. I wanted to show how we became the Palestinian refugees when the Romans expelled us (well, some of us) and then our return home. After that I wanted to talk about the British Mandate (Figure 4) and, of course, the Holocaust. Then I continue to independence and our multiple wars, including against terror; our lack of acceptance and recognition; and finally our search for peace.

By the time I had written all this down, I was happy. Now it was time to look for material.

I found some of the material and sold other material; don’t we all do that? It was difficult to part with some material, but as I said, I don’t have deep pockets. While writing everything up, I made sure that each item had detailed accompanying texts. This is actually an FIP regulation. Today, this is known as Thematics 3.0. What is the difference? In the past you could lump a whole bunch of philatelic items with only a single line of text explaining them. Who knew what the relevance of a certain item was to the theme?

After finding the initial material, it was time to exhibit again. And you know what, I won a higher medal – a large vermeil! I decided to enter Rome 2009 and travel there. Rome is a beautiful city, so why not? I went there and got a point higher. Who was one of my judges? The same judge who said, “Be serious with your exhibit please.” You know what he said this time? “I am glad you took my advice.”

So, I continued exhibiting and improving my material but never got more than 87 points. I remained there for four years, not really understanding what the problem was, hearing the same blurb again and again. Truthfully, it is easier to tell someone who has a bad exhibit what to do than to guide someone with a fairly good exhibit. (Yes, I know I am blowing my own trumpet.)

Finally a judge in a critique said, “This page is a large silver page” (Figure 5).

I looked at the page and I did not understand. It had two very scarce slogan cancels and some stamps.

Shall I give up? Actually, what he Figure 4. The British Mandate for Palestine illustrated in the author’s exhibit. was trying to tell me was that if a page 318 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Figure 5. The “Large Silver” page, showing the only known example of this meter and a hard-to-find slogan.

Figure 6. A Holocaust Remembrance Day stamp used in the author’s exhibit.

looks inexpensive, it brings down the overall exhibit. At FIP level, the judges may have 30 minutes to look at your exhibit and if there is an uninteresting page, they don’t look at it.

Who cares that in 30 years, this was the only example I have seen? If the page is uninteresting, they move on.

So again, after so many years, and a lot of effort, blood, sweat and tears, I asked myself, “Shall I give up and sell it all?” One judge told me that I would never get more than a vermeil medal with my theme. I had proven him wrong but maybe I had reached my own zenith.

I also faced another problem. I had exhibited far too many times with only five frames and it was now time to increase to eight frames. That means going from 80 exhibit pages to 128, an extra 48 pages! To do that, you have to keep the story fresh and have the best material available.

Yes, sounds easy, doesn’t it? Someone told me that it is not a problem, and instead of one page on waterfalls, he would have five! To me, that means that there is a problem with thematic development.

My wife and I had just gone through our fifth miscarriage and we were devastated. I thought to myself that it would have been nice to teach my child about our heritage and all of a sudden an idea formed in my mind. Of course, I can: through philately. Philately is also a tool with which we can spread messages, and to teach, so why not totally change my concept?

A star was born, a young boy, 10 years old, who was born in Jerusalem and was given the name David by his parents. If you didn’t know, King David entered Jerusalem 3,000 years ago.

So what about young David? David is the subject of the exhibit. During the day he goes to school where this exhibit shows all of this history, but instead of doing it in a way that reads like a history book, it is displayed through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy named after King David. At school, he is taught Bible stories and Jewish history.

However, when he comes home, he asks his family questions and each family member answers him, from their own experience and in their own way of speaking. In this manner, the thematic language is kept simple. We do not need to obfuscate or discombobulate, using big words that many people do not understand anyway.

So, young David asks his family questions and on the last page of the chapter, his question is finally answered. Most family members, from David’s great-grandparents to his mother, take part in the story. As an example, Bobba, David’s great-grandmother, tells him about living through the Holocaust. David asks her, “Bobba, what is that tattoo on your arm?” (Figure 6). She tells him about the rise of evil and her survival. The entire story is told with the appropriate material. Naturally, the story is told from a Jewish/Israeli point of view.

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Figure 7. The title page from the latest iteration of the author’s exhibit.

At this time there was an air of change in exhibiting and no longer were we bound to specific page sizes. We could basically do what we wanted, as long as it fit in the row of the frame! I decided to exhibit three rows to a frame. That had two distinct advantages in my view: the frame does not look crowded and an eight-frame exhibit is 96 pages! Quite doable! I decided on a page size of 28 centimeters (11 inches) square so that it would fit in American-sized frames (letter size) and through the AAPE, I found a supplier who could make protectors for me. Unfortunately, he now requires a minimum order of $300, so if anyone knows of a supplier, please let me know.

I read more about what is permitted in thematic exhibiting, which can include advertising covers, free franking and many other items, and I did my best to incorporate them into my exhibit. An advertising cover for use in exhibitions is different from the term in America. It is not an envelope of the Lawrence Cookie Company with a logo, but rather postal stationery with advertisements, which would have had a reduction in price because the advertiser subsidized the letter.

Because this was written in first person, I felt that the title needed to change and hence the title became, “The Jewish Homeland, Our Struggle for Survival” (Figure 7).

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I now had everything done and ready and was waiting for an exhibit. The European championship popped up in 2015 and I entered. I got my first international gold medal and won my class, the History Class. This win actually fell on my birthday. If I were a dog my tail would be wagging so much it would probably have flown off by itself! I exhibited in New York 2016 and received a special prize.

I have exhibited this a few times worldwide and get 92 or 93 points, but the large gold medal is still avoiding me. Time for another exhibit rewrite?

T

HE AUTHOR

Lawrence Fisher is a systems analyst and senior computer programmer, skills he learned while serving in the Israel Defence Forces. He started collecting stamps almost 60 years ago but only got serious about philately in 1982. He started exhibiting in 1990 and has reached an international gold medal with multiple awards for treatment. Lawrence has a YouTube channel called "The Stories behind the stamps" (https://www.youtube. com/@StoriesBehindStamps), in which he talks about the story and not the stamps themselves. His channel appeals to the collector and the non-collector alike. He is also an author and his book is sold on Amazon. Lawrence is married with a single daughter and lives in Israel.

With Sabre and Inkwell

Florida Confederate officer's tale comes to life through family correspondence

T

WILLIAM J. STIER

he Cars did not come yesterday,” Confederate Captain Winston J.T. Stephens regretfully wrote to his wife, “Tivie,” from his cavalry picket post in Nassau County, Florida on January 28, 1864. “If you had seen the long faces as we returned to camp after waiting until nearley sun down you could then appreciate our anxieties on mail days, the only days in the week that we can hear from our dear families and then to have a disappointment is too bad.”

At various points, service on the tracks of both the Florida Railroad Company and the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Central Railroad had been interrupted by federal raiding parties. Hampered by the Union Army’s destruction, Captain Stephens would resort to any means necessary to keep the lines of communication open with his loved ones left behind on the home front.

The son of Thomas P.G. Stephens, a prominent physician, and his wife, Mary Ann J. (Taylor), Winston John Thomas Stephens

Figure 1. An original quarter plate ambrotype of Winston John Thomas Stephens produced circa 1856 while he was serving as a cavalry officer in the Florida State Militia during the Third Seminole War. (Courtesy the StephensBryant Family Papers, University of Florida)

An original Confederate Thomas Griswold & Company Cavalry Officer's Sabre w/scabbard (Courtesy Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas) APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 321

Figure 3. Confederate Captain Winston J. T. Stephens’ personal St. Johns Rangers cavalry guidon. (Courtesy the Winston J. T. Stephens Collection, Museum of Florida History.)

Figure 2. An original ninth plate daguerreotype of Octavia Louisa Bryant produced circa 1858 when “Tivie” was 17. (Courtesy the StephensBryant Family Papers, University of Florida)

(Figure 1) was born July 17, 1828 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Following his father’s accidental death in 1836 and his mother’s subsequent remarriage to Lewis C. Gaines, Stephens and his relatives relocated to Welaka, Florida in 1856 during the turbulent period of the Third Seminole War. Dispelling any doubts as to Winston’s intentions at this

time, Miss Carrie Latham of Welaka announced on December 18 of that year, “Mr. Stephens was going to Tampa to fight the Indians.” Accordingly, Stephens was elected second lieutenant in Captain William G. Moseley’s independent company of Mounted Florida Volunteers at Palatka on December 29. Promoted to the rank of captain six months later, Stephens was officially credited with capturing 19 American Indians on one expedition into the Everglades.

On January 28, 1858, Stephens was honorably mustered out of service at Fort Brooke, Florida. After returning to his livelihood as a gentleman planter at his sprawling 320-acre estate, “Rose Cottage,” in Welaka, Stephens wed his longtime sweetheart, Octavia Louisa Bryant (Figure 2), on November 1, 1859.

Figure 4. United States Coast Survey Office 1864 map of northern Florida and southern Georgia. (Courtesy the Library of Congress)

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Their marriage would ultimately produce three children; two girls (Rosalie B. and Isabella G.) and a boy (Winston).

For several decades spanning the course of the mid-19th century, Americans verbally clashed over political issues, such as the institution of slavery and the legitimacy of states' rights. The surging turmoil surrounding the ethical tenets of this sectional crisis effectually led to the decision by the legislators of Florida to preemptively secede from the Union on January 10, 1861.

Set in motion by the Fort Sumter offensive in Charleston, South Carolina, the following April, the tumult of war was unleashed between the Southern and North- Figure 5. A stampless Confederate cover from Octavia L. (Bryant) Stephens to ern states and the ensuing whirlwind tore Winston J. T. Stephens at Fernandina, Florida. (Courtesy the Stephens-Bryant Family Papers, University of Florida) the country asunder.

From the very outset of this factional conflict, Stephens, an Episcopalian and oldline Whig, had publicly admonished moderation before voicing his advocacy of the new government representing the Confederacy. Stephens enlisted in Captain Benjamin Hopkins’ Florida State Militia cavalry company, the St. Johns Rangers (Figure 3), upon its organization in September 1861.

Because of his prior Seminole War service and good reputation locally, Stephens was directly commissioned first lieutenant of that unit on October 19. The second lieutenancy position was filled by the inclusion of Henry A. Gray, a 34-year-old Palatka Figure 6. A hand-carried stampless Confederate cover from Winston J. T. Stephens to boat operator and entrepreneur. This cadre Octavia L. (Bryant) Stephens at Welaka, Florida. (Courtesy the Stephens-Bryant Family of officers was further augmented by the Papers, University of Florida) selection of Peter Peterman, a Palatka merchant, as third lieutenant.

“Jan 24” (1862) and matching handstamped “PAID 5.” There Booted and spurred, with a big iron strapped to his hip, also is a manuscript “Pd” at upper right.

Stephens rode off to battle atop his golden palomino mare, Following Hopkins’ sudden death from fever on FebruPet. Formally mustered into the Confederate army on Novemary 21, 1862, Stephens succeeded him as captain of the troop. ber 15, 1861, Stephens and the St. Johns Rangers were proviDuring the month of February, Confederate General Alsionally attached to the Fourth Florida Infantry Regiment and bert Sidney Johnston and his compatriots from the Army of thereafter garrisoned at Fernandina on Amelia Island north of Central Kentucky sustained calamitous reversals in Middle Jacksonville in northeast Florida (Figure 4).

Tennessee when forts Henry and Donelson fell to federal Both well-educated, Stephens and his wife exchanged a forces. Facing a severe lack of soldiers resulting from the voluminous correspondence while he actively campaigned capture of those vital military installations, commander in the northeast Florida region. Fortunately, owing to the General Robert E. Lee dispatched much-needed reinforcecare and consideration of their descendants, the vast majorments from Florida to Tennessee. ity of those letters and accompanying envelopes have surConsequently, the order to evacuate Amelia Island was vived the ravages of time. issued on February 25. Subsequent to the extraction of all One such cover from this particular period (Figure 5) Southern service personnel from Fernandina and the arwas addressed by Octavia to “Lieut. Winston Stephens” in rival of Union troops to the surrounding area, Stephens be“Care of Capt. Hopkins, St. Johns Rangers.” Fashioned from gan operating independently with his small contingent of her original folded letter, this cover bears the double ring circular date postmark of “WELAKA/FLA.” with manuscript cavalrymen.

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Stephens sent a letter to Octavia on March 13, 1862 from his bivouac near the town of Enterprise in Volusia County (Figure 6).

“Again I have the opportunity of writing you by Lieut Gray, as he goes to Palatka to make some arrangements for the safety of his family,” Stephens reported.

Devoid of any postal markings, the cover that enclosed this letter exhibits Stephens’ distinctive script in dark brown ink. Stephens penned his home address, along with the notation, “Attention of Lieut Gray,” referencing the hand-delivery by his second-in-command.

More than likely, Moses Smith perFigure 7. A Confederate cover from Octavia L. (Bryant) Stephens to Winston J. T. Stephens sonally carried the letter to Rose Cottage at Jacksonville, Florida. The cover features a horizontal pair of 5-cent Green Jefferson Davis upon receipt from Gray. A local retailer, (CSA Scott 1) stamps. (Courtesy the Patricia A. Kaufmann Collection.)

Smith regularly conveyed the mail back and forth between Welaka and Palatka in the first phase of the struggle. Smith later joined the army and finished out the war as second lieutenant of the St. Johns Rangers.

Riverboat Captain Jacob Brock initially had been the contractor for Confederate Post Route 6524 from Welaka to Palatka, but was arrested by United States Navy crewmen on March 3 after his 298-ton side-wheel steamer Darlington ran aground in Cumberland Sound. Aptly regarded as a dangerous secessionist by his captors, Brock would languish in a Northern prison for the balance of the conflict.

Stephens was making preparations to fend off an expected federal amphibious assault at St. Johns Bluff, 18 miles downstream from the Jacksonville commercial district when he received Octavia’s letter written September 21, 1862 (Figure 7).

Octavia affixed a horizontal pair of 5-cent green Jefferson Davis stamps to the envelope. Those stamps were ultimately tied by a double ring circular dateless postmark of “WELAKA/FLA.” In addition, an identical strike to the left exhibits the manuscript “Sept 22” date.

Figure 8. A postwar photograph of Davis Hall Bryant that Circumnavigating the inland rivers and streams of northshows him later in life. (Courtesy The Confederate Veteran, east Florida, known as the First Coast, the letter traversed January 1915) sequentially these routes to reach its destination: Welaka to of Jacksonville at Hart’s Road Station in the present-day town Palatka, Palatka to Ocala, Ocala to Gainesville and Gainesof Yulee. Utilized as a Confederate military supply depot, ville to Baldwin. At that stage, the connection between BaldHart’s Road Station functioned primarily as a waypoint for the win and Jacksonville was severed due to a heavy U.S. military Florida Railroad Company, from Fernandina to Cedar Key. presence. Despite resistance, the Union did, in fact, seize the Bryant’s mother, Rebecca Hathorne (Hall) Bryant, wrote St. Johns Bluff earthen fortifications on October 3. to her son on November 8, 1862, from Rose Cottage. The asTaking up arms against the federal government, Ocsociated cover (Figure 9) displays a double ring circular date tavia’s older brother, Davis H. Bryant, had enrolled on May postmark of “WELAKA/FLA.” with manuscript “Nov 9” and 16, 1862 as a private in Captain Robert H. Harrison’s Indematching handstamp of “PAID.” There is a visible manupendent Company of Cavalry (Amelia Island Guerrillas), script “Paid 10 cts.” (at top right) as well. Within a matter of Florida Volunteers. weeks, the Amelia Island Guerrillas would be merged into Combat ready, Bryant – who survived the war (Figure 8) – soon found himself encamped approximately 20 miles north the Second Florida Cavalry Regiment as K Company.

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mark of “LAKE CITY/FLA. FEB 20.” Over the river and through the woods, that letter traveled from Lake City to Tallahassee and then on to Thomasville before Octavia got hold of it.

On March 1, 1864, Stephens led a patrol toward the city of Jacksonville in order to probe the existing Union defenses. Venturing through the forest, Stephens soon met with opposition from an amalgamated assemblage of Northern soldiers. Guns at the ready, Stephens forged ahead with his cavalry in columns of four. Veering to the east of Cedar Creek, the captain guided his horsemen into the brush where a party of Union soldiers lay in ambush. A conspicuous figure astride his dapple gray Figure 9. A stampless Confederate cover from Rebecca Hathorne (Hall) Bryant charger, Stephens paused briefly to adjust his troop to Davis Hall Bryant at Hart’s Road Station (Yulee, Florida). (Courtesy John L. Kimbrough MD / csastamps.com). formation only to be singled out by a federal sniper who mortally shot the captain through the back.

In accordance with Special Order 1487, Stephens’ unit First Sergeant Swepston B. W. Stephens of was authoritatively designated Company B of the 2nd FloriCompany B, 2nd Florida Cavalry Regiment, had accomda Cavalry Regiment on December 4, 1862. panied his older brother into the woods at Cedar Creek.

Reassigned in July 1863, Stephens and his horsemen bilDevastated by his personal misfortune, Sergeant Stephens leted themselves at Camp Cooper, just a mile north of the subsequently wrote to his brother’s widow and described the Hart’s Road railway junction. captain’s final moments: While based at Camp Cooper, Stephens received a note “You know not the anguish of my heart when he from Davis Bryant, who was on detached duty in the Quartermaster’s Department in Lake City.

Evidently short on stationery, Bryant fabricated a makeshift envelope from a surplus roll of wallpaper for his communiqué (Figure 10). Once all flaps are fully exploded, this wallpaper adversity cover reveals a lovely multicolor floral design in varying shades of blue, red and tan. Lacking a postmark, there is merely a manuscript “Paid 10” discernible on the cover's exterior.

At the Battle of Olustee, also known as the Battle of Ocean Pond, which was fought in Baker County on February 20, 1864, Stephens proved to be equally adept at maneuvering with the main Confederate army as he and his troopers fought on foot alongside veteran infantrymen to break the advancing federal alignment. Forewarned of the Union Army’s objective to seize the Florida capital at Tallahassee, Confederate Brigadier Generals Joseph R. Finegan and Alfred H. Colquitt made emergency troop dispositions that led to the overwhelming defeat of Union Brigadier General Truman Seymour and his mixed force of white and Black servicemen.

Two days prior to the battle, Stephens sent a penciled message to Octavia at her residency in exile in Thomasville, Georgia (Figure 11). Octavia and her children had fled Welaka on September 6, 1863 to escape the oncoming Union forces.

Simply folding this letter, Stephens attached Figure 10. A Confederate wallpaper adversity cover from Davis Hall Bryant to Winston J. T. Stephens at Camp Cooper in Yulee, Florida. Only approximately one a 10-cent Blue Jefferson Davis stamp to it. In due dozen of such Florida wallpaper covers are recorded. (Courtesy the William J. course, the stamp was tied by a circular date post- Stier Collection) APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 325

was shot. We were side by side and tho’ I was not looking at him when the fatal ball pierced him I heard it and turned and asked him if he was hurt. He turned and looked the reply but could not speak and just at that time my spur was cut off and consequently he fell before I could reach him. I dismounted and took him up and sit him on my horse and got up behind him and took him out in that way leaning back against me. That look, the last look was full of love.

His lips moved but no word escaped. I see that look now and ever will….”

In the aftermath, Stephens’ body was transported to the Lake City Cemetery for burial beside the Confederate casualties from the Ocean Pond Battle.

With financial assistance from the state, Stephens was reinterred in the Westview Cem- Figure 11. A Confederate cover from Winston J. T. Stephens to Octavia L. (Hall) etery in Palatka in 1888. Having never remar- Bryant dated Feb. 20, 1864. This cover is franked with a 10-cent blue Jefferson ried, Octavia Stephens remained devoted to Davis (CSA Scott 11, Type I, stamp). (Courtesy the Stephens-Bryant Family Papers, University of Florida) the memory of her husband until her death on September 6, 1908. During a private ceremony, Jaronski, Stefan T. “The Postal Routes of Confederate Florida,” The Confederate Philatelist XXXVII, no. 1 (January-February 1992).

Stephens’ remains were moved to the Stephens family plot at Jaronski, Stefan T. “The Postal Routes of Confederate Florida, Part 2,” The Oakwood Cemetery in Welaka in the year 2000.

Resources Bearss, Edwin C. “Military Operations on the St. Johns, September-October 1862 (Part I): The Union Navy Fails to Drive the Confederates from St. Johns Bluff,” Florida Historical Quarterly XLII, no. 3 (January 1964).

Bearss, Edwin C. “Military Operations on the St. Johns, September-October 1862 (Part II): The Federals Capture St. Johns Bluff ”. Florida Historical Quarterly XLII, no. 4 (April 1964).

Blakey, Arch F., Lainhart, Ann S. and Stephens Jr., Winston B., editors. Rose Cottage Chronicles: Civil War Letters of the Bryant-Stephens Families of North Florida (Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida, 1998).

Briggs, Deane R., M.D. Florida Postal History During the Civil War (Lincoln, Delaware: Confederate Stamp Alliance, 2018).

The Confederate Veteran, XXIII, no. 1 (January 1915) Harrison Jr., George P., “The Battle Of Olustee,” The Confederate Veteran XXIV, no. 8 (August 1916)

Confederate Philatelist XXXVII, no. 2 (March-April 1992).

Lera, Thomas M. “Florida Confederate Railroad Mail,” Florida Postal History Society, Tallahassee CSA, mid-year meeting (2017).

The Stephens-Bryant Family Papers, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville.

United States War Department, War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (1880-1901), Seventy Volume Compendium in One Hundred and Twenty-eight Parts, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Winston J. T. Stephens Collection, Museum of Florida History, Tallahassee.

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A native Kentuckian, William J. Stier is currently writing a full-length book about Captain Winston Stephens and the St. Johns Rangers in Northeast Florida. Mr. Stier may be reached by e-mail at: kycavalier@att.net

For Further LEARNING

Recommendations from the APRL research staff: Briggs, Deane R. “Confederate Covers to Small Florida Towns” Florida Postal History Journal, January 2009.

Briggs, Deane R. Florida Postal History During the Civil War (United States Of America, Confederate Stamp Alliance, 2018). [G3931 .P856 B854fc 2018].

Herst, Herman, Jr. “Florida History Archives Valuable Resource for Postal History,” Confederate Philatelist, March-April 1993.

Jaronski, Stefan T. “Postal Routes Of Confederate Flori-

326 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

he Author

da,” Confederate Philatelist, January-February 1992.

John W. Kaufmann Sales. William G. Bogg Collection of Florida In the Confederacy February 21, 1987. Sale 128.

(Washington, DC: John W. Kaufmann Sale, 1987). [NS Bogg, William G.] McNeal, Herbert P. “Florida In the Confederacy” Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News, May 13, 1994.

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries. Florida In the Civil War, The Deane R. Briggs, M.D. Collection May 9, 2017 (New York, NY: Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, 2017). [NS Briggs, Deane R.] Stets, Robert J. “Confederate Post Offices in Florida,” The Heliograph, Winter 1989.

COLLECTING COAST TO COAST

BY WAYNE YOUNGBLOOD

A Celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the First U.S. Postal Card

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ne of this year’s most significant philatelic anniversaries is likely to slip by without most collectors even noticing. It is the 150th anniversary of the release of our nation’s first postal card, an example of which is shown (Figure 1).

Why the low collector interest? For whatever reason, interest in postal stationery (stamped envelopes, lettersheets and postal cards) seems to have waned greatly in the past few years. Part of the significance of the anniversary of our nation’s first postal card (among other things) is that, unlike the vast majority of postal paper of the period, the penny postal has a very specific release date connected with it – May 12, 1873. More on this in a bit.

Although postal cards are still released, they aren’t used by the non-collecting public nearly as much as they used to be, their primary purpose – brief communication – having been supplanted first with the broad distribution of the telephone and, ultimately, by email and text messaging.

But for about a century, postal cards played a vital – no, essential – role in the commercial and social development of the United States. This workhorse of American life and business was the primary source of brief communication to an entire nation for decades. They carried advertisements, reminders, personal notes, jokes, news of family joys, tragedies and triumphs, and countless invoices, orders and other

Figure 1. A mint example of our nation’s first postal card, Scott UX1.

business communications broadly to a rapidly expanding nation.

The time period of the postal card’s heyday spanned two world wars and countless other conflicts, as well as the infancy of telegraphy, the invention of the telephone, the birth and golden age of radio, the genesis of television, the birth and growth of the motion picture industry and the development of electronic communications.

The aeroplane (as it was called early on) was still just a dream in 1873, and space travel was nothing more than a fantasy. Despite these later world-changing major advances and developments, people still lived, died, laughed and engaged in all the mundane details of daily life – and much of this was recorded in one way or another on the postal card. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

If letter mail has been around for centuries, why did it take so long to develop the concept of the simple postal card?

After all, it’s a piece of paper with preprinted postage and an open back for writing. The first postal card wasn’t even released until 1869, by Austria, four years before our own.

Figure 2. U.S. Postmaster General John A.J. Creswell, who was responsible for bringing the postal card to fruition. (Courtesy Library of Congress.)

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One big drawback to the concept of an open-backed postal card was the shocking idea of one’s private thoughts and communications being out there for all to see (hard to believe at a time when people share the most intimate aspects of their lives freely on social media, but I digress). It was also all about the money, or at least to postal administrations that feared a loss of revenue with the introduction of cheap postage.

Predictably, it seems consumers were more than willing to give up some privacy for the cheap, convenient postal card, but some in the U.S. Post Office Department saw a foreshadowing (unfounded, as it turned out) of a tremendous loss of postal revenue. After all, it was still adjusting

to the postal rate reductions of 1851, despite the vastly increased volume of mail generated by cheaper postage.

The Post Office also was concerned that with the open back of the postal card there was the potential for users to write obscene, embarrassing or otherwise objectionable or offensive communications for all to see.

Still, with multiple countries jumping on the bandwagon, U.S. Postmaster General John A.J. Creswell (Figure 2), recommended in his 1870 annual report that the United States release a postal card, but Congress did not approve this recommendation until August 8, 1872. At that point, Congress approved the authorization for the release of a 1-cent postal card, but there was no allowance made for an appropriation

Types of the First Postal Card There are two main types of the 1-cent Liberty postal card, Scott UX1 and UX3, differing primarily only by watermark (see accompanying images).

The first type released (May 12, 1873) has a large, interlocking “USPOD” monogram watermark that appears once per card. This is Scott UX1, which catalogs for $375 mint (no writing or printing on either side), $70 unused (uncanceled, but may have writing or printing) and $25 used.

light source will reveal enough of the watermark to determine type. For assessing either no watermark or different orientations of watermarks, the use of a light table and watermark fluid will suffice. There are premiums for different watermark orientations, as well as for stitch watermarks, an unintentional variety caused during the papermaking process.

The second type, UX3, has a smaller, repeating “USPOD” monogram watermark. These cards have a current catalog value of $75 mint, $22.50 unused and $3.50 used.

A third type is an unwatermarked variety, Scott UX3a, which is listed only used, at $775. This variety also explains why there is no Scott UX2.

Originally, the unwatermarked card was listed as Scott UX1. But, when it was discovered through research that the unwatermarked type was never an authorized full press run (a small printing was likely used in July 1873, before the new dandy rolls with the smaller watermark were delivered, and there was a small trial press run authorized in May 1874), they were delisted as a major number and listed as a variety of UX3 (UX3a). Rather than renumbering the entire section or simply not having a UX1, Scott made the decision to list the large watermark type as UX1, leaving UX2 as a void in the numbering.

It should be noted that by the late press runs of 1875, the dandy rolls that impressed the watermark into the newly formed paper were wearing out and many small watermark types (UX3) either have very faint or nearly non-existent watermarks. Due to the premium attached to nowatermark cards (currently $775 used), expertization is highly desirable prior to purchasing one.

Detecting watermarks on the first postal card is not difficult; virtually any strong (preferably LED) 328 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

The large USPOD monogramed watermark (UX1) appeared only once on each postal card.

The smaller USPOD monogramed watermark (UX3) was a continuous marking on cards, with more than one appearing on each card. The vertical stroke of the “P” is bent in this example – a premium variety.

Figure 4. Specimen example of a postal card printed on the same day it was released in Springfield, Mass. (Courtesy Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries.)

Figure 3. U.S. Attorney General George Henry Williams effectively delayed the release of the first postal card by not allowing any contracts to be solicited or let until money was appropriated by Congress to print the first postal card. (Courtesy Library of Congress.)

Figure 5. Postmarked May 14, 1873, the day after the postal cards were made available in Harford, Conn., this promotional card was mailed.

Figure 6. The reverse of the Figure 5 card, printed and mailed within a day of receiving the first cards available at Hartford.

of funding to print them. U.S. Attorney General George Henry Williams (Figure 3), ruled that no contracts could be awarded for printing postal cards without proper funding, resulting in an additional delay, awaiting the necessary appropriation.

Finally, in December 1872, the appropriation was made, allowing the postmaster general to advertise for bids. On Feb, 27, 1873, the Morgan Envelope Co. of Springfield, Mass., was awarded a four-year contract to print postal cards and the USPOD announced such in a May 1 release. However, production problems dogged the company, which was unable to distribute any cards until May 12. Figure 4 shows a production specimen of the card from the first sheet printed that day and handstamped by the “U.S. Postal Card Agency.” The text on the reverse of the card (not shown) reads: “The first Postal Card contract was awarded to the Morgan Envelope Company of Springfield Mass. March 28th 1873.

The first issue of Postal Cards began on the 12th day of May 1873. The first perfect sheet of Postal Cards ever printed, contained thirty-six (36) cards, and was approved by the U.S.P.O. Department April 30th 1873. I certify that this Postal Card was taken from the first sheet approved by the Department. Geo. N. Tyner, U.S. Postal Card Agent.”

A supply of cards was immediately sent to the local Springfield Post Office, where they were placed on sale the same day. This was followed by Hartford, Connecticut; Boston; New York City; and Washington, D.C., on May 13, and Philadelphia and other large cities May 14 APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 329

and shortly thereafter. Thus, the well-documented May 12 date is an actual first day of release for the card, not just an earliest-known use; but all of these early dates are rare and eagerly sought by specialists.

Shown (Figure 5) is one of the first promotions (if not the first) of this new communication and promotional tool.

The card was postmarked May 14 in Hartford, the day after it was first available there. Case, Lockwood & Brainard

was already one of the largest printers in Connecticut, and immediately recognized the potential of the postal card. The firm was able to secure a supply of the new cards on the first day they were available in Hartford (May 13), set text, print a promotional message and mail them the following day, long before the cards were available in most places. This was an extraordinary turnaround time for a printed product. This particular example was mailed to the company of E. Tucker & Sons, a contemporaneous and local dealer in paper and twine.

The printed message on the reverse of the card, shown in Figure 6, reads:

Figure 7. Just one example of hundreds of different intricately designed and printed illustrated advertisements found on the first U.S. postal card, considered a pioneer postcard.

SPECIMEN COPY of the NEW POSTAL CARDS, exhibiting one of the uses to which they are adapted, viz.: as a cheap, convenient, and effective method of Advertising. The undersigned are prepared to furnish them in large or small quantities. Also, to do Wood Cut, Price List, and Job Printing, and to make every description of Blank and Account Books, Town Records, Memorandums, etc., to order, in the best manner, and at low prices.

Case, Lockwood & Brainard Hartford, Conn.

The so-called “Big Hole” plate variety (of which there are several types) is the most major plate variety found on the nation’s first postal card. The enlarged inset. left, shows the variety more clearly.

Varieties of the First Postal Card In addition to paper and ink color variations collected by specialists (and there is a large variety), there are several notable and highly collectible plate varieties that can still be found in collections and dealer stocks containing quantities of these postal cards.

By far, the most notable of these is the so-called “Big Hole” variety, an example of which is shown above, and 330 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

that can be found on both types of cards. Deceptively, this is not just one variety, but is found from actually four different subject plates (a complete collection would include 16 cards). How to distinguish these sub-types is beyond the scope of this article, but there are significant premiums associated with all types of the Big Hole variety, which is most easily recognized by the apparent “dent” near the upper left of the left vertical frame.

Figure 8. The Postal Card Galop sheet music, released in 1875, due to the popularity of this new medium. (Courtesy of Library of Congress.)

Figure 9. Detail of the “postal card” shown on the cover of the Figure 8 sheet music – a fairly decent facsimile of the real thing.

True to form, the postal card proved to be a fantastic advertising tool for business and was immediately popular with postal patrons. Figure 7 shows the reverse of a card, an example of just one of the intricate illustrated advertisements known on these cards and Figure 8 shows an 1875 piece of sheet music inspired by and written about the new-fangled and popular postal card, The Postal Card Galop. (A galop is a lively form of dance music that originated around 1800, reached its peak shortly after the Civil War and nearly disappeared by the 20th century.) Figure 9 shows an inset of the “postal card” from the cover of the sheet music, a close, but apparently legal, facsimile of the real thing.

To return to the pictorial advertising for a moment, there are hundreds of designs known, all of which are also of interest to deltiologists (postcard collectors). Because a true picture postcard was not legally available until after a congressional act of 1898, postal cards bearing pictorial advertising images are considered “pioneer postcards” and can, in some cases, be worth hundreds of dollars due to the cross appeal to two different hobbies.

Oddly, the first postal card had an effective life of only two years, having been replaced by the second Liberty design of 1875 (Figure 10), but not because the card wasn’t popular. In all, nearly a quarterbillion postal cards were produced during those first two years! According to the United Postal Stationery Society, there were slightly more than 31 million No. UX1 produced, and almost 208 million of No. UX3.

But there was a need for change. Paper and ink were two of the largest obstacles.

Much of the watermarked paper stock used for the first card was inconsistent in quality and difficult to print on. Further complicating matters was not only providing a more or less consistent brown ink color at a time when pigments were ground by hand, but the brown ink proved abrasive and difficult to work with. The new card was printed on a non-watermarked paper stock (except for an early printing using up old stock) in black ink and, although there were some changes made, that design served the public for 10 years, not being replaced until 1885.

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Our first postal card has been studied a great deal over the past 150 years, with the dean of postal cards being the late Charles Fricke (1921-2017), who built on early studies and added tremendously to them, including a virtually comprehensive plating study.

Fricke ultimately published hundreds of articles and two books devoted to the cards. Those titles, A Contemporary Account of the First United States Postal Card (which traces its development from concept through reality utilizing official correspondence, newspaper articles and other contemporaneous accounts), and Plating the First United States Postal Card (which lays out a comprehensive study of the card and its

varieties) are considered essential works for anyone seriously contemplating the study of these cards. Both books were first published in 1973, on the occasion of the centennial of the first U.S. postal card. These classic references and have just been updated and republished by the United Postal Stationery Society this year. Details are available through UPSS, PO Box 3982, Chester VA 23831-3982, or on the group’s website, https://www.upss.org/code/publications.php.

Figure 10. The first postal card type was replaced by this design in 1875.

That Mysterious Line The first U.S. postal cards (UX1 and UX3) are the only ones to feature address lines. While this was a handy thing for some, it proved difficult for others and downright baffling for many.

In addition to the three ruled lines beginning with a script “To,” there was a shorter fourth line at lower left, directly adjacent to the bottom of the three primary lines.

It was a simple thing for most to deduce that the three lines were intended for recipient’s name, street address and city and state (some simply used them for recipient, city and state). But what was the purpose of the fourth line? No one really knows for sure, and the USPOD never stated a purpose. Since the space was available, it was used.

According to a non-statistical survey of about 2,500 cards created by postal card student Bradley Horton some years ago, about 10 percent of postal card users found some use for the additional line. Those uses include (oddly enough) name of recipient, street address, city and state, but a number of other uses were noted as well. Among those that make the most sense, he observed county, date of writing, company or business 332 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

name, profession or title of recipient, department of a company, building name, post office box number, sender’s name, date of mailing, postal instructions (“please forward,” “care of,” routing “via” and others), message (such as “in haste”), advertising, subject of message, a decorative design and more.

In addition, some recipients utilized the space to docket date of receipt. Whatever the purpose, many notations found their way to the mystery line. Have you seen others?

This preprinted postage-paid reply card utilized the extra “mystery line” at lower left to add the country name to their address. It is possible this was the original intended purpose for the line.

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Philately & Philanthropy

he American Philatelic Society was founded in September of 1886. As the Society enters its 137th year, its original missions remain of the utmost importance – education, safety in buying and selling stamps, and community. Through these charges, we continue to support the future of the hobby and serve the needs of our members. The APS remains financially strong through careful fiscal management and the generosity of donors.

The Society is honored by the thousands of members and friends who have accepted the challenge to help the APS and the American Philatelic Research Library fulfill our responsibilities to the philatelic community every year. Thank you to everyone who invested – through time, money, philatelic resources, and expertise – in the future of philately in 2022. Your support makes our work possible.

2022 By The Numbers $666,200 Cash Gifts

$62,000

Saved in Donated Postage

1,580 New Members

1,200 Summer Seminar Online Registrations

6,000

Donated Hours by Volunteers

1,130

Contributing/Supporting Members

6,200

Issues added to Digital Library

$181,000 Sale of Donated Material

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 333

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Stronger With Your Help

he American Philatelic Society had plenty to cheer about in 2022, and much of that celebration is thanks to you, our members and supporters. Here, we offer just a summary of our story, which came together thanks to time, effort, contributions and so much more.

As operations normalized following our long trial with the Covid-19 health pandemic, the APS and the American Philatelic Research Library welcomed members, visitors, meetings, and shows to the American Philatelic Center, here in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, as well as at shows and events across the country.

The Mighty Buck Club generously funded efforts to complete a very special exhibit, “A Philatelic Memorial of the Holocaust,” which is located within the APC. A formal dedication ceremony for A look toward the Match Factory complex along the railroad bridge to the north of the revamped industrial site. the exhibit will be held this year.

Funds also were used to update staff computer equipment, expand the C3a educational platform, and inIn 2022, remote and local library volunteers gave us some crease offerings within the Robert A. Mason Digital Library. incredible success stories.

Individual and organizational donors continued to be The article index in the online David Straight Memogenerous in 2022 with their cash and in-kind donations. We rial Philatelic Union Catalog is built almost entirely through had more than 4,500 individual donors and more than 55 orremote volunteer contributions. Due to their efforts, 5,568 ganizations donate cash. While the dollars slightly decreased new articles were indexed and uploaded into the online catafrom the year before, the number of donors increased during log in 2022. this past year. In-kind donations, in total nearly $2.5 million, Volunteers process donations not needed for the library were received by the APS and APRL from the private colcollection and convert them into philatelic literature for lections of more than 600 individuals and 25 organizations. sale in our in-house Stamp and Cover Store and APRL used Volunteers are an essential component to our operations, books online catalog. In 2022, this raised more than $12,000 which allow us to meet our mission to members and nonfor the library through used book sales. members. During 2022, 50 volunteers provided almost 6,000 hours to the APS and APRL. More information on the work Shows completed by volunteers in 2022 can be found on page 352.

The Great American Stamp Show (GASS) 2022 in SacraFor the third consecutive year, the annual Summer Semimento, California was another successful show. nar was held virtually. Summer Seminar Online 2022 drew in nearly 1,200 course registrations over several weeks in The show featured the new Pony Car stamps from the June. All virtual sessions were recorded and are available U.S. Postal Service and displayed cars from the Sacramento “on-demand” on the C3a online learning platform. Your Auto Museum. We also welcomed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife support and interest helped us build these virtual events Service to display artwork from the federal duck stamp art and increase our outreach significantly. The education decontest of 2021. partment also hosted many live virtual on-demand courses While the show only hosted 75 dealers, the roughly 1,500 throughout 2022 taught by philatelic experts. participants were eager to buy and participate in the show Development relies heavily on volunteer hours. During auctions as well as attend the many APS-sponsored semi2022, Leonard and Darlene Bloom, Bob Walton, Georgianna nars.

Walton, and others provided almost 4,000 hours to process, Plan now to join us for GASS 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio, sort, and organize the many in-kind donations to the APS where we anticipate more than 100 dealer booths, hundreds and library. These donations allow the American Philatelic of exhibits, several first day ceremonies, a special Court of Center to use donated mint postage to reduce operational Honor from the Royal Philatelic Society of London and costs and provide more services. much more!

334 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Membership We welcomed 1,580 new members to our collecting community in 2022! A big thank you is owed to the 212 members, dealers, clubs and societies who referred new members. Of the new applications received, 727 were a direct result of their recruiting efforts, continued proof that together we can grow. Every time you recruit a member, you strengthen the hobby. So make it a goal this year to recruit a friend, family member or colleague that you know has an interest in collecting.

Meanwhile, our dues remain $45 for the 15th straight year. When prices are going up everywhere else, we work hard to deliver services to you at the same affordable price.

Volunteers work on the Trenchard donation.

Library This past year saw great accomplishments in the areas of growth and accessibility of the library’s collections, both physically and digitally. The physical collection grew from slightly more than 91,000 items to over 95,000 items. Areas of significant growth were seen in the library’s international auction catalog collection due in part to the inclusion of many of the varied and unique auction catalogs from the Trenchard donation.

Some of the auction catalogs from the Trenchard donation that were added to the collection proved to be quite rare and little known, providing welcome additions to the collection. Significant growth was also seen in the area of price lists and name sales.

The digital collection, specifically the Robert A. Mason Digital Library (RMDL), saw even greater growth. By the end of the calendar year the number of digital journal issues added to the RMDL was 6,241 (about 70 issues per week). In 10 months, the database slightly more than doubled in size!

As the number of titles in the database grew, so too did

the use of the RMDL by patrons conducting their own research remotely. In terms of use in 2022, the database averaged 1,321 access events a month in which users either searched, downloaded or printed items from the RMDL. Compared with 784 access events a month in 2021, this past year saw a 69 percent increase in activity In the year ahead, we will continue to grow both the physical and digital collections of the APRL in order to provide the most comprehensive and accessible resources for our members and the philatelic community in order to meet and exceed their research needs.

Online StampStore After the APS StampStore moved to the HipStamp platform in December 2022, we saw an increase of revenue, orders placed, and items sold. In 2023, we’re making the online buying and selling experience even smoother, answering your concerns regarding search capabilities and safe buying.

The following pages highlight philatelic leaders who gave back to the APS in the year 2022. We appreciate the confidence of the many members who provide unrestricted gifts that allow maximum flexibility to put the money to the best use. At the same time we thank those members who chose to support specific activities such as youth programs, the APRL, the expertizing service, and the endowment funds.

These donor-directed contributions help us to expand the services members have come to expect from the APS and APRL. We welcome your suggestions and questions.

Please contact Executive Director Scott English, scott@stamps.org or 814-933-3814, with your inquiries. Thank you for your continued support.

From the Holocaust philately exhibit.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 335

Individual Cash Contributors

$50,000-99,999 Robert A. Mason $10,000-24,999 Ernest L. Bergman Richard E. Drews Karen K. Summerell Michael S. Turrini David T. Zemer $5,000-9,999 John H. Barwis Brian J. Birch Stephen J. Bonowski Scott D. & Kendra English Fred & Carole Gregory Eric & Tami Jackson Patricia A. Kaufmann James E. Lurie Mark S. Schwartz Steven L. Sherman $2,500-4,999 Anonymous in Wisconsin Mark E. Banchik Steven J. Berlin $500-999 Murray Abramson Joan E. Anderson Gary Barsellotti Howard L. Blum, Jr. Dennis P. Callison Elizabeth W. Carter Donald J. Chenevert, Jr. Paul D. Cook Merrill G. Culver, Jr. Anthony F. Dewey William J. DeWitt John A. Dix Mark Endicott Gerald R. Forsythe Ernest "Gene" Fricks David K. Fujihara Michael R. Girard Truyde S. Greiner John & Dawn Hamman Don E. Heller Edward W. Hughes Christopher P. Jenkins Myron Kaller William R. Klein Michael R. Lampson Paul A. Larsen David W. Lentz

Michael J. Cortese Elizabeth Crown & Bill Wallace James T. Dempsey Alfredo Frohlich Cheryl R. Ganz Ian C. Gibson-Smith Elizabeth M. Hisey Jason Hewitt Manchester William A. O'Connor William A. Sandrik Clarence A. Stillions $1,000-2,499 Paul C. Aspinwall Alan R. Barasch Thomas W. Broadhead Roger S. Brody Thomas O. Carlson Augustus W. Clark, III Robert J. Cordaro Mark E. Deutschmann C. David Eeles Charles Epting Darrell R. Ertzberger Henry J. Gailliot Greg Galletti

David M. Lloyd Gary W. Loew Robert Bruce Marsden David W. Mayo Kenneth & Patricia Nilsestuen Charles J. O'Brien, III Timothy P. O'Connor Jerry S. Palazolo Arthur Thaddeus Perry Louis T. Petersen James H. Peterson J. Kent Rinehart Robert G. Rose Wade E. Saadi Stephen D. Schumann Elizabeth H. Shattuck Evan (Van) M. Siegling Frederick C. Skvara Steven R. Unkrich Stephen Vincent Alan L. Ward John T. Wilmot Mitchell M. Zais Joseph Zec $250-499 Rudolf E. H. Anders Robert D. Asbury

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Keith W. Bantz William D. Barkley Peter Barrett John P. Beall Paul M. Benson Thomas H. Bieniosek Randolph E. Block Michael Bloom Judy P. Boehlert Robert E. Brolin Jeffrey N. Brown John A. Brown Benjamin Bump Robert D. Busch Ruben C. Cervantes Roger S. Cichorz Nancy M. Cline Edward W. Coble John S. Cross James M. DeLine Donald L. DeWitt Arthur J. Cole John L. Earl Michael B. Exstein George F. Farrell, III Marvin E. Fletcher William C. Fort, III Donald C. Frazer Georg Gauger Bernard M. Gburek Donald R. Getzin Charles C. Gilbert, III Dennis R. Gilson

Royal W. Gelder Charles Gliedman Kenneth B. Grant Lawrence D. Haber Peter E. Halm Richard Judge Rodney A. Juell Yamil Kouri Hugh Lawrence Joann Lenz Dwayne O. Littauer Bryan I. Lorber Jay S. McCoy Foster E. Miller, III Vernon R. Morris, Jr. Ralph H. Nafziger Gerald L. Robbins Melanie G. Rogers Frank Servas, Jr. Robert H. Shaw Dan & Patricia Stilwell-Walker Lamar Stout Bill Strauss Alan Warren

Jim Goldschmidt Michael J. Graf Chris Green Manfred Groth William H. Hannum, Jr. Edward K. Harr, Sr. Robert Dalton Harris & Diane DeBlois Garry D. Hart Steven Heaney Gary G. Hendren James H. Howard, Jr. Lawrence J. Hunt Ken Hunter Stewart H. Jaehnig Mark C. Jessen Terry Kennedy Matthew W. Kewriga Thomas E. Kimball Arthur V. King Richard D. Kinner Jon E. Krupnick Donald R. Kurki Theodore W. Kury Charles J. LaBlonde Luca Lavagnino Burton H. Leib Ronald E. Lesher Richard C. Liesche Andrew & Sandra Lingler Loren Lyall William Lykes Kenneth P. Martin

Mervyn S. Mathiasen Peter P. McCann Dana A. Middleton Allen Moye John C. Mueller R. N. Nayak Wendy A. Niem Paul A. Openhym Kristin R. Patterson Paul Petersen Daniel A. Piazza Kenneth J. Potavin Jerry B. Reinoehl Laurie A. Rising James C. Risner Daniel J. Ryterband William R. Schultz Paul M. Schumacher Kate Simenson George M. Slessinger Sam G. Smith Steven T. Spoerl Herbert C. Spomer Michael J. Spring Dennis D. Swanson Duncan N. Tanner Mark W. Taylor Thomas L. Thorbahn Stephen A. Tramill James D. Trenchard Porter W. Venn James P. Weidener Richard B. Wolf

$100-249 Kathleen Abbott Thomas H. Adams Gordon P. Adelman Allan M. Adelson Aldo A. Agnoletti Bruce G. Aitken Bruce S. Albright George V. Almendinger Steve C. Andrews Paul W. Anthony Frances A. Archer Arthur W. Askey, Jr. Edward M. Azarian Richard G. Bacon Ted Bahry David A. Baker John A. Baker Steven A. Balch Roger A. Baldwin John W. Ballard Charles D. Baney James C. Barbour Rudolph F. Bauer Robert C. Beach Robert Bell Charles Benson Joanne Berkowitz Murphy Bill Berry Robert R. Berthet Barry D. Black David C. Blackhurst James J. Blackowiak Helmut Blaschczyk Wilmer T. Bloy Rick Bolsom Peter D. Bonanno Paul L. Bondor Joseph P. Bouffard Paul A. Bouis Robert W. Boynton Scott M. Bradley P. Braunstein David J. Brennan Edward P. Brennan, II Edward J. Brett Herbert Breuer Arnold S. Brickman Eric J. Bridge Jean C. Briggs Randall Max Brooksbank Dennis A. Brown James R. Brown Randall C. Brown Randy Brown Thomas W. Brown Ben Bryan, Jr. W. Wheeler Bryan Robert Budesa Ronald M. Buege Steve B. Bullock Daniel J. Bulver Raymond J. Burby Leslie E. Butler Mark A. Butterline Gregory L. Cain Juan Calvo Bonilla Alfred E. Cambridge, Jr. Kathleen Cameron Marilyn J. Carlson William H. Carson Martin M. Cassity, Jr. Jeanette M. Cavanaugh Ralph W. Chace David Chalker, Jr. Steve Chambers Howard S. Chapman Harry K. Charles, Jr. Leong Mun Cheong

Anthony C. Chipaloski Robert N. Choporis Brian D. Christian Ronald W. Ciesiel James S. Clarke Richard W. Cline Craig E. Close George A. Coe David M. Cohen Sean L. Coleman Del B. Coolidge JV Cossaboom Carol A. Costa Philip S. Courie Wallace A. Craig David L. Creson James W. Curtis Richard F. Czaja Ronald J. Czarnetzky Bruce E. Dangremond Edward A. Dauer Beverly E. Davis Eric W. Davis Michael J. Davis-Barden Terence M. Dean Ken Deaver John F. DeBord, Jr. W. Frank Dell Curtis R. Derr Howard D. Dewald Eric R. Dinallo Ed Dixon Michael D. Dixon Raymond C. Doberneck Sheldon N. Dobres William Dohrn Ken Dort W. Douglas Drumheller Geoffrey Drury George C. Dube Joseph S. Dubos John P. Duffy Ann Dunkin J. Bruce Dunn Kevin Dunn Pete Dunn David S. Durbin Jere W. Dutt, III Jeffrey Dvinoff James J. Economos Faye T. Edenfield Harold A. Effner, Jr. Jerry F. Eggleston Harry W. Eisaman James J. Erdman William E. Espowood Johnny M. Estes Timothy J. Evans Charles E. Ewing, III Kenneth E. Fahrenholtz Richard J. Faller Carl J. Faulkner J. Richard Fehler L. Richard Feinauer Michael Feinstein Michael A. Fenton Larry D. Fillion Robert I. Finkel James C. Finley Anders Flodin Alan B. Flood Jane K. Fohn John B. Ford Michael A. Francis Dietrich Franczuszki Wayne Franklin Martin L. Friedman Steven D. Friedman Howard M. Frisch Paula B. Fuqua

Organization Cash Contributors $25,000-50,000 Northwest Philatelic Library, Inc. $5,000-9,999 American Air Mail Society Schuyler Rumsey Philatelic Auctions $1,000-2,499 Bettencourt Family Trust Brandywine Valley Stamp Club Centre Foundation GHSS Foundation, Inc. Knoxville Philatelic Society $500-999 Austin Texas Stamp Club Black River Stamp Club Collectors Club of Chicago Silver Spring Philatelic Society Texas Philatelic Association $250-499

German Colonies Collectors Group Mt. Nittany Philatelic Society $100-249 Buffalo Stamp Club Capital City Philatelic Society Coryell's Ferry Stamp Club Cumberland Valley Philatelic Soc. Cuy-Lor Stamp Club Dayton Stamp Club Germany Philatelic Society, Chapter 5 Greater Utica Stamp Club Gulf Coast Stamp Club Merchantville Stamp Club Mid-Florida Philatelic Society Milwaukee Philatelic Society Norman Stamp Club Penguins on Stamps Study Unit Philatelic Club of Will County Pioneer Valley Stamp Club Santa Rosa Stamp Club

Springfield Stamp Club Venice Stamp Club Warren Area Stamp Club Wilmington Philatelic Society $50-99 Berkshire Stamp Club Blennerhassett Stamp Society Cap’t Townsend Stamp Club Collectors Club of Akron Green Mountain Stamp Society Mohawk Stamp Club Stamp Collectors Club of Toledo West Suburban Stamp Club $25-49 Birmingham Stamp Club Metro Louisville Stamp Society Northwest Stamp Club Omaha Philatelic Society Samuel Osgood Stamp Club St. Joseph Stamp Collectors Club

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 337

Howell N. Gage Robert J. Gagnier Jorge Gaj Bradley Gale Tim Gale Robert Galkin Richard T. Garner Ronald L. Gerard Earl C. Gerheim Othan Gilbert Patrick F. Gilheany Charlie Giorgetti George C. Glenn Barry L. Goldblatt Morton S. Goren Edward J. J. Grabowski Charles Lee Grassman Charles G. Groneman Steve D. Gross Hardy Gruen Michael S. Gutman Paul C. Hager Daniel A. Hahn Keith R. Hall Ann M. Hamon John A. Hanjian Marian Hare Joan Harmer Dale E. Harris James S. Harris Labron E. Harris, Jr. William T. Harris, III Barbara A. Harrison Debbie Hartwick Michael Harvey John M. Haworth Jeffrey A. Hayward Brian J. Heidtke Rietta C. Henderson Robert Henrikson Francis J. Hicks Karey B. Higuera Tony Hill Joseph W. Hills Ernest G. Hinck Chris Hoelzle Wayne L. Hoeschen Frederic C. Hof Allen Hoffman Jan H. Hofmeyr Robert A. Holcomb Donald Hollingworth William J. Hollyday Paul M. Honke Mark D. Hood James M. Hopper Douglas L. Horka Stephen A. Horvath Mark S. Hoskinson Rich Howard Stuart J. Huddleston David F. Hull Jonathan Humble H. E. Hummel Mark S. Indelicato Bob Ingraham G. Brinton Ingram Takuzo Inoue Garon J. Isaac Wayne O. Jackson Lowell E. Jacobson Alan L. Jacoby Michael D. Jaffe Evan J. Jansen William P. Janson Edward H. Jarvis Marci B. Jarvis Michael W. Jasberg J. S. Jenkins Jeff A. Jenkins

Gretchen E. Jensen Patricia S. Joe Russell J. Johns Gregory A. Johnson J. Richardson Johnson Jonathan L. Johnson, Jr. Keith W. Johnson Douglas W. Johnsrud Michael S. Jones Jerry D. Kahn William C. Kahrs Barton D. Kamp Thomas J. Kean Donald L. Keel Frank S. Keith Mark Allen Kellner Randall T. Kelly Nicole L. Kendall-Bishop Gail M. Kennedy Robert C. Kennedy, Jr. David A. Kent Robert J. Kepka Kent T. Keyser Bill Kight Mary Kircher Robert L. Klass Daniel M. Knowles Keith L. Knutson James Koch Theodore Koopman Lee Koosed Jerry R. Koppen George J. Kramer Edward J. Kroll, Jr. James E. Krome James W. Kunetka Robert J. Kupper Thomas S. Kurtz Gerard R. Kusluch Leon J. LaChance Larry F. Landers Thomas W. Lane Richard C. Larkin Nicholas G. LaRocca Kurt W. Laubinger Alan R. Lauer Leonard G. Law Nancy S. Leach James E. Lee Marvin Lehr Alan E. Leighton Walter G. Leipert Vinh Le-Si Michael R. Leszcz Steven H. Lewis Bobby Liao Richard C. Liesche Adam Linz Michael B. Livanos Robert W. Loiseau Thomas W. Long Henri S. Lorberbaum David Lorms Mary Love Michael M. Ludeman Chris Lundberg Morton B. Lurie Robert E. Lynch Charles MacFarland Keith R. MacGregor Michael Macierowski William O. Maddocks Robert A. Mahoney Henry Maltz Jonathan A. Manson George R. Marion Thomas R. Marra Harry Marshall A. W. Martin Robert J. Matejka

338 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Evan Matthews John Matthews John P. Maynard James P. Mazepa Nasrin Mazuji Michael J. McCabe Lewis B. McCammon, III Gary W. McClarran Hewitt B. McCloskey, Jr. Paul F. McCormack T. P. McDermott Thomas P. McFarland Thomas H. McGann Stephen J. McGrath Michael G. McLendon Hugh J. McMackin, III Thomas P. McNabola John McNeill Athol E. Meder Edward Mendlowitz Mark D. Merrifield George E. Merrill Carl Merritt Clifford A. Mestel David L. Meyer Thomas A. Meyer Gloria J. Meyers Dana J. Michaud Peter T. Middleton Jon D. Mikalson Irving & Donna R. Miller Richard J. Miller Scott R. Mix George Moeller Marc E. Mogull Thomas M. Molchan Robert R. Monok Gunther B. Monteadora David J. Montgomery James G. Moore Richard W. Morain Dennis L. Moreau Donald E. Morel John B. Morgan John H. Morris Rhett Morris Charles E. Moyer, Jr. Gary J. Myers Christopher A. Nardo Miles G. Nathan Michael J. C. Neagle James W. Nelson Jeffrey L. Newhouse Kenneth C. Newman Charles A. Neyhart, Jr. John E. Nichols Barry R. Niepke Barbara Noah Marshall Northington George Nostrant Richard A. Nowak Frank O'Brien Joseph E. Odziana John J. Oliver James L. Olsen, Jr. Byron L. Olson John R. Olver Stephen B. Pacetti Ludovit J. Paskovic Bruce E. Patterson John R. Payne L. N. Peake Kenneth M. Pearson David Pelky Ronald P. Perotti Edward B. Perrin Clifton Peters Stephen H. Peters Kathy Petersen Lorenz H. Petersen

Ronald R. Peura John B. Phillips Robert G. Phillips Daniel R. Piper Michael E. Plett Mike Pons C. M. Posner Stephen C. Prechtel Roger P. Quinby Sam L. Raguso, Jr. Robert L. Ralston Richard W. Raney, Jr. Michael C. Raypholtz Charles J. Rebek David L. Rees David A. Reyno C.P.A.C. Reynolds Patrick W. Rice Paul Richter Joseph A. Rickards, Jr. Andy Ring Michael J. Ringer J. Douglas Risser Barbara J. Ritchie Bruce I. Roberts Stephen B. Robie Hugh A. Robotham Gilbert M. Roderick James A. Rodger Glenn W. Roehrig Carol A. Rohlfing Stephen C. Roman Jesse Rosenfeld Richard E. Rossi Maurice Roth Phillip W. Roth Patrick R. Rourk Karl C. Rove Arthur L. Rudd Robert C. Rudine Elliott Rudnick Joseph H. Ruf Joseph M. Running, Jr. Thomas R. Ruthman Nestor Rychtyckyj Barry L. Sachs Timothy C. Sadler John Sage Phillip M. Sager Charles A. Sandberg James M. Savage Alexander J. Savakis Brian C. Saxe Gary Saylor Robert C. Schneider Ralph F. Schrack, Jr. Gerald F. Schroedl John C. Schwenn Penelope Schwind Eric J. Scott Ernest E. Scott Thomas L. Seal Ronald H. Segal Richard Senterfeit Michael Sha Richard P. Shaefer Lawrence Sherman Van P. Shriver David A. Sieroty William L. E. Sinkler Robert A. Skelly Robert G. Slyker Corey R. Smith J. Philip Smith John M. Smith Michael A. Smith Robert L. Smith Frank G. Soeder, Jr. Paul Sopko Sal Spagnola

Tom Spina Jeffrey A. Stage Alfred E. Staubus Benjamin G. Stauss Brett C. Stearns Michael R. Sterrett Lila C. Stevens Richard M. Stevens Gary Stewart Joseph V. Stewart Del R. Stipe Robert A. Stoldal John L. Stover Sandy R. Stover Ronald E. Strawser Kurt S. Streepy Scott D. Strobel James R. Stultz Keith S. Stupell Peter M. Sturtevant Steve L. Swain Lynn A. Swanson Paul F. Swartz Marc S. Sweet Anthony Sylvester Donald J. Szabo Les Takacs James E. Tashjian Charles E. Telford Larry C. TerMaat Irving H. Tesmer Jocelyn Tetel Gerald C. Thibodeau Joseph S. Thiele Henry P. Thode, III Fred F. Thursfield Scott D. Tiffney Gerald V. Toler Camille R. Tomao Terry L. Tomcsik Rudi H. Trickel Gordon T. Trotter Charles W. Troutman Robert C. Tweedus Vincent Vaccaro Calvin & Linda Van Niewaal A. F. Van Nostrand, Sr. Lynn H. Vernon Peter L. Viscusi Arthur P. von Reyn Randy R. Voss James D. Walker David T. Wallman Laurence Walton Lawrence H. Warbasse Andrew A. Ward Mike Weaver John F. Weeks, Jr. Carl A. Wehrfritz Doug Weisz George M. Werner David C. Wessely Joseph S. Whalen Kenneth L. White Jeff Wichmann Jeffrey R. Wilcox Harry J. Wille James C. Williams Kenneth R. Williams, Jr. Smith J. Williams Glenn E. Willoughby Richard S. Wilson James M. Winebrenner Billy A. Winkelmann Mark H. Winnegrad Richard F. Winter Thomas G. Winter Arthur M. Winterfeld Charles A. Wood David L. Wood

Neilson Wood, Jr. Jerry D. Woodward Thomas D. Wooldridge Charles C. Wooster Edwin P. Wormington Alvin J. Wright Reginald R. Wright Richard M. Wrona Frank N. Young, Jr. James F. Zahrn John Zak, III David Zarefsky Keith Zempel Nicholas Zettlemoyer Dorian Zevos Debby J. Zieglowsky-Baker Tom L. Zuercher

$50-99 David M. Abrahams John P. Ahlers William S. Ahrens Greg M. Ajamian Andrew C. Allen Roger Alsop James Altadonna, Jr. Steven A. Altman Don J. Anderson Robert R. Anno Sherida Antonacci Victor Arnold Osamu Asato Louis Asher Charles Ashton Dean S. Attaway Bruce W. Aument Bill Baab James Baer Frederick C. Bagley John T. Bailey Jon D. Bailey Nicholas C. Baker Larry F. Ballantyne Walter M. Barker Larry D. Barnes William B. Barrell Charles D. Bartlett, Jr. Robert A. Baum Bruce W. Baumann Richard J. Beaudry James M. Beck Ronald L. Beck David J. Beeby David R. Beech John J. Beirne Charles & Paula Belair William J. Bender Judy Ann Benning John A. Berg Norman T. Berlinger Cameron Betts Jack W. Biancotti Richard Bielefield Jay Bigalke Gary L. Biggs Barbara Bilson Robin M. Bishop Patrick L. Blair Andrew V. Blanchard Hugh V. Blanchard John M. Bleecker Kevin D. Block Alan K. Bluemer Jim Boerke John M. Bohacs Carol A. Bommarito Peter R. Bono James A. Booth James M. Boudinot J. Daniel Bouw

William Bowman Kevin J. Boyce Douglas D. Bradley, MD John S. Brancho Stephen H. Breitkopf Robert J. Brewer Geoffrey Brewster Albert L. Briggs, Jr. Thurston H. Briggs Robert E. Brolin William E. Brooks George S. Brown Karen Sheaffer Brown Michael W. Brown Michael J. Brown Ned L. Brown Thomas D. Brown William A. Brown John E. Bruha Mark A. Bryson Craig A. Buhlman Edwin M. Bullard, Jr. Diane J. Bullock Timothy B. Burgess Andrew Burkman Lewis H. Busell Carol L. Busher Lewis E. Bussey Juan A. Bustamante Arthur Byrd James E. Byrne Brian T. Callan Glenn T. Cambre Rose Marie Campbell Andres Candela Julie and Richard Candrl Andrew M. Canepa Aristide M. Capellini Francis J. Caprio Randy Carbo, Jr. Ralph J. Cardello Gary A. Carlington Leanne Carlson Nancy Carlson John P. Carney Patrick J. Carney John P. Carroll, Jr. Barry W. Casanova David C. Catalano J. Philip Cayford Margaret O. Center J. Georg Cerf Michael D. Cervenec Charles Channell Jeff R. Channell John R. Chay K. Dexter Cheney Preston A. Chiappa Stephen Chilton Richard S. Chin Dan L. Christensen Keith E. Christian Robert A. Churchill David R. Claerbout William Clair Daniel M. Clark, III Robert Clarke William W. Coleman Caesar Colista Kenneth R. Collins David C. Collyer Richard S. Conary Susan V. Conde Dennis R. Cook Douglas B. Cook Glen C. Cook James A. Cope Bill Corcoran George Cosentini John G. Costello

Robert J. Courdway Vincent M. Cox, III John D. Crane John R. Crosiar Ralph H. Cross, IV James T. Currie Kenneth J. Curry Peter J. Cussen, Jr. Mark Czyzewski Gordon H. Damant John L. Daniels Richard B. Darmon, Jr. Richard D. Davenport Kenneth W. Davies Simon S. De Burgh Codrington Rocky De Carlo James A. De Jong Mariano B. De Lise Lloyd A. de Vries Ronald J. DeHaas Gerald L. Delker Michael J. DelloIacono Robert B. Dendtler Charles Denno Audrey D. DeVore Charles J. DiComo Jeffrey T. Dietz Nicholas A. DiFranco Kathryn E. Dilliard William S. DiPaolo, Jr. Douglas D. Distefano William J. Dixon Michael R. Dohrn Donald R. Dolan, Jr. Charles E. Doll, Jr. Lyle C. Donovan Morris L. Dove, Jr. Millard J. Driscoll Gary A. DuBro Robert F. Dumaine Sally A. Durrell Ruth A. Duska Robert Duva John E. Easterbrook Donn M. Ebert David H. Eckstein James C. Edwards, Jr. Steven P. Ehrhardt Edward R. Eiseman Frederick H. Ekenstam Joseph D. Ellis, III Richard Emanuel Mark English Donald J. Epp Michael H. Epstein Gerald M. Erb George M. Ezquerro Stanley M. Fairchild, Jr. John Farrer Donald L. Feldman Steven Ferkingstad Brian D. Ferri James P. Ferrigno Ken Fichman Stephen D. Fink Michael G. Fligg John A. Fluke Edward C. Foley T. W. Fowlks Robert L. Frailey Dan W. French Zach Frichtl Richard A. Friedberg Gordon D. Friedman Shayne C. Gad John D. Galu Francisco Garcia-Ferrer Frank E. Gemma Michele Gengler

Doug Gillette John H. Gilliam, III Janet M. Gillis Alain R. Gimbert James A. Ginsburg Henry L. Gitner Todd M. Gladstone Laurence H. Glenzer, Jr. C. Jeffrey Goble Thomas A. Goldner Neil S. Goldstein Eli G. Goodman Mark W. Goodson Richard L. Grant William A. Grattendick Beatrice L. Graves Roland H. Gray, Jr. Martin D. Green Ernest Thomas Greene Kurt Grelak Scott D. Griffin Lawrence M. Guenzel Richard A. Guistina Jeff Guldner Ozan Gurel Scott D. Guthrie Gregory Gutierrez Douglas Haines Richard J. Hall-Reppen Daniel Hallstrom Michael Halvorson Thomas H. Hamilton Peter G. Hamon Henry W. Hansen Craig S. Hanson Eric Happell D. Suzanne Hardy David A. Hardy Michael P. Hardy Christopher G. Harman Jack W. Harper Stephen C. Hatfield Laurence Hausman Russell S. Hazarian Robert C. Heaton David Heller Michael Heller James E. Hencke Glen and Lisa Henneke John J. Henry Joseph M. Herman Richard S. Herman Charles W. Herren, Jr. Charles O. Hershey David E. Hess Robert L. Heyl David A. Heywood Thomas Hicklin Phil Hicks John E. Higgins John Hilburn Richard L. Hilty Edgar S. Hoak John D. Hodges Gene M. Holgate Mark Holleran Herbert J. Holmquist Charles D. Holtzman, Jr. Garret A. Hoogerhyde Ralph R. Hoover Patricia J. Hoppe David H. Horan David Horton George L. Hosfield Robert Hostler Chuck Howard John Howker Lane T. Huck John H. Hughey Robert M. Humphreys

Kirk B. Hunter Judy Hurd Jon A. Hussey Tim J. Huxley Kalman V. Illyefalvi Gary W. Ingle Marc C. Irish Edmund O. Jackman Edwin L. Jackson Virginia A. Jaehnig Andrew M. Jakes Frank A. Jenich Allen Jenkins Donald S. Jennings John W. Jewett Alexander H. Joe Douglas W. Johnson Fred T. Johnson Galen M. Johnson Lawrence G. Johnson Nancy E. Johnson Paul L. Johnson, Jr. Robert G. Johnson Emily H. Johnston Patrick C. Johnston David R. Jones, Jr. Michael L. Jones Royce A. Jones Richard H. Joy Jeffrey Judd Brian Just Christopher R. Juten Serge Kahn Ralph Kalbach Jesse A. Kane Harold M. Kanter John W. Katz John E. Kauflin Thomas F. Kaufman Richard J. Kavanagh Brian R. Kaye Nigel R. Keen Phil Keener Eugene P. Keferl George A. Kelly H. Daniel Kelly Peter C. Kendall Greg Kidwell Joseph Kijak, Jr. Alton Q. Kilmon, Jr. Richard King Walter L. Kirchner Nicholas M. Kirke Vernon Kisling Michael S. Kitchen David M. Klauber Walter A. Klemp Joanne A. Knapp Robert L. Knypstra Paul R. Koehler Dorothy J. Koerner Walter Koetke Martin Kojoian, Jr. Paul E. Kolva, Jr. Leon V. Komkov Paul V. Konka Wieslaw F. Kostka Ted Kotzin Charles Kresge Ellery Kuhn George P. M. Kuney Donald B. Kursch Ed L. La Grone Nelson Laffey Marc Lalande Michael B. Lamothe Frederick R. Lane David D. Lapa Amy Latek Cyrus C. Lauriat

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 339

Daniel J. Lavery James O. Lawrence Richard E. Lawrence Andrew T. Lee Clark H. Lee Lothar R. Leeb Edward J. Lefeber, Jr. Allan R. Legon Yechiel M. Lehavy Louis Leidig Jeff Leone Margaret M. Lepore Betty L. Lewis Beverly Lewis Stephen E. Lewis Michael J. Ley Eric S. Leys Arthur Lifshin Lawrence A. Lindquist, Jr. B. L. Lindsay Frances P. Lindsey Gideon Lion William Lizotte Timothy J. Lokken Richard A. Long Marty Longo Joel T. Love Edward Y. Lustig Dennis J. Lutz Timothy A. Lyerla Larry Lyons Susan K. Mackinnon Robert P. Majors, Jr. Joseph Makarewicz Michael D. Manthe Guy T. Manzi William Margolin Harald Marhold Thomas J. Martin James J. Mathews James Matthews Kent Maurer Russell Mays Robert J. Mazzaferro Andrew A. Mazzara James A. McCarty Patrick McCarty Lindsay R. McClelland Peter R. McClure Matthew B. McCrady William McGill Bryan J. McGinnis Edward R. McGlynn Alexander C. McGregor Sidney McHarg Donald A. McIntyre James F. McKeown Adrianne V. McKinney Mathew McLaughlin Allen L. Meeds David J. Merkler William J. Mesibov Bob Metcalf Lafayette W. Michael James Willard Milgram Jay H. Miller John H. Miller Margaret H. Miller Glenn Minshall Joseph D. Mish, Jr. William H. Mitchell, Jr. David C. Mohler John F. Montaigne, Jr. James E. Montich Albert L. Moore William A. Moorman Andrew J. Mopper Tim Moran Etsuko O. Morris John B. Mueller

Richard H. Muller Norman S. Muraki Patrick Murphy Stacey Musick Charles G. Myers, III Dirck V. Myers Len V. Mykietyn Kathryne Natale Chad Neighbor Robert Nelken Marvin S. Neuman Judy Newblom Edward W. Newby Raymond J. Nichols William R. Nicholson Kenneth M. Nieser Jose R. Nieto William J. Niosi Larry T. Nix Harold B. Nogle Fritz R. Nordmann Phillip L. Nordstrom Clifford L. Norman D. C. Nuban William Nugent, Jr. Richard J. Nunge William A. Nunns David E. Nye Gerald T. Nylander Steven T. Olmanni Stephen H. Olson Jeffrey M. Orbach James J. O'Reardon, Jr. Kevin O'Rourke Michael Osborn Alan T. Oshiro Calvin R. Osman David Osser Robert G. Owens Michael J. Paccioretti George Papandreou Claude C. Paquin Ronald J. Pardi Byron J. Park Sidney N. Parker Ronald J. Pascale Jon L. Passero Kenneth W. Patton David S. Pearce Stephen S. Pearl Robert D. Peck Harry H. Pedersen Russell M. Peirce James P. Peltier Norman Pence George F. Pepall Robert C. Peregoy Felix L. Perez, Jr. David L. Perry, Jr. Sigurdur Petursson Charles F. Phillips, III Fred C. Pinkney Philip M. Pivawer Michael Plassman John E. Pocius Aileen O. Poehls Charles R. Polster, Jr. David M. Porch George D. Porter William D. Porter William H. Powell, III Allan E. Price David W. Prosser James H. Prowant Edward Pulse, Jr. Edwin M. Quinones Peter L. Rackov Michael Radov John R. Ramsey David A. Rankin

340 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Don Rastelli Arthur F. Rawson Douglas A. Reed, Jr. Helene Reiss James Ressler Richard R. Rhoads Thomas J. Richards Albert Richardson Steven R. Riedhauser Charles D. Rigsby Peter L. Rikard Michael J. Ringer William A. Rinnemaki, II Raymond W. Rio Richard Rizzo William M. Roach, Jr. Robert C. Robb, Jr. Douglas E. Roberts David C. Robertson Keith H. Robertson Davis R. Robinson Claude A. Rochon David J. Rockefeller Peter T. Rogge Steven Rogowski John R. Rohwer John E. Rollo Carl Romalis Anne Roman Stephen A. Rose Robert Ross Henrik Rossell Gary M. Rossiter Muriel K. Rowan Margaret S. Rowles Charles L. Rubin Laurence P. Rubinow Eric J. Ruby Lucille Ruch Dan E. Rudin M. Rue John B. Rush Norman Rushefsky Charles S. Rust Laura B. Sachs Patricia Salsman Frank J. Sandor, Jr. Thomas E. Sanford Vincent N. Santucci Fred T. Sargent Carl J. Schack Charles F. Schafstall Mark J. Scheffler Robert A. Schlesinger W. Joseph Schlitt Frederick P. Schmitt Kevin R. Schnabel Jeffrey H. Schnitzer Philip R. Scholly Fred Schwartz Donald K. Schwarz Gary L. Schwieger Robert H. Scott William T. Scott David A. Seaborn Mark R. Seach Michael Seeliger Harry M. Segner, III Manuel S. Segura, Jr. John S. Seidl Mark Sellhorn Scott Selman William A. Selnes James J. Semones Henry C. Servinskas Norman Shachat James Shand George H. Shawcross John B. Shely Scott Sherk

John Sherman Robert A. Shew John Shilich Albert Shonk Daniel B. Sibbet Daniel J. Siegel Marcus T. Sieracki William W. Sihler Richard B. Silbert David J. Silverman Glenn L. Simmons Herbert D. Simons John R. Siragusa Carl R. Smith Christopher C. Smith David J. Smith Jeffrey A. Smith Vaughn R. Snook Howard Snyder Robert E. Snyder Charles J. Sobolewski William H. Sobotka Elaine M. Sokol Robert Solyan Leonard S. Sosnowski Lewis R. Sotnick David Spivack Charles W. Springer Richard H. Stanford, Jr. Tommy C. Stanton Elizabeth Starnes Eric Stas John S. Stasik Howard Stecker Charles E. Steerman Howard F. Steinberg Naomi J. Steinberg Henry-York Steiner Edward W. Sterling Mark O. Stern Rob Sternberg James K. Stevens Richard M. Stevens Barry M. Stewart Kenneth E. Stewart Michelle V. Stewart Seymour B. Stiss Keith W. Stiver Craig J. Stowers Gary K. Strauch Gerald H. Strauss Ronald E. Strawser Jack L. Streeter Michael Streff Eric Streiner Richard H. Strohecker Frederick D. Sturtevant Brian D. Stwalley Mary Beth Sulkowski Kenneth C. Sullivan Robert C. Surdynski Eugene E. Sutton Stephen W. Sutton Bill Sweet David N. Swinford Ernie Teays James A. Terpening Otto J. Thamasett Carol P. Thatcher Ronald S. Theis Duane M. Thompson Robert G. Thompson Roy R. Thomson Craig Thornton Raymond A. Tidrow Donald R. Timms Thaddeus N. Toal Anthony J. Torres, Jr. Charles D. Towery Stephen Toy

Ron Tranquilla Joyce E. Trier Carl L. Trueblood Robert J. Tulper Ronald M. Tyson Mark R. Tyx LaVonne C. Uffelman Robert M. Ulatt Edward J. Ulbricht F. Gerry Unabia Thomas J. Uram Milan Urosevic Andrew K. Urushima Frederick Valadez Joseph Valinotti David N. Varon Albert J. Vernacchio Frank V. Veselovsky Jim Vickrey Judith W. Vigar David A. Villadsen Robert A. Vincent Carol Anne Visalli Hal Vogel Chris S. D. von der Osten Stephen J. Von Oehsen John Walbridge Robert Waldman Darrel D. Walker David C. Wankum Virginia D. Warden Donna J. Warder Charles H. Weidner John B. Welden, III Greg A. Wendt Stephen D. Werner Robert F. Wesling Steven C. Westfahl Wesley R. Westmeyer Fred W. Whitaker Mary A. White Richard C. White Amy E. Wieting John F. Wilcox Kent W. Wilcox John H. Will Karen S. Williamson Gerhold Wills Michael Wilson Robert B. Wilson William D.K. Wilson Tracy Wing David H. Winter Eddie W. Wise Glenn M. Wiser Robert E. Witkowski Bernard M. Wojnowski Michael A. Wolf Carl F. Wolfhagen Dennis A. Woodard Steven P. Wright Anthony P. Yantosca Ronald J. Yeager Ken Young Paul R. Young John D. Zahodnick Herbert A. Zakrison John Ziemba David W. Zogbaum Max E. Zollner Floyd Zula

$25 – 49 George H. Abbott Roger S. Adamek John T. Adams William C. Addington Brent Ahlander James C. Akerberg Mark Alan

Glen M. Alcorn Harry Aldrich Phil Alexander Ralph W. Alexander, Jr. Grace A. Alexin C. S. Allin Richard D. Almeida Jacquelyn S. Alton Jack Andersen Steve Andersen Ann P. Anderson Jimmy W. Anderson Shirley G. Anderson Thomas C. Anderson W. Kent Anger James Anniss William S. Arata Jason Ares Stuart A. Armstrong Ernesto Arosemena Christopher Arrigo Gary L. Artz Robert K. Arundale, III Richard K. Aspnes Albert S. Atkinson Dean S. Attaway John A. Austin M. Gordon Avants W. Terry Averbeck Janet Baillie Daniel E. Bains Gary A. Baker Paul L. Baker Tony R. Barnett J. Robert Barr Gary A. Barranger Jeremiah J. Barrett Warren J. Bartels Malcolm D. Barton Frederick W. Bateman Fred C. Bauer Jeremy P. Baum Ryan A. Baum John H. Baumert Edward L. Bayham Millard F. Beatty James H. Bechtol David S. Beck Graham Beck Jonathan Becker Sarah Beckman David J. Beeby Kenneth E. Beiner Henry C. Beinstein James O. Belcher Jonathan T. Bell Antonio Bello Richard M. Bendix, Jr. Donald Bendle David C. Benish Mark A. Benner Brian Bennett Daniel W. Bennett Jonathan Bennett Gary Benoit John R. Bereuter George Berg Michael K. Berlin George M. Bernstein Jordan M. Bernstein Page E. Berry Jon L. Besunder Philip A. Beyer Nancy Bigham Mark W. Billings Edward J. Blackburn, Jr. Kevin J. Blackston Mark Blanchette Benjamin P. Blatt David C. Bliss

Frank G. Blum Ernest Boaeuf Anne M. Bochniewicz Gerald R. Bodily John D. Boland Joseph E. Boling Richard F. Bonini Gary G. Bonnell George Q. Booth Paul Booth Michael J. Borrelli Joan M. Borthwick Geza P. Bottlik Clifton Boutelle David L. Bower Dennis A. Bowman Thomas Bowman Scott S. Boyd Elaine M. Bozzo Raymond A. Bradbury H. Jeffrey Brahin Christopher E. Brainard Delton B. Braithwait Marek Brandys Steven Braunstein Stephen Breen John R. Brengle Lyle R. Brewer Timothy A. Brewton Daniel W. Brinkley, III Ronald C. Brodesser Kenneth A. Brody Thomas K. Brom James L. Bross Christopher E. Brouady Thomas C. Brougham William E. Brower, Jr. Harold A. Brown Jane A. Brown Nicholas R. Brown Randall J. Brown Stanley D. Brown Roger D. Brucks John R. Brugman Geoffrey C. Bryant Christine Bryant-Harden Joseph R. Brzezowski Francis Buchan Steve L. Buchanan Timothy A. Buchholz Richard V. Buckner Peter E. Bugg Darryl C. Bullington Vincent A. Buonocore David S. Burgess Jeff and Ann Burklew William W. Burnham Patricia Burns Robert M. Burr Robert A. Busby Michael A. Butkiss David W. Byers Christina Cady Larry P. Calhoun Richard W. Camargo John Cameron Paul J. Cammarata Michael S. Canavan Marvin C. Carlberg Charles R. Carlson John Carr James A. Carroll Sandra K. Carruthers Michael J. Carson Richard J. Carter Ray Cartier John M. Casarella Jared Cassidy Lawrence J. Castelli G. Richard Caughron, II

Mary A. Caulfield James E. Cayey Emilio Cecchi Kenneth C. Cech Lamas B. Celestino Albert P. Chadourne, Jr. Harry E. Chamberlain, II Edward E. Chaney Raymond L. Chaon James R. Charles, Jr. Eduardo Charneco Robert J. Charnoff James P. Charton Eric E. Chaulsett Ray A. Chevraux David C. Christensen John O. Christiansen, Jr. E. Carl Cierpial Gregory R. Ciesielski Dave Cinsavich William D. Clark Brent C. Clausius Al Clayton Richard E. Clever William W. Clingempeel LaVerne E. Clingenpeel David A. Cogar Kenneth J. Cohen Louis Cohen Alan H. Cohn Ronald B. Cohn Robert L. Collins Robert Colucci Robert M. Coltrane, Jr. Timothy J. Comas Richard E. Comstock, Jr. Charles T. Connell Robert F. Connolly Charles D. Connor Roger Connors Sheldon Coopersmith Philip J. Cordes Terrence A. Corrigan Vincent J. Cosenza Ronald E. Couchot James P. Coughlin Kenneth R. Coulson George M. Cousens Gary L. Covey Gerald W. Craft Thomas Crichton, IV David S. Cristol John K. Cross, III Chris Crossley Russell A. Crow Daniel F. Culbert Britton B. Culpepper, Jr. Robert W. Curtis John P. Cusack Allison W. Cusick Joe Cutro James DAgostino lmars H. Dambergs John L. Daniels Lloyd Darknell Wayne M. Darnell John DaSilva Barry D. Davis Donald J. Davis James R. Davis Victor M. De Leon Lloyd A. de Vries Dennis A. DeBruhl James E. Dechnik Clyde W. Decorie Thomas E. DeJulio George F. DeKornfeld Roy E. DeLafosse, Jr. Walter A. Demmerle Daniel R. DeNia

Charles Densner Gary A. Derksen Robert A. Dewey, Jr. Howard F. Dey Daniel Deziel Robert B. DiCicco Jacob T. Diller Mary L. Dimmick Dominick DiNapoli Anthony J. Diodato Robert G. Dissinger Barry F. Ditsche Susan B. Dixon Michael J. Donofrio Howard Drebenstedt Donald F. Dreisbach Lee C. Drickamer Michael K. Drummond Kevin P. Dubay Edwin R. Dubin Bernard Dubois Don DuBroff Kevin B. Dudley Rita Dumaine John F. Dunn David Dunnigan Janice P. Dutcher Geoff Dutton Kendrick G. Dwyer Daniel E. Dykhuizen Harry L. Eaby Robert E. Eckert Tadas Edelis Laura W. Edmonds Andrea S. Edmondson Don Edwards Robert Eichhorn Linda Elkington Allan B. Elkowitz Gary J. Ellis Gifford F. Ely David F. Emery Donald G. Emler Carl E. Engelman Franz M. Enzinger Leonard W. Epstein Karl F. Esslinger Herb Estep Lois M. Evans-de Violini Peter O. Evenson Gerald W. Eves Robert R. Ewing, Jr. Charles R. Fagan Don C. Fancher Robert J. Fasulo Donald L. Feinsilver Vera R. Felts Ronald H. Fenimore Francis Ferguson Fredric J. Ferst Edward Field Stanley G. Field Richard B. Fien John E. Findling Leon Finik E. David Fink Terry B. Finkle Ramona L. Finley Carl Fisher Joel B. Fisher Allan Fisk Jean-Marc Fix James A. Flaherty Lowell K. Flickinger Mark G. Flynn James L. Foght Cliff Foley Max C. Folmar Harold M. Forbes, Jr. Gwen T. Ford

Lisa D. Foster Jean P. Foucart Louis A. Fournier David R. Fredericks Gary Fredericksen John A. Freeburg Charles Freise Robert T. Frekot Mark W. Frey Michael J. Friedman Julia A. Frith Gary D. Froehlich Sandra K. Fuller Paul S. Furmanek James P. Gaan John A. Gallant Terrence M. Gamble Jim Garard Lee Ann Gardner Robert S. Gardner Ronald F. Garrison Daniel L. Gasteiger Gary Gastiger Robert A. Gazzola William R. Geary Ronald W. Gedney Michael L. Geller Stuart I. Gelman Thomas I. Germack Lawrence K. Gershwin Dennis E. Gersomino Robert W. Gibb Robert W. Glanville John M. Glenn Kurt A. Glenzer Cecil A. Gnann Daniel P. Golden Christopher E. Goldthwait Mark L. Goodman Paul B. Goodwin, Jr. George C. Goulding Larry W. Graf Arlis Graham Larry W. Grant Marvin G. Graunke Kent Gray Wesley C. Green William T. Gregor Richard J. Griffone Arthur Guadano Peter D. Guattery Christian Guenther Sheila Guinther Stanley R. Guzik Jess Hall Steven K. Hall Joseph W. Halpern Edward J. Hammond Thomas T. Hanford Colin M. Hannings Charles J. Hansen John G. Hanusick Peter W. Hardin Kurt M. Harding Keith A. Harmer James B. Hart David E. Hartford Joy Hartman Jack Harwood David Har-Zion Dave Haskell John Hastings Douglas W. Hatch Kevin L. Hatfield James T. Havlena John H. Hayner Gary W. Haythorn Steve Hedrick Peter Heesch, Jr. Joel J. Heim APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 341

Carl-Gerd Heinemann Floyd B. Heiser Earl R. Heithaus John A. Heitzmann Scott K. Henault Michael A. Hengst Thomas E. Higel John H. Hightower, III Donald L. Hill Fredrick L. Hillan Charles A. W. Hines Frank G. Hoag Victor J. Hoff Joel E. Hoffman Peter Hoffman J. Bruce Hoffmann Howard B. Hoke H. Russel Holland Michael W. Holland Stanley B. Hooper William L. Hoover Carol J. Horn Richard T. Howard Timothy L. Howard Ronald R. Huetter William M. Hunnicut Elizabeth A. Hunt Gary G. Hunt Richard Hunter Franklin E. Huntress, Jr. Wynne S. Hyatt Robert K. Ihsen Charles N. Iknayan John Impagliazzo Jim Iormetti Demosthenes N. Iskos R. Kean Ivey, Jr. Morris Jacobs George Jahn Robert A. Jahnke Jerome C. Jarnick Marc G. Jasmin Enoch C. Jen Steven C. Jirschele Lucien R. Joel James R. Johnson Philip P. Johnson Richard L. Johnson Thomas J. Johnston Rick Jones Elizabeth Juhasz Ferenc G. Juhasz Joseph H. Jung William R. Jusack Terren L. Kammeyer David C. Kamper, Sr. Anastasios D. Karayiannis Julie Marie Kaufman Lewis S. Kaufman Joel S. Kazin Michael A. Keene John S. Keenlyside Grant W. Kehres Dennis Keith Dennis M. Kelcourse Andrea Keller Andrew Kelley Stephen J. Kennedy Mike Kent Patrick J. Kent Drew L. Kershen Ray M. Kerstetter Henry T. Keutmann Conrad Keydel Emmett M. Keyser, III Chang Hwan Kim Ian W. Kimmerly Brett W. King Everett M. King, Jr. Horace B. King

Michael F. Kingsbury William Kirberg Debra L. Kirchner Steve R. Kirstiuk Eric Kirtcheff Howard J. Klein Lawrence H. Klein Stuart A. Kleit Anne Klejment Gregory R. Klemm Michael K. Kluherz James F. Kneip Charles K. Knox Lewis F. Knudsen, Jr. Matthew R. Knupp Uwe Koepke Jerry B. Koepp John A. Kofranek Peter Kolakowski Thomas E. Koler Gerald J. Koons Paul S. Korst Leonard Kortekaas Richard Korycki Leonard Kowalski Ronald Kramer Henry J. Kraus Dennis J. Kreiss Ronald Kreskey Norman D. Kubler John W. Kuehn Larry L. Kuhn Alfred J. Kuntz Daniel R. Kuntze David C. Kurtz John M. Ladner Peter A. Laimins Alan L. Laming Brock R. Landry Joyce H. Lapointe David G. Larson John C. Larson Stephen R. Larson Yvan Latulippe George M. Lauderbaugh Charles F. Lawson David Leber Carmen Lecumberry-Velez Harry E. Leedom C. Richard Lehmann David Lemanski Richard E. Leopold Janet A. Lewis Gregory K. Leyes Ulf J. Lindahl Robert Linderman John Lindholm Robert Litwiller John C. Lodinsky Richard Lohman Michael E. Long Bernard F. Losekamp Albert O. Louer Kevin G. Lowther Richard W. Ludden Marjorie A. Lynch Edward R. Lynn Keith E. Maatman Reinaldo E. Macedo Millard H. Mack John MacNeil Greg Magerl Richard E. Mandeville Anthony J. Mangan Gerard E. Marandino Dennis R. Marek Constantin A. Marinescu Robert J. Marlowe Thomas J. Marsella Anthony Martelli, Jr.

342 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

James C. Martin Leo P. Martyn William F. Marx Wendy L. Masorti Leonard I. Mastbaum J. T. Matlak George G. Matson Douglas E. Mattox James A. McAndrew, Jr. Robert H. McCarthy Steve McClary John P. McCloskey, Jr. Barbara S. McConnell Jeff McCoy Robert J. McCurdy Dennis R. McDowell Dale & Susan McGorman Gregory F. McHugh Gary M. McNamee Robert L. Mead Craig E. Meier David Melville Kathleen A. Merkler Arlene Merves Robert G. Metcalf Allan Metzler, Sr. Peter E. Metzloff Lynne Meyers Allan M. Miller Barry S. Miller Leonard M. Miller Robert S. Miller Jeffrey N. Mina Raymond Mislock, Jr. Byron Mitchell Paul M. Mitchell Raymond E. Modlin Ed Molinaro Kathrine K. Moll Roy Mollard Joseph A. Monaco, Jr. Lloyd J. Money Dwight L. Monn Edward Moore Jim Moore Louis Morel Jeffrey A. Morey Robert B. Morgan David T. Moriarty James R. Morris John R. Morris David A. Morrison John H. Morrison Wayne Morrow George A. Mortenson Kenneth N. Morton Thomas C. Moss, Jr. Mark F. Mosser Robert D. Motelow Michael W. Moticha Ronald R. Mrozinski Gary L. Mueller Harry W. Muldrow, Jr. Donald E. Mulhatten Eugene M. Munn Robert Munro Ogden N. Munroe Steve Murphy Tom Murtha Frank G. Muscarello Christopher D. Myers James D. Myers Jeffrey A. Myers James P. Myerson Seper Nadimi Leonard H. Naiman Albert Narvaez, Jr. Rodolfo C. Narvaez Harold E. Neale John H. Neely

Garrett G. Neice William E. Nellist Bruce D. Nelson David K. Nelson Otto M. Nelson Vincent P. Nesci Diane Neumeier Harry H. Nick Charles Nickel Kirby R. Nickell Roger E. Nil Glen S. Norman Jerry D. Norris Robert J. Obermeyer Robert S. Olds Robert R. Olesen Harry A. Olivar, Jr. Gary R. Olson Damon R. Olszowy Steven Oluic Reinhard O'Neill Niki L. Oquist Alfred C. Orcutt Gail Orenstein Joseph Ornelas Michael J. Orr Michael D. Owens George W. Owings, III John L. Palmer Mark E. Palmer Richard A. Panek Stephen C. Paranya John A. Pare John F. Parish Richard M. Parke Curtis G. Parker Jane Pataki John L. Patterson Joseph R. Patterson, Jr. J. Donald Pauley Ronald P. Pavlak Donald R. Pearson John G. Pearson David Pelky Michael Pepin Don C. Perez Richard E. Perrin Henry A. Perry Michael R. Petermann Kenneth C. Peterson Richard C. Peterson Sybil L. Peterson Chris Petito Richard J. Petitt Elmer L. Pettit James R. Phelan, Jr. Reed E. Phillips Sheldon R. Phinney Paul J. Picard, III Paul A. Piccini Dennis Pickering Joel H. Pierson Raymond J. Pietruszka Robert B. Pildes Aldona T. Pilius Thomas J. Piper Joseph L. Piscione Andrew W. Pittman William M. Plachte William J. Plum David M. Podeschi Simeon M. Pollak Robert N. Pope David W. Porter James B. Potter Noel M. Potter Ronald A. Prechel Donald K. Price William R. Proby Dennis R. Puccetti

Bruce Pugatch Vincent Puma, Jr. Phebe M. Quattrucci David Rades Martin A. Radinsky William D. Raible Guy H. Raychel John Rayko Richard Recny James Foster Reding William H. Reed, II John R. Reeder, Jr. David J. Reedy Daryl Reiber Richard A. Reierson Michael C. Reis John B. Reiss Warren Remein Thomas E. Remington Thomas Reyman Sally Jo Reynolds Raymond C. Richardson Michael D. Richerson George H. Riddle Bobby B. Riggs Michael Rikon Christopher A. Riley Ernest Rimerman Daniel F. Ring John P. Ring Thomas J. Ringenbach Joel Ringold Marco Rini Herbert E. Ripke, Jr. William F. Ripple John D. Roberts James Robinson John L. Rodgers Albert R. Rodland, Jr. Robert D. Roelli Richard W. Romig Brian A. Rose Fredrick L. Rose Aaron E. Rosenberg Gary Rosenberg Terry M. Rosenfeld George Rosenson Neil K. Rosenstrauch Steven D. Ross Kenneth S. Rothschild John P. Rourke Patrick T. Roy Thomas H. Roy, Jr. Wayne A. Rozen Ronald N. Ruberg Richard Rubrecht Paul F. Rump Kenneth S. Rumstay Steven C. Runyon Andrea Rusnock David J. Ryan Nestor Rychtyckyj Vincent U. Saccente Barry L. Sachs R. Steven Saks Peter J. Salber Michael Sales Nancy L. Sampson Philip Samuels Eric Schaefer Linda Schaff Scott Schaffer Jay Schaffner David P. Schenkel David E. Scherr James L. Scherrer Peter J. Schiff John H. Schlitt Carl W. Schmidt John Schmonsees

Michael E. Schnee H. David Schneider Jorge Schneider Jack Schnettler John F. Schorn Kim R. Schroeder Jeffrey G. Schubert Michael D. Schulmeister Gerard E. Schultz Marvin H. Schwartz Thomas L. Schwarz Jeffrey Mark Schweiger Cynthia L. Scott Harley Judd Scott Richard J. Scott Linda M. Scuderi O. Thane Seager Bernd K. Seiler Gerald W. Selleck Gregory M. Semashko Anthony N. Serio Joseph F. Serota Stanley S. Serval, Sr. Jack L. Seymour Vincent A. Sgier Jeffrey N. Shapiro Russ Shelta Boris Sheykhetov Michael J. Shinners George V. Shkurkin S. A. Shniderman Joseph L. Showaker Andy Shrago Leon A. Shuler Russell N. Silverstein Susan Simco Andrew B. Simmons Zachary Simmons John D. Sims Alexander W. Sinavsky Grant P. Sinclair M. C. Singer James T. Siscel Terry W. Sitch Robert M. Skirvin Martin P. Skrocki Michael J. Skweir Robert W. Slack

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Ronald Slavens Russell C. Smeds David B. Smet Allan D. Smith David L. Smith F. L. Smith Jacqueline E. Smith Kirby C. Smith Mark A. Smith Milton D. Smith Randall J. Smith Randy Smith James N. Smoak Martin G. Smrek Tom E. Smyser Ralph A. Sneve Arthur W. Snoke Howard Snyder Alan Sofalvi Mark J. Solomon Arnold Sorensen James A. Sorenson Gus Spector Richard C. Spector Raymond J. Spitznas John K. Sporleder Anita T. Sprankle Case M. Sprenkle David J. St. Maurice Joseph E. St. Onge Phillip J. Stager Frank R. Stagnaro Stephen E. Stainsby James W. Standiford M. Starcher Norman R. Starr David Stein Thomas E. Stenvig James H. Stephens Leonard Stern Charles R. Sterrett Ernest G. Stevens Ruth A. Stevens Wanda L. Stevenson Charles J. Stewart Charles P. Stewart, Jr. Robert W. Stewart Thomas J. Stewart

Jack G. Stiverson Clifford R. Stockman Lucky Stokes Robert F. Storch A. Lee Straayer Jeff Stratford Samuel J. Stratton Robert L. Stuebner, Jr. Gene Stutzenstein Edward J. Sullivan Henry H. Sweets, III Robert H. Swerdloff John Szymkowski Marvin Talso Stephen J. Tauber Michael F. Taugher David Taylor Philip R. Taylor Theresa F. Taylor Daniel M. Telep Ronald R. Tellier Geoff M. Tennille David L. Terry Thomas N. Tesch Donald R. Test Ronald Testa Rodney L. Thacker Richard W. Thoden Carolyn Thompson Robert L. Thompson Tom N. Thompson Allan R. Thoreson Harvey G. Tilles Joel E. Tolchinsky John A. Tolleris Emory Earl Toops, III Walter Topolewski Jonathan Topper Gary A. Toth Ralph Traylor Kenneth H. Trettin John C. Tribble Daniel Tsamouras Emily R. Turk Lawrence S. Turnbull, Jr. Alan J. Turner Shirley C. Ulling Alan D. Underwood

Michael J. Urbano John Variakojis Robert Velazquez Luis M. Venegas Deborah L. Veselovsky William L. Vincent George M. Vitak Martin H. Vitz Arthur P. von Reyn Joseph Wachter William F. Wakxmunsky Greg Walker Dennis Walkling Walt Waller Raymond P. Walsh Stephen A. Walsh Daniel Walters Scott Walters Paul Wangsness David P. Ward Nelden H. Ward, Jr. Peter R. Ware Paul K. Warme Stephen S. Washburne George V. Watkins Gordon E. Watts Ronald G. Wayne James O. Wear Mike C. Weaver James C. Webb, Jr. Louis A. Weber John A. Wedemeyer Arthur W. Weeden Kenneth E. Weeden Richard A. Weichle Stephen B. Weiner Kelly Weirick Jay Weiss John J. Weiss Jerry J. Weitzenkorn Harold S. Weitzman Harold Wellbaum William G. Wentsch Carol A. Wenzel Jack W. Westall, Jr. Donna J. Wheeler Andrew Whisnant Donald R. White

Alan R. Wicks Kendall F. Wiggin David C. Wilcock Baasil Wilder David L. Wilinski Laurence W. Wilkin Rick Williams W. David Willig, III Frank G. Wilson John H. Wilson Peter Winders Charles Winternitz Kenneth W. Wise John S. Withers, Jr. Mary L. Wittman-Montoya R. Peter Wolf Arthur R. Wolfe Brenda Wolfe Harold C. Wolfe, III Steven L. Wolfe Nancy R. Wolman Jean B. Wood Richard D. Wood Robert S. Wood Andrew F. Woodward Donald A. Woodworth, Jr. Robert B. Worley Roger C. Wullen Amy S. Wunsch Charles R. Wunsch Shaun Wurzbach James F. Young John M. Young Richard W. Young Jed Zaitz Herbert A. Zakrison Saul Zalesch Stephen Zarko Jose L. Zavaleta, Jr. Gerald O. Zedlitz Charles M. Zelbst Marty Zelenietz James R. Zink Ratomir Zivkovic John T. Zwyer

APS Reference Collection

e appreciate the generosity of the members who provide philatelic material to the APS Reference Collection throughout the year. As the Society does not purchase stamps for its reference holdings, the Collection depends on the stamp collecting community for its breadth and quality. From its inception in 1995, thousands of philatelic donations have been organized into a tangible reference holding. The material, both genuine and forged, is housed in the American Philatelic Center and available for research by visitors. Portions of the collection may also be viewed at http://stamps.org/ Reference-Collection-Tour Finally, we extend our gratitude to the members of the Expert Committee, who offer their expertise and long hours of work on behalf of the American Philatelic Expertizing Service and the members who have submitted material for certification.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 343

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Individual In-Kind Donations

aterials that are donated to APS have become increasingly important as operational costs have risen. Donated collections, philatelic literature and other materials support the education programs, the research library, the reference collection and the stamp and cover shop. Mint donated postage supports every department, offsetting the cost of the society’s many mailings.

$200,000+ Carlson R. Chambliss $50,000-99,999 Howard L. Blum, Jr. Bruce E. Engstler $5,000-9,999 Nancy Anders Louis Asher John B. Bourke H. Stewart Bradshaw Estate of Alton B. Clingan, Jr. Jeffery L. Cole Louis Glasgow Carrolyn Green Cary W. Hall Patrick P. Hervy Francine Lippin Kenneth C. Roebbelen Frank N. Young, Jr. Anita Zenger $2,500-4,999 Hubert Aichinger Holly & Christopher Anthony Paula Bednarek Timothy E. Beischel Albert F. Bennett Gabriel Bensimon Wesley T. Bouche Thomas Calabro Alex & Kelly Choi Lawrence R. Cotter Patricia W. Cummins Spyros A. Degleris David E. Eckenrode Robert A. Fisher Douglas S. Friedman George C. Gorman Gerald K. Hornung 344 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Thomas P. Gammarano Carl T. Herrman

$10,000-24,999 Stephen B. Dubina, Jr. Norman F. Jacobs, Jr. Dean Siddons Bernard V. Sigg

$25,000-49,999 William O’Connor Emil L. Tobler

Peter Butler Ives Randy Johnson Royce A. Jones Lawrence J. Laliberte Robert P. Lane W. J. Lundquist James & Tiffany Maher John & Whitney Maher Kristen Maher Roberta & Jeffrey Marcus Stuart Marcus Dennis R. Marek Estate of Robert C. Miller Daniel J. Morris Joel M. Rind Maurice R. Rollins

Muriel K. Rowan James M. Salony David P. Schenkel William P. Schoenfield, III Sandra & John Sloan James C. Space Sandra Steeley Walter Talbot Kenneth D. Weyers John Whalen Barry Witkosky Erin Witkosky Linda Witkosky Steven P. Wright

$1,000-2,499 James D. Adams Keith L. Aschinger Noel Barros Bob Baskett Howard D. Brous Michael J. Caulfield Estate of Charles R. Craig David A. Drach Roy P. Fontaine Geoffrey Lynn Giles Harry W. McCulloch Edgar G. McLellan Ilan Meshoulam Thomas E. Messner Joel Miller Eric W. Noreen

$2,500-4,999 Stamps for the Wounded $1,000-2,499

Organization In-Kind Contributors

Austin Texas Stamp Club Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History $500-999 Amos Media $250-499 American Helvetia Philatelic Society $100-249 American Air Mail Society Charlotte Philatelic Society American Topical Association Garden Grove Emblem Club #279 Royal Philatelic Society, London Springfield Philatelic Society

Michael D. Pinnisi Joseph Pirz Douglas P. Pratt Alexa Ritchie Sharon M. Stecker Susan Walker Kent E. Weaver C.W. West Margarethe Williams Jerome A. Zonca $500-999 George W. Baehr Patricia Bonnell Diana Cares Estate of Melvin T. Edmonds, Jr. Estate of Myron P. Forst L. R. Gotay David Heller Michael P. Kabel Myron Kaller Michael E. Klein Ronald P. Kosarko William Newsom Norman R. Nonnweiler

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Robert L. Re Edward Richley Gerald L. Robbins Frank E. Scudero Martin L. Severe David W. Snow A. Lee Straayer Richard S. Strunk James C. Wise Mary Jane Wolfe $250-499 Glenn Andes Roberto Aquero Bart Barlett Joshua H. Bennett Joseph L. Berlin James R. Brown Kenneth E. Brown Nancy M. Cline Larry D. Fillion Gerald R. Greene Donald Gulbicki David Heckman Thomas W. Horn Keith Howard

Henrietta Kuik-Posey William L. Lehr John Malack Joseph Mendera Stephen Mordes William P. Needham Herbert M. Phelps, III Gerald W. Roesch Vincent N. Santucci Robin Schmal William Shook Richard M. Smith Stephen T. Taylor Kishore K. Yalamanchili $100-249 Christopher Adams Jerome Alter Charles Benson Raymond Bosecker Raymond David Brislin Donald A. Chafetz Patrick E. Coakley John K. Cross, III Sandra del Peso-Silveri Robbin S. Dick

William Dohrn Mark Edelstein Rachel Eisendrath Michael Every Tara Falb Steven G. Fancy James A. Feldman Mark Feldman David Glaser Kate C. Gonzer Eugene T. Hays John J. Henry Garret A. Hoogerhyde David Hummel Eric A. Jackson Pam Janna Robert T. Jenkins Joseph Karpen James A. Knapp Carol Kokas Jacquelyn Kuehn Edward N. Kust Daniel H. Lamorey John A. Lutz Donald A. Lux Leo P. Martyn

Caroline May Eric M. Neishloss Steven B. Pelletier Robert J. Rau Walter Reading Ivic Rex Bob Rochelle Steven J. Rod Frank Schmidt Mark Schuman Howard Schwartz Karl Schweinfurth Neil E. Share John Sheaff Emily Singleton Marie Smith Benjamin G. Stauss Harlan F. Stone Tom Stribling Stanley Urbanek William Vande Wetering Ron Wachenheim Richard M. Warshauer David C. Wessely Robert Wiessinger

Legacy Society

embership in the Legacy Society is provided to individuals who have included the American Philatelic Society or the American Philatelic Research Library in their wills. Please notify us if you should be included in this list! Our thanks to the following individuals who have included the Society or Library in their wills:

Ted E. Ashworth Richard W. Becker L. Stephen Brace Richard A. Colberg Ann Dunkin C. David Eeles Lois Evans de Violini Ingeburg Fisher Allen J. Friedman Gerald J. Gallagher John J. Germann David E. Gillis

Alexander Hall Donald Kelley John A. Krantz David C. Lingard Gary W. Loew Kenneth P. Martin R.S. McDowell Sid Morginstin Ted Moxham Ralph H. Nafziger Kenneth R. Nilsestuen Robert P. Odenweller

Michel Provost Warner J. Raines Cecile M. Reid Robert E. Scherb Frank & Marjory Sente Dennis E. Stark Danforth & Patricia Stilwell-Walker Harlan F. Stone James W. Thompson Herbert A. Trenchard

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American Philatelic Research Library

he American Philatelic Research Library had a banner year for 2022. Our most significant achievement was with the Robert A. Mason Digital Library (RMDL). At the start of the year, the APRL initiated Phase I Digitization Plan to greatly increase the digital journal issues available in the database. By the end of the year, thanks to digital assistants Betsy Gamble and Geoff Hobart, more than 2,350 journal issues (roughly 254,460 pages) were uploaded and made accessible. This rapid increase of resources was matched by an increase of unique users accessing the digital library. The successes of 2022 have given us a strong platform to continue Phase II of the Digitization Plan in 2023.

As in 2021, the growth of the APRL collection remained strong as donors continued to contribute to the library with their donations, specifically philatelic literature. The library’s collections are built almost entirely through these literature donations. Donors and their contributions of philatelic literature play a critical role in establishing and maintaining the APRL as a leader in worldwide philatelic resources and research.

Contributions to the library can be monetary, assisting with book purchases and digital projects, as well as in-kind gifts of every type of philatelic publication. These donations are received from publishers, authors and the general public. Philatelic literature donations to the library can range in size from several boxes to single items, from paper documents to digitally produced resources. No matter the size or type, the role that these contributions play in the growth and scope of the APRL collection cannot be overstated. Donations to the library in someone’s honor or as a memorial can also be recognized with a bookplate. Naming opportunities in the library are also still available for contributions of $1,000 or more.

Gifts of Literature

We are especially grateful to the following for substantial gifts of literature to the APRL in 2022.

Francis Adams Akthem Al-Manaseer Ruth Benfield Robert M. Benninghoff Lenore Berkun Bill Berry Thomas H. Bieniosek Jay Bigalke Stephen J. Bonowski Andrew Boyajian Martin P. Bratzel, Jr. Raymond J. Burby Donald A. Chafetz Roger S. Cichorz Nancy B. Clark Blanton Clement, Jr. Richard E. Clever Lee J. Coen Richard A. Colberg Estate of Scot J. Cornwall Lawrence R. Cotter Barry Cousins Frank R. Covey David C. Crawford Joe H. Crosby David Crotty Richard T. Daffner Molly Day Diane E. DeBlois Sandra del Peso-Silveri Anthony F. Dewey William J. DeWitt Lori Dipalo Neil Donen Richard E. Drews Russell Eggert Vera R. Felts 346 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Francis Ferguson Stephen Ferguson Gerald Frazier Tony Gallagher Royal W. Gelder Gerald V. Gettel Curtis E. Gidding Robert L. Glass Michael S. Gutman John B. Hayhurst Wayne W. Henderson Michael A. Hengst Simon R. Hensman Terence M. Hines Robert D. Hohertz John M. Hotchner Jon A. Hussey Rafael J. Igartua Richard Judge J. Douglass Klein Keith P. Klugman James R. Koncz Yamil Kouri Robert E. Lamb Peter J. LaPlaca Ken Lawrence Thomas M. Lera Jo B. Lievsay Daniel C. Maddalino Dean W. Mario Allen D. McClain Archibald S. McKee Foster E. Miller, III Keith Moh Joseph A. Monaco, Jr. Vernon R. Morris, Jr. William Moskoff

Ralph H. Nafziger Kenji Nakano Eric M. Neishloss Peter R. Newroth Barry Newton Sunyu Ng Drew A. Nicholson Kenneth R. Nilsestuen Karla C. Norman Elaine B. Nyberg James R. Oates Samuel M. Ogle Lawrence K. Oliver Ellen S. Peachey Albert B. Raddi James G. Reichman David R. Reitsema Dennis L. Ridings Gerald L. Robbins Bruce I. Roberts Michael D. Roberts Melanie G. Rogers Stephen B. Rohrbaugh Stephen A. Rose Karl C. Rove Robert C. Rudine Thomas G. Salopek William R. Schultz Michael Schumacher Vincent A. Sgier Steven L. Sherman Jafar H. Siddiqui Dean Sioras Robert M. Skirvin Thomas Slemons Philip Souers David Spivack

Ivo J. Steijn Clarence A. Stillions Harlan F. Stone Jean C. Stout Kurt S. Streepy Stephen L. Suffet Steve L. Swain Yoram B. Szekely Stephen T. Taylor Michael B. Thompson Peter Thy Joel E. Tolchinsky Emory Earl Toops, III Raymond Trupiano David R. Warfel Richard Warren Stephen S. Washburne Anthony S. Wawrukiewicz Jason Webber Paul K. Weidhaas George M. Werner Paul Wijnants Thomas F. Willer Mark H. Winnegrad James G. Winters Bernard M. Wojnowski Richard B. Wolf David Wolfersberger Ronald J. Yeager Richard W. Young Thomas Youngblood Marcel W. Zollinger Jerome A. Zonca David S. Zubatsky

Vooys Fellows and the APRL

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aniel W. Vooys was very instrumental in both the creation and ultimate success of the American Philatelic Research Library. Not only was he the APS president when the library was newly created, but he served on the American Philatelic Research Library’s Board of Trustees from 1969 to the time of his death in 1978. His personal library became a core part of the APRL’s collection, measuring in at more than three tons of materials. Vooys also was a generous benefactor of the library, and his work continues to bring benefit to the APRL. In August 2007, the APRL Board of Trustees established the donor level of Vooys Fellow to honor Vooys and continue his legacy. Funds generated by this level of giving help endow general operating funds for the library. Current fellows are: Ted Bahry John H. Barwis William H. Bauer* Thomas H. Bieniosek Stephen Bonowski Brian J. Birch Roger S. Brody Arthur J. Cole Richard E. Drews Jack R. Dykhouse Robin Gates Elliott Scott D. English Sidney Epstein* Gordon E. Eubanks, Jr. Patrick M. Farrell Gerald R. Forsythe Clark Frazier Alfredo Frohlich Cheryl R. Ganz Royal W. Gelder Don E. Heller Eric A. Jackson Tami J. Jackson Edward H. Jarvis David A. Kent Janet R. Klug Alfred F. Kugel* Eliot A. Landau* Hugh Lawrence

Bobby Liao Jason Hewitt Manchester Robert Bruce Marsden Kenneth P. Martin Hugh J. McMackin, III David W. McNamee Irving R. Miller Barbara R. Mueller* Randy L. Neil Alan Parsons* Paul Petersen Charles J. Peterson* Steven J. Rod Wade E. Saadi Roger G. Schnell* Stephen D. Schumann Mark S. Schwartz Frank L. Sente Marjory J. Sente Charles F. Shreve Lamar Stout Herbert A. Trenchard Michael S. Turrini W. Danforth Walker Alan Warren Stephen S. Washburne Charles C. Wooster David T. Zemer * Deceased

Summer Seminar Online

We are grateful to the instructors and presenters who adapted to the online instructing format in 2022 and provided their expertise to seminar attendees in June, listed below: Ed Andrews Tom Bieniosek Dennis Gilson Elliot Gruber Tom Horn John Hotchner Richard Judge Rodney Juell Anne Klejment Ron Lesher

Gary W. Loew Garfield Portch Charles Posner John Seidl David Steidley Steven Unkrich Tony Wawrukiewicz Wayne Youngblood

Future Builders

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small but powerful group of members prefer to make regular donations according to a schedule of their own choosing.

Scheduled donations help to ensure solid growth for philately. If you are interested in becoming a future builder, you are welcome to have your gift automatically debited from a credit card or bank account.

Joan Anderson Keith Bantz William Carson David L. Creson Robert Dalton Harris William T. Harris, III Steven Heaney Gary Hendren Tony Hill Edward Kroll Luca Lavagnino Clark Lee JoAnn Lenz Gary W. Loew James Evan Matthews Michael McCabe Foster Miller, III Irving & Donna Miller Gunther Monteadora James Risner Wade Saadi William R. Schultz Sam Smith Michael J. Spring Bill Strauss Kenneth Trettin David Wessely APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 347

2022 Fundraising at a Glance – The Campaign for Philately

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he Campaign for Philately is the banner under which the APS and the APRL jointly conduct fundraising activities.

The purpose of the Campaign is to ensure that the Society and the Library can better serve the membership while promoting the hobby. Donors are welcome to direct gifts to specific needs within the organization. When undesignated, all funds are used to support programs and services.

The Campaign benefits many initiatives: membership, technology improvements, education programs, youth outreach, marketing to promote the hobby and expanded digital resources.

Please note that the April Recognition Issue considers pledges and end-of-year donations just as the IRS does. This may create small differences when compared to the APS’ audited financial statements, which follow accounting regulations.

2022 Fundraising Snapshot Cash Received

Pledge Payments Memorial Gifts Estates Matching Gifts Honorary Gifts Other Cash Subtotal

$17,291 $6,391 $149,937 $275 $900 $491,399 $666,193

Sale of Donated Stamps Use of Donated Postage Sale of Donated Lib Matl Subtotal Total

$169,277 $61,855 $11,865 $242,997 $909,190

2022 Fundraising Costs

Personnel Credit Card Costs Postage Other Office Expense Mighty Buck Mailing CFP Reception AP Donor Recognition Inter Office Services (Accounting, Mailroom, etc.)

Total Cost of Fundraising

$112,708 $3,120 $1,700 $11,145 $12,783 $6,085 $5,404

$11,771 $164,716 18%

Cash by Designation

(Excludes Non-Cash Gift Proceeds) APS Endowment $250 APS General $82,357 APS Cares $12,930 Aerophilately 2022 $640 Bellefonte Airmail Exhibit $4,255 David Straight Award $4,580 Building $2,150 Education/C3A $9,267 Employee Appreciation $600 Library Acquisitions $26,241 Library Adopt a Book $350 Library Book Collections $1,500 Library Digitization $117,593 Library Endowment $27,170 Library General $77,456 Mighty Buck $67,881 Publications Fund $5,044 Soiree Dinner $90,578 StampsTeach $2,005 Technology/Website $4,239 Unrestricted $123,577 Young Phil Leaders $1,435 Youth/YSCA $1,550 Other $2,545 Total

$666,193

For more information on how you or your organization can support the Campaign for Philately please contact Scott English, scott@stamps.org, or 814-933-3814.

348 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

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Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship

he Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship is a year-long program for young stamp collectors between the ages of 16 and 24. Its goal is to inspire the philatelic leaders of tomorrow by connecting them with the leaders of the philatelic world today. More than 30 YPLF alums, along with the APS, would like to recognize and thank the following individuals who supported this program in 2022: Joan E. Anderson Brandywine Valley Stamp Club Philip P. Johnson Robert L. Knypstra

Marty Longo Irving and Donna R. Miller Penguins on Stamps Study Unit Andrew K. Urushima

We also wish to recognize the sponsors of the YPLF Class of 2023, who have supported the future leaders in philately: Alfredo Frohlich Fellow, sponsored by Alex Haimann Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions Fellow, sponsored by first-time sponsor Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions Donald and Bonnie Lee Fellow, sponsored by five-time sponsor James E. Lee in memory of his parents U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Fellow, sponsored by the USPCS since 2010

Finally, thank you to the mentors who contributed their valuable time and knowledge: Richard Friedberg Cheryl Ganz Alex Haimann Richard Judge

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Bequests Matter!

bequest is a gift made through a Will or Codicil that takes effect when an estate is settled. Although bequests provide no immediate income, their impact can be great. A bequest to the APS or APRL can be written into a Will or added to an existing Will by amending it through a Codicil.

Bequests remove assets from the taxable estate and may take several forms:

• A percentage bequest allocates a fixed percent of your estate; I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Philatelic Society, a non-profit organization located at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823, ______ percent of my estate, both real and personal property of whatever kind and whatsoever situated.

• A bequest grants the residue, or portion of the residue, of your estate to the APS after explicit bequests have been made; I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Philatelic Society, a non-profit organization located at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823, all (or ___%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal property of whatever kind and whatsoever situated.

• A specific or explicit bequest for a stated dollar amount or securities; I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Philatelic Society, a non-profit organization located at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823, the sum of _____ dollars (or describe the specific property or security you intend to bequeath).

• A contingent bequest in case one or more of your bequests cannot be fulfilled; If any of the above-named beneficiaries should predecease me, I hereby bequeath his/her share of my estate to the American Philatelic Society, a non-profit organization located at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823. ***** For more information on planned giving opportunities please contact Scott English, scott@stamps.org or 814-933-3814.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 349

2022 Special Gifts Memorials

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ith regret, we announce that 546 members of the American Philatelic Society passed away in 2022.

Gifts were received in memory of these members from family, friends and other APS members.

Donations were also received from members and some chapters honoring collectors regardless of APS membership. In all, 71 donations were received, in memory of 58 individuals. The amount given exceeded $6,000, in memory of: Barb Baird Stan Bednarczyk Donald Beuthel Stanley Bierman Nicholas Biniaris Glenn Blauch Ron Brigham John P. Broderick Irene Bromberg Anthony Brooks Stephen Chazen Joe Chervenyak Diane Clark Sylvester Colby Sam Costantini

R. Roland Crosiar Pat Herst William "Bill” Csolkovitz Richard E. Hinds Len Curtis Virginia "Gini" Horn Jack Denys Veronica Kott Dolores Dihrberg Alfred Kugel George Dorn Thomas Lausi Richard Duda Kurt Lenz Paul Herbert Ellis Michael Madesker George Fekete Jerry Moore Jeff Forster Lou Pataki Mary Gerew Brad Perkins Ulysses S. Grant Bela S. Princz Trudye Greiner Edward Ptak Herb Harvis John P. Rigney Rod Henderson Rudy Roy All deceased members of the Germany Philatelic Society, Chapter 5

Alma Snowa Jack Solens Jack Standen Robert Todd David Trutwin Frank Walton William W. Wylie Joseph Winnegrad Harry Winter Mikolaj G. Wojnowski Kenneth Wood Martha Jane K. Zachert David Zubatsky

In Honor

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ach year donations are received in honor of members. Such gifts have typically been made in recognition of extraordinary service or an event such as a birthday or anniversary. In 2022, donations were made to honor Ken Grant in the amount of $900.

Matching

hese companies matched recent gifts made by their current or retired employees to the American Philatelic Society or the American Philatelic Research Library. More than 1,000 companies in the United States match charitable donations. To take part, please inquire with the human resources office at your place of employment.

Cyber Grants Janus Foundation

AS

Verizon Foundation Your Cause, LLC

Online Learning & C3a

members became more accustomed to online offerings, our group of instructors and presenters correspondingly grew. We’re grateful to everyone who shared their time, energy, and expertise with our APS learning community this year, and we look forward to growing these offerings again in 2023.

The C3a Learning Platform (Collecting and Connecting Central Academy) also underwent significant growth in the past few years, with an ever-increasing catalog of learning resources and online events, available exclusively to APS and APRL members. These include lesson plans, independent learning modules, resource materials, on-demand courses and videos, and of course, live, online learning events. We are very grateful to all of the instructors, presenters, content-producers, and contributors who helped us expand the learning resources and opportunities available to our APS members.

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2022 APS Recruiting Honor Roll

he complete list of recruiters for applicants accepted into membership for 2022 with the number sponsored (all one each unless otherwise noted):

E. Decker Adams (2) Robert F. Dumaine Albuquerque Philatelic Society East Bay Collectors Club Ronald Alfin Donn M. Ebert Allied Military Government Collectors’ Ebony Soc. of Phil. Events and Club Reflections Ann Arbor Stamp Club Peter C. Elias (3) Diane K. Apfelbaum Charles Epting (2) Art Cover Exchange Euclid Stamp Club William P. Athens (20) Maurice (Herb) A. Eveland Michael Ball Florida Stamp Dealers’ Association Baltimore Philatelic Society David G. Fordham, Jr. (5) Graham Beck (11) Fort Orange Stamp Club Marc S. Bedrin (2) Laurence H. Glenzer, Jr. Carl W. Behrend, Jr. Gary M. Goldstein Charles Berg, Jr. (2) Herschel H. Goldstein Seymour H. Bernstein Greater Philadelphia Stamp/ Melvin W. Bird Collectors Club Bloomington Stamp Club Steve D. Gross E. Cajmire Brejtfus Ron Gruici Brentwood Philatelic Society Lawrence D. Haber A. Mercer Bristow Alexander T. Haimann (146) Thomas W. Broadhead Hamilton Township Philatelic Society Buffalo Stamp Club (2) (2) Lewis Burchett (6) Heart of Georgia Philatelic Society William W. Burnham Bruce L. Hecht Alan Bush Henry Clay Philatelic Society Glen G. Campman Highlands Stamp Club Jared Cassidy Michael W. Homel Alan Cecilio Houston Philatelic Society Cedar Valley Stamp Club Wayne F. Hoyt Central Wisconsin Stamp Club Andrew D. Huber (2) Cessna Stamp Club Matthew Thomas Huber (2) Charlotte Philatelic Society Brian L. Hunt Charlottesville Stamp Club Intl. Society of Guatemala Collectors Chelmsford Stamp Club Jackson Philatelic Society Jacob Childers Jacksonville Stamp Collectors Club Stephen Chilton Henry I. Jehan, Jr. William D. Clark Richie Jennings (2) Clearwater Stamp Club (2) Kelley V. Johns Clifton Stamp Society Paul W. Johnson (4) Collectors Club of San Francisco Paul A. Johnson Columbia Philatelic Society William H. Johnson Michael J. Cortese Johnstown Stamp Club Ira W. Cotton Kalamazoo Stamp Club (2) Edwin B. Cox John J. Kamaka Francine T. R. Craven Peter Kata William E. Curtis Eugene F. Kathol Michael Dalton Kelvin Kindahl Edward L. Davidson (6) Richard D. Kinner Dayton Stamp Club Michael W. Kiszka (5) Robert DeCarlo Knoxville Philatelic Society Michael J. DeJong Kent J. Kobersteen George F. DeKornfeld Robert G. Kotanchik Disneyana on Stamps Society Ed Kroft Gregory Doll Chris L. Lazaroff Roy W. Douglass Lebanon Stamp Collectors Club

2022 Top Ten APS Recruiters

Clark H. Lee Matthew E. Liebson Donald J. Sundman 233 (11) Alexander T. Haimann 146 Lincoln Stamp Club William P. Athens 20 Gary W. Loew (2) Lesley M. Lorant Graham Beck 11 Frank LoVerme Matthew E. Liebson 11 Arthur A. Luther (5) Joseph Zec 9 Peter MacDonald Steve C. Malesky Niki L. Oquist 7 Anthony Mancuso Lewis Burchett 6 (5) Edward L. Davidson 6 David Manuel Arthur A. Luther 5 Maplewood Stamp Club Thomas K. Mathew Tom E. Smyser Kathy Maxwell Maurice E. Snook McKinley Stamp Club Merrimack County Stamp Collectors Springfield Stamp Club Springfield-Delco Stamp Club Metro Louisville Stamp Society (2) St. Cloud Area Stamp Club Mid-Cities Stamp Club (4) St. Helena Ascension Tristan Irving R. Miller (5) Stamp Show Here Today, The Mohawk Stamp Club Podcast (2) Montgomery Area Stamp Club (2) Strait Stamp Society Tom E. Moody Robert K. Stump David A. Most Donald J. Sundman (233) Michael C. Mules (5) Syracuse Stamp Club Howard L. Mundt Daniel M. Telep Jack L. Myers, Jr. David Testa (4) Rich Nallenweg Texas Philatelic Association Kenneth M. Nieser (2) Elizabeth A. Tillman North Penn Stamp Club Andrew R. Turngren Oklahoma Philatelic Society (3) Michael S. Turrini Omaha Philatelic Society Tuscora Stamp Club Niki L. Oquist (7) William L. Ullom Jeffrey M. Orbach Steven R. Unkrich (3) Oregon Stamp Society (2) Upper Valley Stamp Club Errol F. Osteraa (3) Jared Matthew Vail Palo Duro Philatelic Society (2) Diego Valente Park Forest Stamp Club Frank R. Von Hausen (2) Kristin R. Patterson Jack M. Wall Clifford Peeno Philatelic Society of Lancaster County Waukesha County Philatelic Society David C. Wessely Teela Pongpakdee Casey Jo White Christopher J. Putney Wilmington Philatelic Society (2) Redwood Empire Collectors Club John R. Winkel Stanley R. Rehm Winter Haven Stamp Club John P. Renyhart Kenneth W. Wise Stephen V. Rhoades Worthington Stamp Club (2) Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library Joseph Zec (9) Sacramento Philatelic Society Phillip M. Sager Harry K. Zimmerman Randy Scholl (2) Scouts on Stamps Soc. International Richard L. Segal David O. Semsrott

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 351

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Volunteers Make the Magic Happen

very year we thank our tireless volunteers who help us keep the lights on and our gears running smoothly. And every year we find more to be grateful for, as more of you offer your time and efforts to the society. In 2022, volunteers gave the American Philatelic Society and American Philatelic Research Library nearly 6,000 hours of their time. This is an increase from 2021 of almost 800 hours.

Volunteer Work Week 2022 Volunteer Work Week (VWW) is the single largest volunteer event held at the American Philatelic Society every year.

After several canceled years due to pandemic restrictions, Volunteer Work Week returned in 2022. We welcomed 28 volunteers who, in the course of a week, put in 564 hours of work.

Many of the Volunteer Work Week attendees are VWW veterans and have attended for nearly five to 10 years (and some even longer). Library volunteers included Charlie and Paula Be­lair, Thomas and Laurie Bieniosek, Dick Colberg, Roy Gelder, Tomas Letowski, Janet Stauss, Joseph and Diane Sullivan. A new face (in terms of VWW attendance) joined the library crew last year, Melanie Rogers (APRL President).

Also present during the week were all of our regular local volunteers, Karen Robbins, Kitty Wunderly, Bill Monsell and Vince Costello. As a group, the library volunteers sorted through a large chunk of the massive Herbert Trenchard donation; processed auction catalogs; indexed articles to be added to the Philatelic Union Catalog for easier access; and more.

A handful of volunteers offered their services to the education department, including Jim Fabrizi, Jim Koncz, Kathy Maxwell, Bill Hartung, Dave Caster, Paul Shamel, Eric Peters, Eric Reed, Earl Seibert, James Winters, and Gerry Robbins. They spent time sorting donated stamps and covers, which will be used to fund and support programs such as Stamps Teach, Young Stamp Collectors of America, and Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship.

Finally, we thank the volunteers in the sales department.

Debbie Cleeton assisted with scanning submissions and applying postage. Brian Christian, Keith Christian, and Ben Stauss created more than 60 circuit books for much-needed categories in circuit sales. Leonard and Darlene Bloom, who live locally and together volunteer their time nearly every working day, helped put the event together and kept all of the volunteers organized and busy.

This year, Volunteer Work Week will be held July 17-21.

Traditionally, members come from near and far to offer their services. The work is engaging and the company (fellow volunteers and APS staff members) is even better. No previous experience is ever necessary. Learn more about VWW 2023 at www.stamps.org/learn/volunteer-work-week.

Research Library to grow and provide access to its collection and services. The year saw some incredible success stories for both our remote and local volunteers. One of the primary tasks that remote volunteers provide for us is that of indexing articles that can then be uploaded into the David Straight Memorial Philatelic Union Catalog. The article index in the online catalog is built almost entirely through these remote volunteer contributions.

Those who contribute regularly to the article index are Steven Westfahl (Astrophile), Aristide LaVey (The American Philatelist), Melanie Rogers (Philatelic Congress Books), Charlie Belair (the Fricke files), Joe Sullivan and Bruce L. Johnson (Philateli-Graphics) and David Plunkett (Ohio Postal History Journal). Due to their efforts, 5,568 new articles were indexed into the online catalog in 2022.

The library is also fortunate to have several local volunteers who give of their time and assist the library with various tasks onsite. Among the regular weekly volunteers are Kitty Wunderly, who mends and repairs materials in the collection in need of restoration. Kitty, along with volunteer Bill Monsell, shelves needed materials from the Trenchard donation and other new materials once they are cataloged into the collection. Another weekly volunteer Vincent Costello helps organize and inventory previously undocumented archival materials and has begun as of 2022 to process needed serials into the collection.

Volunteer Ron Gruici continued his work processing the donated collections of the American First Day Cover Society and Janet Hughes spent time in the library reshelving books, auction catalogs and journals as needed. Finally, regular volunteer Karen Robbins processed donations not needed for the library collection and converted them into priced philatelic literature for sale in our gift shop and online catalog. In 2022, Karen raised more than $12,000 for the library through used book sales.

The library is also fortunate every semester that a group from the Pennsylvania State University Circle K student organization pays a visit to the library in order to volunteer.

Back in April the student group sorted and processed more than 50 boxes of donated literature enabling the library to make better use of our available storage space and assisting our efforts in cataloging the material into the online catalog.

In the library

Education

In 2022, as in past years, volunteers continued to play a vital role in the ongoing mission of the American Philatelic

Summer Seminar Online 2022 was only possible thanks to the instructors who volunteered their time to prepare and

352 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

teach digital presentations. These are listed on page 347.

The education department is one of the biggest beneficiaries of donated postage material. Volunteers are vital to making sure the donated material gets to the right place.

Mike Williams spent more than 90 hours, Jim Koncz spent more over 20, and Kathy Maxwell spent more over 35 working on behalf of the education department.

Great American Stamp Show Many volunteers are needed to help make the annual Great American Stamp Show (GASS) a success. From registering attendees, to mounting/dismounting hundreds of exhibits, to monitoring areas such as the literature booth, Youth Area, Stamps by the Bucket, and much more - we couldn't do it without our volunteers!

A special thanks to those who helped at GASS '22: Bill Ailes; Laurie Anderson; Lorraine Bailey; Alan Barasch; Paul Bechevet; Joanne Berkowitz-Murphy; Laurie Bernstein; Tom Bieniosek; Tom Bodem; Stanley Brown; Alan Cecilio; Steve Chun; Paul Clemmensen; Fred Danes; Robert Dragone; Matt Ernest; John Hamman; Dawn Hamman; Tom Hayes; Rick Hein; Don Heller; Scott Henault; Liz Hisey; Debbie Jean Hopkins; Cyndy Hunter; Bob Jarvis; Marci Jarvis; Richard Judge; David Kent; Robert Klass; Ron Lampo; Ralph Nafziger; Kristin Patterson; Ann Pierpont; Danny Piper; Robert Pope; Allen Raub; Mary Schuman; Van Siegling; Christopher Smith; Dennis Solheim; Denise Stotts; Jay Stotts; Ken Tiedman; and Patricia Walker. Thanks also to Barb Johnson, Dave Caster, and Leonard and Darlene Bloom who helped with preshow preparations.

Registration is open to volunteer for GASS 2023 (www. stamps.org/GASS/Volunteer) - even just a few hours can help a great deal! No previous experience is necessary - training is provided, and you can choose the day and timeframe that works best for you.

Other needs met StampStore has one regular volunteer, Dennis Gilson, who works on-site at the APS as well as remotely. He gives hours of time to both the internet and circuit sales departments, as well as the expertizing department. He is also currently volunteering his time for the editorial department’s book publishing projects.

Doris Wilson, former graphic designer for The American Philatelist, frequently comes in to help with dues payments.

She also helped the editorial department prepare to move offices.

Mercer Bristow, former director of expertizing, spends many hours maintaining and updating the reference collection of forged and genuine stamps.

Development — a wide umbrella Of all of the departments, development utilizes the most hours for volunteers by a landslide. Thank you to heavy hitters Kay Boob (527 hours); Jim Koncz (380); Georgiana and Bob Walton (229 each); Dave Caster (128) and Kathy Maxwell (57). Thank you also to Robert and Thomas Loych who donated 22 hours each.

There are two people who deserve our deepest gratitude.

Leonard and Darlene Bloom together donated 2,280 hours to the APS, often coming in four or five days a week. Leonard and Darlene are the “receiving department” for in-kind donations. The Blooms prepare processing forms in which catalog value might be cited, descriptions are made, and detailed contact information for the donor is recorded. They also prepare donated material for sale, either by auction or through the APS Stamp & Cover Shop located in the APRL. The proceeds from these sales go to the APS to fund education programs. Other material is donated to the library for inclusion in its archives, or to the reference collection for use in expertizing.

Besides those enormous tasks, the Blooms also helped various departments move office space at the end of 2022, a dirty and exhausting task. Thank you to our friends the Blooms – we owe you so much.

Unrecorded hours of effort Board members and committee members are volunteers.

Their professional hours and leadership are not recorded, yet allow the APS and APRL to plan and work ambitiously for the future of philately.

The American Philatelist’s and Philatelic Literature Review’s authors are technically not volunteers, but they spend countless hours conducting research, writing, and working with our staff to produce articles for these two publications.

Their labors of love make these publications possible.

APEX, the expertizing department, works with around 180 knowledgeable collectors on the expert committee to authenticate stamps and postal history material. While also technically not volunteers, the time and effort spent by the expert committee far outweighs their compensation.

And you Not every member is financially able to assist the society and library, but there is a way that every member can help us. Information on volunteering is available on our website at stamps.org/support/volunteer. There’s no better time to think about donating your time and skills to move this great organization forward.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 353

BY DANIEL A. PIAZZA CHIEF CURATOR

NPM Notebook

Digital Highlights Bloom at National Postal Museum

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he winter weather is beginning to break here in Washington, D.C. I already have daffodils in my front yard and green buds are visible on the famous Japanese cherry trees along the tidal basin. The capital is emerging from hibernation, but the Smithsonian National Postal Museum (NPM) has not slept over the winter! It has been a very active time for us, especially online.

Here are a few highlights of recent NPM content available online, in reverse chronological order: I was recently interviewed for an episode of Our American Stories, a radio program with more than 4 million

Figure 1. The folded letter titled “Au Citoyen” (“To Citizen”), which was sent to James Monroe when he was sent as an emissary to France by President George Washington.

354 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

listeners that is broadcast to more than 230 radio stations.

The 17-minute episode, titled “How the USPS Came To Be,” is available here: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/ podcast/history/how-the-usps-came-to-be.

Director Elliot Gruber spoke to the Collectors Club of New York on January 4. His presentation, “Director’s Cut – Treasures of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum,” can be viewed at https://www.collectorsclub.org/videos/.

In December, the museum marked the 50th anniversary of baseball star Roberto Clemente’s 1972 death in a plane crash while on a humanitarian mission to Nicaragua with an author’s reading of the children’s book Clemente! by Willie Perdomo. Afterward, Perdomo and Robert Clemente Jr. participated in a Q&A moderated by NPM’s Maureen

Figure 2. National Postal Museum conservator Scott Devine installs the Black Empress in the rarities hall at Monacophil, November 23, 2022.

Leary. See the video here: https://aps. buzz/ClementeNPM. The 12th Winton M. Blount Postal History Symposium, co-chaired by my colleague Dr. Susan Smith and Scott Tiffney, librarian and director of information services at the American Philatelic Research Library, was held December 8-9 at the National Postal Museum. The paper presentations were also broadcast online. For a list of the topics discussed and brief biographies of the presenters, visit https://aps.

Figure 3. Philatelic curators visiting at Monacophil 2022 are (from left) Pascal Rabier, curator buzz/12BlountSymposium.

The 19th annual Maynard Sund- emeritus, Musée de La Poste (Paris); Perrine Bisson, conservator, Musée de La Poste (Paris); Stuart Aitken, curator of philately, The Postal Museum (London); Nicola Davies, head of collections, the man Lecture, also organized by Smith, Spear Museum of Philatelic History at the Royal Philatelic Society London; Dan Piazza, of the NPM; featured Rowan University professor Andreas Hahn, head of the Archive for Philately (Bonn); and Monika Nowacka, head of philatelic collections at Musée de La Poste (Paris). (Photo courtesy of Pascal Rabier) emeritus and well-known polar philatelist Hal Vogel, and was held November 1 via Zoom. The topic was “Polar Philately and the Wilkes Antarctic Expedition.”

To be updated when the videos become available online, please contact Susan directly at SmithSu@si.edu.

Curator Lynn Heidelbaugh’s recent book, Between Home and the Front: Civil War Letters of the Walters Family (Indiana University Press, 2022) was featured in an episode of C-SPAN’s American History TV. The episode was Figure 4. Myagmarjav Selenge, of Mongolia, points to Mongolia’s entry in the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery’s “One Stamp of Every Country” exhibit, the $1 high value from the 1924 filmed at the NPM and features Lynn Sceptre of Indra set. and her co-author, Tom Paone, discussing this collection of previously unpubSummer Seminar philatelic research course lished letters from the museum’s collection. You can watch I am honored to have been invited back to teach the it online here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?522860-1/ four-day course on philatelic research during this year’s letters-home-front.

APS Summer Seminar, June 12-15. It is geared toward helpI was featured in an August 2022 episode of the ing writers, exhibitors, and collectors begin or complete a Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s podcast, “Porresearch project, with morning sessions devoted to sources and techniques followed by free time in the afternoon to traits,” hosted by director Kim Sajet. We talked about stamp take advantage of the APRL’s resources or for one-on-one portraits based on originals in the gallery’s collection and research consultations with me. To register, visit https:// depictions of FDR and Benjamin Franklin on stamps. stamps.org/SummerSeminar. Please also feel free to contact You can hear the episode at https://open.spotify.com/ me directly with any questions about the course before you episode/7cVgvuIpHrKAqeWmLZf408. register!

APS members may not be aware that the USPS produces its own informative podcast, titled “Mailin’ It!” My colleagues, curators Alison Bazylinksi and Lynn Heidelbaugh, were recently featured in episodes 16 and 17, respectively.

Alison discussed the history of USPS uniforms and Lynn spoke on military mail. Head here to listen: https://uspsmailin-it.simplecast.com/episodes, and while you are there be sure to check out the two chats on modern U.S. stamps as well (episodes 7 and 32).

Monacophil 2022

The National Postal Museum had a strong presence at the international philatelic event Monacophil 2022 November 23-26 in Monte-Carlo.

Among the items the NPM exhibited at Monacophil 2022, was a folded letter (Figure 1) titled “Au Citoyen” (“To Citizen”), which was directed to James Monroe on October 19, 1794. In 1794, to avoid being drawn into the war beAPRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 355

tween France and Great Britain, President Washington sent John Jay to London and James Monroe to Paris as U.S. ministers. Monroe received this letter two months after he arrived in France.

Monroe’s failure to reassure France’s revolutionary government about American neutrality got him recalled from his post in 1796.

In the “100 Iconic Stamps and Documents” exhibition held at the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies, the museum showed a recent NPM acquisition: the 12-pence Black Empress of Canada (Figure 2), printed for the colony in 1851 by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch, and Edson of New York. Approximately 140 copies are known to exist today.

The museum also showed “Napoleon and America,” a single frame exhibit chronicling the effects of Napoleon’s wars on trade and diplomacy in the new American republic. This material was drawn from the museum’s 14-volume Henry A. Meyer collection of French Revolutionary and Napoleonic postal history.

Curators from five international philatelic collections were on hand for the event, and we took the occasion to have lunch together in the Port of Fontvieille (Figure 3). We discussed ways to cooperate in the future and build an international network of philatelic curators for mutual advice, support, and inspiration.

Figure 5. Smithsonian Under Secretary for Science and Research Ellen Stofan speaks during the James Webb Space Telescope first day ceremony.

A visitor from Mongolia On November 17, the National Postal Museum was visited by Myagmarjav Selenge (Figure 4), stamp expert of the Postal Stamp Museum at the Central Post Office in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I gave her a tour of the museum, and she presented the NPM Library with a copy of Chinggis Khaan: Man of the Millennium, published in 2002 by Mongol Post.

Figure 6. The original artwork for the Roger Maris stamp.

First day ceremony The James Webb Space Telescope Forever Stamp was launched in a first day ceremony September 8 at the National Postal Musem (Figure 5). Smithsonian Under Secretary for Science and Research Ellen Stofan and NPM Deputy Director Toby Mensforth were featured speakers.

356 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Baseball: America’s Home Run By the time you read this column, the 2023 Major League Baseball season will be underway and the second rotation of NPM’s three-year baseball exhibition will have opened to the public in our Washington, D.C. galleries! This fresh iteration of the exhibit features some amazing New York

Figure 7. The original artwork for the Joe DiMaggio stamp created by Kadir Nelson, along with his home uniform from his rookie season in 1936. DiMaggio had a spectacular rookie year in which he hit 29 home runs and was a key player on the World Series championship team. (Uniform on loan from the Stephen Wong Collection.)

Then, Mantle developed season-ending hip problems in September. Maris continued alone, finally achieving his record in the last game of the regular season.

Only four players have since broken Maris’ record, and three of them were implicated in the 1990s steroid scandal.

Original artwork and proof material for the stamp will be shown alongside Maris’ and Mantle’s game-used jerseys and bats.

Joseph Paul “Joe” DiMaggio (1914-1999) was born in California to Italian immigrant parents. He played 13 seasons – from 1936 to 1951 – in center field for the New York Yankees, earning an All-Star berth every year and helping the team win 10 American League pennants and nine World Series championships. His most famous accomplishment, however, was his 56-game hitting streak in 1941, a record that still stands.

DiMaggio’s fame, however, did not stop the federal government from targeting his parents as enemy aliens during World War II, depriving them of their livelihood and imposing a curfew. Artist Kadir Nelson’s portrait of DiMaggio on the 2012 commemorative stamp shows him in a home uniform (like the one displayed in the exhibit), following through on a right-hand swing.

When the stamp was issued, baseball fans complained that right-handed hitter DiMaggio appears poised to bat as a lefty, but the artwork is based on a photograph of Joltin’ Joe’s backswing.

Yankees-themed stamps and memorabilia. The Yankees finished first in the American League East Division last year, but lost the league championship to the Houston Astros, who went on to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.

The Celebrate the Century stamp series is represented this time around by the 33-cent Roger Maris 61 in ’61 stamp from the 1999 Celebrate the Century stamp series (Figure 6). Maris and Mickey Mantle quested to break Babe Ruth’s record of 60 home runs in a single season for much of 1961.

1939-1945 BOHEMIA & MORAVIA

Complete (181 different)

181 diff Mint NH 181 diff Mint 181 diff Used

$190.00 $125.00 $250.00

www.DonSCal.com

Don S. Cal PO Box 1732 • Port Angeles, WA 98362

Tel: 250-383-6211 • E-mail: dcal@victoriastamp.com Dealer member APS since 1985

215CAL10 Bohemia Moravia.indd 1

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 357 8/27/2015 3:37:54 PM

Books & Catalogs

BY Nick Salter Guest Contributor

The Postage Stamps & Postal Stationery of Guatemala (2023). Edited by Michael Bloom. 3,500 images. Digital, from the International Society of Guatemala Collectors. Free.

Collectors of Latin American stamps have been spoiled on resources over the past 12 months as a new generation of country-specific catalogs have become available.

The Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue still remains an important resource for collectors up until 1940, not least because of its ubiquitous numbering system and its indicative valuations. But to explore the philately of a country in detail and discover the hidden treasures that mainstream catalogs can only hint at, specialized, dedicated catalogs are essential.

Recently published are specialized catalogs for Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The first two are traditional hard copy catalogs, but the latter three are digital only, a trend that looks very likely to continue.

Interestingly, the Nicaraguan and Venezuelan catalogs are not only digital, they are also free of charge and are produced by the societies that support the philately of those countries. The aim is not to seek a financial return but to rekindle or spark interest in new collectors who can now get a good understanding of what new collecting possibilities may lie ahead, without any financial commitment.

The latest Latin American publication to apply this format is The Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery of Guatemala. Once again, it is published by the host society – the International Society of Guatemala Collectors – is digital

only, and again, completely free.

With more than 1,000 pages it is an essential resource for the existing Guatemala collector and the ideal reference for new devotees wanting to get into a new (and comparatively inexpensive) collecting area.

Old hands will be familiar with the Guatemala 1 and 2 handbooks upon which this new release is based. It is, in essence, a major update of Roland Goodman’s 50-year-old old work (a later Guatemala 3 covered the 1971-1990 period).

The narrative, listings and content remain true to the original but with some important updates, additions and reformatting.

Michael Bloom, the editor, has adapted it for the digital age by switching out many of the old black and white images for full color. Listings have been greatly improved by scanning in items not illustrated in the original book, aiding considerably in identification.

These are further enhanced by magnifications of varieties and by the scanning of images in 600 dpi. Using your pdf zoom function allows you get so much closer to the image than you could ever hope to achieve with the printed version.

The digital edition now includes a remarkable 3,500 new images.

The original layout has been significantly improved, printing dates have been more logically organized and additional information has been added where new discoveries or corrections have come to light in the intervening years.

New images of varieties and a significant increase in the number of images of proof material and specimens greatly enhance the text and help illustrate the full scope of an issue, particularly in the early years.

Postal usages have also been immeasurably improved by the addition of a much wider variety of covers. For example, the Indian Woman issue of 1878 illustrates four black and white covers in the hard copy publication. The digital edition gives us no less than 33 with all but two in color.

Particularly welcome are the inclusion of detailed illustrations of fakes and forgeries for most of the key issues. David Reitsema provides easy-to-follow guidelines in helping collectors separate out the wheat from the chaff, originally published in the ISGC’s El Quetzal journal.

This is very much a handbook, rather than a straightforward catalog, with plenty of explanation describing the background to each issue.

Rather than providing moment-in-time valuations, the new edition retains the relative pricing model of the Guatemala’s first “stamp,” the bogus issue of 1867, which is not listed in Scott catalogs. original whereby varieties are valued at a multiple of the 358 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Many of the stamp listings in the new Guatemala handbook have clear but detailed articles explaining how to detect forgeries. An invaluable resource for collectors of the earlier issues.

regularly issued stamp, helping the reader to understand how common or scarce each item may be.

For the completist, the handbook picks up where Guatemala 3 finished in 1990 and takes us up until September 2021.

What’s missing? There is still some very useful data that is yet to be carried over from the hard-copy volumes, notably the sections on cancellations, markings, postmarks, post offices, rates and ambulantes (railway). But this will all be added in due course.

The idea is that the handbook becomes something of a living document that can be updated and re-issued on a

regular basis. Indeed, additional material, images and input is being actively sought and crowd sourced to continue to update and refine the content.

You can discover more about the background to creating this digital edition in Michael Bloom’s article in the January 2023 edition of The American Philatelist and the First Quarter 2023 issue of the Philatelic Literature Review.

The handbook can be downloaded for free from the International Society of Guatemala Collector’s website at www.guatemalastamps.com. More information on the other catalogs mentioned in this article can be found at www. classiclatinamerica.com.

The inclusion of specimen and proof material listings in the new Guatemala handbook highlights some of the collecting possibilities that go beyond the mainstream catalogs.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 359

APRL Notes

BY Scott Tiffney Librarian & Director of Information Services stiffney@stamps.org

Your Questions Answered Here

B

“The wise don’t give the right answers, they pose the right questions.” - Claude Levi-Strauss

ack in February, following a similar virtual event by Director of Expertizing Services Ken Martin, I was privileged to take part in an “Ask Me Anything” virtual session in which anyone interested in the APRL could ask questions regarding the library. The event turned out to be a very productive and informative one for both those who attended and myself, personally.

Using the event as a stepping stone, I will here answer some of the questions that came up during the interactive session in February. Hopefully these questions and their answers may be of help for everyone.

I don’t live locally and visiting the library isn’t possible for me. Given that, can I and how do I borrow items from the library? Also, what items can I borrow?

Yes, one of the principal benefits of APS membership is that you can borrow items from the library either in-person or remotely. In either case, however, you must be a member in order to borrow from the library. The simplest way to borrow something remotely is to contact us at library@ stamps.org or to go to the homepage of the online catalog (http://1549.sydneyplus.com/final/Portal.aspx) and click on “Submit a Request” link (Figure 1) in the upper left of the page to fill out a request form.

In term of items you can borrow, you can borrow books, journal issues, stamp catalogs, auction catalogs, name sales, government documents, exhibits and more. Items that can’t be borrowed are those in our archival/special collections and

rare books room. These and some others must be used in person in the library due to their rarity and in some cases fragile condition.

How do I go about submitting a request to the library?

How long does it take for the library to acknowledge a request and then to fulfill a request?

Sending an email to library@stamps.org is the simplest way and the “Submit a Request” link in the online catalog also works. We acknowledge the receipt of requests received within 24 hours. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within that time, please contact us again, as sometimes emails or phone messages can get misdirected or lost and a lack of acknowledgement usually means the initial request may not have reached us.

In terms of fulfilling a request, if the request is for borrowing an item or items, or for a smaller number of copies (scans or photocopies), those can usually be fulfilled within 24 to 36 hours. Requests involving further research can take longer, three to five days or more, depending on what is being asked.

What are the different types of requests that the library receives?

Requests vary from borrowing items; to identifying a stamp in a stamp catalog and providing values; to the aforementioned copies of articles, book sections, or auction listings; to more complex research requests that involve consulting a wide variety of sources and may include both copies and the borrowing of material from the library.

Figure 1. The “Submit a Request” link on the online catalog homepage.

360 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Why Sell or Consign to Gary Posner, Inc.?

Gary Posner

#26. 1857 3¢ Dull Red, Used, Unobtrusive Grid Cancel, Great Dull Red Color and Sharp Impression, Outstanding Centering in Wide Margins All Around–Rare for This Narrow Margin Issue–with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF-Sup 95J. Our List Price $600 Special Ad Price $525

The Offers You See Here Are A Few Examples From A Consignment We Recently Received And Are Now Offering on Behalf of the Owner

#102. 1875 1¢ Blue Re-Issue of the 186166 Issue, Unused, No Gum, Extremely Fine to Superb, Wide, Balanced Margins, with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF-Sup 95 Mint NG. SMQ $850 Our List Price $1,000 Special Ad Price $850

#292. 1898 $1 Black Trans-Mississippi “Western Cattle in Storm” Beauty, Mint, Previously Hinged Original Gum, Extremely Fine to Superb Centering, with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF-Sup 95 OG PH. SMQ $3,250 Our List Price $3,750 Special Ad Price $3,175

#216. 1888 5¢ Indigo, Mint, XXXLH, Exceptionally Wide Margins, Beautiful Color, Sharp Impression, with a PF Certificate and a PSE Certificate Grading It XF-Sup 95J OG PH. Our List Price $1,500 Special Ad Price $1,275

#312. 1903 $2 Dark Blue, Mint, Previously Hinged, Spectacular Color on Bright Paper, Outstanding Centering, Sharp Impression, with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF-Sup 95 OG PH. SMQ $2,000 Our List Price $2,200 Special Ad Price $1,870

#159. 1873 6¢ Dull Pink, Mint, Previously Hinged Original Gum, Extremely Fine to Superb in Balanced Margins, Sharp Impression, with a PSE Certificate of XF-Sup 95, OG PH. SMQ $1,750 Our List Price $2,000 Special Ad Price $1,700

#533. 1918 2¢ Carmine Type V Offset Printing, Mint, Never Hinged Original Gum, Wide Margins, Sharp Impression, with a PSE Certificate Grade of Superb 98 OG NH. Our List Price $575 Special Ad Price $485

#275a. 1895 50¢ Red Orange, Mint, Never Hinged Original Gum, Brilliant Shade, Outstanding Centering, with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF 90 OG NH. SMQ $2,750 Our List Price $3,000 Special Ad Price $2,700

#328. 1907 1¢ Green Jamestown Issue, Well Centered in Wide Margins for a Tight Issue, Mint, Never Hinged Original Gum, with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF-Sup 95 OG NH. SMQ $675 Our List Price $750 Special Ad Price $635

Bob Prager

#325. 1904 Louisiana Purchase 3¢ Violet Bottom Plate Number Single, Mint, Never Hinged Original Gum, Extremely Fine to Superb, Rich Color, with a PSE Certificate Grade of XF-Sup 95 OG NH. SMQ $1,250 Our List Price $1,150 Special Ad Price $975

#234. 1893 5¢ Chocolate Columbian, a Mint, Never Hinged Original Gum, Huge Margin, Outstanding Centering Condition Rarity with a PSE Certificate Grade of Superb 98J OG NH. Our List Price $6,000 Special Ad Price $5,100

Call Bob Prager TODAY At 800-323-4279 And Ask Him Why You Should Sell or Consign Your Valuable Individual Pieces or Collection to Gary Posner, Inc.

And Why the Numbers 26-28% Are So Important to You!

GARY POSNER, INC. 265 Sunrise Highway, Ste. 1-308, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Cell: 917-538-8133 • Phone 800.323.4279 • Fax 516-599-2145

www.garyposnerinc.com • GaryPosnerInc@aol.com

Established 1914

How does copyright affect how you can answer certain requests?

The library is permitted under the provisions of fair use and as an educational entity to make copies for patrons from books, journals, etc. for educational use only. However, we are limited as to the extent of what we can provide in terms of copied material. In a nutshell, due to copyright we cannot provide copies of a complete work regardless of its length, it can only be a very small percentage of the entire work (for example an article in a journal or a small chapter in a book). Copyright is much more complicated issue than cannot be fully delineated here, but in case of requests for copies from the library that we cannot fulfill due to this provision, we explain why we cannot fulfill the request as submitted and then offer you any alternatives we can make in order to fulfill your request.

Figure 2. Table of library service fees on the APRL section of the APS website.

Are there fees for library services that I should be aware of?

Yes, we do have minimal charges for our services and a listing of those service fees can be found on the library website here: https://stamps.org/services/library/libraryservices. The fees (Figure 2) are mainly to cover postage (in the case of borrowing) and some administration costs (in the case of copies and research). It is also important to note that library services fees for members are cheaper than those for non-APS members (in the case of copies and research).

the major domestic (i.e. U.S.) auction catalogs. On the other hand, we are always interested in some of the more rare or unique stamp journals, books about more specialized topics in philately, and auction catalogs from non-U.S. auction firms.

In terms of what we do with items that are donated that we don’t need, these are either offered to other philatelic libraries or re-purposed for resale in our used book inventory available to see and purchase by clicking on the “Used Books for Sale” tab in the online catalog.

I have some materials that I no longer need in my own philatelic library, how do I go about donating material to the library? What items do you accept? What items do you not need? What do you do with items you receive that you don’t need?

As a library in which 90 percent of the collection is made up of donated material, we always welcome people reaching out with offers of donating literature to us. However, in order for us to make the best use of the shelf space we have to ensure that donated items fit within the subject scope of the collection and to identify those items that are truly needed, we always ask that donors contact us first before sending items to us. That way we can ensure that the items are needed and in turn save the donor some postage.

As an addendum to this latter point, we don’t as a matter of course, pay for the postage to send donations to us, nor have the wherewithal in most cases to pick up items for donation. In certain very rare cases we can consider either option if the donation is deemed significant enough, but in most instances, we do not provide compensation or transportation for donations.

In terms of items we don’t need for the collection, in a general sense that would include many of the major stamp journals (The American Philatelist, Linn’s Stamp News, Collectors Club Philatelist, London Philatelist, etc.), general philatelic books (guides to stamp collecting, etc.) and many of

I want to assist and support the library in some way, how do I go about doing that?

There are a number of ways to support the library either financially or otherwise. Volunteering, either remotely or in person, assists us with tasks that the staff cannot always get to because of other duties. Contact the library at library@ stamps.org for more information.

Financially, donations are always welcome. Either small or large, every dollar helps us with the goals of the library, especially digitization. Other opportunities include subscribing to the Philatelic Literature Review, or becoming a Sustaining, Contributing, Life or Patron member of the library or even a Vooys Fellow (https://classic.stamps.org/VooysFellow). There are also naming opportunities in the library where a shelf, collection or other areas of the library can be memorialized with a contribution (https://classic.stamps. org/Library-Naming). All go a long way in supporting the library and its mission.

In future columns I will answer more of the questions that were received during the Ask Me Anything session as well as questions I receive from patrons in my emails and phone messages. As for future library Ask Me Anything’s, the goal is to have further virtual events like this again later this year. As those are scheduled we will provide details both here and on the APS website.

362 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Membership Report No. 2, February 2023

NEW APPLICANTS The following applications were received during February 2023. If no objections are received by the Executive Director (814-933-3803) prior to April 30, 2023, these applicants will be admitted to membership and notice to this effect will appear in the June 2023 issue.

Adams, Oscar G. (236336) Arlington, VA ADEN; 32 Akin, Richard (236294) Jarrell, TX Classics-Air Mails-19th Century-20th Century; 77; Retired CPA Albert, Brad (236348) Longmeadow, MA Plate Blocks-20th Century-19th Century-Air Mails; 67 Altman, Jay J. (236366) Brooklyn, NY Worldwide Pre-1936; Retired Atherton, Debra M. (236358) Midlothian, TX Commemoratives-19th Century-Texas-TrainsSwitzerland-Great Britain; 60 Axness, William R. (236316) Minneapolis, MN US Commemoratives-African Animals-Duck Hunting Stamps; Retired Pharmacist Ayres, Steven E. (236278) Newton, MA US Singles-Worldwide Singles Through 1974; 77; Retired Balmanno, Thomas (236240) Fresno, CA 19th Century-20th Century-Air MailsCommemoratives-US; Retired Barrett, Gary R. (236238) McMillan, MI CanadaJapan-France-French Colonies Bendure, Roger L. (236309) La Vergne, TN First Day Covers-20th Century-Tennessee-Austria; 62 Bernstein, Peter (236286) Baiting Hollow, NY Commemoratives-Inauguration CoversCommemorative Panels-Plate Blocks-New York-Sheets/Small Panes; 81; Retired

364 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Bikowski, Joseph (236272) Sewickley, PA Blocks/Guideline Blocks-Air Mails-Match & Medicine-19th Century; 77; Physician Bird, Paul D. (236360) Woods Cross, UT 19th Century-20th Century-Utah-Air Mails-USCoils; 66; Retired Blalock, Mary (236243) Liberty, MS 19th Century-20th Century-Postal Cards-First Day Covers-Mississippi-Germany; 41 Brande, Even (236269) Laramie, WY Norway-Air Mails-Cancels-First Day Covers-ColoradoWyoming; 55; Business Owner Brookbank, Michael (236261) Mitchell, SD Commemoratives-Definitives-Used US-Plate Blocks-Plate Number Coils-Postage Dues; 63; Retired Burke, Michael E. (236303) Chicago, IL Territorial Covers; 73 Campey-Roulo, Virginia (236289) Southgate, MI Blocks/Guideline Blocks-Private PerfsCommemoratives-Errors, Freaks, OdditiesPlate Blocks-Baseball-Star Trek-Star Wars; 75; Music Minister Carlson, Matthew A. (236322) Gresham, OR USOfficials/Official Mail-Air Mails-Classics-Parcel Post-Postage Dues-Back Of The Book; 51 Clark, Dennis (236356) Alamogordo, NM USGreat Britain; 76; Retired Curneal, James (236285) West Valley City, UT Commemoratives-Duck/Hunting/Fishing Stamps-First Day Covers-US-Railroads-Trains; 48 Cushing, William T. (236344) Plano, TX Germany-Great Britain-Russia/USSR/ Independent Republics; 69; Retired Daley, Thomas J. Sr. (236323) East Greenbush, NY 19th Century-20th Century-Air MailsClassics-Confederate States-Cut Squares; 58; Manager

NEW MEMBERS Applications 236004-236139 as previously published have been accepted for membership by the Board of Vice Presidents.

SUMMARY Total Membership,

January 31, 2023..................26,425 136 New Clubs 3 New Members

Reinstated 26 Deceased 50 Resignations 34 Total Membership, February 28, 2023 26,506 (Total Membership, February 28, 2022 was 27,338 a difference of -832).

David, Kris D. (236317) Springfield, MO; 43; USPS Supervisor Delaney, Deirdre L. (236338) Grove City, OH Plate Blocks-Philatelic History/MemorabiliaChristmas Seals-Modern Postal History; 63; CPA Accountant Dorn, Neil (236324) Saint Petersburg, FL; 23 D’Pella, Pamella (236361) Los Angeles, CA Errors, Freaks, Oddities-ImperforatesPlate Blocks-Commemorative PanelsCommemoratives-First Day Covers-Minorities; 65 Edwards, George W. (236343) Webster, TX US; 71; Retired Ellsworth, Marissa (236340) Broomall, PA Flowers/Plants-Texas-Michigan-MilitaryDogs-Love; 32 Erickson, Steve W. (236241) Dublin, CA 19th Century-20th Century-Coil Line Pairs-Plate Blocks; 65; Retired Fava, Nicholas (236268) Canton, MI Air Mails19th Century-20th Century-Postage DuesSpecial Deliveries; 49

Figura, Scott E. (236326) Roswell, GA 19th Century-20th Century-Air Mails-Bureau Issues-Classics-Commemoratives; 63 Fisher, John W. (236339) Richmond, CA BirdsFaroe Islands; 72; Retired Flake, Thomas E. (236312) Marietta, GA Antarctic Territories-Falkland Islands-British Oceania-Ross Dependency-Ascension; Retired Fossum, Zillah B. (236310) Marianna, FL 20th Century; 72; Retired Fowler, Paul T. (236350) Plattsburgh, NY US; 75; Retired Frascogna, Louis G. (236255) Jackson, MS 19th Century-20th Century-Commemorative Panels Friede, Irwin (236370) La Jolla, CA US-CanadaIsrael; Retired Gardner, David H. (236363) Santa Monica, CA Postal Stationery-Cut Squares-Bulgaria-Plate Number Coils Garland, Robert R. (236357) Dewitt, NY 18401940; 62 Garrett, James (236327) Nacogdoches, TX Commemoratives-Air Mails-DefinitivesBlocks/Guideline Blocks-Classics; 70 Girardin, Mark (236239) Clarkdale, AZ 19th Century-20th Century; 73; Retired Girton, Dennis L. (236330) Greenwich, OH USRussia/USSR-Europe; 75; Retired Teacher Glessner, Rustin A. (236321) State College, PA Pennsylvania-Civil War Covers; 53; Travel Writer Goldsmith, Laurence (236267) Coconut Creek, FL Zeppelin Covers/Stamps-US-Air MailsClassics-Parcel Post-Postage Dues; 81; Retired

Goodman, Carla J. (236300) Espyville, PA Blocks/Guideline Blocks-Christmas Seals-Civil War Covers-Confederate States-ImperforatesOfficial Post Office Seals; 65 Gray, Aldo R. (236291) Plainfield, VT Blocks/ Guideline Blocks-Air Mails-Former/Dead Countries-US Presidents-Precancels (City)First Day Covers; 59; Renovations Guthrie, Warren (236305) Hughesville, MD US Plate Blocks & Singles-Eastern Europe; 67; Tax Accountant Hammer, Thomas J. (236318) Depew, NY USMint Never Hinged; 71; Retired Hampton, Celeste (236279) Trenton, MO US Haner, David J. (236328) Afton, IA Air MailsGreat Britain-Classics-Definitives-First Day Covers-Denmark; 44 Hannah, Mark (236314) Gibsonia, PA Revenues/Tax Paids (Federal)-Christmas Seals-Lighthouses-Back Of The Book-Used Worldwide-Zeppeling Covers/Stamps; 69 Hassler, Carol L. (236293) San Diego, CA Air Mails-Cancels-Classics-Coil Line Pairs-CoversUS Hauschildt, Greta (236276) Minneapolis, MN; 23 Hays, Ronald E. (236275) Oxford, MS 20th Century-19th Century-Commemorative Panels-Commemoratives; 75; USMC Retired Hinchen, Thomas (236274) Lacey, WA Hodson, Randi S. (236292) Bakersfield, CA 20th Century-Air Mails; 69; Retired Nurse Howse, David C. (236362) Milton, MA Black Heritage; 48; Emerson College/Arts Huber, Lindsay (236258) Lake Stevens, WA Washington/Franklins-Used Worldwide

Jonson, Michael L. (236351) State College, PA US-Sweden-Newfoundland; 60; Engineer Kaeff, Charles (236345) Covington, KY Telegraphs-Civil War Covers-Air Mails-Duck/ Hunting/Fishing Stamps; 74 Karpus, William L. Sr. (236331) Mattoon, IL US; 75; Retired Printer Kaye, Richard (236306) Boynton Beach, FL US Kellman, Colin A. (236364) Miami, FL Kemp, Denise M. (236245) Schenectady, NY Air Mails-Booklets/Panes-Duck/Hunting/Fishing Stamps-US-Plate Blocks-Sheets/Small Panes; 47 Koffler, Juvilen (236260) Punta Gorda, FL; 49; Retired Koppel, T. (236352) Ellicott City, MD Africa-AsiaBaltics-Science Fiction; 82; Retired Kot, Bob (236365) Bethel, CT Occupation IssuesPoland Krupski, William M. (236248) Rochester, MN 19th Century-Postal Cards-Revenues/Tax Paids (Federal)-British Empire-CanadaWashington/Franklins Kuhn, David M. (236368) San Diego, CA Netherlands-Ireland-Belgium-Vatican CitySoccer; 71; Retired Langford, Laura S. (236313) Las Vegas, NV First Day Covers-20th Century-Plate Blocks Leathers, Alicia R. (236353) Bellefonte, PA Penguins; 37; Library Assistant Lemon, Bob B. (236332) Urbandale, IA; 74; Retired Lesinski, Jonathan A. (236333) Newark, DE US; 24; Pilot Lessy, Roy Jr. (236296) Rehoboth Beach, DE; 79 Levin, John (236307) San Francisco, CA US & Territories; 49

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Lindstrom, Eric (236347) Rochester, MN 19th Century-20th Century-Air Mails; 61 Linkins, Dennis W. (236302) Harrison, TN Commemoratives-Classics-Commemorative Panels-First Day Covers-Parcel Post-Blocks/ Guideline Blocks; 74 Lipow, Laurence J. (236246) Dix Hills, NY 20th Century-19th Century; 63 Macon, Jerry L. (236298) Mount Pleasant, SC Classics-19th Century-20th CenturyConfederate States; 82; Software Developer Macquarrie, Scott S. (236280) Marathon, FL USWorldwide; 51; Mechanic Maher, Patrick M. (236319) Indianapolis, IN Plate Blocks-Israel-Vatican City-ChristmasChristmas Seals; 68; Retired McFarland, Joe (236244) Stephenville, TX Air Mails-Commemoratives-British Colonies McIntyre, Scott (236271) Santa Fe, NM ClassicsPlate Blocks-British Commonwealth; 64 Mikhail, Michael N. (236329) Covina, CA 19th Century-20th Century-Advertising CoversAir Mails-Civil War Covers-Cut SquaresWorldwide; 68; Retired Miller, Roy H. (236297) Evans, WV Covers-20th Century Minchey, John (236262) Tybee Island, GA US; 76 Mitchell, Frederick E. (236277) Westerly, RI First Day Covers-Covers-Commemoratives-United Nations; 63 Moncrieff, Mark (236249) The Villages, FL; 76; Retired Newsom, Douglas R. (236287) Decatur, AL USGermany-Japan-Italy-Canada-Australia; 54 O’Brien, Sean K. (236341) Greensburg, PA Air Mails-Covers-US-US Postal History-Postal Markings-British Commonwealth; 38; Office Manager Obanion, Eileen (236301) Fort Myers, FL; 5 Ollivierre, Rudolph (236250) Aldan, PA Black Heritage-US; 77; Retired Osborne, Dan L. (236290) Vernon, TX 19th Century-20th Century-Coil Line PairsCommemoratives-Air Mails Panaccione, Lisa A. (236281) Eastham, MA Precancels-US-Ireland; 67; Postmaster Pilolla, Mike (236256) Hickory, NC Used Worldwide-19th Century-20th CenturyCovers-Foreign Postal History-US; 73 Porter, Samuel (236265) Albion, MI Commemoratives-Used US-Sheets/Small Panes; 53 Raducu, Mihnea (236254) Peris, Romania Europa/CEPT-Show/Exhibition CoversPictorial Cancellations-Intl. Reply CouponsPaquebots-Lots & Collections; 46 Raphael, Patty (236359) Scottsdale, AZ USWorldwide; 60 Richards, Simon A. (236259) Wallingford, United Kingdom British West Indies-German States-Mauritius; 66 Riotto, John (236266) Croydon, PA US-Air Mails; 82 Roberts, John W. (236311) San Anselmo, CA Plate Blocks-First Day Covers; 75 Ruehl, Lindsay (236264) Clinton, MD; 40 Salantri, Frank J. (236342) Silver Spring, MD 19th Century-20th Century Sawyer, Dave (236273) Greer, SC Commemoratives-Sheets/Small PanesBooklets/Panes-Plate Blocks Schmaltz, Calvin (236349) Charlotte, NC Commemoratives-Definitives-CubaDominican Republic

366 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Schoettle, Jillian K. (236237) Saint Peters, MO; 31; Artist Sedlack, John (236252) Ringwood, NJ US; 73 Seger, Robert E. (236253) Williamsburg, VA Western Europe-Canada-US; 80; Retired Sendejas, Raymond (236284) Chicago, IL; 48; Auditor Smith, David (236346) Commerce, GA; 67; Dealer Sok, Kong (236282) Sheboygan, WI US; Machinist Stahl, Mike (236325) Lead, SD 19th Century20th Century-Air Mails-First Day CoversPoland-German 3rd Reich/Occupations; 66 Stanley, James F. (236263) Leawood, KS USEarly Mint-Back Of The Book; 68; Retired Stern, Richard M. (236369) San Diego, CA USCommemoratives-Air & Space; 72; Retired Stone, John C. (236295) Austin, TX AviationLighthouses-Vermont-Trains-ChessAstronomy; 77; Retired Sybor, James A. (236355) Lebanon, NJ TrainsScience/Scientists-US Postal History-Geology/ Gems/Minerals-Mathematics-Lighthouses; 89 Tefft, Tim (236288) Argyle, NY USCommemoratives-Air Mails; 74; Retired Tillotson, Mark M. (236299) Wilmington, NC; 67 Tirella, David (236304) South Haven, MI Used Worldwide; 60; Lawyer Todd, Sally (236320) Glassboro, NJ Tomchesson, Jimmy (236251) Rosenberg, TX Classics-US Postal History-Worldwide Pre 1940; 62; Machinist Vanko, Alan T. (236334) Strongsville, OH Commemoratives; 51; Fabricator/ Maintenance for Chemical Co. Vass, Gregory S. (236270) Silver Spring, MD Philatelic/Numismatic Covers-20th CenturyCivil War Covers-Commemorative PanelsClassics-Naval Covers; 66 White, Valerie (236337) Nashville, TN RPO/HPO/ TPO/Streetcar Cancels-19th Century-20th Century-Telegraphs-France-Booklets/Panes; 44 Williams, Alan L. (236354) Lake Elsinore, CA US; 87; Retired Wrick, John C. (236247) Tulsa, OK; 72 Wright, David C. (236257) Snohomish, WA Aden-20th Century-Confederate StatesPossessions-Postage Dues-Portuguese Colonies; 70; Retired Zapf, Raymond (236335) Sellersville, PA SpaceWorld War II; 64; Caretaker Zerkle, Gary L. (236242) Cary, NC US; Retired

DECEASED Anderson, John R. (12162-061212), Minneapolis, MN Baker, David M. (212193), Leesville, LA Barrett, David A. (130614), Trona, CA Bartholomew, Ralph E. (10190-071080), Douglassville, PA Beckerman, Marvin (164506), St. Louis, MO Blakemore, John S. (9647-077179), Portland, OR Buchner, Donald E. (122974), Trego, WI Burke, Barbara A. (189574), Butler, PA Buza, Wayne F. (225191), Littleton, ME Clancy, Bernard C. (139056), Seminole, FL Coyle, Thomas H. (9688-065793), Hilton, NY Dann, Wallace (7148-049257), Lutherville Timonium, MD Dequi, Armand C. (8029-054071), Lansing, IL Edwards, Jim T. (107158), Saint George, UT Germain, Cora (230177), Monroe, MI

Goodbrod, Louis W. (10411-072488), Chilhowie, VA Gorton, James L. (132985), Hooksett, NH Greenway, Pamela L. (216630), Roanoke, VA Gruenzner, Norman D. (10282-059839), Cypress, TX Hypes, George D. (12370-074635), Forest Hill, MD Johnson, William H. (10870-058844), Fort Myers, FL Laurel, Warren C. (4614-036636), Chicago, IL Lovelace, Donald E. (146415), Aurora, CO McCammon, Richard B. (203703), Sequim, WA McCarty, Michael M. (234873), Jacksonville, NC Milam, Michael D. (096391), Englewood, CO Miller, Harlan L. (203269), Lawrence, KS Newport, George W. (230178), Saint Petersburg, FL Ozier, Irving (199670), Vancouver, BC Peters, Russell C. (160926), Niagara Falls, NY Pettit, James B. (234773), Santa Fe, NM Phang, James M. (124224), Kensington, MD Pinto, Carlos J. (6408-175896), Hatboro, PA Price, Leonard (10380-071835), Marana, AZ Rankin, John H. (8946-061411), Wallingford, CT Reed, James A. (162175), Kirkwood, MO Rightmire, Robert W. (170502), Oneonta, NY Rogers, Kim A. (163825), Marion, IN Rumohr, Richard F. (076109), Bluffton, SC Salvatore, Richard J. (10889-049412), Wimberley, TX Sapp, Mitchell E. (177035), Gainesville, FL Seeber, Keith D. (104214), Fort Plain, NY Shepardson, Charles R. (10521-071011), Tampa, FL Simcoe, Desider A. (138063), Elizabethtown, KY Simon, Mahlon B. (8624-058968), Philadelphia, PA Smith, George D. (229155), Turner, ME Telingator, Richard H. (8393-057764), Chicago, IL Towlson, Harold W. (205929), Cheektowaga, NY Wheaton, Cheryl A. (203430), Colchester, CT Winkler, David C. (197916), Appleton, WI

NEW CLUBS All club listings are located online at www. stamps.org/Clubs - find a club near you!

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INDIA

AUCTION . RETAIL . PRIVATE TREATY

www.stampbay.com PO Box 50848, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Ph: (650) 387-3885 Email: info@stampbay.com

by E. S. J. van Dam

2022

NEW - 2022 Canadian Revenue Stamp Catalogue by ESJ van Dam 217 pages, 1300 color photos

by Air Mail to USA-US$35, Overseas-US$45 expected shipping at end of January 2022

E.S.J. van Dam Ltd

P.O. box 300-P, Bridgenorth, ON, Canada K0L 1H0 toll free phone 1-866-382-6326

www.canadarevenuestamps.com

Mexico New and Lower Prices

www.greggnelsonstamps.com 707-894-5273

7132 North University Drive Tamarac, FL 33321

370 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Index of Advertisers Amos Media — www.linns.com — www.amosadvantage.com

HB Philatelics 367

APS Estate Advice — www.stamps.org/Estate-Advice

370 376

Argyll Etkin Limited — www.argyll-etkin.com

— www.hbphilatelics.com — www.hgitner.com

293

— http://rmplauctions.org

291

Rocky Mountain Stamp Show

Hugh Wood Inc. Insurance

KG — www.auktionen-gaertner.de

297

K.A.P. Stamps

CK Stamps — www.CKstamps.com

369

— www.kapstamps.com

Colonial Stamp Company 369

Company — www.stamp-one.com

381

D&P Stamps — www.dpstamps.com

366

Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions

374

— www.kelleherasia.com

C4

Markest Stamps — www.markest.com

375

David Torre Co.

— www.mountainsidestamps.com

— www.canadarevenuestamps.com

— www.kennieser.com

Eric Jackson — www.ericjackson.com

378

Gary Posner, Inc. — www.garyposnerinc.com

361

Gregg Nelson Stamps — www.greggnelsonstamps.com

294 C2, 292

363

Patricia A. Kaufmann 372

Penny Black Stamp Company — www.pennyblackstamp.com

379

369

Philasearch.com — www.philasearch.com 374 Randy Scholl Stamp Co. Have Tongs Will Travel

— www.ebay.com/str/southweststamps

373

Sparks Auctions

— stamps-plus.com/pse.html — www.stephentaylor.co.uk

369 300

— auctions.sterlingstamps.com

370

Steve Crippe

370

Steve Malack Stamps — www.malack.com Tropical Stamps, Inc. — www.tropicalstamps.com upastampauctions.co.uk

tongs-will-travel.asp

370

289

Vance Auctions Ltd Victoria Stamp Company

— www.rasdalestamps.com

370

Universal Philatelic Auctions —

— www.vanceauctions.com

295

381

Suburban Stamp Inc. 370

— www.randyschollstampcompany.com/haveRasdale Stamp Company 370

Southwest Stamps

Stephen T. Taylor

Palo Albums Inc.

— www.trishkaufmann.com

Eastern Auctions — www.easternauctions.com

369

300

— www.paloalbums.com

370

370

Sterling Stamps

— www.mysticstamp.com

365

— www.shaulisstamps.com

Stamps Plus

Nieser Stamp and Coin

— www.DutchCountryAuctions.com

370

— www.millerstamps.com

357

E.S.J. van Dam, Ltd.

Scott A. Shaulis

370

301

Dutch Country Auctions

372

— www.michaeleastick.com

Don S. Cal — www.DonSCal.com

299

— www.zillionsofstamps.com

303

— https://waterfowlstampsandmore.com/

— www.drbobfriedmanstamps.com

302

Roland Rindshoj

Stampbay, Inc. — www.stampbay.com

Mystic Stamp Company

Dr. Robert Friedman & Sons

— www.rockymountainstampshow.com

— www.sparks-auctions.com

Mountainside Stamps, Coins & Currency 369

369, 372

Michael Eastick & Associates Pty. Ltd. Miller’s Stamp Company

C4

Davidson’s Stamp Service — www.newstampissues.com

370

Kelleher & Rogers, Ltd.

Cornerstamp, Inc., Paradise Valley Stamp

— www.kelleherauctions.com

377

J.R. Mowbray, Ltd. — www.mowbrays.co.nz

369

Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library

— www.hughwood.com 369

— www.siegelauctions.com

HipStamp — www.hipstamp.com

Auktionshaus Christoph Gärtner GmbH & Co.

— www.colonialstamps.com

293

Henry Gitner Philatelists, Inc.

APS Great American Stamp Show — www.stamps.org/GASS

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc.

378

— www.victoriastampco.com

C3

Vogt Stamps — www.vogtstamps.com

370

About the Index of Advertisers This index is included to help readers find advertisers included in this edition of The American Philatelist. The support of these dealers and services is very important to the APS and to The AP. Advertising is a privilege of membership and each business represented here is a member in good standing of the Society. Some postal organizations, like the U.S. Postal Service, are not directly members, but are afforded the opportunity to advertise because of their standing, reputation and impact on the hobby. Advertising is open to any member of the American Philatelic Society.

For any advertiser that maintains a website, that web address is listed with their information above. Additionally, the online version of the journal includes clickable links for each of these companies and individuals. These links make visiting the advertisers’ websites easy and avoids the possibility of mistyping the web address from these listings.

As you interact with these advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in The American Philatelist and let them know that you appreciate their support of the journal and the hobby in general.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 371

Show Time

stampshow@stamps.org

The “Show Time” Calendar features a list of upcoming shows and APS events. To obtain a listing, please submit a “Show Time” form, available online at www.stamps.org/ShowCalendar or by mail from APS headquarters.

Information must be received 60 days before desired publication time.

The listings are free to World Series of Philately and other shows that are sponsored by an APS chapter or affiliate. Other shows/bourses may purchase listings for the month of the show/ bourse and the month prior only. The listing fee is $25 per show per issue. Shows designated *B* are bourse only.

Grand award winners from *WSP* shows are eligible for the annual APS World Series of Philately Champion of Champions competition.

Note that CofC eligibility may be affected if WSP criteria are not achieved for an individual show.

Visit aps.buzz/Calendar for a complete listing of shows and APS events.

Pittsburgh.

Contact: Danielle Weaver Email: dmm742000@yahoo.com Website: https://www.wilkinsburgstampclub. com/

Virginia

Spring Stamp, Postcard & Paper Show, Evergreen Stamp Club, Kent Commons, 525 4th Avenue North, Kent.

Contact: Lisa Foster Email: fosteld@gmail.com Website: https://classic.stamps.org/EvergreenStamp-Club

April 1-2

PRINGPEX 2023, Springfield Stamp Club, John R. Lewis High School, 6540 Franconia Road, Springfield.

Contact: Kevin Hans Email: SSCVAinfo@gmail.com Website: https://www.springfieldstampclub. org/

Maine

April 15

MUDPEX - Dealer and Auction Stamp Show, Waterville Stamp Club, VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow. *B* Contact: Al Tieman Email: cantdog1@gmail.com Website: https://thewatervillestampclub.com/

Indiana

April 15-16

Washington

April 15-16

Spring Stamp Fair, Indiana Stamp Club, Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Road, Lawrence. *B* Contact: Tom Chastang Email: tchas5@sbcglobal.net Website: https://indianastampclub.org/

New York

April 16

April 21-22

Arizona

First Saturday Stamp Show, Burgess Hall at the Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. *B* Contact: Steve Gross Email: gross.steve@gmail.com

April 1

Albany Spring Stamp & Postcard Show, Fort Orange Stamp Club, American Legion Hall, 4 Everett Road, Albany.

Contact: Michael Krug Email: majkstamps@gmail.com Website: www.fortorangestampclub.org/

Illinois

April 1

Michigan

PARFOREX 61, Park Forest Stamp Club, FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road, Flossmoor.

Contact: Alexis Kneeland Email: yalexiskneeland@aol.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/ Park-Forest-Stamp-Club/100070652191738/

New York

April 2

2023 Hilton Stamp & Coin Show Philatelic Open House, Western Monroe Philatelic Society, Hilton Exempts Club, 135 South Ave., Hilton. *B* Contact: Dave Bombard Email: dbombar1@rochester.rr.com

Pennsylvania

April 14-15

WILKPEX 2023, Wilkinsburg Stamp Club, Holiday Park Fire Hall, 415 Old Abres Creek Road,

Kalamazoo KAZOOPEX Stamp Show, Kalamazoo Stamp Club, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo.

Contact: Paul Matyas Email: ltpali@aol.com

Ohio

April 21-22

MSDA Dayton Stamp Show, Midwest Stamp Dealers Association, IBEW Local 82 Hall, 6550 Poe Ave, Dayton. *B* Contact: Michael Mules Email: msdastampshow@gmail.com Website: https://msdastamp.com/

Vermont

April 22

Crossroads Postcard & Stamp Show, Upper Valley Stamp Club, Mid-Vermont Christian School Gym, 399 W. Gilson Avenue, Quechee.

Contact: Joyce LaPointe

Email: lapointejvt@gmail.com Website: https://uvstampclub.com/

Virginia

April 22

Roapex Spring Show, Big Lick Stamp Club, Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, 707 E. Washington Ave, Vinton.

Contact: Ali A. Nazemi Email: profnzemi@gmail.com Website: http://www.biglickstampclub.org/

Iowa

April 22-23

CERAPEX 2023, Cedar Rapids Stamp Club, Machinists Union Hall - Local 831, 222 Prospect Place SW, Cedar Rapids.

Contact: Steve Kossayian Email: skossayian@msn.com Website: http://www.crsc.mysite.com/

Confederate States Collectors Trust Trish TrishKaufmann.com The First Lady of Confederate Philately offers her clients the expert experience of over 50 years in one of philately’s most specialized concentrations.

• Buy and Sell with confidence • Explore Trish’s online inventory • Enrich your knowledge

Patricia A. Kaufmann 10194 N. Old State Road Lincoln, DE 19960-3644 Call: 302.422.2656 Email: trishkauf@comcast.net Online at: www.TrishKaufmann.com

Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library 22 AP 1-6th Page Vertical.indd 1

3/9/22 12:34 PM

Our campus hosts over 6,500 sq. ft of building space including a 1,000 sq. ft. AV capable meeting room.

• 50,000+ books, periodicals, auction catalogs & maps • 3 large annual auctions (see our ad) • 400,000+ philatelic items for sale to members 2038 S. Pontiac Way, Denver, CO 80224

(303) 759-9921

Please visit our web site at: www.rmpldenver.org

372 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

A Few Nice Items From Our Inventory As of this date, all items shown below are available in our Ebay and Hipstamp stores.

srs Ebay: www.ebay.com/str/southweststamps r e e l l l l e e Doesthis thissound soundlike likeyou? you?

Does FoFroSr S Hipstamp : www.hipstamp.com/store/southwest-stamps Fair offers accepted on any item listed. Layaway available You’re ready your collection. ** ** You’re ready to to sellsell your collection.

You’re considering selling auction order maximize return. ** ** You’re considering selling at at auction in in order to to maximize return.

You have some nice stamps but many them wouldn’t reach $100 - $200 ** ** You have some nice stamps but many of of them wouldn’t reach thethe $100 - $200 minimum required by many auction houses.

So, the collection would be offered minimum required by many auction houses. So, the collection would be offered a larger where it would less than you’d like. as as a larger lotlot where it would sellsell forfor farfar less than you’d like.

Well, is where come of the Sellers Ebay have buyers who ready, willing Well, thisthis is where wewe come in. in.

As As oneone of the TopTop Sellers on on Ebay wewe have thethe buyers who areare ready, willing andand able to offer great prices your stamps.

And, best part is that don’t have to have a collection able to offer great prices forfor your stamps.

And, thethe best part is that youyou don’t have to have a collection fullfull of of XF-SUPERB gems. have buyers XF’s, Fine’s even stamps with a small defect.

If it’s thing have XF-SUPERB gems.

WeWe have buyers forfor XF’s, Fine’s andand even stamps with a small defect.

If it’s oneone thing wewe have discovered in over 40 years in the philatelic business is that there is a buyer for just about anything. discovered in over 40 years in the philatelic business is that there is a buyer for just about anything. references and testimonials just check the over 95,000 comments from buyers we have dealt with As As forfor references and testimonials check outout the over 95,000 comments from buyers weProof have dealt with on on Germany #670-85 Mintjust NH #245 Mint XF GEM w/Cert #263P4 Block Ebay since 1996.Price: $895 Ebay since 1996.

Price $7,500 Price $2,000

break your collection down a much finer degree that major auction houses.

WeWe cancan break your collection down forfor salesale to atomuch finer degree that thethe major auction houses.

To To seesee thethe fullfull details consigning your collection to us, please head over to our website at southweststamps.com.

There details forfor consigning your collection to us, please head on on over to our website at southweststamps.com.

There also direct contact information if you have questions. contact phone, email youyou willwill also findfind direct contact information if you have anyany questions.

Or Or youyou cancan contact us us by by phone, email or or direct mail using information below. direct mail using thethe information below.

If the auction route is not you, also collections directly. handle collections from virtually If the auction route is not forfor you, wewe also buybuy collections directly.

WeWe cancan handle collections from virtually anyany country in the world. country in the world.

Let’s talk!

Let’s talk! ( Please wenot do not travel.

All collections would have toshipped be shipped to us ( Please notenote thatthat we do travel.

All collections would have to be to us insured to cover collection shipped to )us. )w/ Cert We We are are fullyfully insured to cover anyany sizesize collection shipped to us. #359 RARE Used.

France #2 RARE Mint w/ Cert Price $3,250

Possibly the finest used example Price $25,000

FoFroBr Bu uyeyresrs

#Sweden #90 Mint NH w/ Cert $3,000

Didyou youknow knowthat thatweweoffer offer200-300 200-300lots lotsofof Did U.S.and andForeign Foreignstamps stampsPER PERWEEK WEEKininour ourEbay Ebayauctions? auctions?

U.S. also maintain a nice selection of better singles in our Ebay Store which WeWe also maintain a nice selection of better singles andand setssets in our Ebay Store which areare available for immediate purchase.

Here are just a few of the items currently available. available for immediate purchase. Here are just a few of the items currently available. head over to our Store inventory listing JustJust head on on over to our Store forfor thethe fullfull inventory listing at at

www.ebay.com/str/southweststamps www.ebay.com/str/southweststamps #239 VF/XF Plate Block Price $6,500

#U373 RARE Unused Price $5,000

Thinking of selling and the auction route is not for you? We accept consignments of better U.S. and Foreign stamps for inclusion in our Ebay and Hipstamp offerings - and YOU get to set your price. You can contact us either by phone or by sending us a message from either our website at southweststamps.com or the email address below.

UNIQUE Sheet - with The The UNIQUE C23cC23c Sheet - with certcert

SouthwestStamps Stamps Southwest

Where QualityMatters Matters Where Quality

2310 SE Delaware Ave., G, #278 • Ankeny, IA 50021 2310 SE Delaware Ave., Ste.Ste. G, #278 • Ankeny, IA 50021

515-963-8099 515-963-8099 email: info@southweststamps.com email: info@southweststamps.com Serving collectors since 1977 Serving collectors since 1977

APS-4.qxp_APS 28.04.20 20:36 Seite 1

Connecticut

April 23

Fourth Sunday Stamp Show, New Haven Philatelic Society, Annex Y.M.A Club, 554 Woodward Ave, New Haven.

Contact: Jesse Williams Email: redgyphon@gmail.com Website: http://nhps1914.com/

California

April 28-30

April 29

Westfield Stamp Show, Westfield Stamp Club, Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad Street, Westfield.

Contact: Nick Lombardi Email: 8605@comcast.net Website: http://westfieldstampclub.org/

Michigan

May 5-7

PIPEX 2023, Northwest Federation of Stamp Clubs, Monarch Hotel & Conference Center, 12566 SE 93rd Ave, Clackamas. *WSP* Contact: Mark Loomis Email: mmloomis1@gmail.com Website: http://www.pipexstampshow.org/

WESTPEX, WESTPEX, Inc., San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame. *WSP* Contact: Behruz Nassre Email: behruz@gmail.com Website: http://www.westpex.com

New Jersey

Oregon

April 29-30

Arizona

May 6

First Saturday Stamp Show, Burgess Hall at the Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. *B* Contact: Steve Gross Email: gross.steve@gmail.com

New Jersey

May 6

MSC Monthly Bourse, Merchantville Stamp Club, Martin Luther Chapel School Gym, 4100 Terrace Ave, Pennsauken. *B* Contact: James Natale Email: jnatale3307@comcast.net Website: www.merchantvillestampclub.org/

Ontario, Canada

May 6-7

Plymouth Show, West Suburban Stamp Club, Hellenic Cultural Center, 36375 Joy Road, Westland. *WSP* Contact: Tim Strzalkowski Email: showchair@plymouthshow.com Website: www.thewssc.com/plymouth-show/

ORAPEX, Ottawa Philatelic Society, Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. *WSP* Contact: John Tooth Email: info@orapex.ca Website: https://www.orapex.ca/

Massachusetts

Wisconsin

May 5-7

Philatelic Show, Northeastern Fed. Of Stamp Clubs, Boxboro Regency Hotel & Conference Center, 242 Adams Place, Boxborough. *WSP* Contact: David Ball and Mark Butterline Email: david.ball@philatelicshow.org; mark. butterline@philatelicshow.org Website: http://www.PhilatelicShow.org

Gallery view for quick reference.

May 6-7

WISCOPEX 2023, Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, Hotel Retlaw, One North Main Street, Fond du Lac. Contact: Jim Stollenwerk Email: smallgasengine65@gmail.com Website: https://www.wfscstamps.org/ WISCOPEX/

A Riddle for Spring bursts into bloom!

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Who ships 99.99% of orders the morning after receipt?

Who issues a special offer quarterly list of about 12 pages at just 35% of Scott?

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Who accepts orders by mail, by e-mail or by phone for your convenience?

Who offers the convenience of payment by cash, check, money order, Visa, Master Card or Discover?

The answer will be revealed when you sign up for your free subscription of 4 weeks by mail (to U.S. addresses) or 12 weeks by E-mail.

KAP Stamps Helping collectors build collections since 1980

P.O. BOX 68364 SCHAUMBURG IL 60168-0364 847-524-1392 • FAX 847-301-7320 • CATALOG@KAPSTAMPS.COM 374 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

www. philasearch.com Ad 4 of 7

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REMEMBER! We are major COIN & CURRENCY BUYERS!

www.markest.com Your online destination for quality collectibles

Order with confidence. Credit cards are welcome.

Shipping add $4.00 for orders under $100.00, over $100.00 shipping is free.

No minimum order. Payment by all the usual methods! New York residents please add sales tax.

MARKEST Stamp Co. Box 176 • Lynbrook, NY 11563 Phone: 800-470-7708 • Fax: 516-599-1180 Email: markeastzer@gmail.com

Mark Eastzer President

Ontario, Canada

May 12-13

Springpex 2023, Hamilton Stamp Club, Hamilton Springpex 2023, 1824 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, Ontario.

Contact: Greg Simon Email: hscshows@gmail.com Website: https://hamiltonstampclub.ca/

Pennsylvania

May 12-13

Butlerpex 2023, Butler County Philatelic Society, Tanglewood Center, 10 Austin Avenue, Lyndora.

Contact: Scott Shaulis Email: scott@shaulisstamps.com

New Jersey

May 13

Clifton 2023 Spring Stamp Cover Postcard Collectables Show, Clifton Stamp Society, Clifton Community Recreation Center, 1232 Main Avenue @ Washington Avenue, Clifton. *B* Contact: Tom Stidl Email: stidl@verizon.net Website: http://www.clifton-stamp-society.org/

Michigan

May 21

Lansing Stamp & Coin Show, Royal Scot Golf & Bowl, 4722 W. Grand River Avenue, Lansing. *B* Contact: Ron Robinson Email: robinsonrr@comcast.net

Essen, Germany

May 25-28

IBRA 2023, Essen.

Contact: U.S. West Coast Commissioner: Vesma Grinfelds Email: vesmag@gmail.com Contact: U.S. East Coast Commissioner: Chris Lazaroff

Email: Clazfdc@gmail.com Website: https://ibra2023.de/en/home-english/

Email: jnatale3307@comcast.net Website: www.merchantvillestampclub.org/

Colorado

Michigan

May 26-28

Rocky Mountain Stamp Show, Rocky Mountain Philatelic Exhibition, Inc., Arapahoe County Fairgrounds - Exhibition Halls A & B, 25690 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora. *WSP* Contact: Ron Lampo Email: chairman@rockymountainstampshow.com Website: www.rockymountainstampshow.com/

Connecticut

May 28

Fourth Sunday Stamp Show, New Haven Philatelic Society, Annex Y.M.A Club, 554 Woodward Ave, New Haven.

Contact: Jesse Williams Email: redgyphon@gmail.com Website: http://nhps1914.com/

Ohio

June 2-4

Arizona

June 3

New Jersey

June 3

NAPEX, National Phil. Exhibitions of Washington D.C., McLean Hilton at Tyson’s Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Dr., McLean. *WSP* Contact: John Schorn Email: jschorn@gmail.com Website: http://www.napex.org First Saturday Stamp Show, Burgess Hall at the Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. *B* Contact: Steve Gross Email: gross.steve@gmail.com

MSC Monthly Bourse, Merchantville Stamp Club, Martin Luther Chapel School Gym, 4100 Terrace Ave, Pennsauken. *B* Contact: James Natale

June 9-10

Colopex 2023 - Canceled, Columbus Philatelic Club, SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED FOR 2023, Columbus. *WSP* Contact: Guy Purington Email: gpurington@homesteadcos.com Website: https://www.colopex.com/

Oregon

Virginia

June 9-10

Dearborn Stamp Show, Dearborn Stamp Club, Sokol Cultural Center, 23600 W. Warren Road, Dearborn. *B* Contact: Sue Cousino Email: debster0551@gmail.com

June 9-10

SOPEX 2023, Southern Oregon Philatelic Society, United Methodist Church Hall, 607 W. Main, Medford.

Contact: Nancy Swan Email: fnswan@mac.com Website: https://classic.stamps.org/SOPS

Pennsylvania

June 10-11

SCOPEX 2023, Mount Nittany Philatelic Society, American Philatelic Center, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte.

Contact: Don Heller Email: dheller5720@yahoo.com

Pennsylvania

June 12-16

Summer Seminar 2023, American Philatelic Center, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte. *APS* Offering Contact: Eric Spielvogel Email: eric@stamps.org

AUGUST 10-13

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

GREAT AMERICAN

STAMP SHOW

2023

CLEVELAND

Sign Up for the Pre-Show Seminar (1 Day):

ALL ABOUT CANCELLATIONS Instructor: Gary Wayne Loew

LODGING

The Westin Cleveland Downtown 777 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114

Date: August 9, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (lunch on your own) Cost: $50 for APS Members/ $100 for Non-Members

$139/night (plus local tax), single and double Call (888) 627-8085 and ask for the American Philatelic Society room block (or AP1).

Registration deadline: July 21, 2023

Reserve now! Limited availability.

Sponsored by the United States Postal Service • Hosted by the APS, AFDCS and ATA

FREE ADMISSION. Skip the line and pre-register today at www.stamps.org/GASS 376 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

Michigan

June 17

KPS Summer Stamp Bourse, Kent Philatelic Society, American Legion Post #179, 2327 Wilson Ave., SW, Walker. *B* Contact: William Sobotka Email: billsobotka@prodigy.net

Wisconsin

June 17-18

MSDA La Crosse Stamp Show, Midwest Stamp Dealers Association, La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse. *B* Contact: Michael Mules Email: msdastampshow@gmail.com Website: https://msdastamp.com/

Iowa

June 18

Cedar Rapids Stamp Club Summer Bourse, CRSC Chapter #106, Hiawatha Community Center, 101 Emmons Street, Hiawatha. *B* Contact: Stephen Kossayian Email: skossayian@msn.com Website: http://crsc.mysite.com/

Oklahoma

June 23-24

OKPEX 2023, Oklahoma City Stamp Club, Reed Center, 5800 Will Rogers Road, Midwest City. *WSP* Contact: Joe Crosby Email: joecrosby@cox.net

Connecticut

June 25

Fourth Sunday Stamp Show, New Haven Philatelic Society, Annex Y.M.A Club, 554 Woodward Ave, New Haven.

Contact: Jesse Williams Email: redgyphon@gmail.com Website: http://nhps1914.com/

Ohio

June 25

Montrose Stamp Bourse, Lincolnway Stamps,

Holiday Inn, 4073 Medina Road, Akron. *B* Contact: Dave Pool Email: lincolnway@sssnet.com

Email: msdastampshow@gmail.com Website: https://msdastamp.com/

Arizona

July 1

Wisconsin

July 8-9

Summer Stamp, Postcard & Paper Show, Evergreen Stamp Club, Kent Commons, 525 4th Avenue North, Kent.

Contact: Lisa Foster Email: fosteld@gmail.com Website: https://classic.stamps.org/EvergreenStamp-Club

First Saturday Stamp Show, Burgess Hall at the Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. *B* Contact: Steve Gross Email: gross.steve@gmail.com

MSDA Waukesha Expo Stamp Show, Midwest Stamp Dealers Association, Waukesha Expo Center - Forum Building, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha. *B* Contact: Michael Mules Email: msdastampshow@gmail.com Website: https://msdastamp.com/

Pennsylvania

July 8

Eastern PA Stamp Show (EPASS), Allentown Philatelic Society, Schnecksville Fire Company, 4550 Old Packhouse Road, Schnecksville. *B* Contact: Brian Gaydos Email: briangaydos1971@gmail.com Website: http://aps-lv-stamps.org/

Colorado

July 14-15

First Mile High Stamp Show, Denver Stamp Club, VFW, 15625 W. 10th Avenue, Golden. *B* Contact: Ken Luke Email: safetyluke@hotmail.com

Indiana

July 15-16

MSDA Indianapolis Stamp Show, Midwest Stamp Dealers Association, Lawrence Park District Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Road, Lawrence. *B* Contact: Michael Mules

Washington

July 15-16

Minnesota

July 21-23

Minnesota Stamp Expo, Twin City Philatelic Society, Lake Minnetonka Stamp Club, Maplewood Stamp Club and MN Stamp Dealers Association, Crystal Community Ctr., 4800 Douglas Dr., N., Minneapolis. *WSP* Contact: Randy A. Smith Email: rasmary4@frontiernet.net Website: https://www.mnstampexpo.org/

Connecticut

July 23

Fourth Sunday Stamp Show, New Haven Philatelic Society, Annex Y.M.A Club, 554 Woodward Ave, New Haven.

Contact: Jesse Williams Email: redgyphon@gmail.com Website: http://nhps1914.com/

Nevada

July 29-30

Greater Reno Stamp & Cover Show, Nevada Stamp Study Society, National Bowling Stadium Hall of Fame Museum, 300 N. Center Street, Reno.

Contact: Erik Fields Email: show@renostamp.org Website: https://renostamp.org/

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378 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

New U.S. Issues

BY Jeff Stage

O

Women’s soccer and floral geometry

nly two new stamps were issued in February, a first-class domestic forever stamp and a high-value stamp from a group that saw two similar stamps issued in 2022. The first stamp is a commemorative that pays homage to female soccer players, a steadily growing community for the past several decades that was led to success in the sport on the world stage. The second is the third, and expected final, stamp in the high-value group of Floral Geometry definitive stamps.

$10 Floral Geometry A $10 high-value Floral Geometry stamp similar in design to two high-value stamps issued in 2022 made its debut in February.

The deep red stamp was officially issued February 24 with a first day location of San Diego, California. The $10 pressure-sensitive stamp joins $2 green and $5 purple Floral Geometry stamps issued June 20, 2022.

The stamps are being sold in panes of four and were printed in cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and silver kurz foil on the Gallus RCS press by Banknote Corp. of America.

As last year’s similar stamps, the designer was Spaeth Hill, of Alexandria, Virginia (that’s Jill Spaeth and Nathan Hill) while Antonio Alcalá served as art director.

The stamp art features a series of overlapping geometric shapes that mimic the symmetry of floral patterns found in nature, the Postal Service said. The designs become more intricate from lower to higher denomination. The watercolor backgrounds and foil-stamped designs and typography create a sophisticated look, the USPS said.

The $10 Floral Geometry stamp is available at https://aps.buzz/Floral10.

Women’s Soccer A new Women’s Soccer stamp celebrates female soccer players, coaches and programs from youth leagues to the pros and everything in between – scholastic, college, developmental – but let’s face it, with the coloring and timing, this stamp is a real homage to the superlative U.S. women’s national program.

380 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

And, it’s a truly deserved honor. The U.S. Women’s National Team is the world’s most successful in international women’s soccer, winning four Women’s World Cup titles, four Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012), and nine CONCACAF Gold Cups.

The U.S. will likely be the favorite later this year when it tries to repeat as champions of the Women’s World Cup, which it won the past two competitions in 2019 and 2015.

The U.S. also won the World Cup in 1991 and 1999.

The Postal Service said that the pressure sensitive stamp honors girls and women’s soccer throughout the country.

“This stamp honors more than a sport; it honors the women whose leadership continues to inspire the generations behind them,” said Amber McReynolds, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors and dedicating official for the stamp. “Whether it’s on the pitch or at the podium, American female soccer players have been fighting for more than wins. They have been fighting for fairness and equality. And in the process, they have helped women everywhere move the ball down the field on a host of issues.”

The stamp artwork depicts a female soccer player in action, striking a ball with a side volley. Conjuring the aesthetic of mid-century print design, illustrator Noah MacMillan used simplified shapes and bold colors to convey the high energy and fast motion of the sport. The somewhat grainy rendering lends a timeless quality to the design, evoking not just a single all-star athlete or era, but the entire legacy of women’s soccer.

Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

For decades, women’s athletic programs were all but invisible on U.S. college and university campuses, receiving very little of the funding and none of the recognition of their male counterparts. In 1972, Congress amended federal education law by adding Title IX, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex from any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. A block of four stamps in 2022 honored the legacy of Title IX. The new soccer stamp includes a sad side. Tragically, MacMillan (1988-2022), the stamp’s artist, passed away last year at the age of 33.

MacMillan was closely linked to the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, part of Washington University, in

The Women’s Soccer stamp is available at https://aps.buzz/ USWomenSoccer.

St. Louis, Missouri. The school made the following statement on its website: “The Sam Fox School is deeply saddened by the passing of artist and illustrator Noah Philip MacMillan, a Sam Fox alumnus and former instructor in the Communication Design program. He passed away in his childhood home in Takoma Park, Maryland, after a battle with colon cancer.

“Noah said of his work, ‘I make pictures that tell stories with clear ideas, simple design and obsessive attention to color.’”

“Noah had a rare and sophisticated visual language that cut across both design and images,” wrote John Hendrix, professor and chair of the MFA program in Illustration and Visual Culture on the Sam Fox School website. “I was in awe of his ability to draw, use color and think graphically about edge and shape so seamlessly. … I honestly think I didn’t teach him very much; he had it all inside when I met him. His voice simply had to find a home.”

Antonio Alcalá – Art Designer How did you come to work with Noah MacMillan?

I was searching for an illustrator who demonstrated a familiarity with soccer and an ability to draw athletes in action.

I think it’s a really interesting stamp with a very fresh and modern design. Can you give us any background on Noah’s thought process here?

I provided Noah with some background information before he started. First, I mentioned I liked some of the collagelike soccer-themed art he created. Additionally, I provided Noah with photographs of a soccer player forcefully kicking a ball as reference. Noah took these and provided me with sketches reflecting both source materials. USPS preferred the direction inspired by the photographs. And although it was influenced by the photo, the stamp is a totally original Noah-solution.

What kind of a challenge was it to get the proper perspective of the foot on the ball in the foreground?

Unfortunately, that’s a question only Noah could have answered.

Do you recall guiding him with any specific tweaks as you went along?

Yes. The first sketches didn’t have a specific area allocated for typography, so we had to work that out together. We also made some adjustments, so the player’s hand and hair broke out of the rectangle.

Was this created on computer?

The final art was digital. The original sketches were emailed to me and look as if they were pencil sketches.

Is there anything else interesting about the creation of this stamp you would like to add?

Noah was a great person who passed away much too young.

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APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 381

New World Issues

BY William Silvester

ǺLAND – Carl Björkman

Åland commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Carl Björkman (1873-1948) with a single €4 stamp on February 15. Björkman was a leading figure in the movement from 1917 to 1922 to reunite Åland with Sweden, being known as the “architect of the autonomy.” Björkman was elected to the first Åland parliament and appointed Premier in 1922, after the decision on autonomy by the League of Nations made Åland a political neutral and entirely demilitarized part of Finland. He remained Premier until 1938, laying the foundation of autonomy for Åland. The stamp, designed by Johanna Finne, is available online from https://aps.buzz/Bjorkman.

CANADA – Black History Month

February as Black History Month was commemorated on January 30 by Canada Post, which honored a young Black woman with a Permanent stamp booklet of six self-adhesive stamps. According to Canada Post, Chloe Cooley’s “brave protests against her enslavement added momentum to the abolitionist movement in Upper Canada in the late 1700s.” The design shows Cooley in the foreground with a scene depicting her being forcibly taken from Queenstown, Upper Canada to New York state to be resold when her owner found out that slavery might soon be abolished in Canada. Despite the fight she put up she was sold in March 1793 and never heard from again.

Months later, the importation of slaves into Canada was prohibited due in part to her story being told. The booklet is available from https://aps.buzz/CanCooley.

DENMARK – Architecture

Denmark’s Postnord issued a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet on January 2 to call attention to the work of the organization known as Realdania. This non-profit philanthropic foundation aims to improve life in and around old buildings. The four stamps feature local town halls, courthouses and prisons throughout Denmark with an old blueprint as a background on the souvenir sheet. The stamp on the left shows the Vordingborg Town Hall designed by royal surveyor Peter Kornerup; next is a terraced house in Thisted; then in Store Heddinge, a Koch-designed courthouse; and in Fredericia, a courtyard and prison. The stamps and souvenir sheet are available online from https://aps.buzz/DenmarkArc.

FINLAND – The Language of Flowers

Floral arrangements reminiscent of 17th century Dutch paintings were designed by artist Kreetta Järvenpää for a pair of non-denominated domestic rate stamps issued on January 18. Järvenpää considers flowers timeless and versatile as “they adapt and change over the course of their lives, just like we humans do.” When arranging her photographs using image-editing software, she pays “particular attention to the shapes, size, texture and colors of the flowers.” The stamps depict flowers grown in Finland, Persian buttercups and tulips and were issued in a 10-stamp sheet with five each of the two values.

They are available from https://aps.buzz/FinFlowers23.

FRANCE – Love, Marriage and Birth

A heart-shaped single domestic rate gummed stamp was issued by La Poste in decorative sheets of 12 on January 30. Designed by agnès b. and with layout by Aurélie Baras, the stamp features a stylized heart shape within a perforated heart design. In the center of the heart are words from the song “Amour, amour” (“Love, love”) from the visually extravagant musical film written and directed by Jacques Demy based on the French fairy tale, Donkey Skin, released in 1970. The stamp is available from https://aps.buzz/FranceHeart23.

382 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

GERMANY – 100th Anniversary of the Disney Company

On October 16, 1923, 21-year-old Walt Disney and his older brother, Roy, founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in Los Angeles. Today, it is the oldest continuously running animation studio in the world. The studio’s first animated works were a series of cartoons starring a live action girl in an animated world, known as the Alice Comedies. Starting in 1927, a series of fully animated shorts starring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was released and in 1928 the first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, starring Mickey Mouse, started the Disney brothers firmly on their way to success.

A stamp issued by Deutsche Post on March 1 features Disney’s main animated characters: Pluto, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck.

Panes of 10 can be ordered from https://aps.buzz/GermanDisney23.

GREAT BRITAIN – X-Men

The popular X-Men appear on the latest Marvel Universe stamps and souvenir sheet issued by Britain’s Royal Mail on February 16. A set of 12 stamps created by British comic book artist Mike McKone exclusively for this set consists of six 2nd Class and six 1st Class stamps with the X-Men in action scenes. Among those featured are Professor X, Colossus, Cyclops, Wolverine, Jean Grey, and Storm. Five different stamps on the souvenir sheet depict mutant enemies faced by the X-Men: Juggernaut, Mystique, Emma Frost and Sabretooth with a £1.85 Magneto stamp in the center. An initial set of Marvel Universe stamps was issued in 2019. These are available from https://aps.buzz/BritXmen23.

GUERNSEY – Year of the Rabbit

Lunar New Year stamps are a popular topic and Guernsey has issued 10 sets over the years, including the latest for the Year of the Rabbit on January 5. Printed in red, symbolizing fire, joy and good fortune, and gold, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity, the stamps spread these sentiments for everyone in the coming new year. The single stamps are issued in sheets of 10 in six denominations: Red Packet Rabbit (56p), Carrot Rabbit (79p), Longevity Rabbit (87p), Golden Coin Rabbit (£1.21), Chrysanthemum Mother and Baby Rabbit (£1.39) and Double Fortune Rabbits (£1.50). For more information, visit https://aps.buzz/Guernseyrabbit.

LIECHTENSTEIN - Crypto Stamp, No. 1 The Cat

Over the past two years Liechtenstein has issued five crypto stamps, the latest – which sold out before this went to press (sorry, folks) – consists of four different versions. According to its website, these depict a cat with green sunglasses: 1400 pcs; pink sunglasses: 900 pcs; gold sunglasses: 650 pcs; and rainbow-colored sunglasses: 50 pcs. Which one you get is random. Though it appears to be a normal stamp with perforations, wet-glued and with an SQR code, it can be scanned with a smart phone to reveal “the digital twin of the stamp, as well as the serial number and one of four possible collector’s items.” More about crypto stamps can be found at https://aps.buzz/LiechCrypto.

• • • • • New worldwide stamps images are presented for information and are not necessarily shown at the correct scale. The quality of images available at the time of release varies widely and we resize to achieve the best possible reproduction. Links that begin aps.buzz are shortened and case sensitive. Please copy the capitalization precisely in order to access the link.

APRIL 2023 / AMERICAN PHILATELIST 383

Worldwide in a Nutshell

BY BOB LAMB • AP Columnist

GREAT BRITAIN Status: Constitutional Monarchy Population: 67,081,000 (2020 est.)

Area: 94,251 sq. miles Currency: 1 Pound = 100 pence, £1 = US$1 = £0.84

W

hen Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 BC, he brought the sophisticated Roman postal system with him.

Within a century, Roman engineers had united its province of Britannia with an extensive network of post roads and way stations reaching as far as Devon in the south, over much of Wales and northward beyond Hadrian’s Wall. The road network radiated like spokes from London. Because its inland location Scott 1 on the Thames protected it from the tides, London was the preferred port for Roman navigators who were accustomed to the almost tideless Mediterranean. London became the province’s administrative center. The Roman mail service was not available to the public except by favor.

Besides oral messages, the Roman mail carried messages written on papyrus, wood, parchment or wax tablets.

The Roman province of Britannia lasted until the fifth Scott 3285a Scott 175 century when it was overrun by Germanic tribes like the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. In the late ninth century, Alfred the Great united the English tribes to fight the Danes. The Norman Conquest in the 11th century brought a strong centralized kingdom to England and, with it, the need for an extensive system of royal messengers to link the crown with his English domains and the lands it still held in Europe. The official mails were intended to serve the king’s needs. Merchants and others used servants, travelers and hired messengers for their correspondence.

To cope with the growing administrative burden of a centralized administration Henry VIII named the first “master of the posts” to oversee the mails. He sought to strengthen the government monopoly over the mails, in part, to monitor correspondence of those he suspected of plotting against the state. This need was felt even more strongly by Elizabeth I when religious strife after the break with Rome bred numerous plots to depose the monarch and restore the old faith.

As England’s economic interests spread worldwide and the industrial revolution fueled the British economy, the need for businessmen and financiers to have a reliable postal system grew proportionately. In addition, the availability of paper after the 15th century stimulated social letter writing.

Despite repeated efforts at reform and the occasional attempts to establish municipal or private mail services, the British post remained expensive and unreliable. The demands for reform grew. In 1837 Rowland Hill published his pamphlet on postal reform, which advocated the use of adhesive postage stamps to prepay postage.

Scott 477 In the two years after Hill’s pamphlet appeared, the British Parliament received more than 2,000 petitions with more than 250,000 signatures supporting Hill’s ideas. The public demand culminated in the issuance of the Penny Black on May 6, 1840. This represented the dawn of a revolution in modern communications and serendipitously provided the basis for a wonderful hobby.

In recognition of its pioneering role, Great Britain is the only country allowed to produce Scott 394 postage stamps identified by the monarch’s image rather than the country name.

384 AMERICAN PHILATELIST / APRIL 2023

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