The American Philatelist is the oldest continuously published philatelic journal in the world, with the earliest issue dating to January 1887. Its archive (available in print and online to APS members via the APRL) is a rich seam of philatelic writings and history.
In July 1923, the APS was — much like its modern counterpart — preparing for its annual national convention. The destination? Washington, D.C., "America's Home Town." Step back in time to review an itinerary that saw members-past visiting the U.S. Treasury, Mount Vernon, and Annapolis in search of philatelic knowledge and historical perspective. You will also find extensive discussion of proposed by-laws aimed at eliminating the "evil" of "counterfeit, damaged, repaired or in anywise altered, changed or tampered with" stamps, both in the lead article and in editor Adolph Fennel's monthly column. You'll find an extensive report on new Greek provisionals in the New Issue Notes and Chronicle column, plus a selection of advertisements and want ads from the issue. We hope that this sampling of past philately (and philatelic advertisement) will prove enlightening, thought-provoking, and even amusing.
Note: Wherever possible, excerpts were transcribed exactly as printed, including formatting and the occasional spelling error or grammatical quirk.
The American Philatelist
Published by and in the Interest of the AMERICAN PHILATELIC SOCIETY
Volume 36. No. 10. July, 1923.
APS President: Charles F. Heyerman
Editor: Adolph D. Fennel
This Month (* indicates article is included in "From the Vault")
Washington!*
Program of events for the APS’s annual convention, hosted this year in Washington D.C., and resolutions to be decided at the convention.
The 3c Stamp of the United States 1851-1857 Issue by Carroll Chase
Continued from the June issue
Editor’s Column*
Reviews
Catologo dei Francobolli d’Italia, 1923 (Italian Philatelic Congress Committee, Publishers, Genoa, Italy) and Allied Postage Stamps of the Great War and After (D. Field, 44 Dover St., London, W.1, Eng., Publisher, Price 2sh.6d. net.)
The Specialist
Growth of collecting of “precancels”
New Issue Notes and Chronicle*
Report of the Secretary
Mistaken Notions*
Report of the Treasurer
Wants and Exchanges*
Washington!
The Nation’s Capitol [sic], the most beautiful city in America, will entertain the Convention of The American Philatelic Society August 13th-18th, 1923 and with the famed southern hospitality will attend the comfort and pleasure of the visiting philatelists. Every collector should embrace this opportunity to visit the heart of the Nation under such auspicious circumstances, for even without the lavish entertainment, the beauties and grandeur of the city will repay a journey from the ends of the earth.
Washington, the fourth capital of the Country, was founded in 1800, the location having been determined by the “Father of Our Country” who even carried out the negotiations with the various landowners for the tract comprising the District of Columbia. The city was laid out and planned by Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French Engineer and much of the present beauty of the city is due to his thoughtfulness and wisdom in providing for the wondrous growth of the years to come. Those that now view the broad and smoothly paved avenues lined with monumental buildings will, with difficulty, visualize the simple field and marsh that constituted the capital when President Adams made his address to Congress, November 1800. The Capitol was then but a small building, one wing only having been built and today’s great Pennsylvania avenue was a marsh overgrown with wild vegetation. Slow progress was made in the making of the city and in 1814, when the city had 8000 inhabitants, it was raided by the British and practically all the Government buildings were destroyed by fire. It was not until after the Civil War that any real progress was made to beautify and expand the city and though since that time millions and millions of dollars have been spent, as some say in “wanton extravagance”, there has been given to America a capitol that does justice to the grandeur and power of the Nation it represents. To see all of Washington in detail is not a matter of a few days sightseeing but the Committee in charge of the entertainment promise that A.P.S. members will miss little of the historic landmarks and monumental beauties that grace the city.
BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD UNION STATION
Erected at a cost of more than $18,000,000. A magnificent structure of huge proportions and a fitting entrance to the Capital of the United States.
The Union Station, terminal of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, is a fitting entrance to the Capital of the United States and in its wide and lofty halls, the reception committee will greet you and direct you to your hotel. Adjoining this eighteen million dollar station is the handsome Washington city Post Office building housing the Philatelic Agency which will be formally visited by the Convention. All visiting collectors are asked to register immediately and receive their official tickets and badges which will be issued from the Convention headquarters at the Hotel Shoreham. The business meetings, auction sale, Bourse, etc., will all be held at this hotel which is one of the finest in Washington. It is located at 15th and H Street, N.W., in the heart of the city and but one block from the United States Treasury and the White House. The Shoreham is noted the World over for its cuisine and has a special summer rate in effect for the Convention. Rooms may be had with or without bath and en suite, as desired. From the reservations already made, a large attendance is assured and those who have not engaged rooms should do so at once, either direct with the hotel or through the Convention Committee Chairman.
THE WHITE HOUSE AS SEEN FROM PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
Its stately simplicity endears it to the hearts of all.
On Monday evening, August 13th, a reception will be tendered to the guests and all will have the opportunity of becoming well acquainted with each other and renew old philatelic friendships. Following the reception, Mr. Howard C. Beck, who is the chairman of the committee of Arrangements, will give a talk on “Early American Stamped Paper”, a subject upon which many philatelists have little, if any, knowledge and as Mr. Beck has made quite an intensive study of this subject and will exhibit many specimens from his collection there is a real philatelic treat in store for all.
A VIEW OF THE TREASURY FROM THE SOUTH
The Greatest Financial Institution in the World.
THE CAPITOL, EAST FRONT
The meeting place of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court. In architectural beauty it ranks as America’s most imposing structure.
On Tuesday morning, the Convention will be called to order by President Heyerman in the Ball Room of the Hotel and the serious business of the Convention started. In the afternoon, a visit will be made to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, the birthplace of Uncle Sam’s postage stamps and money. This magnificent building houses one of the most intricate and ingenious mechanical systems in the world and the processes used in the manufacture of stamps will amaze those who never visited this national printing plant. The Secret Service has an exhibit here showing many of the devices contrived by those who try to rob the Government by counterfeiting. Philatelists will no doubt be also interested in seeing the exhibit of old time fractional currency on which we find in some cases, the postage designs of 1860-70 issues.
On Tuesday evening, the auction sale will be held at the Hotel Shoreham under the guidance of Mr. Harry B. Mason, who has worked very hard to provide a sale of high quality. Many fine stamps are to be offered and a catalogue has been mailed to every A.P.S. member.
On Wednesday morning, the business meeting will again convene and in the afternoon a trip will be made to historic Mount Vernon, the homeplace of George Washington, a shrine to which every American should make at least one pilgrimage. The associations that surround this hallowed spot endear it to every good citizen and none can leave this revered spot without taking a bit of the spirit of America to his heart. The official photograph will be taken here. It is hoped that time will also permit a brief visit to Alexandria on the return trip as, of course, this quaint city has a special interest to philatelists as the place of origin of one of the rarest United States Postmasters Provisionals.
AMERICA’S FINEST MONUMENTAL STRUCTURE
On Wednesday evening, a stamp Bourse will be held at the Hotel where all may swap or buy stamps or tales of philatelic prowess to their hearts content.
Thursday morning, the business sessions will be conclude and following an early lunch the entire party will take cars for Annapolis, the ancient and historic capitol [sic] of Maryland. Annapolis, a picturesque and dignified little city is located on Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the beautiful Severn river. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and here too, a postmasters provisional first saw the light of day.
Following a visit to the old Capitol, in one room of which General Washington surrendered his commission as Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States, the party will wander through the magnificent grounds of the United States Naval Academy, see the tomb of John Paul Jones, Bancroft Hall, where midshipmen are housed during their stay at the Academy and view the beautiful blue waters of Chesapeake Bay. After leaving the Academy, the guests will visit Carvel Hall, a block away, where the party will regather and rest for an hour. Carvel Hall, built in 1763 by William Penn, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is a charming place, which, though extensive additions have been made, is just as it was 150 years ago in the main building. The Annual Banquet will then be held and it will be an oldtime Maryland dinner; soft shelled crabs, fried chicken – and – lots of good things to eat. If all goes well, the crowd should get back to Washington by midnight, some to slumber and others mayhap to continue the festivities.
Friday will be devoted to sightseeing the famous buildings of Washington and including a visit to the National Museum where is housed the stamp collection in which we all have a joint interest, Uncle Sam’s tribute to our hobby. The Committee hope to show their guests everything from Washington’s monument to the great Lincoln memorial and if anything is held back it will only be to have you come again.
As a result of the action taken at the Springfield Convention, members of the Society will pay a One Dollar registration fee and visiting guests, not members, a fee of Three Dollars. These fees will entitle one to all the trip tickets, functions, etc. and there will be no additional charges. The Washington Philatelic Society has placed the details of the Convention Arrangements in the hands of a Committee and subcommittee, the officers of which are: –
General Committee, Harry B. Mason, Chairman; James F. Duhamel, Secretary; Henry Hammelman, Treasurer.
Sub-Committee, Chairman – Finance and program, Howard C. Beck; Publicity, James F. Duhamel; Reception, William A. Johnson.
Baltimore collectors are also co-operating with Washington in the arrangements and they will take an active part in the entertainment.
The cuts for this article were courteously supplied by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company which has a direct and superb service to Washington from East and West. Detailed information concerning fares, trains and reservations may be obtained in all principal cities.
So let it be “Meet me in Washington” – a good time is assured and the biggest convention of them all. And by the way, don’t worry about the heat – it was hotter the other day in Dawson, Yukon, than it ever was in Washington. Be there!
JAPANESE CHERRY TREES BLOOM ALONG THE TIDAL BASIN
Resolutions to be Presented at Convention
From the Minutes of the Board of Vice Presidents, March 29, 1923:
Be it resolved that the Recorder certify to the Sales Superintendent the names of members under charges, with the instructions that further circuits be withheld from said members until they are cleared by the Board.
To amend By Laws governing Sales Department: –
“Be it resolved that the By-Laws governing the operation of the Sales Department of the Society be amended so as to provide that the minimum insurance charge, per individual book, be increased from 10 cents as at present, to 25 cents.
To enact a By-Law providing for the branding of counterfeit and repaired stamps. This resolution to be offered pursuant to the following resolution passed by the Board of Vice Presidents, March 29th, 1923, as follows: –
WHEREAS, The continued and increased growth of the evil of the counterfeiting of stamps (both postage and revenue) in the past few years, has become and is a menace and injury to the cause of philately, and that it has righteously aroused strong opposition thereto, among leading Collectors, Dealers and Philatelic Societies, both here and broad; further
That this Board favors early action to overcome and stop this evil; and that this can only done, by organized philately.
That after full consideration by the members of this Board of the subject, we are of the opinion that all counterfeit, as well as repaired and altered stamps, should be branded as such; and that proper legislation and action be had by our National Society at its next convention at Washington, D.C., toward accomplishing such purpose; and further, be it
RESOLVED, That we, at this time, suggest to the Tenth Philatelic Congress of Great Britain, about to convene, like and similar action, and the appointment of a Committee to cooperate with a like one to be appointed by this Society, with the idea and object of accomplishing and arriving at a proper and legal method of branding all counterfeit, repaired and altered stamps and of taking action and proceedings against the counterfeiters.
Passed at a Meeting of the Board of Vice-Presidents of the American Philatelic Society, March 29th, 1923, held at the City of Cleveland, Ohio.
C.F. HEYERMAN, President
W.W. McLAREN,
O.F. MOSES,
JAS. A. HARRIS,
Board of Vice-Presidents
(SEAL)
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS OF A.P.S.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VII
Add section to be known as Section 10-A
Every stamp, submitted to the Counterfeit Detector and, or the Expert Committee, and found by them ot [sic] be counterfeit, damaged, repaired or in anywise altered, changed or tampered with, shall be marked or branded on the back thereof, by a symbol to be selected and chosen by said Counterfeit Detector and Expert Committee.
The symbols so selected, after approval by the Board of Trustees, shall be official. Notice of this apprvoal [sic] with the symbols to be used and their respective meanings shall be published in the official journal and in the year book.
Every member of the Society, so submitting any stamp to the Counterfeit Detector or Expert Committee for opinion, shall, in every case, consent, in writing, to the marking of the stamp as provided in this section, vesting and authorizing the said Counterfeit Detector and Expert Committee so to mark and brand all stamps so submitted.
Stamps submitted by members to the Sales Department for sale through that medium shall likewise be subject to being marked and branded when found to be counterfeit, damaged, repaired or in anywise altered, changed, or tampered with; provided, however, that before so doing the Sales Superintendent shall submit all such stamps for consideration and action by the Counterfeit Detector and, or Expert Committee.
All stamps so marked and branded, shall be removed from the books or sheets and returned to the owners.
All members using the Sales Department at the time of the adoption of this By-Law shall be given sixty days after written notice of said adoption, to sign a consent in writing, authorizing and vesting the Sales Department, the Counterfeit Detector and the Expert Committee with authority to mark and brand all stamps so submitted and found to be counterfeit, damaged, repaired or in anywise altered, changed or tampered with; the Sales Superintendent shall, in every case where a member fails to sign such consent at the expiration of the period allowed, retire all stamps in the Sales Department belonging to such member.
All members hereafter using the Sales Department shall prior to the acceptance of their books sign a like consent.
Any member after being notified that certain stamps submitted by him are counterfeit, damaged, repaired, or in anywise altered, changed or tampered with, submits like stamps to the Sales Department, be subject to a fine of One Dollar for each and every stamp so found.
Editor’s Column
The Convention looms but a few days ahead and while it is only natural for those that have planned to attend to look forward with greatest interest to the social side of the affair it is important that all give serious thought to the business sessions of the Convention body. Organized Philately is a big affair and as such moves slowly and oftimes hesitatingly. Only once a year comes the opportunity to put in effect new ideas, new plans and laws for the general good of the hobby and each year should bring about another stride in the right direction. Every one that can attend should enter into the spirit of this annual session and do his or her part to make the Convention effective as a law making body and fully alive to the needs and rights of American collectors.
This year a number of important resolutions will be presented for consideration and among them none of greater importance than the demand for legislation against the repaired and counterfeit stamp. This is a matter that has vexed collectors for years and somehow or other each year sees this problem passed by without action. Hundreds upon hundreds have voiced their wish that organized Philately make an active effort to combat this evil that affects the pleasure of all and now has become of such proportions to be a serious menace. There is no possible defense for the counterfeiter and the fakir and it is a sad reflection on organized Philately that nothing has been done to protect its devotees from the devices of crooks, charlatans and thieves. The present officers of the Society, President Heyerman and the Board of Vice Presidents, have laid the groundwork for constructive action by the Convention through a resolution passed by the Board April 18th, 1923, and which was submitted to the Tenth Philatelic Congress of Great Britain at its recent session during the International Exhibition. This resolution was as follows: –
To the Tenth Philatelic Congress of Great Britain.
Whereas the continued and increased growth of the evil of the counterfeiting of stamps, both postage and revenue, in the past few years has become, and is, a menace an injury to the cause of Philately, and that it has righteously aroused strong opposition thereto, among leading collectors, dealers, and Philatelic Societies, both here and abroad; further
That this Board favors early action to overcome and stop this evil; and that this can only be done by organized Philately,
That after full consideration by this Board of the subject, we are of the opinion that all counterfeit as well as repaired and altered stamps should be branded as such, and that proper legislation and action by had by our National Society at its next Convention at Washington, D.C., towards accomplishing such a purpose; and further, be it
Resolved, that we, at this time, suggest to the Tenth Philatelic Congress of Great Britain, about to convene, like and similar action, and the appointment of a Committee to co-operate with a like one to be appointed by this Society, with the idea and object of accomplishing and arriving at a proper and legal method of branding all counterfeit, repaired and altered stamps and of taking action and proceedings against counterfeiters.
Passed at a meeting of the board of Vice Presidents, The American Philatelic Society, Held April 18th, 1923 at Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Signed,
FREDERIC HEYERMAN, President;
W.W. McLaren,
OTTO F. MOSES,
JAMES A. HARRIS, JR., Board of Vice Presidents.
H.A. DAVIS, Secretary.
This resolution was received by the Tenth Philatelic Congress with thanks and referred to the Executive Committee with a request to take up the matter along the lines suggested if it is possible to do so.
Now this problem, having almost unanimous support of the great collection body, is sometimes represented as a thing of difficult accomplishment. As far as the American Philatelic Society is concerned we cannot see how this can be so. Every member on joining agrees to the present by-laws and every new law or amendment adopted. A by-law, setting forth as part of the requirement of membership, that every member selling or offering for sale a stamp, which on submission to the expert Committee of the Society is declared counterfeit or repaired, agrees that such committee shall so brand the stamp or stamps in question, is a perfectly legal and valid by-law and action under it, in good faith, is perfectly legal and not subject to action at law in any case. If every philatelic Society would pass such a by-law the counterfeiter would soon be on the run and if the American Philatelic Society will set the good example it will not be long before the action become unanimous. Here is an opportunity to do something of real merit and every member attending the Convention should aid in bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. If you can’t attend write your views to the Convention, care Dr. H.A. Davis, at the Hotel Shoreham, at once.
Many of the active A.P.S. workers, realizing that the nationalistic character of the Society is its major field, desire to these the membership increased in proportion to the growth of philately in this country. The Society now has about 2500 members and if the same rate of gain is held for another year the membership will be about 2800 next year at this time. In view of the fact that there is one known list of over 10,000 active collectors in this country and conservative estimates of the total number of collectors, excluding juveniles, usually exceeds 50,000, it is plain that the A.P.S. has only scratched the surface. The majority of the new members are obtained by the officers of the Society and these men are so pressed with other work that the members they secure are usually of the class that require but little solicitation. Some plan should be adopted that will systematize the recruiting of new members in all sections of the country and one that at the same time will safeguard the high standard of membership which has hitherto prevailed.
A number of suggestions have been made from time to time along these lines and one, based on a division of the work, has been made in slightly varying form my several and which appeals to us as practicable and effective. The plan, as first suggested by Mr. Guest, is as follows: A major Recruiting Committee of Five be appointed who are to take care of the general work and in addition each one to be held responsible for the work to be done in a major section of the country. These divisions, the Eastern States, the Central States, Western States, Southeastern States and Southwestern States, under the chairmanship of the several members of the major Committee to be further subdivided into individual States and in some cases even into cities. In this wise every State would have a recruiting agent and in some cases, that is for the larger cities, there would be additional appointments made. Printed matter, application blanks, etc. would be supplied from the Major Committee to the sub-agents and all applications and inquiries received by the officers would be immediately referred to the agent in the locality of its origin. Iti is readily apparent that this plan would naturally arouse a bit of healthy rivalry and we have heard that several are willing to add to this by giving prizes to the various divisions making the best showings. It would also afford a better investigation into the merits of the applicants and aid in keeping out the undesirables. We hope that this plan or one of a similar nature will be put in effect by the Convention and that next year the membership will attain at least the 3500 mark.
New Issue Notes and Chronicle
By WM. C. Kennett, Jr. and the Editor
Information for this column, with samples of stamps, which will be promptly paid for or returned, will always be appreciated.
FRANCE. No portrait has appeared on the stamps of France for over fifty years, the last being that of the ill starred Louis Napoleon who is unpleasantly remembered in connection with the battle of Sedan in 1870 and oddly enough after all these years we have another Louis portrayed on a new series issued last month. This time, however it is no ruler or President but that of a scientist of world renown, Louis Pasteur, whose centenary is being celebrated at this time. The portrait, a profile, facing left on a solid background of color, was drawn by M. Prudhomme, a well known artist and the stamps printed at the Government Printery. There are three values, 10 centimes green, 30 centimes red and 50 centimes blue.
DENMARK. Mr. A.E. Pade has kindly sent us the 25 ore postage due in red, current design.
GREECE. Mr. Michael D. Toccos of Athens, Greece, has sent us some values of the new provisional issues of this country. The surcharge consists of the words, in Greek, Revolution – 1922 with new value in three lines. All the stamps shown us of the surcharge are in black only. Mr. Toccos says that these stamps will be very scarce, because there was a limited quantity of most of the values and that dealers and collectors who applied to the Post Office for sets had their demands greatly reduced. Mr. Toccos applied for 200 complete sets of 56 stamps and was delivered only 5 sets. The following is a complete list of the issue.
ON CRETE.
5 l. on 1 l. (111) brown violet
5 l. on 5 l. (113) yellow green
10 l. on 10 l. (52) red
10 l. on 25 l. (66) blue
10 l. on 20 l. (77) blue green
10 l. on 25 l. (78) ultramarine
10 l. on 10 l. (96) without surch. ΕΛΛΑΣ [Hellas]
10 l. on 25 l. (83) blue and black
10 l. on 10 l. (114) brown red
10 l. on 20 l. (115) blue green
10 l. on 25 l. (116) ultramarine
50 l. on 50 l. (67) lilac
50 l. on 1 dr. (69) gray violet
50 l. on 50 l. (79) yellow brown
50 l. on 1 dr. (80) carmine & black
50 l. on 1 dr. (84) green & black
50 l. on 50 l. (117) yellow brown
3 dr. on 3 dr. (81) orange & black
3 dr. on 3 dr. (109) orange & black
3 dr. on 3 dr. (119) orange & black
5 dr. on 5 dr. (82) olive green & black
ON UNPAID.
5 l. on 5 l. (171) red
5 l. on 10 l. (172) red
5 l. on 5 l. (189) red
5 l. on 10 l. (190) red
5 l. on 10 l. (181) red
5 l. on 5 l. (180) red
10 l. on 20 l. (173) red
10 l. on 40 l. (174) red
10 l. on 20 l. (182) red
10 l. on 20 l. (191) red
50 l. on 50 l. (175) red
50 l. on 1 dr. (176) red
50 l. on 50 l. (193) red
50 l. on 1 dr. (194) red
50 l. on 1 dr. (185) red
2 dr. on 2 dr. (177) red
2 dr. on 2 dr. (195) red
ON GREECE Venizelist Provs. Government.
5 l. on 10 l. (243) rose
50 l. on 50 l. (245) gray violet
1 dr. on 1 dr. (246) ultramarine
2 dr. on 2 dr. (247) light red
3 dr. on 3 dr. (248) claret
5 dr. on 5 dr. (250) blue
25 dr. on 25 dr. (252) slate
ON GREECE Used for parts of Turkey occupied.
5 l. on 3 l. (722) orange
10 l. on 20 l. (725) violet
10 l. on 25 l. (726) pale blue
10 l. on 30 l. (727) gray green
10 l. on 40 l. (728) indigo
50 l. on 50 l. (729) dark blue
2 dr. on 2 dr. (731) gray brown
3 dr. on 3 dr. (732) dull blue
5 dr. on 5 dr. (733) gray
10 dr. on 1 dr. (730) violet brown
IRAQ. On June 1st, 1923, there was issued a new pictorial set of the 11 values on script watermarked paper perforated 10. The stamps are quite large and of an unusual design. The following list is taken from the report given by “Stamp Collecting.”
½ a. olive. Mu’adham Mosque, Baghdad.
1 a. brown. “Goufahs” on the Tigris.
1 ½ a. rose. Babylonian classical figure.
2 a. yellow-brown Babylonian lion
3 a. blue. The arch of Ctesiphon.
4 a. violet Bedouin Tribal Camel Standard bearer.
6 a. blue-green. The Golden Mosque of Kadhimain.
8 a. bistre. Same as the 4 annas.
1 r. brown and green. “1r.” in a border design.
5 r. orange. Same as 4 annas.
2 r. slate. Same as ½ anna.
1 or. carmine. Same as 6 annas.
JAMAICA. Mr. Leonard Whiteley has shown us copies of the current 2 1/2d. and 1 s. pictorial issue printed in aniline colors. These can be readily recognized as the color shows through on the back.
JAPAN. Two attractive stamps, picturing the highest peak in Japan, Mt. Niitaka, were issued to commemorate the visit of the Crown Prince to Formosa. 1 ½ sen orange, 3 sen violet.
LATVIA. A new value of 40 santimi has been issued to take the place of the former 20 rubles. The design is exactly the same excepting value.
LITHUANIA. Mr. Koslowski shows us a 20 centu brown of the same design as the 25c illustrated in our May issue. He also sends us a 60 centu value, scarlet, of the same issue which pictures some ruins well illuminated by a blazing sun.
LUXEMBURG. Now that this country makes a special issue for a philatelic exhibition it naturally must supply one for every other current event. On May 27th Prince Leopold officiated at the unveiling of a monument erected in the city of Luxemburg in honor of the soldiers who were killed fighting for the Allies and three commemorative provisionals were issued in limited numbers in connection with that event. The 1921 Red Cross provisionals were given an added overprint as follows: –
+25
X 27 MAI 1923 x
The overprint was applied plus 10 c on the 5 c green, plus 15 c on the 10 c red and plus 25 c on the 10 c deep green.
RUSSIA. Mr. Karl Koslowski has shown us examples of the new currency stamps issued some months ago, the values being, 3 rubles red-blue, 4 rubles green and 5 rubles blue, each bearing the date 1923 and having a value of 1 million of all ruble money issued prior to 1922 per ruble and 100,000 of the 1922 roubles. If you are so unfortunate in Russia to have nothing but old money it costs you 5 million roubles [sic] to buy one 5 ruble stamp of this issue, in which case you drive up to the post office with a truck load of money to mail a few letters.
Mistaken Notions
The harmful effects of last month’s intensive lay press publicity for the millionaire department of philately, to the almost total exclusion of the inexpensive and educational side, are only too quickly becoming apparent. Here, for example, are the impressions of the Rev. Bruch Cornford, vicar of St. Matthew’s Church, Southsea, which the London “Star” reprints from his parish magazine (with the information that Exhibition was run by the Royal Philatelic Society!): –
“Surely the world is crazy * * * I saw one dingy, smudgy piece of paper, about one inch square, with a simple design on it that I could have drawn with my left foot, for which a mad Yankee paid £7000. I saw a 1d and 2d stamp upon an old and dirty envelope for which another lunatic paid £11,000. These men should be locked up. Thousands of poor little starving children in the Near East could have been clothed and fed and made happy and strong with this £18,000. A single page of one album, with about six stamps on it, represented an outlay of £30,000. I began to think furiously of the future interview with the owners at ‘The Gate.’ * * * Such tiny fragments of paper will readily burn in hell. But perhaps I have wronged these men. Perhaps they spend more money upon charity than they do upon philately. In which case they may just shuffle through.”
We hope someone or other of the worthy vicar’s parishioners will speedily convince him that there are more things in the true stamp lover’s album than are dreamt of by those who falsely imagine such a vain thing of the most instructive of hobbies. – “Stamp Collecting.”
Wants and Exchanges
WANTED – To exchange stamps with A.P.S. members. I have 20,000 varieties in my exchange books, I have a large selsection of Precancels to exchange for U.S. and Foreing. Send along a selection and I will reciprocate. F.B. Eldredge, A.P.S. #3245, Attleboro, Mass.
WANTED: Airplane stamps used and unused of all countries. No covers. H.A. Davis, 3421 Colfax “A”, Denver, Colo.
WANTED, Stamps of Spain on approval. Copies of No. one, six and twelve in quantity. P.D.Q., returns. R. Kenneth Milne, A.P.S. 5592, P.O. Box 499, Sta. “C”, Los Angeles, California.
DISPOSING of My Fine Duplicates. $5 catalogue for $1, $11, for $2, $17 for $3, $30 for $5. No trash, all different, many high values. A.S. Arnold, Metuchen, N.J. (A.P.S. 5095)
U.S. and Foreign Revenues for Sale or Exchange. Also State Revs., Tax Paids and Local seals. What have you to offer? I collect all lines. J.D. Barlett, Box 11, El Paso Texas.
BRITISH COLONIES, good old Europeans, early South and Central Americans I can supply these to dealers and collectors in wholesale or single lots per country at $10, $25.00, $50.00 and $100.00 per lot. Good variety and reliable goods. I am strong in the older issues, the goods you need back by 30 years experience and a clean record. Modern Neurope and trash ignored. All goods are of sound merit and honest and I stand for a square deal. My business is cash, money order or draft, subject to refund if not pleased. Have several excellent United States collections for the trade at $50.00 and $75.00 guaranteed to give satisfaction. Compliments to my old friends. CHARLES KING 53 High street, Wincanton, Somersetshire, England.
GIVING UP specializing in all countries will sell vast accumulation of good stuff, shades, cancellations, blocks, covers, precancels, etc., something for every specialist. Write for first pick. O. Arco, 501 W. 124th St., N.Y. City.
ATTRACTIVELY mounted and priced approvals for the general collector. Feature B.C. and South and Central America. Ref. Ogden Stamp Shop, Baldwinsville, N.Y.
State Revenues. If interested in these, drop me a line. I have something new to offer C.F. Richards, Box 77. Grand Central P.O. New York.
WILLCOX’S Subscription Agency, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. All magazines at lowest prices. Renewals a specialty. Get my catalog and save money. A.P.S. 3968
Stamps from duplicates sent on approval. Net prices averaging 60% or better. Reference please. David F. Fennehy, 8629 108th St., Richmond Hill, N.Y.
Exchange your duplications with me. Basis Scott or Yvert. No rarities to offer or expected. Particularly desire Siam and French Oceanica, singles, blocks and covers. References and an idea of your wants will assist me in making prompt reply to your letter. Foreign exchange desired, F.D. Markee, West Roxbury, Mass. A.P.S. #5405.
WANTED – Consignments of U.S. on covers dated prior to 1860 from any of the following states or territories: California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, Nebraska, North West Territory, Indian Territory. W.C. Bartlett, Klamath Falls, Oregon. A.P.S. 616.
The British Correspondence Club extends an invitation to members of the A.P.S. to become enrolled on the Club membership list. As the leading British exchange club, with an enrollment of approximately 2000 in over 90 countries, the majority being English speaking collectors, exceptional opportunities are afforded American collectors to form permanent and profitable exchange connections. Subscription to the Club’s Journal, issued quarterly, is included in membership dues – $1.00 per year. Application blank sent upon request by the American representative, Frederik D. Markee, West Roxbury, Mass. A.P.S. #5405.
TRY THIS!: Dig out your precancels and receive in return good foreign, your own selection, or precancels. Thank you! H.T. Wilcox, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
GOVERNMENT ISSUES of Postal Cards and Letter Cards. Approval selections to responsible collectors. S. Schachne, Chillicothe, Ohio
For reliable correspondents join PHILATELISTS EXCHANGE CLUB, members 75 countries, Stamp Circuits in England, excellent medium for selling stamps, com. Only 8 ½%. A. Bland, Mansfield Road, Parkstone, Dorset, England.
Medium British Colonials at reasonable prices is my specialty. Approval willingly against deposit of any amount. State requirements please. Special Offer – JAMAICA 1/2d Large Type War Stamp Overprint Inverted at 20sh. Mint & Guaranteed Genuine. J.H. Jelliman, 372 Green Lanes, London, Englang. (Reference: Mr. D.C. Alexander, Franklin, Vermont.)
SCANDINAVIA! I buy and sell the stamps of Denmark Danish West Indies, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden
Approvals at attractive prices
ALFRED NIELSEN,
272 Union St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
GET IT NOW
The Largest Philatelic Paper, Over 27 years old. Unlike any other paper, send 15c for two issues, 200 pages brimful of news on stamps, coins, curios and old Relics. Largest exchange 1department. Subscription price 75c for 12 issues. Foreign and Canada, $1, (4sh.). It is the most interesting collectors’ magazine on the ear. Sample 10c.
PHILATELIC WEST, Superior, Nebr.
WANTED – U.S. #422, used and unused. Airplant stamps, used and unused. Arthur T. Abbott, U.S. Veterans Hospital #41, New Haven, Conn.
Low Values 1870-’88. Am interested in all minor varieties and cancellations of the one cent blue, two cent brown and vermillion, three cent blue and six cent carmine and pink, all issues between 1870 and 1888. Also specialize in the three cent ’61. Will buy, sell or exchange. Especially want the six cent carmine and pink. W. Bates, 152 Lisbon Street, Buffalo, N.Y.
U.S. Cancellation Collections. 50 3c 1861 $1.50; 50 3c greens $1.00; 50 2c ver. $1.00; 50 1c 1882 $1.00; 50 2c 1883, 50c; 50 2c green, 50c. U.S. & Foreign & Cancellations on approval. Thos. R. Johnston, Saltsburg, Pa.
WANTED. Anything unusual in U.S. 3 cent greens. Submit with prices. Dr. W.H. Deaderick, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
LA FILATELICA, San Salvador, C.A., Exchanges Central American postage stamps for those of other countries – Try it.
EXCHANGE your duplicates through the Circuits of THE MUTUAL STAMP EXCHNAGE. Only A.P.S. members can use the Exchange. All stamps exchanged at Cat. Prices. Blank book furnished at 5c each, 6 for 25c. Send for copy of Rules, 7715 books of 60 stamps each have been entered by A.P.S. members. 1414 Circuits have been sent out. We take everything in the stamp line. We want good U.S. Cancellations before 1890. U.S. Plate Nos., U.S. Pre-Cancels. Any used Blocks of 4 U.S. or Foreign. Unused and used Br. Col. Try it once and you will send again. Address, I.C. Greene, Box 343, Fitchburg, Mass., A.P.S. 2676
Match & Medicine Wanted. Approvals requested. W. Hadlow, Grove Park, London S.E. 12, England. Reference A.D. Fennel, Editor A.P.
United States Plate Numbers and metered permits wanted. I will buy, sell, or exchange with A.P.S. members. Theo. H. Ames, A.P.S. 5309, Montclair, N.J.
Collections Bought! Write me if you have one for sale. Beebe, 64 Bruce Ave., Yonkers, N.Y.
$1.00 Catalogue Value for 15c is standard price for our wholesale lots 10 or more of a kind. Mainly current issues postally used. No old issues or high catalogue values. Lists free. Wholesale exchange invited. One cent non-duplicating approvals, cataloguing up to 10c on request accompanied by deposit of $1.00 subject to your order. Beebe Co., Youngers, N.Y. A.P.S., M.P.A., S.P.A., &c.
Jamaican and Canadians Wanted. I give good stamps in exchange for stamps from these two countries. If you have anything, write me or send them on. H.G. Ream, A.P.S. 5846, 600 Perm. Title Bldg., Akron, Ohio.
Questions or comments about this series? Contact digitalcontent@stamps.org.
If you would like to learn more about the AP archive, the APRL is your best resource. Members can visit the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte to use the library, can request most items by mail, or can access the digital archive here.
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