THE

LondonPhilatelist:
THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF

THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON.

VOL. IX. JANUARY, 1900. No. 97.

The Philatelic War Fund.

AT the risk of repetition we venture to again call attention to

the War Fund Philatelic Auction, initiated by the London
Society and supported by the provincial societies and the
trade. There have already been many influential supporters
of the movement, but we feel that in order to make the sale
a great success the active co-operation of all Philatelists is
needed. We therefore again make the most earnest appeal
to every collector and dealer in this country to contribute
something to the Fund. There never has, within living
memory, been an object which could more directly appeal
to our keenest and deepest sympathies.
The war drags on, with not too much success for our
arms at present, and before its close the number of its victims will be many
thousands. It is incumbent, therefore, on all who cannot fight to pay. In
addition to our ordinary—and perhaps numerous—contributions as private"
citizens we can all well afford a tribute from our amusements and luxuries—
of the nature of both of which Philately partakes. Let us therefore cast
aside all selfish thoughts and heartily support a scheme that, while affording
help in the truest cause of Patriotism, will assuredly in the end redound
to the credit of Philately and give us a wider appreciation and the sympathy
of the people of this country and its colonies.
 The Late Mr. Douglas Earth.

IT is again our sad task to announce the death of one of our

leading and most highly esteemed Philatelists. We deeply
regret to announce that Mr. Douglas Garth died at Old
Headington, Oxford, on the 6th of this month. Mr. Garth,
whose health had been somewhat indifferent during the past
few years, succumbed to the dreaded scourge of influenza,
followed by an attack of bronchitis.
Mr. Douglas Garth, who was the second son of the Right Hon. Sir
Richard Garth—an eminent Indian judge—"was born on May I5th,'i852, and
had consequently only attained middle age. He adopted the profession
of solicitor, and as a member of the firm of Pemberton and Garth, carried
on a large practice in the Metropolis until failing health compelled his
retirement to the country a few years since. Mr. Garth was married, and
leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss, and to whom we tender
our most sincere and respectful sympathies.
Mr. Garth was elected a member of the London Philatelic Society in
the early eighties, and was a member of the committee or council from
1886 to 1899. Having been elected Hon. Assistant Secretary on Novem-
ber 12th, 1886, he was elected Hon. Secretary in December, 1888, on the
retirement from that post of Mr. E. D. Bacon, and held it until May, 1894,
when the present Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. A. Tilleard, accepted the office.
Nor were his labours confined to the duties of these offices, as he took
a prominent part, as a member of the Publication Committee, in the
preparation of the Society's works, a considerable portion of which were
drafted by him in the first instance. He was, further, an active member
of the Exhibition Committee of 1890, and indeed it may be said that for
many years he was one of the most active — as he assuredly was one of
the most highly respected — Philatelists of this country. Of later years,
since his retirement to Oxford, Mr. Garth has not been often seen, but it
is an open secret that had his health permitted, he would have occupied
a still higher position among the officers of the London Society.
Perhaps the most notable permanent association with Mr. Garth's name
will be that of the auctions, as it was to his initiative that the modern
auction was due. It is true that in 1872 there was held one historic
sale, but, although in America it had firmly taken root, the system remained
practically unadopted in this country until 1888.
It was, we believe, directly due to Mr. Garth's ideas and energy that the
first of the now popular auctions was held by Mr. Thomas Bull, at 77,
Chancery Lane, on the 24th November, 1888. This was an immediate and
pronounced success, and we personally well remember the excitement pro-
duced among the numerous collectors present, from the President of the
 THE LATE MR. DOUGLAS GARTH. 3

London Philatelic Society downwards, at the unforeseen and record prices

created in many cases—records that have been very much broken since!
This seed once planted flourished exceedingly, and auction sales have
become an acknowledged and valued factor in the well-being of British
Philately. It is, of course, patent that Mr. Garth did not invent philatelic
auctions, but, like Columbus and the egg, he solved the difficulty by prompt
action, and for this cause alone his memory will always be held in respectful
and grateful recollection among stamp collectors in this country.
As a Philatelist and collector Mr. Garth has a bright record. The
natural possessor of a delicate and refined taste, his collections were always
marked by great beauty in the selection of his specimens and neatness in
their arrangement. Perhaps the most notable collection he ever made was
that of India, which was frequently exhibited and admired by all beholders,
alike for its beauty and inclusiveness.
Both in the fields of European and colonial stamps, notably in the case
of British Guiana, Mr. Garth held at various times exceptionally fine and
choice collections, and it may be truthfully asserted that few men in this
country have had more fine stamps pass through their hands.
The contributions to the literature of Philately by Mr. Garth have been,
if not of frequent occurrence, marked by great ability, accuracy, and
elegance of style, and no one will gainsay that Philately has in him lost
one of its most gifted and esteemed students.
Endowed by nature with a handsome presence, Mr. Garth added thereto
a charm of manner, a courtesy, and a geniality that endeared him to all his
compeers, and it will assuredly be held that all who were privileged to come
in contact with him were highly impressed with his kindly nature. By
many of us who knew him intimately during many years the loss will
be severely felt. It is indeed another and a sad snapping of the bonds that
friendship and Philately have interwoven, and we can but hope that, when in
turn we are called to pay the last sad penalty, the kindly recollections of our
friends may be as whole-hearted and sincere as those that will always be
associated with the memory of Douglas Garth.
 [ 4 ]

The Early Issues of the Argentine Republic.

A PAPER READ BEFORE THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON, ON STH JANUARY, 1900.
BY T. W. HALL.

THE Argentine Republic is a federal republic of South

America, taking its name from the river La Plata (river of
silver), and is made up of fourteen provinces and a number
of territories. " River of silver," as applied to the La Plata,
has been called a misnomer; but the name was really given
to that grand waterway by Sebastian Cabot, not for any
striking characteristics of the stream itself, but on account of the profusion
of silver ornaments worn by the native Indians he met with on its banks.
The principal seaport, capital, and largest town is Buenos Ayres, which was
founded in 1535 by the Spaniards, who, in the person of Juan Dias de Solis,
when searching for a south-west passage to the East Indies, first visited the
country in 1516.
From 1825 down to 1861 a. constant struggle took place between the
two great political parties in the country, viz. the Unitarians, who were in
favour of a strong central government, and the Federals, who sought to
make each state independent of national government.
In the year 1861 General Mitre, leader of the Unitarian party, Governor
of Buenos Ayres, and Commander-in-Chief (whose portrait appears on the
50 c., blue, lithograph of 1888 and the 50 c., yellow, engraved of 1890),
succeeded in defeating General Urquiza, chief of the Federalists and
Governor of Entre Rios (whose portrait appears on the 4 centavo, blue, of
1888 and 1890), at the battle of Pavon, in the province of Santa Fe, and
in 1862 he (Mitre) was elected President of the Argentine Confederation,
of which Buenos Ayres became provisionally the capital.
When General Mitre entered Buenos Ayres after the battle the authorities
were without any chiefs, so that the conquering general had to reconstitute
both the political and administrative offices. On the iyth October, 1861,
he nominated Martinez as Superintendent-General of Revenue, and after-
wards appointed him, in addition, Administrator of the Custom-house.
None of the issues of the Confederation then in use pleased Martinez,
who asked Don G. A. de Posadas, Administrator-General of the Post Office
of the province of Buenos Ayres, to get made
40,000 stamps of 5 c,
20,000 „ 10 c.
6,667 » 15 c-
the total value being 5,000 silver pesos.
Senor Posadas then at once entered into negotiations with a German
 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 5

lithographer, Don Roberto Lange, master of the San Martin Lithographic

Establishment (and who had printed the Buenos Ayres stamps), and came
to the following agreement with him:—
" Don R. Lange shall make three lithographic blocks for postage stamps for the
Argentine Republic of 5 c., 10 c., and 15 c. for the sum of 1,500 pesos. For
printing, including paper, doing it at the Mint, 46 pesos current money per thousand;
for gumming, 10 pesos per thousand. "Buenos Ayres, December \\th, 1861.
" R. LANGE."
The decree of February, 1858, was still in force, therefore the general
features of the design could not be departed from, although by the agree-
ment of the Government of Parana, on 8th October, 1860, it was resolved
that in all administrative acts the name should be changed from Argentine
Confederation to Argentine Republic. The author of the 1862 design is not
known, but was probably Lange himself.
On 15th December Posadas wrote to Martinez, telling him of the
arrangement he had come to, recommending the quantity above referred
to being increased, and at the same time writing to the President of the
Bank and the Mint and asking them to arrange, in conformity with the
decree of gth April, 1858, for the printing to be carried out in the Bank
in presence of a commission nominated for the purpose, the stamps and
lithographic blocks being left deposited at the Bank.
On the 23rd December Posadas sent Martinez a case containing
105 sheets of 70 stamps each, of 5 c. and 10 c.; on the soth a further
consignment of 10 c., on the following day the 6,667 15 c., and on nth
January, 1862, the remainder of the order, together with the moulds, permits,
and the lithographer's receipted account as under :—

" The San Martin Lithographic Establishment.

" ROBERTO LANGE,
"Buenos Aires, gt/i January, 1862.
" SENOR DON GERVASIO A. DE POSADAS.
" Postage stamps for the Argentine Republic.
"For 3 lithographic blocks of 5 centavos, 10 centavos, and
15 centavos at $500 current money . . . $1,500
For printing in the Mint of 5 centavos stamps 80,000
» » i. i° „ ,, 30,000
» » » 15 .) » 6,667
Total number of stamps 116,670 at $45 $5,245
Paper for said printing . . . . „ $ i. $ 116
For gumming, etc. . . . . „ $10 $1,605
Total amount $8,466
" Received the above sum,
" (Signed) ROBERTO LANGE."
On the 31st December, 1861, Posadas wrote to General Mitre, asking
for a decree to precede the issue of these stamps; but no such decree
has ever been discovered, and for this reason the actual date of this issue
6 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.

is uncertain. The nth January, 1862, has been generally adopted, as

Tissera, Administrator of the Post Office of Rosario, on writing to Posadas
on the 23rd January, 1862, states he began to use the new postage since
the nth inst., but that owing to insufficient stock they had not been able to
entirely suppress the old issues.
Further printings were made in February, 1862; but the old Con-
federation issues were still being used in some parts, owing to the short
supply printed and the time taken in distribution.
General Mitre determined to do away with these irregularities, and
accordingly, by decree of 3rd October, appointed Posadas Administrator-
General of the Post Office, nominating him also Commissioner. This
gentleman having circularised the different ministrators, wrote to the
Minister of the Interior in the following terms :—
"BUENOS AIRES, October zist, 1862.
"To His EXCELLENCY THE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR,
"DR. WILLIAM RAWSON. f
"The undersigned has the honour to inform your Excellency that the
Government of the Old Confederation created and regulated on May 24th, 1858,
the use of postage stamps for the payment of letters, which were made in Parana
without the proper formalities and restrictions, so that the Administrator of the Post
Office there could not and would not declare, in answer to the undersigned, at what
date the said stamps were first put into circulation, which is a concealment of his
charge. The Administrator of the Santa Fe Post Office has proceeded in the same
manner,
" This stamp, then, without any original guarantee is what is being used in the
post offices of some of the maritime districts, the which is more noticeable, as the
branch offices of the province of Cuyo, and the North, use the other postage stamps
that, by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the army of Buenos Aires, victorious
in Pavon, ordered the writer to manufacture, which were manufactured and printed
at the Bank and the Mint, according to the decree of the Qth of April, 1858,
the total value being 20,012$, 5 centavos silver, and they were sent to Rosario
to the Superintendent of the National Revenue, as is proved by the receipts, permits,
and other documents which are in the archives of this Government.
"Moreover, in the province of Corrientes there is another stamp, created in 1856.
This stamp, for local use only, was ordered on that date by a simple provision
of the Exchequer, and has been used ever since; its original value was one real
(paper money of that province), but now, three centavos, and it is printed roughly on
blue paper at the State printing office.
" The General Postal Administration of Buenos Aires, for its part, uses a pattern
that it has for postage stamps, and although when this office was nationalised it
made the colours and values of these stamps the same as those used in the Post
Offices of the North and of Cuyo, they differ entirely from them in design and
vignette.
"It is necessary, therefore, to adopt only one design for all the postage stamps
of the Republic, not only in order to establish the proper uniformity, causing to
disappear those stamps which signify the division of the Argentine country, but in
order to reform and increase the1 revenue. For this purpose the Administrator-
General (the undersigned) proposes to your Excellency the adoption of one design for
the postage stamps for all the Republic, empowering the writer to get a lithographic
 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 7

block made for the printing, which will be done at the Bank and the Mint according
to the rules laid down in this matter.
" The proposed design will be the coat of-arms of the country, with the
inscription 'Argentina Republica.' The stamps will be printed in different colours,
representing the value of 5, 10, and 15 centavos, according to the law of the postal
tariff passed on September 2oth last.
" In order to regulate the accounts and to increase the revenue, the national post
offices will receive from the General Administration the stamps in proper form, and as
the thirty-five offices established in the country villages of Buenos Aires now receive
them.
" Finally, the \viiter proposes to the Government that these new stamps and this
system of accounts and distribution, to which he has referred, commence from
January ist, 1863.
" Do me the kindness, to bring the contents of this letter to the knowledge of his
Excellency the President of the Republic, and accept the expressions of esteem and
respect with which the writer has the honour to salute you.
"G. A. DE POSADAS."
The Government adopted Posadas' suggestions, and they were carried
into effect on the 2/th of the same month. Don R. Lange was commissioned,
and presented lithographic proofs, which were not, however, approved of.
Senor Posadas then decided to have blocks engraved in England or France,
in order not only that the stamps should be handsome, but that they might be
difficult to forge. Ultimately the Government issued a decree on ist January,
1863, appointing as the emblem for use the head of Rivadivia, and for an in-
scription " Republica Argentina." Pending the carrying out of this arrange-
ment, further printings took place in March, and again in July, 1863. But the
stamps ordered from Europe were longer in arriving than Posadas expected, as
in a letter to him, dated 4th September, 1863, sent by Senor Balcarce at Paris,
to whom the order had been given, the latter says he may be able to send
them in two months' time. Consequently, another printing was made to fill
the emergency in November, 1863; and as the blocks even then did not
arrive, a still further printing, in January, 1864, and again, for the last time, on
6th February, 1864. At last, by the English vessel Mersey, which entered
the port of Buenos Ayres on I5th March, 1864, the cases containing- the new
blocks, printing machines, and special paper, arrived, although it was not
until another sixteen years had elapsed that the Argentine postage was made
completely uniform, and the wretched local stamps of Corrientes, which had
circulated for twenty-four years, entirely disappeared. All Philatelists are
aware that in this issue there are two types of the 5 c., red, stamp ; and in
many catalogues the type with the narrow " c " is given as the first issue.
This is an error, as, I think, can be clearly shown.
As before stated, the 5,10, and 15 c. stamps of this issue were all printed in
sheets of seventy stamps—ten horizontal rows of seven stamps each. I
exhibit one entire sheet of the first type with broad "C," which will stand to
illustrate the three values, the composition in each value being the same;
the same paper, which is white, smooth, and rather thin, was used for all three
values. The size of the stamps is 1 8 ^ x 2 2 millimetres, and the description
is as follows :—
8 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.

"A round medallion, formed by a. circle of pearls, containing in the centre, in

the colour of the background, the Argentine coat-of-arms between two laurel branches,
surrounded by the inscription 'Argentina Republica' in large white letters; surround-
ing the medallion, a background of oblique lines converging towards the centre; on
this background, and below the medallion, the value of the stamp in a curved line in
shaded white capital letters, the four angles formed by four triangles with a back-
ground of horizontal and oblique crossed lines separated from the general background
by two little curved lines.
"The whole is framed by two lines—the inner thick, the outer finer."
Each value differs somewhat from the other, showing that a separate die
was engraved for each value. The principal differences are :—
(1) The number of pearls which form the circle round the coat-of-arms.
The 5 cent, has 74,
,, 10 „ „ 78,
,, IS „ ,, 7 1 -
(2) The little cross at the foot of the coat-of-arms
in the 5 cent, is placed upright,
„ 10 „ leans to left,
, , 1 5 „ leans to right.
In the 10 c. it is formed by five round dots; in the 5 c. and 15 c. the four
outside dots are oval. All three stamps exist with and without the accent
on " U " of " REPUBLICA."
As will be seen, I have in my collection used stamps of the 5 c. wiih
accent dated in January and February of 1862, so the first printing must
have been of the stamp with accent.
Monsieur Marco del Pont, in his article in The Revista, from which the
more material parts of this article have been translated, states positively that
there was no accent in the mould, but that it was added on the stone.
If it had existed in the mould, its position on the stamp would have always
been the same, which, as may be seen, is far from the case.
In the article from. which these notes have been chiefly made exact
reproductions of the 5 c. sheets with and without accent are given. These
I hand round, and it will be noticed that the space between the stamps
is not the same, and that therefore they unquestionably belong to different
printings. The accent was not added in the later printings, and is supposed
to be either an omission on the part of the lithographer, or possibly, as the
inscription was in capital letters, he thought it unnecessary.
As may be seen, I have one stamp showing the accent between the
"p" and " U " of "REPUBLICA." This is not on Monsieur Marco del Font's
sheet, showing there must have been still another plate.
There is also in one of the sheets with accent a diaeresis over '• U "
not in Marco del Font's illustration. This stamp, which I also exhibit, is
the fourth stamp on the third row of the sheet.
Apparently, too, the sheet I exhibit without accent is not the same
printing as the one illustrated by Monsieur Mavco del Pont, e.g.—
Dot over " L " on the seventh stamp, third row ;
!f, „ „ fourth stamp, second row ;
 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 9

and various other minor spots over the " E," etc., which may be seen on a
close examination of the sheet.
Monsieur Marco del Pont thinks the plate without accent was made for
the third printing in February, 1863. This appears not to be so, as I show
used copies dated as early as the I4th December, 1862, and apparently
from a worn plate, too. I think, therefore, the accent must have been omitted
in the second printing.
10 Centavos.
Two distinct printings of this stamp exist. In the first printing all
stamps are accented ; in the second printing not only are the stamps not
accented, but there is another well-marked difference, viz. a line of separation
which crosses the sheet horizontally and vertically.
Monsieur Marco del Pont thinks the unaccented variety of the 10 c.
was issued in 1864, but in this I cannot agree with him. I show two copies;
the dates on the postmarks are somewhat obscure, but apparently 1863. It
is not possible to fix the date of issue of this second type very accurately,
as the stamps are scarce, and they are even scarcer with dated postmarks,
the cancellation being frequently the word " Franca" (free), or something
equally pointless.
In the first printing there are two minor varieties I do not possess, viz.—
(a) An accent on " B" in addition to the accent on " u " ; sixth
stamp, fourth row.
(£) A short thick oblique line from centre of "L" towards the " B " ;
seventh stamp, first line.
Monsieur Marco del Pont states that the stone of the second type of the
10 c. is, or was lately, still in the possession of the General Management
of the Post Office, and that he examined it carefully, but found nothing to
notice. As may be seen from my collection, the 10 c. is sometimes found
cut in two diagonally, and used for 5 c.
All in this condition that have been examined are of the first type,
although this may be a mere coincidence owing to their rarity. There
certainly seems no reason why the second type should not have been so
used, as I have copies of the 1864, green, 10 c. so used, both of the
imperforate and perforate series, and whilst we know that Posadas fought
hard against the custom, it is clear that he failed to completely put an
end to it.
15 Cents.
Only one plate, so far as research goes at present, was made for this
value, and only 387 sheets were ever printed.
It is true the 15 c. exists both with and without accent. Many catalogues
list the stamp with accent as a variety. This is an error; the stamp with
accent is the type, the one without the variety.
As before stated, the accent is not found in the original die, but was
afterwards added on the stone by the lithographer.
On the second stamp of the eighth line (the only stamp in the plate found
without accent) the lithographer omitted to insert the accent either through
error or carelessness.
io THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.

The first stamp of the second line is inverted, thus forming a tete-beche.
The stamps with accent only, and this applies to the 5 c., 10 c., and 15 c.,
exhibit two varieties; in some the inner framing line is broken at the point
of union with the inner angles of the triangles at the four extremities of the
stamps, the triangles being thus separated from the remainder of the design,
and surrounded only by the outer line of the framework.
In others these lines are not broken, both types appearing on the one
sheet; but the first variety, showing clear triangles, is much the scarcer of the
two, in some cases there only being one or two in an entire sheet.
It appears the variety»is caused in this manner :—
The engraver drew the thipk inner line without any interruption, enlacing
it with the triangle, cutting it afterwards at the inner angle, and thus
obtaining between it and the triangle an exact distance.
In order to cut this line he used a preparation of nitric acid and gum, by
which means any line engraved on the stone can be removed. When, how-
ever, a great many proofs had been taken off the original stone to make
the plates, this preparation, little by little, lost its effect, and the lines that had
disappeared entirely in the first specimens began to appear again, although
not entirely, owing to the corrosive nature of the materials used.

Second Type of the 5 c.

In most of the catalogues the type of the 5 c. with narrow "C" is
considered the first type. What has led to this entirely erroneous opinion
is a matter of speculation only. I believe it was at one time suggested that,
owing to the large quantity of the 5 c. printed, two moulds were made in order
to hasten the printing—an argument which refutes itself, as if time pressed
it would not be needlessly wasted in making two matrices.
As a matter of fact, it appears pretty clear, for the following reasons, that
the narrow " C " type was issued much later than the broad " C," and probably
not until some period in the year 1864.
1. No used copy of the narrow "c" type has ever been found with
a dated stamp cancellation earlier than 1864.
2. Of the broad " c" type with (and slightly later without) accent I
show copies used from January, 1862, onwards.
3. The only existing stone in the possession of the General Management
of the Post Office is of the second type.
4. All known reprintings are of the second type.
Monsieur Marco del Pont calls attention in his article to the fact that
almost all the used stamps of the broad "c" or first type from mid 1863
onwards show that the stone was worn out, and only printed the central
medallion, the value, and part of the lines surrounding the stamp.
There is little doubt that the matrix of the first type of the 5 c. was
destroyed by or by the orders of Posados about the time.
On 13th May, 1864, the Bank and Mint delivered up all the articles
which had been deposited there and used in the manufacture of postage
stamps, and among these were three lithographic stones for 5, 10, and 15 c.
stamps. The matrices for these three were fairly certainly not in existence
then, as they are not scheduled amongst the list of the articles the Bank
 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 11

gave u p ; and when Lange, the lithographer, wished to reprint these stamps,
he had to make use of the only matrix he could get at, viz. the type of the
5 c. with narrow " c."
As before stated in this paper, the new 1864 plate of the Rivadivia head
was much delayed. The broad "c" 5 c. plate had worn out ; more 5 c. stamps
were requisite, and consequently there was nothing for Posadas to do but to
get a second matrix, and this he did ; hence the two types. It is pretty
certain that only the last two printings were made from this plate, that is to
say, 144,060 stamps. Unused genuine originals of the narrow "c" 5 c.
stamps are scarce. This second type does not vary much in colour, and is
only found in slightly different shades of brick-red—a colour, be it noted
by the way, that was never used for the first type. The arrangement of
the plate is the same as the first issues.
The following are the chief differences between the first and second
types:—-
FIRST TYPE. SECOND TYPE.
(a) Letters regularly formed. (a) Letters irregular, thinner, and wider
apart.
(b) Letters " A A " have top part squared. (6) Tops of letters " A A " form an acute
angle.
(c) " c " in " CENTAVOS " open and round. (c) "c" in "CENTAVOS" closed and narrow.
(d) " v " in " CENTAVOS " closed. (d) "v " in " CENTAVOS " open.
(e) " G " in " ARGENTINA " large and round. (e) " G " in " ARGENTINA " irregular and
smaller than other letters.
(/) "5 "small. (/) " 5 " largeri especially the head.
(g) Comma after " 5 " slightly separated (g) Full-stop after " 5 " and nearer to it.
from it.
(h) Circle formed by seventy-four pearls, j (h) Circle formed by seventy-two peails.
(/) Cross below coat-of-arms relatively J (i) Cross smaller and thicker.
large.
(/) Laurel branches thick and well formed, (j) Laurel branches thinner and con-
fused.
Monsieur Moens and others catalogue this second type with accent. This
is an error, as the stone now in the possession of the Post Office was
examined by Monsieur Marco del Pont and found innocent of accent.

Reprintings and Forgeries.

Only the 5 c. of the second type has been unofficially reprinted by
the lithographer Lange, in whose possession the matrix remained, no doubt
forgotten by the Post Office. It is said there were two reprintings.
The first and commonest was taken from a plate sold by Lange to
Mr. Stanley Gibbons, and by him reproduced in large quantities. The
colour, paper, gum, and spacing are all different from the originals. The
colour is in different shades of carmine, vermilion, rose, and even in black,
whilst the geauine, as before stated, only exists in shades o f ' brick-red.
The paper of the reprint is much stouter in most instances, and the gum
thicker. The spacing between the stamps is a millimetre less than in the
originals.
As is generally known, 10 c. and 15 c. stamps were also manufactured
out of this plate by changing the value and the colour ; the alteration
12 THE EARLY ISSUES OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.

was clumsily done, and the figures are higher up than the rest of the
inscription. In the first of these printings the comma between the figures
and the word "CENTAVOS" was omitted.
In the second printing the comma was inserted, and the imitations, for
that is of course all they are, were made rather more perfect.
These stamps have been wholly forged in addition, but the forgery is a
clumsy one, and would only deceive a mere beginner. '
It is at least singular that so little is known of the " head of Rivadivia "
issue of 1864 up to the present time. I do not think the engraver is
known. The fact that the dies, etc., arrived at Buenos Ayres in the ship
Mersey points to an English origin, although we must not forget Balcarce's
letter from Paris of September, 1863.
Wherever produced it is certain this issue ranks (as a work of art)
amongst the finest philatelic productions. The imperforate issues of 1864
are very scarce in pairs, and not easy to acquire. I have a pair of the
red; have seen pairs of the green; but have only heard of pairs of
the blue.
A good deal of controversy has taken place as to the admissibility of
the 1864 imperforate unwatermarked stamps. At present I am inclined to
regard them as proofs; but all these stamps are so rare that I hesitate
to express a decided opinion for want of sufficient material upon which
to ground my data.
The above remarks do not apply to the imperforate (and perforate)
unwatermarked issue of July, 1867, with its complementary reissue of
ist July, 1872. The latter can easily be distinguished from the former
by its colour; the issue of July, 1867, being in shades of rose, that of 1872
in shades of brick-red.
The issues of 1867, so far at any rate as the 5 c. and 15 c. are concerned,
appear with backgrounds of horizontal and crossed lines.
One of our leading Philatelists long disagreed with me as to there being
any division between the two, suggesting that the crossed lines were the
original issues and the horizontal due to wear. That this view is erroneous
is easily seen by the enlargement of the heads on the two stamps, recently,
so I am informed, done at the instance of our leading dealers. I have
not seen the photographs, but believe the two heads are thereby shown
to differ entirely. The majority of the used copies I possess of the
5 c. stamp with horizontal background were used in 1867, whilst the earliest
used copy^f the cross-lined background is dated February, 1868.
Before closing I rffculd like to warn collectors against the " reversed"
surcharges of^ftxe 1877, issues. Whilst not being able to affirm that no
genuine reversed surcharges of this issue exist, I may say that every
single one I have possessed or examined has been hopelessly bad.
 •

PhilatelicNotes.
NOTE.—The co-operation of Philatelists is invited in order to make these columns of a varied
and interesting nature.

DISCOVERIES.
' TYPES OF THE 5 c. GENEVA OF 1847.
IT might well have been thought that the last word had been written
about an old timer like this stamp, but, according to an interesting
note in the January number of the Timbre-Poste. there is still something to
be recorded. The first-issued stamp of this canton is, of course, the well-
known double Geneva of October 1st, 1843, followed on April ist, 1845, by
the 5 c. of the first type, in which the wing of the eagle is away from the
edge of the shield, and the stamp printed with only a spacing of about
\ to. \ mm. apart. Early in 1847 the latter was superseded by the stamp of
which we are treating, which has the eagle's wing touching the outside of the
shield, and is indeed from an entirely redrawn design. The differences which
constitute the three types, according to M. Moens, are to be found in the
scroll in which occurs the word " TENEBRAS," which he thus defines: In
Type I. a thin line starts from the left frame of the shield, and is prolonged
to the upper part of the " T " in " TENEBRAS." Type II. resembles the latter,
but the prolonged stroke only goes to the foot of the " T," and does not
practically pass beyond the edge of the scroll. In Type III. this stroke is
absent, a blank space in the scroll being thereby revealed. Attention is also
called to the letters " I.H.S." in the glory above the scroll, in which the letters
are in some instances seen partially repeated, this feature being absent in
Type III. Our contemporary further states that the design at first appeared
with the letters doubled, that they were found to be too large and were
effaced, but imperfectly, as portions of the letters "l" and "s" can distinctly
be traced. Smaller letters were then substituted. From an examination
of our available specimens we can carry the discovery yet a little further, as
we find that the 5 c. blue-green, issued in December, 1848, also has the same
•varieties, which M. Moens does not mention, and we are inclined to favour
a fourth type. The varieties also occur on the same sheet; e.g. we have
se tenant—•
1847. Types 2 + 2, horizontal.
11 jj 3 ~"~ ^ »
» ») 3 • 3 )j
+ 2)
1848 (dark green). „ j * block of four.
v 2 + 2,
„ „ „ i + 2, vertical.
This clearly shows that these several lithographic reproductions were
simultaneous and continuous to the end of the issue. The easiest method
of finding the types is, in our view, by the examination of the letters " I.H.S."
These differences may be thus described, and they will be found quite easy
to follow:—
M PHILATELIC NOTES.

Tyj5e I. Complete vertical strokes both before and after " I."
Type II. A broken vertical stroke (varying in its dimensions, probably
according to wear of the stone) before the " I," and short strokes over the
" H " and " s."
Type HI. "I.H.S." clear except minute stroke after the last letter.
Whichever system is followed, there should be little difficulty in placing
these three types, which are quite distinct and form a most interesting
philatelic variety. To the specialist these types do not exhaust the
varieties, as there are other minor differences whose raison d'etre we have
not yet satisfactorily solved. In one instance the numeral " 5 " has a loop at
the junction of the vertical stroke with the curved base of the figure. The
thick black line which forms the shield also seems to vary in each type, and
beyond this, for instance in Type II., we have three specimens, each of which,
while in other respects conforming to the tests previously mentioned, have
this frame distinctly different from others of the so-called type. Type II.
also has the "L" of "CANTONAL" with a second faint head to the letter, as
if the letter had been lengthened, which the above three variants have not.
This may be therefore a fourth type, and we shall endeavour to examine
other specimens with a view to deciding the still doubtful points.

VICTORIA : FULL-LENGTH 2d
THE Victorian stamps are but a few years younger than those of the
cantons of Switzerland referred to herein, but their chapter of dis-
closures and discoveries has never yet been finished, and we have still
another noteworthy verse to add. The 2d., full-length portrait of the
Queen, issued in 1852, as is well known, was first engraved and then
reproduced by several lithographic transfers, some of which contain varia-
tions from the normal design that are mentioned in the catalogues, and
will be found carefully described, as far as the former knowledge hereon
permitted, in the London Philatelic Society's work Oceania. The most
notable varieties are the variations of the corner lettering, occurring through
the replacement of parts of the transfer, and that generally known as
" broken steps to the throne." We have now received from Mr. E. Stock,
of Berlin, another variety somewhat akin to that last mentioned. The
stamp in question is of the earliest or second stage of transfer, in a brownish
grey, fairly distinct impression, and with the background
innocent of the white patches that are found on the later and
more worn impressions. We append an illustration which
will obviate lengthened description, but on comparison
with the normal variety of this stamp, which is the eighth
stamp in the fourth row, the deviations will be seen to
be as under. The outer frame line to the lower right is
broken and has been thickly redrawn, but is inside the upper
and normal portion thereof. The bottom line under " s " is
broken and is higher than the normal portion. The " S " is broken to the left,
and, with the base of the " column" to right, is higher than that opposite..
 PHILATELIC NOTES. 15

There is no dividing line to the left hand of the "S." This is evidently the
result of a slip of the transfer paper, the thick outer line being added to
patch up blank space.

BELGIUM: THE 40 c. OF 1849.

THIS stamp has on several occasions formed the subject of comment in
the London Philatelist, and on the authority of M. Jules Bouvez, whose
interesting articles upon the Belgian stamps have been running in the
American Journal of Philately, we give the following fresh information :—
" These regulations caused the administration to decree that from gth October,
1849, a new value in the series of postage stamps, that of 40 centimes, should be
employed. The engraving for this stamp was made in taille douce by M. Jacques
Wiener, and the new value appeared on the i5th October, 1849.
"At first this stamp was printed on the thin white wove paper which had been
used for the 10 and 20 centimes stamps of the second and third printings of the first
issue, and there is to be found in these stamps, also in a frame, measuring 18 x
21 \ mm., the interlaced 'LL,' of which the greater number are turned towards the
left. This value appeared at first in a bright brick-red colour, and the first printing,
made about the ist September, 1849, consisted of 800 sheets, that is 160,000 stamps.
" When the second printing of the 40 centimes stamps was about to be made, it
was noted that there still remained in stock 360 sheets of the thick, ribbed paper.
These sheets being considered sufficient to complete the stock of 40 centimes stamps
necessary for a supply until the time fixed for a new printing of these values, they
were used, and produced 72,000 stamps of this value. These stamps are to be
distinguished from those of the first printing by the shade, which is less bright.
They were used principally to supply the important offices; in fact, it is said that they
were not sold except in the offices of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege, Mons, Arlon,
and Tournai, and, in fact, the greater number of these stamps are found cancelled with
a cancellation stamp composed of lines with a number in the centre. These numbers
belonged, at the time, to the offices mentioned: Brussels, No. 24; Antwerp, No. 4;
Ghent, No. 45; Liege, No. 73; Mons, No. 83; Arlon, No. 5; Tournai, No. 120."
This is a particularly interesting confirmation of the two now well-known
shades of the first 40 c. The paler one, in a dull rose-red shade, although
printed in less than half the number in the bright " brick-red " colour, is not
so scarce, perhaps owing to there having been a few copies held back at their
supersession by the next 40 c. with the "LL" unframed. The 160,000 of the
first printing were doubtless all quickly exhausted, and probably none
escaped the then heavy Belgian obliterating dies, except one sheet which
was reserved and, as is vveJl known, defaced by horizontal pen lines. This
stamp really unused, i.e. without the removed pen obliteration, is assuredly
the rarest Belgian stamp, and at least as rare as any of the twopenny English
that were its contemporaries.
16 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

HOLLAND: UNPAID LETTER STAMP, 1870.

WEhave an interesting communication from M. J. B. Robert as regards
the 5 c. value of this stamp. Its normal condition is brown on buff,
both it and the 10 c., lilac on blue, being normally perforated 13 to 14 in
small holes. The latter also exists perf. I 2 j x 12, but we have not yet met
with the 5 c. thus. Specimens of the 5 c. have been seen on yellow or lemon
paper, which was attributed to chemical action. M. Robert, however, states
that specimens which are of considerable rarity really exist on yellow paper,
having been printed on the paper intended for the unpaid letter stamp of
Dutch Indies (1870). These stamps, says our correspondent, have always
been difficult to obtain, not being vendible at the post'offices, and really
partake of the nature of service stamps. The chemical changelings are easily
to be discerned, as the colour has not a true appearance, and the paper has
been rendered more porous by its colour transformation.

PHILATELIC ECHOES FROM THE WAR.

THEranks of the combatants in this dire South African struggle contain
many Philatelists. Mr. Emil Tamsen was one of the first to be called
to his country's aid, and all will wish him safe through the campaign. Not
so fortunate has been Captain Eager, of the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers,
who was mortally wounded at Belmont, and died shortly after. Captain
Eager was a collector and a good Philatelist, and his recent able article
on the "Provisional of Crete" (where he had been stationed) in the
Stamp Collector's Fortnightly will be remembered. All honour to the
memory of a brave man!
The Daily Mail's Cape Town correspondent, under date of 28th December,
states that in Bechuanaland, which the Boers have, alas! been allowed to run
over at their own sweet will,
" the government is being carried on just as if the Dutch had been in possession for
ages. The farms of those who refused to join the Boers have been given out to
others, title-deeds having been manufactured in Pretoria and handed to the new
occupants. The postage stamps in use are ordinary Cape stamps printed over with
the letters 'S.A.R.' and the value of the stamp. Some of these stamps have already
reached Cape Town, where they command exceedingly high prices."
If this information is correct these stamps, especially on original covers,
will assuredly become valuable, but they will probably fall into hands who
know their worth. The lettering should, however, be " Z.A.R.," but, perhaps,
this is a mistake on the part of the correspondent—if the Daily Mail can be
wrong! Perhaps, however, the writer was an "absent-minded beggar"—
philatelically!
 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

WAR RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE.

A VERY, W. B. HADLOW, W. REID, ROBERT.
BROWN, WM. HALL, THOS. W. SELBV, E. H.
CASTLE, M. P. HAUSBURG, L. L. R. SLADE, H. A.
EHRENBACH, ROBERT. HINTON, F. H. SMITH, ALFRED.
EVANS, MAJOR E. B., R.A. NANKIVELL, E. J. SMITH, GORDON.
GINN, F. R. OLIVER, F. H. TILLEARD, J. A.
GlWELB, M. PECKITT, W. H. WHITE, HAROLD.
GWYER. PHILLIPS, C. J.
WALTER BULL, Hon. Sees.
H. R. OLDFIELD,
It will be seen that the War Relief Fund Committee is at once catholic
and influential, and with the aid of its energetic Hon. Secretaries a sub-
stantial result should accrue. It is, however, on individual effort that the
affair mainly relies, and we earnestly hope that collectors and dealers
throughout the kingdom will unite in making the Philatelic War Relief
Fund at once a substantial aid to this most deserving form of all charity
and a lasting credit to the public spirit of Philatelists. We would urge
upon our readers to forward their contributions to the Hon. Secretaries
before the end of the month. A strong appeal has been made to the
hon. secretaries of all British Philatelic Societies, from which we anticipate
good results.
We should explain that contributions may consist of stamps, literature, or
cash, and that they may be acknowledged in either of the following manners,
according to the wish of the donors:—
1. By the insertion of the donor's name following the lot in the auction
catalogue.
2. By the insertion of the donor's name in a footnote to the catalogue
specifying the names of the contributors without reference to the particular
donations.
3. Anonymously.
Among the many promises of support already given there is one that
will be assuredly received with great favour. The Philatelic Society of
London (in addition to other donations) will present six handsomely bound
volumes of their published works, which will be each inscribed with the
circumstances attending their disposal, and bear the signature of the
President of the Society. This is but another of the many instances afforded
to us of His Royal Highness' kindly sympathies and co-operation.
The Morning Post of January 2oth (which has been brilliant in its articles
on the war) has an appropriate comment on our War Fund, which justifies
the line of argument that has been taken in this journal, and will be read
with interest:—
" In these days, when all are being urged to ' Pay ! Pay ! Pay !' on behalf of the
sufferers through the war, it may be well to remember that the stamp collector has gener-
ally money to expend when his fancy is touched. Of late he has come to understand
973
 18 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

the greatness of the British Empire, and for this reason the stamps of Great Britain
and her colonies have risen, in value. In addition, he has usually some sort of a desire
to convince his friends that there exists a valid reason for being interested in stamps.
Could it be shown that a collection of the stamps of the various component parts of
the empire did in any way illustrate its history, he would have his excuse at hand
whenever he desired to produce it. The stamps of the Transvaal already illustrate
a portion of that history. First of all there are the stamps of the Republic; then
those same stamps surcharged with the letters 'V.R.' Next comes a beautiful set in
which a portrait of the Queen appears, and then again a variety of issues^with not
so much as an acknowledgment of the fact that Great Britain held the suzerainty
of the Transvaal. It is stated that letters have been received bearing the Natal
stamps defaced with the inscription ' Z.A.R.' Since the nation understands that this
war must needs be fought to a finish, it is certain that there will once again be
Transvaal stamps with the letters 'V.R.' surcharged, and after them stamps bearing
a portrait of the Queen. In the meantime every envelope which has brought a letter
from the front has its value, and would assuredly be bought by one collector or
another if it were offered at a reasonable price. And, since there is need of money
for the widows and orphans and the sick and wounded, why should not one give the
stamp collector an opportunity of justifying his existence?"
The Committee have postponed the date of sale for another month—
until the end of March. The movement in support of the fund now seems
to be gaining general support, and it is felt that this postponement will result
in a considerable increase of the total proceeds.
Once more, in the words of Rudyard Kipling, " Pay ! Pay! Pay!"

DANISH WEST INDIES.

THE information following was sent from a correspondent, on 3ist Dec.,
to the Daily Mail, and since corroborated, and as it would have a
considerable philatelic importance we give it, however with all reserve:—
" The long-talked-of plan for the sale to America of the Danish possessions in
the West Indies—St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. Jean—has been revived again, and
bids fair to be carried out. Captain Christmas, a Dane with powerful connections in
the United States, is acting as intermediary between the two Governments, direct
official communication being impossible for Denmark after the repeated failure of the
previous attempts. No opposition is expected from King Christian. The price of
the islands has been fixed at $4,000,000. It has frequently been reported that Germany
had made an offer for the islands, and there is no doubt that German engineers have
been surveying the harbours, but no offer seems actually to have been made."

THE SECOND PHILATELIC EXHIBITION AT BROOKLYN, U.S.

WEhave from the energetic Secretary a full prospectus of the second
venture of this enterprising philatelic section of the Brooklyn Institute
which is wisely doing so much to popularise the pursuit in the United States.
In a letter accompanying, Mr. Carberry writes :—
"The interest manifested by the public in the first Exhibition of Postage and
Revenue Stamps, given by the Section on Philately of the Brooklyn Institute, has
encouraged the members to give a second Exhibition on somewhat broader lines
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. 19

(with the co-operation of leading Philatelic Societies of New York, Chicago, Boston,
and Richmond) at the Art Rooms of the Brooklyn Institute, 174, Montague Street,
Brooklyn, N.Y., from March 3rd to nth, 1900. The Exhibition will be open on
week-days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Invitations
will be issued for the formal opening on the evening of March 3rd, 1900, and the
public are invited to attend on all other days and evenings without tickets of ad-
mission. The large attendance last year (being 2,500 to 3,000) on each of the
special days set apart especially for the school children of Brooklyn to inspect the
exhibits and to receive packets of stamps, which were distributed gratuitously, with
a view of creating in the children an interest in collecting stamps, has inclined the
Committee to renew the invitation to them again on March nth, 1900, to be
present, and further increase their collections begun last year. Gold, silver, and
bronze medals of handsome design, as well as special awards, will be offered for
competition for the best exhibits by collectors and dealers. Prospectuses and other
information concerning the Exhibition may be had on application to the Secretary,
Mr. John D. Carberry, 1,123, Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y."

The Exhibition will be held at Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A., on 3rd March

next, and has an influential backing of many of the best-known names
in American Philately. The're will be eight classes of exhibits:—
1. United States, Colonies, and Protectorates.
2. British Empire, including Protectorates.
3. North and South America (not included in above).
4. Europe.
5. Asia.
6. Africa.
7. Envelopes, etc., etc.
8. Dealers' Exhibits.
These classes are, of course, broken up into suitable divisions—the
wording of the first two is fully " abreast of the times"! We hope that
this second Exhibition may be an unqualified success, and shall be pleased
to afford further information from the prospectus to any intending exhibitors
in this country.

DEATH OF MR. C. P. KRAUTH, OF PITTS BURG.

THE following brief notice appeared in the Metropolitan Philatelist of
'3Oth December, 1899:—
" Just as we go to press we learn with profound regret of the death on Wednesday
evening of C. P. Krauth, of Pittsburg, one of the best-known collectors in the
country."
We much regret to hear of this sad event, Mr. Krauth, who was
a member of the London Philatelic Society, being widely known and
respected as an able Philatelist.
 OCCASIONAL NOTES,

PHILATELIC JOURNALISTIC ACTIVITY.

WEalluded recently to additions to the ranks of philatelic journalism,
and we have yet further indices of this redundancy. Morley's
Philatelic Journal, edited by Mr. A. Preston Pearce, has issued its first
number; its main features being the inculcation of the collection of Revenue,
Telegraph, and Railway Stamps. The Stamp Collectors Fortnightly has been
resuscitated by Mr. Percy Bishop, and it is pleasing to read that it will be
conducted free of all personalities—a feature that has been painfully present
in other instances of recent journalism in our ranks. The Philatelic Record
for January once more reappears in a new garb, and under Mr. Edward J.
Nankivell's able aegis makes a very favourable impression upon its reader.
Lastly, a new paper has been issued, entitled The Stamp Collector. The
difficulty in philatelic journalism is not the start off, but the continuance
of the effort, as evidenced by numerous past experiences.

IMPENDING CHANGES IN THE PACIFIC.

THE announcement of the tripartite arrangements between Great Britain,
Germany, and the United States, in the Pacific, that have been noted
in the Press, will naturally entail postal and other modifications, and we may
expect, therefore, that an end will shortly be put to the issue of stamps of
Mr. Davis for Samoa, but efforts will doubtless be made to get as many of
the Provisional Govt. issue postmarked as possible.
We may, of course, before long expect to see the new German colonial
issue for Samoa—either the mother country's stamps with a nice surcharge,
or perhaps something entirely fresh in the 1900 style!
After the success with the surcharged issue for Guam, we may also expect
to find the current U.S.A. stamps overprinted "Tutuila," and our own
commonplace colonial type will doubtless be adopted for Tonga and the
Solomon Islands, in due course.
 [ 21

Reviews.
THE UNITED STATES REVENUE STAMPS.*
WEare indebted to the courtesy of the Committee of the
Boston Philatelic Society for a copy of this monu-
mental work. The collection of the fiscal stamps of
this country has not yet taken deep root (though
Mr. W. Morley and others are cultivating the seed),
and we regret, therefore, that lack of technical
knowledge prevents our complete appreciation of the value of Messrs.
Toppan, Deats, and Holland's colossal labour. Even this adjective can
but faintly suggest the vast accumulation of labour and patient research
embodied in this bulky tome of over 400 large quarto pages. It has been
compiled almost entirely from official records, the Committee having been
fortunate to have complete access to the firms' books who held the
Government contracts from 1862-75. From this period up to date,
the official records from the National Bank Note Co. and the Bureau of
Engraving have supplied copies. Lengthened and combined research
on all that has been hitherto written on these stamps, and the loyal
co-operation of all the leading U.S. collectors, have enabled the joint
authors to produce a work that must be of inestimable value to all who
affect U.S. Revenue Stamps—and their number is legion in the States.
It may, indeed, be safely said that the Revenue Stamps of the United
States equally divide v/ith those devoted to Postage the appreciation of
American collectors. The magnificent engraving of many of these
" Revenues" is doubtless a powerful factor herein, and the appearance of
such an important work cannot fail to give it a further stimulus. There
are no illustrations to the work, for obvious reasons, but every stamp is
fully and accurately described ; there is a very extended and complete
Reference List of every variety and sub-variety, extending to over fifty pages,
an interesting Preface, with introductory chapters and a comprehensive
Index. We heartily congratulate the Boston Philatelic Society and its
experienced and able Committee of Authors—Messrs. Geo. L. Toppan,
Hiram E. Deats, and Alexander Holland—upon this signal service they
have conferred upon American Philately.

STANLEY GIBBONS' CATALOGUE, PART IV.f

Published at the nominal price of is., the 300 pages of reading matter
in the last portion of this firm's catalogue can but inadequately represent
the labour or the cost of its production. It is evident that no pains have
* An historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the United Slates, including the Private
and Documentary Stamps. Compiled by G. L. TOPPAN, H. E. DEATS, and ALEXANDER HOLLAND
—a Committee of the Boston Philatelic Society. Boston, Mass., U.S., 1899.
t Stanley Gibbons, Ltd., Priced Catalogue of the Envelopes, Post Cards, and Wrappers of the
World (1900). 391, Strand, London, W.C.
22 NEW ISSUES.

been spared to make this portion on a par with the preceding division
of the Catalogue. The lists are clear and concise, quotations being given
both for cut-square and entire envelopes, and the illustrations are for
the greater part excellent. Like Part III., this will only undergo a fresh
addition in accordance with requirements. It is a patent pity that " entires "
should so languish, and we can but hope that this excellent catalogue will
reawaken the interest of collectors therein.

New Issues.
N O T E S O F NEW, A N D V A R I A T I O N S O F G U R R K N T , ISSUES.
(Varieties of Obsolete Stamps, and Discoveries, will be found under "Philatelic Notes.")
We do not profess to chronicle everything, but, with the kind help of correspondents, are desirous that
all the important novelties may be included. Speculative stamps—i. e. those not really required for
postal purposes—will be considered on their merits, and Jubilee issues will not be chronicled.
Members of the London Philatelic Society, and other readers generally, are invited to co-operate with us
in making the columns as interesting as possible. Our foreign readers can especially help us in
this direction, by sending copies of any official documents relative to changes in the ctirrent issues,
or early intimation of any new issue, accompanied, when possible, by a specimen ; such information
will be duly credited to the correspondent, and, if desired, the specimen promptly returned.
Address: EDITOR "LONDON PHILATELIST," EFFINGHAM HOUSE, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND,
LONDON, W.C.

BRITISH EMPIRE. the initials 'A. B.' below it; they are post-
BRITISH BECHUANALAND.—Le Timbre- marked 'Mombasa, Jy. 2, '91,' and there is,
further, the postmark of 'Zanzibar, Jl. 3' on
Paste announces the issue of a Registration the other side of the envelope. This should
Envelope of the value of four pence. be sufficiently satisfactory, and on looking at
Reg, Envelope. 4d., blue; size F. the history of the stamp as given in the
magazines, we fail to understand how its
BRITISH EAST AFRICA.—The Monthly authenticity came to b$ doubted. In 1893
Journal gives more information in the last it was vouched for by the Postmaster of
Mombasa as having been issued in May,
number about the provisional £ anna on 3 1891."
annas of 1891 initialled "A. B."
The following is an extract from our con- CEYLON.—A 12 cent stamp for double
temporary :—• postage was expected (see p. 194, vol. viii.),
and we now notice from the Metropolita?t
"In reference to the provisional \ anna
on 3 a., to which we alluded last month, its Philatelist that one has been prepared, if
owner has very kindly sent us some further not issued.
information, together with an envelope bear- The M. J. mentions a 6 cent, single and
ing nine copies of the stamp in question, double, post card.
and showing that two others have been Adhesive.
removed from it. Our correspondent tells 12 cents, olive-green, figure in carmine, current design.
us that he was British Vice-Consul at Post Cards.
Zanzibar in 1891, and being at Mombasa Single and reply. 6 cents, carmine on white.
on July 2nd in that year, he went to the
post office to get some British East African COOK ISLANDS.—A permanent id. stamp
stamps; he asked for \ a. stamps, and of the "bird" type has been announced,
finding that there were only about a dozen
on hand, he bought them all, put them on and we have just received a specimen from
the envelope, and addressed it to himself at Messrs. Whitfield King and Co.
Zanzibar. This is the envelope we have Adhesive. £d., hlue.
before us as we write, and it has upon it a
strip of three, a pair, a single stamp, and GREAT BRITAIN.—E-wetfs Weekly has
three stamps that were evidently part of a received a letter from the Secretary G.P.O.
block of five, a vertical pair of which has
been removed. All the stamps are sur- to say no date has yet been fixed for carrying
charged diagonally, in MS., '4 anna,' with out the proposed alterations in the halfpenny
 NEW ISSUES.

and shilling postage stamps previously an- SEYCHELLES.—The current type 15 cents
nounced by us. It is only in regard to these has been changed to blue, according to the
stamps that any changes are contemplated. Metropolitan Philatelist.
Adhesive. 15 cents, blue, current type.
LABUAN AND NORTH BORNEO. — Our
correspondent Mr. A. H. Stamford, who SOUTH AUSTRALIA.—To Messrs. Bright
keeps us well informed on philatelic matters and Son we are indebted for the following
in this part of our possessions, sends us the varieties:—
following :— The 4d. value with double surcharge
"HALL BANK, BINGLEY, "O.O.S.S." (also submitted by Mr. L. L. R.
" lolh January, 1900. Hausburg) and the new shade of is., brown,
" DEAR SIR,—Referring to your observations
in the current number of the London Philatelist clean-cut perf. \\\, with "o.S." in thin type.
on the issue of Labuan and North Borneo sur- Adhesiiies. 4d., violet, surcharged "o.o.s.s." ; perf. 13.
charged stamps, it may be of interest to supplement is., brown ,, "o.S."; perf. nj.
your remarks by information which I have recently
received from a friend in Labuan, who tells me Also the id., green, and 2d., orange,
that instructions have been given for 10,000 each current type, perf. 13, overprinted "o.S."
of the same series of Labuan as were issued on in thin type, but without the period after
the Queen's Birthday to be sent to Sandakan to
be surcharged there, so as to have a different over- " S," though a faint thin line is shown on
print from the last lot, which were surcharged in most copies.
England. The numbers actually forwarded to Messrs. Whitfield King and Co. send us a
Sandakan, I understand, vary from 7,000 to
10,000, as the latter number could not be spared a^d. stamp in a new colour, deep blue.
in each case. These, I am told, are to be sent to Adhesive, a£d., deep blue; perf. 13.
London direct, and that an envelope bearing the
full set is to be posted as a proof that they have STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.—Negri Sem-
been used for postal purposes. None of these, bilan. — In various quarters a new I cent
my friend states, are to be sold in Labuan, and
the only conclusion he can come to is that they stamp of the current type has been an-
will be sold at the British North Borneo London nounced.
Office. It is supposed that there will be some Adhesive, i cent, lilac and green, tiger head type.
difference in the type of the surcharge, by which
the two series can probably be detected. Perak.—The authorities here seem to be
"With reference to the new 4 cents stamp,
chronicled in your current number, I am told that doing a little stamp business, more or less
a supply of these stamps has been in Labuan some openly, and by sale by auction. The lots
weeks, but they are not to be issued until the appear to have been sealed up, and as the
series of the nine stamps to be surcharged in
Sandakan has been sent home. The surcharging M. J. puts it (and to whom we are indebted
business has been carried on to such a prolific for the information), it is like " buying a pig
extent in connection with this country that I am in a poke."
not sure that the above particulars will be of any
interest to your readers, but you will make such If the make-up and assortment be correct
use of them as you think fit. —and we notice that "nothing except the
"Yours faithfully, number and denomination of the stamps in
"ARTHUR H. STAMFORD. each packet was guaranteed"—yet condition,
"THE EDITOR, London Philatelist, so important nowadays, may be faulty, and
" Effingham House, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C."
future quarterly sales suffer in consequence.
This information is really serious to the
Our contemporary furnishes more inform-
cause of Philately, and, like the Guam busi-
ation about the stamps of this country, and
ness, is nothing short of a scandal.
we reproduce the following :—
Philatelists will do well to leave both
issues severely alone. " Our correspondent also sends us a photo-
graph of a used copy of a variety of No. 34
NEW ZEALAND.—The Australian Phila- in the Catalogue, the 2 c. Straits Settlements
telist states that the values of the postage surcharged ' One CENT PERAK,' in three
lines, in which the type of the surcharge has
due stamps and stamped envelopes to be got loose, the ' T' of the second word having
issued shortly are as follows :— dropped down and the '£' of the third
Postage Due. d., id., ad., 4d., d., 6d., iod., is., 2S. slipped up. This is not shown on any of
Envelopes. d., id., and ad. the sheets illustrated in Mr. W. Brown's
Colours and designs are not given. book, but no doubt the forme was tightened
• up before more than a few impressions had
SARAWAK.—Another surcharge: this time been taken. An unused copy, we are told,
(according to the Metropolitan Philatelist) exists in the Perak Museum, and the Curator
the post card 3 cents has been surcharged states that he personally took it from a
4 cents. sheet of stamps that came from the State
Post Card. 4 cents on 3 cents, red. Treasury.
 NEW ISSUES.
" The same correspondent confirms the The unpaid letter stamps with kreuzer
news, published last month, that the use of values are now coming over on thinner and
the ' Service' stamp has been done away whiter paper, and perf. 12^-13; the I, 2, 3,
with, and adds that forty copies only were
doubly surcharged, though he does not tell 5, and 10 having been so received by us,
us why they were thus disfigured." the remaining values being as before.
Unpaid Letter Stumps.
TONGA.—All the journals are chronicling 1 kreuzer; perf. 124-13.
2 kreuzers „ „
a commemorative stamp, to record the mar- 3 » .» i.
riage of the king and his wife. The current 5 .> <> »
10 „ ,, ,,
id., it is stated, has been surcharged "T.-L.
i June, 1899" in two lines. BAVARIA.—Four new values are before
Adhesive, id., red-brown and black ; black surcharge. us—the 2, 30, 40, and 80 pfennig.
The colours we should describe as grey,
TRINIDAD.— Our contemporary the Metro- green, yellow, and lilac respectively; but,
politan Philatelist gets some early and useful without a reliable colour-chart, we dare not
information of new issues from the Post be too precise!
Office Department at Washington. Adhtsives. 2 pf., grey.
30 pf., green.
One of the latest is a 3d. value surcharge 40 pf., yellow.
in large type on the 5 pence of the 1896 80 pf., lilac.
issue. BELGIUM.—After all, the 10 centime stamp
Adhesive. 3d. on sd., lilac and mauve, type 1896.
may not appear in a carmine shade.
A new design, with portrait of the king, is
EUROPE. likely to be substituted.
AUSTRIA.—The full list of the new stamps FRANCE.—The new issue of the much-
is as follows, from the official circular:— debated fresh type is announced to make its
Adhesive*.
1 heller, violet. 30 hellers, red-violet.
debut between now and the opening of the
2 hellers, grey. 40 „ green. Exhibition. It is stated that the design of
3 brown. 50 ,, blue.
5 green. 60 „ brown. M. Mouchon is to be adopted for the lower
6 orange-yellow. i krone, rose-red.
10 rose-red. 2 kronen, grey-violet. values.
20 red-brown. 4 ,, green.
25 blue. GERMANY.—On page 337, vol. viii., we
Unpaid Letter Stamps. gave a list of the new German stamps.
i, 2, 4, 6, TO, 12, 15, 20, 40, 100 hellers, brown colour.
Journal Stamps, Herr H. Krotzsch has kindly sent us
2 hellers, blue. specimens of the new Germania issue,
6 ,, orange-yellow. which we illustrate, but cannot say we
10 ,, brown.
20 ,, red. much admire. The lower values are before
Stamps for the Levant. us, and turn out to be of one design. Only
5, 10, 25, 50 hellers, and i, 2, and 4 kronen, with surcharge
in Turkish currency. the 3, 5, 10, 20, 25, 30,40, 50, and 80 pfennig
We understand there will also be a full have as yet been issued ; the higher values,
complement of stationery. of oblong stamps and different design, will
Six values of the new issue have at present come gradually into use, but the 5 marks
reached us from Messrs. Whitfield King is not expected until June.
and Co. We give an illustration of the 40 pfennig
In design these stamps are identical with herewith.
the late issue as regards the lower values,
except that the value is given in hellers
instead of kreuzers.
We give an illustration of the 20 heller.

HOLLAND.—Mr. J. B. Robert informs us

that since October ist the i gulden of "the
coronation series" has been printed in sheets
of fifty, and apparently in slightly altered
 NEW ISSUES.

design, thus constituting a second type. CHILI.—The American Journal of Phila-

The corner figures are slightly thinner, tely states that "the unpaid letter stamps
while the lettering generally appears thicker. have been withdrawn from use, and that in
In other respects there is no change. future a hand-stamp will be employed, prob-
ably the old hand-stamps in use before the
HUNGARY.—Messrs. Whitfield King and time of the adhesive due stamps, will again
Co. have kindly sent us specimens of the be brought into use."
whole set of fourteen values. We think it more likely that we shall see
We give an illustration of the I krone a new issue of due stamps, with the expected
value, the 3 kronen being identical. postals, or at least a change in colours.
The design of the i to 60 filler is a crown
in the centre, surmounted by an eagle volant. COLOMBIAN REPUBLIC.—The civil war in
The inscription at the top of the stamp is this country appears to be going on merrily,
" Magyar Kir Posta." and, it is stated, supplies of stamps cannot
be obtained from the capital ; we must
therefore look forward to several issues of
provisionals.
The second issue of these makeshifts has
not been long in appearing, and Messrs.
Bright and Son have kindly handed us
specimens of both the values 5 cents, and
10 cents.
In design they appear to be very similar
Values and colours as follows :— to the last, but, if possible, more roughly
Adhesives. i filler, grey-black; value in black; pe f. executed. They are printed on tinted paper,
2
3
yellow
orange
perforated, and gummed, and in place of the
4 mauve seal for authenticity, each value is can-
5 emerald-green
6 plum celled^), surcharged, or marked with a band
10 carmine-rose
25 blue of about seven wavy lines, similar to the
30 red-brown postal cancelling mark now used in the
50 magenta
60 dull green principal American towns.
i krone, red ,
3 ,, sage-green Adhesive*.
5 cents., plum on blue tinted paper; rough pin-perf.
Newspaper Stamp, 2 filler, red. 10 ,, vermilion on pink paper ,, „
Another makeshift has reached us from
AMERICA. Messrs. Bright and Son. This time it is the
BRAZIL.—From the American Journal of i centavo, black, of Bolivar, 1891, surcharged
Philately we note the following informa- with seven wavy lines for use for Foreign
tion : — Postage.
"Errors are beginning to crop up among The specimen submitted franked a circular
the recent surcharges. From various journals to Messrs. Bright and Son in London.
we learn of the following :—500 r. on 300 r. Provisional Adhesive.
with ' 1399' instead of ' 1899,' and the same Bolivar, i centavo, black, 1891, surcharged for
stamp with double surcharge. Also the foreign Postage.
700 r., yellow, of the 1889 newspaper set, Panama.—The 5 cents., blue, "map"stamp
surcharged '700—1898—700,' instead of
' 1,000—1898—1,000,' the 700 r. surcharge A.R.
properly belonging to the 530 r. stamp. is reported surcharged COLON for use as
"The commemorative set so long an- COLOMBIA
nounced is to be limited to four values, for a provisional Registration Return Receipt
which we should be duly thankful. The Stamp.
subjects are said to be :— It is doubtful whether this stamp is worth
100 r., Discovery of Brazil. chronicling, but it is at least as good as a
200 r., Independence. lot of the rubbish now appearing.
500 r., Abolition of the Empire.
700 r., The Republic." Registration Stamp. 5 centavos, blue ; blue surcharge.

We believe this is all new to our pages, ECUADOR.—Some more provisionals are
but the changes in this country have been so reported by Le Timbre-Paste.
numerous, it is hard indeed to follow them The i sucre of 1896 has been surcharged
on paper. 10 cents, in black, and also in black and blue;
26 NEW ISSUES.

the former in two lines horizontally, the latter j Adkesives. i c., black; surcharge red.
2 c., 6rown blue.
horizontally and obliquely. 3 c., grey „
Adhesive*. 4 c., mauve ,,
10 cents, on i Sucre ; surcharged in black and also in 5 c., green red.
black and blue. » 10 c., black
• 15 c., blue ,,
20 c., red on green ; surcharge black.
NICARAGUA.—The Asenjo issue for 1900 35 c., black on rose ~J
red.
30 c., brown black.
was expected in Nicaragua before the close 40 c., vermilion
of last year. 50 c., carmine
i f., green
The design is stated to be a view of the 5 f., mauve
Island of Momotumbo, in Lake Nicaragua. Messrs. Whitfield King and Co. have sent
As the American Bank Note Co. are us the i c. value.
doing the work, we may expect it will be Dahomey.—A specimen of the 25 centimes
satisfactory.
lately issued has reached us from the same
UNITED STATES.—The Metropolitan Phil- friends, and we hear also of a 5 c. envelope.
atelist and other journals inform us that The adhesive is of the usual colonial
the U.S.A. authorities have decided to issue type, with inscription, "Dahomey et Depend-
a " Buffalo Exposition " set of stamps. ances."
Adhesive. 25 centimes, black and ro=e on rose.
It is satisfactory to hear that the strong Envelope. 5 centimes, green on white.
protest of Philatelists against the issue of Madagascar.—Our Ipswich friends also
the higher values in the "Omaha" set has favour us with a specimen of the new
had weight, and that the new issue will
5 francs value of the current type.
contain no higher value than the 10 cents. Adhesive. 5 francs, lilac and blue.
The set will, so it is stated, be confined to
the i c., 2 c., 4 c., 5 c., 8 c., and 10 c., and Port Said.—From the same source we
the stamps will be of the same size as the have received the four lower values of a
current ordinary issue. The designs have set stated to be equal in number to the issue
not yet been decided upon, though one will for Alexandria above chronicled.
probably depict Niagara Falls. If we must Smit/i's Afant&fy Circular mentions that
have these commemorative stamps, then let the 25 centimes value running short, the
the issue be as small as possible. 10 centimes was issued with "25" surcharged
The same journal informs us that the un- in red. This proving unsatisfactory, recourse
sold " Omahas " and periodical stamps have was had to a surcharge in words " V CIM^~"
been called in from the different post offices instead. It is stated that some sheets re-
and are to be destroyed. An exception has ceived the surcharge first in numerals and
been made with the Washington P.O., which then in words.
Adhesives. i centime to 5 francs.
will be "permitted, or, rather, required to 25 centimes on 10 c., black ; surcharge in red
sell out its supply of ' Omahas.'" (three varieties).

VENEZUELA.—To the list of provisional HAYTI.— On page 221, vol. viii., we referred
mentioned on page 338, vol. viii., might be to changes in colour of the i c., 2 c., and 5 c.
added further ten or so varieties of in verted of 1898.
and double surcharges, etc.! Specimens before us, received from Messrs.
Whitfield King and Co., show us that these
three values are in the design No. 8 of
OTHER COUNTRIES. Messrs. Gibbons' 1899 Catalogue, and there-
CHINA. —Messrs. Bright and Son have fore are a new issue.
shown us a used pair of the 1897 surcharge Adhesive*, i cent, yellow-green, type No. 8.
2 cents, carmine ,,
on issue of 1895, i cent, SMALL figure of 5 ,, pale bVue ,,
value, on i cent, vermilion, with inverted
surcharge. We do not think this variety HOLLAND.—Dutch Colonies.—We are in-
has been chronicled. formed by Mr. J. B. Robert that the Dutch
Ad/iesive.
colonial issues with surcharge are only
i cent on i cent, vermilion, type, 1895, with inverted intended to be provisional, waiting the
surcharge.
reception of the new plates. These were
FRENCH COLONIES AND POST OFFICES.— despatched from HoJJacd at the end of
Alexandria.—Le Timbre-Poste announces a November, and can hardly therefore be
set of French stamps surcharged "Alexandrie" available for use in the distant colonies
of the following values:— until the latter part of this month.
 NEW ISSUES. 27

M ACAO.—In addition to the late surcharges and we feel sure it had no hand whatever in
on adhesives chronicled in our pages, we this absurd and pretentious overprint. Ger-
hear of a post card—the 2 avos of the 1898 many has now absolute control over the
major portion of the Samoan Group, and
issue—surcharged i avo. America retains the little island of Tutuila.
Post Card, i avo on 2 avos of 1898, rose on grey. Before long the Samoan local post will be a
thing of the past, and Germany will pro-
MOROCCO.—The German stamps of 3, 5, bably issue a 'colonial' series of the imperial
stamps surcharged ' Samoa,' or some Teu-
10, 20, 25, and 50 pfennig have been sur- tonic variation of the name. America will
charged in two lines "Morocco"—3, 5, 10, issue a few values of current United States
25,30, and 60 centimes, in black. Specimens stamps overprinted ' Samoa,' and the pro-
from Messrs. Whitfield King and Co. have prietor of the local post will sadly pack up
his postage and cancelling stamps, and seek
reached us. some quiet spot from whence he can distri-
bute his wares, posthumously postmarked to
SAMOA.—On the authority of a contem- order, and reflect ori the departed glories of
porary, we announced on page 309 of last the day when every tourist sought his
year's issue the appearance of a German bungalow to buy a modest dollar's worth of
his many-coloured and variously overprinted
surcharge on these stamps. It seems that labels, and the 'Provisional Government'
the surcharge was not an authorised one ! issue will probably figure as sad mementoes
Recent events, however, foreshadow an early of the last of Britain's influence in the
issue of the latest German colony. islands!"
The following cutting from the A uxtralian
Philatelist may possibly interest some of our SIAM.—Messrs. Whitfield King and Co,
readers :— send us a specimen of the newly issued
4 atts, carmine-rose.
" Mr. J. F. Hambly has shown us an The design is similar to the last, but with
envelope franked from Apia (Samoa) to
Sydney by means of the current 2d., yellow, head in profile to left.
overprinted ' Provisional Govt.' in two lines The set is stated to contain nine values,
in red. This doubtless is but one of a com- as follows :—
plete set, and we deeply regret having to
mention its existence, although we do so Adhesives. i att, oliv
2 a s, gre n.
more as a warning than from any desire to 3 red and blue.
swell the list of new issues. As is well 4 ros -carmine.
8 gre n and yellow.
known, the 'Palm Tree' Samoa stamps are 10 inc go.
issued by a private individual who conducts 12 lita and carmine.
the local post office, merely as a commercial 24 tila and blue.
64 hla and brown.
concern. It is true that he holds a grandilo-
quently worded 'concession' from the now
deceased ' King' Malietoa, but for many SURINAM.—Upon the information given
years past the political government has been by an American contemporary, we an-
in the hands of Great Britain, Germany, and nounced last month that the newly sur-
America, and branches of the home post
offices were maintained by each nation, the charged stamps of the Netherlands for
local office doing such work as did not find Surinam were -without additional value.
its way into one of the three branch offices This would appear to be incorrect.
mentioned. Not only has the proprietor of
the local post office made a profitable busi-
ness out of selling his stamps, neatly can- TRANSVAAL.—Eiveris Weekly tells us to
celled to order at a big discount off face look out for some new provisionals, and that
value, but he has also 'rung the changes' on the Jd. and id. stamps were not obtainable
provisional stamps with varied overprints, at Pretoria.
including the ridiculous and unmeaning word
'surcharged,' specially marked stamps for The id. on 2|d., violet, of 1895 has been
registered letters, uncalled-for 'accidental' seen on letters via Lorenzo Marques, but
changes of colour, and all the objectionable whether drawn from old stock, or reprinting
schemes for creating new varieties to feed has taken place, remains to be seen.
the supposed voracious appetite of the omni-
vorous collector, and to comfortably line his Copies of the current Cape of Good Hope
own pockets. Now he caps all his previous stamps have been seen surcharged " S.A.R.,"
efforts by bringing out a stamp (or series) for use, or used, in the " annexed portions"
purporting to be the emission of a Provi- of our possessions in South Africa.
sional Government! Why, the joint com- Collectors will, we think, be fortunate if
mission which sat for a while to decide
affairs in Samoa was never intended to they can succeed in procuring bona fide used
exercise control over local postal matters, specimens.
 Philatleic Societies' Meetings.
Philatelic Society, London. postage stamps for sale by auction, the proceeds
of such auction to be handed over to one or more
of the war funds, and that a committee be elected
Honorary President—H.R.H. THB DUKE OF to make all requisite arrangements, with power to
SAXE-COBURG AND GOTHA, K.G., &c. invite the co-operation of other Societies and of
Council for the Year 1899-1900. the leading collectors and dealers and any others
President— H.R.H. THE DUKE OF YORK, K.G. interested in Philately, and that such committee
Vice-President—M. P. CASTLE. should also have power to add to their number
Hon. Secretary—]. A. TILLEARD. any person or persons, whether members of this
Hon. Assistant Secretary—H. R. OLDFIELD. Society or not."
Hon. Treasurer—£. N. BIGGS. The following members were elected to serve
Hon. Librarian—-T. MAYCOCK. on this committee:—Messrs. W. B. Avery,
W. B. AVERY. E. B. EVANS. M. P. Castle, R. Ehrenbach, Gordon Smith,
E. D. BACON. T. W. HALL. T. W. Hall, L. L. R. Hausburg, E. J. Nankivell,
W. D. BECKTON. T. WICKHAM JONES. H. R. Oldfield, and J. A. Tilleard.
R. EHRENBACH. R. PEARCE. The Vice-President then read a paper on "The
GORDON SMITH. Collectors' Catalogue Question," in which he
fully set out the arguments against the issue of an
THE fourth meeting of the season 1899-1900 was exhaustive unpriced catalogue, which work he
held at Effingham House on Friday, the 1st considered impracticable; and he also set out
December, 1899, at 7.45 p.m. with great detail the arguments for and against
Members present :—Messrs. M. P. Castle, the preparation and issue of a priced collectors'
E. D. Bacon, Herbert R. Oldfield, Rudolph catalogue, without expressing, however, his per-
Meyer, Rudolph Frentzel, L. L. R. Hausburg, sonal opinion on the matter, except that it was
William Silk, jun., A. R. Barrett, Gordon Smith, undesirable that any priced catalogue should be
Thos. William Hall, A. B. Creeke, jun., W. issued under the auspices of this Society.
Schwabacher, Edward J. Nankivell, T. Wickham An interesting discussion then took place, in
Jones, B. D. Knox, J. A. Tilleard. the course of which Mr. E. J. Nankivell con-
A letter was read from Mr. W. Matthews re- sidered the issue of a priced catalogue would be
signing his membership of the Society as at the undignified so far as the Society was concerned,
end of the present year, and such resignation was but he strongly approved of the preparation of an
accepted with regret. unpriced catalogue. Mr. T. W. Hall considered
A letter was read from Mr. Krauth in reference the issue of a catalogue, either priced or unpriced,
to the Philatelic Library established in connec- undesirable. Mr. Gordon Smith agreed that a
tion with the Carnegie Institute, and inquiring priced catalogue was impossible, and suggested
whether the Society would be willing to present the commencement by the Society of a manuscript
any works to such library. catalogue which could be retained by the Society,
It was resolved that a copy of the Society's and which could constantly be added to. Mr.
work on India and Ceylon should be sent, and Oldfield favoured the preparation of a priced
that if copies of the London Philatelist had not catalogue by collectors, and Mr. Tilleard con-
previously been sent to the American Philatelic sidered that it would be impossible for this
Association, copies should be sent for the Carnegie Society to issue any catalogue except in the shape
Library. of works on particular countries, which could
A letter was read from Mr. C. J. Phillips, in only appear at long intervals.
which he forwarded for the inspection of members Owing to the late hour the business of the
two copies of the 4 annas first issue Indian stamps meeting was then concluded with a vote of thanks
with the frame inverted, and on a portion of the to the chairman.
original envelope. The Hon. Secretary also
submitted for the inspection of members an entire THE fifth meeting of the season 1899-1900 was
sheet of the 4 annas first issue Indian stamp, with held at Effingham House on Friday, the 151)1
the blue dividing lines, unused. Both these re- December, 1899, at 7.45 p.m.
markably fine exhibits were inspected by the Members present : —Messrs. E. D. Bacon,
members with considerable interest. Gordon Smith, Herbert R. Oldfield, Robert
The Vice-President then referred to the sug- Ehrenbach, Rudolph Meyer, Rudolph Frentzel,
gestion that stamp collectors should be invited to L. L. R. Ilausburg, T. Maycock, William Silk,
contribute stamps, which should be sold by jun., W. Schwabacher, C. McNaughtan, J. A.
auction, and the proceeds given to one of the war Tilleard, A. B. Creeke, B. D. Knox.
relief funds, and after reading various letters in In the absence of the Vice-President, Mr. E. D.
support received from some of the leading dealers, Bacon took the chair.
he intimated that a well-known firm of London The minutes of the meeting" of the 1st December,
auctioneers had expressed their willingness to 1899, were read, and after some slight modifica-
conduct the auction sale free of expense, so that tions had been made the same were signed as
the gross amounts realised might be added to the correct.
fund. He then moved, and Mr. Bacon seconded, A letter was read from (he Vice-Presidenf regret-
the following resolution, which was carried unani- ting his absence in consequence of indisposition.
mously :—"The Society cordially approves the A report was received from the Hon. Secretaries
suggestion that stamp collectors resident in the of the War Relief Fund Committee, and the
United Kingdom should be invited to present same was noted.
 PHILATELIC SOCIETIES' MEETINGS.

At the suggestion of the Hon. Secretaries, it resume the position which he had so well filled
was resolved that six copies of one of the Society's from the birth of the Society. The election of
publications should be presented for sale at the officers was then proceeded with. Mr. F. E.
forthcoming auction in aid of the War Relief Ellison was re-elected as Vice-President. Mr.
Fund, the question of further donations being Way having expressed his desire to be released
reserved for consideration later on. from the work of Exchange Packet Secretary, Mr.
Upon the motion of Mr. Gordon Smith, it was D. H. McPherson kindly consented to act for the
resolved that the next meetingof the Society should present, Mr. Dalton having offered to assist him.
be held on Friday, the yh January, and that the Mr. Bird also declined re-election in consequence
meetings should be fortnightly as from that date. of his frequent absence from Bristol. The follow-
Mr. Gordon Smith then read a paper and notes ing members were then unanimously elected as
on " The Provisional Halfpenny Surcharged the Society's officers for this year, viz.:—Com-
Stamps of Natal," illustrated by numerous blocks mittee : Messrs. N. Clyde Heaven, J. H.
of trie stamps in question. Reynalds, J. W. Stooke, and J. P. Way. Hon.
Among other interesting results of Mr. Gordon Secretary and Treasurer: Mr. R. Dalton, 30,
Smith's investigation he was able to prove that Carnarvon Road, Redland. Hon. Librarian:
the penny Natal stamps, watermarked Crown and Mr. T. C. Cartwright, 17, York Crescent Road,
CC (upon which ^d. had been surcharged), were Clifton. Exchange Packet Secretary (pro tern.):
printed in four panes, each of such panes probably Mr. D. H. McPherson, 36, Woodstock Road,
consisting of sixty stamps. Redland.
Mr. Ehrenbach proposed a vote of thanks to It was decided., netn. (on., that the Society's
Mr. Gordon Smith, and pointed out that these meetings be held as heretofore at 42, Cotham
notes showed how many interesting facts in con- Hill (near the White Ladies Road Railway
nection with a comparatively recent issue were Station) ; also that Stamps, published by Mr. F.
unknown to collectors generally, and that the L. Heygate, of Rushden, R.S.O., should be the
Society were indebted to Mr. Gordon Smith for official organ of the Society for the year. One or
the careful researches he had made. two minor alterations in the rules were passed
The resolution was seconded by Mr. Bacon and after discussion, copies of which will be sent to
carried unanimously. the members.
Mr. Adolph Passer's collection of Austrian not The possibility and expediency of insuring the
having been sent to the Society's rooms, the pro- packets against loss or fraud during transit was
ceedings then terminated. mooted, and Mr. Kellar was requested to make
some inquiries on the matter.
The programme for the season was then ar-
ranged, viz. : For January 18th, " Canada " ;
February 1st, "Cape and Natal"; February
The Bristol and Clifton I5th, open night; March 1st, "Victoria," with
Philatelic Society.. paper by Mr. Dalton; March I5th, "Forgeries";
April 5th, " United Slates," paper by the Presi-
dent; April igth, <; Leeward Isles"; May 3rd,
A MEETING of this Society was held on Thursday "Great Britain"; May I7th, "Chili."
evening, 2lst December, 1899. In the absence of The Hon. Secretary and Treasurer stated that as
the President, Mr. N. G. Heaven was requested some of the packets were still on round, he must
to preside. postpone his report until a future meeting, when
The minutes of the previous meeting having he hoped to be able to show a small balance in
been read and confirmed, and a . new member hand.
proposed, it was announced by Mr. Cartwright A few members had resigned during the year,
that he had received from the Bristol postmaster but more than an equal number of new ones had
(Mr. R. C. Tombs) a copy of the Bristol Royal been added.
Mail, of which he is the author, as a donation to A vote of thanks was passed to the editor of
the Society's library, and a vote of thanks to Mr. the Clifton Chronicle for his fortnightly notices of
Tombs for the same was passed unanimously. A the Society's meetings ; also to the London Phila-
letter was then read from the Philatelic Society of telist, the Philatelic Chronicle, the &tamp Collector,
London advocating the formation of a " Phila- and other journals, for their reports of the Society's
telists' War Relief Fund," and the sale by auction meetings from time to time.
in London of " duplicates " sent up by way ol
contribution to the object. After a very full dis-
cussion by the members present, added to the
opinions previously expressed by several of the Herts Philatelic Society.
absent members, it was for various reasons, phila-
telic and local, unanimously decided that this A GENERAL MEETING was held at Anderton's
Society declines to associate itself in any way Hotel on Tuesday, January 2nd, 1900, at 7 p.m.
with the scheme proposed, inasmuch as it con- Present:—Messrs. C. K. Sutherland (in the
siders, first, that the principle is unsound — phila- chair), W. A. Bois, E. Bounds, L. E. Bradbury,
telically —and also that our local funds require W. G. Cool, R. Ehrenbach, R. Frentzel,
and should have all our attention. G. Haynes. W. Z. Kuttner. E. A. Mardon,
The annual general meeting will be held on R. Meyer, J. O. Sell, W. Simpson, and H. A.
Thursday, January 4th, 190x5. Slade.
William Morley and D. Citroen were elected
ordinary members on the recommendation of the
THE annual general meeting of this Society was Committee.
held on Thursday evening, January 4th, 1900. The question of the "Philatelic War Relief
The minutes of the previous meeting having been Fund " was discussed, and it was agreed that any
read and confirmed, the President, Mr. P. J. member proposing to contribute stamps, etc., to
Lloyd, vacated the chair, but was, at the request the fund should do so through the Secretary of
of all the members present, forthwith asked to the Society.
 CORRESPONDENCE.
Business being concluded, Mr. Robert Ehren- Views, and explained ihe various differences in the
bach gave a display of his well-nigh complete plates, and a pleasant time was spent inspecting
collection of the stamps of Natal, accompanied them.
by lucid and interesting remarks on the rela- W. A. JUTSUM, Hon. Sec.
tive rarity, etc., of the different issues. At the 371, COWBRIDGE ROAD.
conclusion of the display Mr. Haynes congratu-
lated the Society on (he help it was receiving
from members of the premier Society, and passed
a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Ehrenbach for the SuburbanStampExchangeClub.
splendid entertainment he had provided. The
meeting terminated at 9.15 p.m. JULY sheets have been returned to their respective
H. A. SI.ADE, Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. owners, and accounts duly submitted and settled.
INGLESIDE, ST. ALBANS. Sales amounted to upwards of £200, a very satis-
January yd, 1900. factory average. August packets are coming back
from their rounds, and will be dealt vfith as
quickly as possible.
Cardiff Philatelic Society. Three packets, containing 147 sheets, valued
in the aggregate at £1,747 iy. lOii., were de-
President— Mr. WALTER SCOTT.
spatched on the December circuit in. good time.
These packets contained very fine selections of
THE general monthly meeting was held at No. 3, stamps, priced very reasonably, and members
Park Place, on the gth January, at 7.30 p.m., should have no difficulty in picking out many
the President in the chair. bargains. Australians were especially strong, and
Mr. Petty was to have given a paper on the African Protectorates were well represented. Non-
Stamps of Uruguay, but he was unable to be subscribing members who wish to see packets
present. His place was taken by Mr. E. W. should not fail to notify the Secretary at regular
Shackell, who gave a paper on ' ' Exchange intervals. Six applications for membership were
Clubs," in which he gave his ideas as to how received during the past month, of which four
an Exchange Club should be conducted. He were accepted. Good references should accom-
strongly deprecated the present system of pricing pany every application. A special appeal to every
stamps at 50 per cent, discount, and urged that •member to subscribe liberally to the Philatelists'
an alteration to net prices would tend to more War Relief Fund has been made directly, and is
exchanges taking place. renewed in this notice. Secretary, H. A. Slade,
The President displayed his collection of Sydney logieside, St. Aibans.

Correspondence.
COMMUNICATIONS.—All communications of Philatelic matters and Publications for Review should
be addressed to the Editor of THE LONDON PHILATELIST, Kingston Lodge, Richmond Place,
Brighton.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to MR. A. CHURCHILL EMERSON (Advertising Department), Effing-
ham House, Arundel Street, London, W.C.
SUBSCRIPTIONS.—THE LONDON PHILATELIST will be sent, post-free in Great Britain or the countries
of the Postal Union, to any subscriber, on receipt of 6s, ($1.50). Subscribers' remittances should
be sent to Mr. A. CHURCHILL KMERSON, EFFINGHAM HOUSE, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND,
LONDON, W.C.

" PENNY REDS." specialists use in describing shades of these

To the Editor of the "London Philatelist." stamps.
If the central idea of each" main colour is well
SIR,—The difficulties attending the subject of fixed in the mind, many of these unusual descrip-
colour names could not be better illustrated than tions will disappear. An average orange is a
by the Philatelic Notes of your Jast issue, as most warm but deep golden yellow, which in deeper
people think they are fairly safe with reds, and tones approaches to vermilion. The normal
decidedly so with pink. From my observations brown is, roughly, that of common parcel paper.
among common persons who are not experts in I cannot say what inks the stamp printers had,
colours or stamps, pink is always a bright pale but as the resultant colour was intended to be a.
rose, thought to be so becoming for certain ladies' plain red, it is unlikely that they would mix
wear; salmon-pink being a pale scarlet, and cerise, either yellow or brown with their stock red ink
or cherry-pink, a pale carmine or crimson. " Pale for this purpose, though it might be reduced in
pink," therefore, should be something like a tone at times. Both steel and copper plates will
"blush-rose" tint, or the delicate colour of a chemically affect many inks, 'but not sufficiently
young maid's cheek. Whether anybody has seen to turn a bright red—which I take it was the
a " penny red " of this tint it is impossible for me normal hue, between scarlet and crimson—into
to say, but certainly I have not, nor even the orange or brown. The action of impure air has
" orange " and " red-brown " that other English the effect of tarnishing or making such reds dull
 THE MARKET.

or brownt.r'i; but in describing stamp colour nothing with a yellow or orange tinge has ap-
dates the actual colour at time of issue seems peared. The nearest approach to a brown shade
most correct. Now the idea conveyed to many is the "Venetian red" of following issue, some
by " pale pink with a tinge of brown " would be printings of which resemble chestnut or pale red-
a warm or pinky buff; " more pink but less brown. It is always difficult to say where brown-
brown " would be a faded or pale dull red, and red ends and red-brown begins, when such colours
might even carry one on to a pale chestnut; and are mixed, but you may reduce orange, pure red,
" orange-brown " is usually synonymous with the and brown colours to light tints, and each tint
" tan" colour so fashionable for shoe leather, will be distinctly different; that is, the red will
without a particle of pure red. not have become orange, nor the brown either red
The only name here given that seems to fit the or orange. A dull or dirty red stamp may look
old penny stamps is a pale chestnut—besides the brownw^, or even greyish, as if dipped in inky
usual dull vermilion or light red, dull scarlet, water, but need not, therefore, be called red-
bright red (almost carmine), rosy red (light and brown or red-black.
dark), with occasionally a very deep hue near Your obedient servant,
crimson. There may have been some prints so
light or pale as to be near to "salmon," but of B. W. W.
thousands that have passed through my hands CHELSEA, $th January, 1900.

The Market.
NOTE.—Under this title will be inserted all the information that may refer in any way
to the financial aspects of Philately, e.g. the sales or values of stamps, the state
of the Market, Trade publications, etc.

THE auction sales this month have been of MR. PAUL KOHL has forwarded a list of some
considerable variety, that of Messrs. Puttick and of the greater rarities in the big collection of
Simpson on the i6th and 17th containing an Baron von Transehe-Roseneck, which he is now
enormous quantity of the more ordinary stamps, selling. The baron, who it is grievous to learn
being Messrs. H. Hilckes and Co.'s stock, sold has been compelled by almost total failure of eye-
by order of the Official Receiver, and command- sight to abandon Philately, was a resident in a
ing a ready sale. On the 3oth and 3lst the fine remote district in Russia, and by general repute
collection of unused stamps of M. A. Le Conte, was possessed of fabulous wealth. It is clear
of Paris, is to be sold. Messrs. Ventom, Bull, and that, as a comparatively modern collector, he
Cooper on the 18th and igth held an important could only have acquired so many of the great
sale, nearly all the lots being composed of rare rarities by lavish outlay of money, all of which
and valuable stamps; no less than fifty-five were may not come back, as in another recent case.
illustrated. In Philately one wants to build slowly !
* * *
The following is a list of some of the principal
THE question of condition seems to gain greater stamps in this grand general collection :—
force each year, so that nowadays a catalogue
quotation really represents frequently nothing more Rotiniania.—1st issue, unused and used, the latter
than "a pious opinion " as to the real value. As loose and on entires.
an example hereof we have recently examined a British Guiana.—1st issue, 2 cents, rose, pair on
selection of the first issue of the stamps of a letter ; 4, 8, and 12 cents in fine condition ;
certain country, the two leading varieties of which 1856, 4 c., dark blue, sugar paper, etc.; 1862,
have a catalogue price of 705. and gos. respectively, all types.
in unused condition, used values being very small. Cafe of Good Hope.—A grand lot of the tri-
The prices quoted were :— s% ^ angular issue, including the red and blue errors.
A . "Cleaned" . . . 2 0 Rtissia and Finland.—All errors, etc.; Finland
„ Rather small margins with envelope in red.
slight ink or dirt stain . 15 o Mauritius.—Very strong in early issues, partly
,, Cut close, but unused, with plated.
traces of gum . . 20 o New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.—Shillings,
, , Pair mint . . . . 175 o unused.
B. Unused, good margins, but
not fresh impression United States of America.—1869: 12, 15, and 30
55 o cents, with inverted centres.
,, Mint; very minute defect 70 o
,, Good margins, part gum 85 o Canada.—I2d., black, used and unused.
,, Pair mint . 300 o Newfoundland.—All vermilion, used and unused.
No comment is needed ! The vendor is" an old Dominica.—One Penny on Sixpence, green.
philatelic hand! St. Vincent.—All used and unused.
 THE MARKET.

Barbados.—Pair id. on half 55., unused. surcharged in red on 16 c., penmarked, .£5 5s.;
Turks Islands.—is., plum. St. Vincent, wmk. Star, 4d., dark blue, unused,
Hawaii.—2 c., 5 c., both 13 c., and a 13 c. used with gum, £2 IDS. ; Turks Islands, 4d. on Is.,
prune, Gibbons' No. 16, unused, £2 8s.
on letter.
Most if not all the European rarities—such as
Tuscany, 3 lire; Naples, arms and cross; Swiss MESSRS. VENTOM, BULL, AND COOPER'S sale
Cantonals ; Austrian Mercuries, red, yellow, and of January gth and loth (including the second
rose; Great Britain, etc.—exist both used and portion of Mr. Tamsen's collection). St. Vincent,
unused. In short, this collection is practically is., rose-red, perf. n x i 2 j , unused, full gum,
complete, in both used and unused, in all the great £5 los.; Is., vermilion, unused, with gum, £$;
rarities; and beyond that, in several countries, pair id. on half 6d., unused, mint, £16 los.; 4d.
such as Roumania, it is fully specialised. on is., vermilion, unused, with gum, £16; 40".,
ultramarine, full gum, 463.; 6d., bright green,
perf. 12, a superb unused block of 6, mint,
£$ 12s. 6d.; 4d., red-drown, unused, full gum,
MESSRS. PUTTICK AND SIMPSON, December £4 los. Queensland, 2d., blue, imperf., used,
12th and 13th. This catalogue was of the useful £7 los. Western Australia, is., yellow-green,
order, mostly comprising big lots—collections, etc. rough perf., unused, £$. British Central Africa,
We notice in conning over the priced catalogue: id. on 2d. (1895), twice surcharged, unused, with
Great Britain, 2d., blue, without lines, a pair, gum, £4. Cape of Good Hope, 4d., blue, re-
unused, one stamp creased, £6 155.; India, touched corner, £4 los. ; 4d., dark blue, used,
1st issue, J a., red, 9^ arches, unused, no gum, £ 4; the errors " T H E . E E " and "PENCE,"
£3 I2s. 6d.; Straits Settlements, 6 cents, yellow, £3 I2s. 6d. Mauritius, "Post Paid," id., ver-
a pair, mint, £2 45.; Natal, wmk. Star, 3d., blue, milion on yellowish paper, and 2d., blue on
imperf., unused, no gum, £3 175. 6d; Zanzibar, bluish, early state of plate, used, £25 ; id.,
1896, Indian stamp surcharged 1 anna, .plum, with vermilion on blue paper, vertical pair, earliest
blue surcharge, £2; Barbados, id. on half 55., state of plate, used, £20; single specimens,
£3 55.; a collection in Lallier, 1,452 stamps, £4 155. and £4 45.; 2d., blue, "PENCE," early
.£30 IDS.; collections, 3,000, ,£20; 4,154, £1$; state of plate, used, £12 IDS. St. Helena, perf.
5,579, £45; 2,97«, £^i; and 2,433,^23. 14x124, 4d., carmine, unused blocks of 6, full
gum, £3 175. 6d. and £3 35. Zululand, 55.,
carmine, used, 48s. Tr'^RAALj,, 3d-, lilac,
MR. W. HADLOW'S sale of January 8th. " Few imperf., block of 6, unused, full gum, £$ 153.;
lots of single stamps are to be found in this sale pair, £2 ; 6d., blue, with inverted surcharge,
also. We may, however, mention: Hawaii, £3 3s- > sheet of 60 of the error on 6d., Queen's
"Inter-Island," 2 c., black on white wove, with Head, "Halve Penny" instead of " TWEE
red postmark, £i 33.; Labuan, 6 c., twice Pence," unused, ^15.