LP0116
LP0116
LondonPhilatelist:
THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF
next year, and should the war be happily ended, the consequent rebound
of financial activity cannot fail to have the best effect upon stamp collecting.
We can but hope that all our readers will come back in the autumn with all
their faculties and energies brightened up ready and eager once more to enter
in the philatelic fray!
to signify their use on official letters, and the mark was adopted for exactly
the same reason that the letters " O.S." were and are used in other colonies.
The theory that the triangular punch in the Van Diemen's Land stamps
possessed a similar significance to the circular punch of the Western
Australians is, however, untenable, for the simple reason that, with the
exception of the ten months from March to December, 1858, all corre-
spondence sent from or directed to Government Departments on matters
of an official or public nature was exempt from the payment of postage
of any kind. As all the specimens I have seen bore earlier dates than 1858,
they cannot, therefore, have been used on official correspondence.
That the practice of punching was at least fairly general may be assumed
from the fact that specimens have been found on letters emanating from both
Hobart, the capital city in the south, and Launceston, the second or com-
mercial city in the north of the island.
It is possible that the mark was one adopted by some firm doing business
in both cities as a means of checking peculation on the part of clerks; and
in this case the use of the triangular punch would resemble the adoption
of perforated initials by private firms common to many stamp-issuing
countries at the present time. The presence of the two 4d., 1853, I have
seen on one letter, one of which was punched and the other intact, seems,
however, to discount this theory.
At best this " footnote" can only be said to add another variety to the
punched stamps, and to make some suggestions that may eventually lead
to an elucidation of the "mystery." I must confess that I cannot clear
it up to my own satisfaction.
' In chapter iv. I dealt with the Imperforate Postage Stamps issued from
August, 1857, to November, 1870, those bearing watermarks of figures
of value. Although all the earliest printings on the figure-watermarked
paper bore the watermark inverted, I mentioned that no further topsy-turvies
were found amongst the imperforate stamps, and only two specimens of the
'perforated ones had come under my notice—the id., perf. nj, and the
6d., grey, perf. 10. I have since seen an imperforate copy of the 6d., grey,
with inverted watermark, and have little doubt that a careful search may
disclose others. While I am no advocate of the collection of inverted water-
marks generally in connection with the issues of the present day, with regard
to which there are often as many inverted as normal, I think a study of such
early examples as those of 1858-70 will well repay the collector in the
interest it will afford him. The method of plate printing then in vogue
and the comparatively small number of stamps printed gave little opportunity
for the turning out of abnormal varieties, while the present system of surface
printing, huge quantities printed, and the frequent use of two plates at once
in printing—placed one inverted as regards the other—all tend to multiply
.such varieties as inverted, or sideway watermarks until it is difficult to decide
which are really the normal ones !
196 AN APPENDIX TO " THE STAMPS OF TASMANIA?
colour for the Twopence-halfpenny stamp, and further pointed out that by
changing the colour used for the Tenpence plate in its original value, there
would be no opening for a repetition of the fraud practised in London or on
the Continent in the case of the surcharged Halfpenny stamp, whereby sheets
of the genuine Penny stamps had been fraudulently surcharged " Halfpenny "
by unscrupulous persons, with varying types and errors of printing. Of
course, this was purely a philatelic argument, as such a practice could only
result in benefit to the revenue, seeing that the person so surcharging the
Penny stamps would naturally bear the loss of the difference in value, so
far as the stamp was required (if at all) to do postal duty. However, the
point was conceded, but at the last moment it was decided to use the
Ninepence plate, as it seemed to be in a slightly better state of preservation.
A number of sheets was printed in blue—the original colour of the Ninepence
value—but it was intended to produce a much lighter shade. The printing
was done at night, and when examined in daylight, the colour was found
to be almost identical with that used for the Ninepence itself! Thus the
principal motive of my suggestion failed to have any effect.
The overprint consisted of the figures "2\" above which was placed the
letter "d." One hundred and twenty repetitions of the overprint were
type-set, and a transfer made to a lithographic stone, from which the im-
pression was lithographed. in black upon the sheets printed from the plate
of the Ninepence. The overprint was 14 mm. in height.
Objection having been made to the dark colour of the stamp, another
supply was printed in pale blue, and these were ready for issue and placed
on sale on the ist January, 1891. The watermark was T A S (Type II.), and
the perforation 11 \.
About the end of May, 1901, this second printing became exhausted,
and the first, or dark-blue printing, was issued until it also became used up.
One sheet of this printing bore the surcharge inverted, and the error was
" corrected " by printing another surcharge the right way up!
The total number of stamps printed in the two shades was only 59,640.
In June, 1891, another printing took place. Five hundred sheets (120,000
stamps) were printed in a clear pale blue, the general appearance of the
impression being very superior to that of the first two supplies. The overprint
was reset and lithographed in black. This type is 15 mm. in height, and
more clearly and sharply printed. Watermark T A S (Type II.), perf. 12.
Although the definitive Twopence-halfpenny stamp, referred to later on,
was issued in February, 1892, the remainders of the overprinted stamps
were not destroyed, but could be purchased at the General Post Office,
if desired, as recently as 1900.
On the 15th April, 1891, the usual supply of De la Rue's printings of
the One Penny not having come to hand, owing to an accident to the vessel
by which they were shipped, the old One Penny plate of 1870 was once more
brought into requisition. The Government Printer having all his presses
in use, a temporary supply of 250 sheets—-I retain the old official number
which constituted a " sheet," viz. 240, although the stamps were all printed
from plates containing 120 impressions—(60,000 stamps) was printed at the
office of the Mercury newspaper, under Government supervision.
198 AN APPENDIX TO " THE STAMPS OF TASMANIA."
The paper used was that with watermark T A S (Type II.), and the
perforation uj.
The colour resembled the provisional printing of February, 1889, being a
vermilion shade, or rather shades, for the variation from light to dark is
very marked, and even on the same sheet light and dark shades can be
found.
The principal test by which this printing can be distinguished from that
of 1889 lies in the watermark, which reads from the right lower to the left
upper corner, while in the earlier printing it reads from the left lower to the
right upper corner.
Later in the same month the Government Printer took over the plate,
and printed 1,747 sheets (419,280 stamps) in a bright rosy carmine shade.
Some of the old paper, with watermark T A S (Type I.), was used for this
printing, and the watermark shows very clearly on the face of the stamp,
giving it a greasy appearance. The perforation was 11J and 12.
In June, 1891, the Government Printer produced a further supply of
1,000 sheets (240,000 stamps) from the old One Penny plate. The T A S
(Type II.) paper was used, and a very superior printing was the result, the
stamps only requiring " hot pressing" to make them nearly equal to the
English prints. The perforation was 11 \ and 12.
The two varieties of perforation are explained by the fact that both
the old machine (uj) of 1870 and the 1884 (12) machine were in operation
at the same time. The latter machine is not very reliable, and has undergone
frequent repairs.
In April, 1891, the Government Printer struck off 999 sheets (239,760
stamps) from the Halfpenny plate. The colour is orange-brown (shades),
and the watermark T A S (Type I.). Both perforations, 11J and 12, exist
in this printing.
Subsequent printings of the Halfpenny took place in November, 1891
(240,000); April, 1892 (119,760); and August, 1892 (119,790). These were
printed in varying shades of yellow on paper with Type II. of the T AS
watermark, and perf. nj, 12.
No further local printings of the Halfpenny and One Penny have since
taken place.
At the end of July, 1891, the stock of the Sixpence "Platypus" revenue
stamp became exhausted. This stamp (together with the One Penny,
Threepence, and One Shilling of the same type) was rendered available
for postage use in 1882, and its nine years of undivided postal service
removes it entirely from the category of " Fiscals used Postally," a class
usually considered as more or less of a provisional or ephemeral character.
The old Perkins and Bacon steel plate of the Sixpence was then dis-
interred from its bed of wax, sawn in two at the railway workshops, and
one half put to press at the Government Printing Office. In July, August,
and September, 1891, 250 sheets (60,000 stamps) were printed on the old
paper, watermarked with double-line "6."
The colour was reddish lilac, closely resembling the printings of August,
1867, and the perforation n|. The reason for the adoption of this shade
appears to lie in the fact that the reprint and specimen set of stamps kept
NOTES ON THE STAMPS OF PORTUGAL. 199
at the General Post Office contains the Sixpence of 1858 in the reddish
lilac shade only. The change to rich violet made in 1875 appears to have
been forgotten, and the only sample of colour on hand was copied as closely
as possible. This printing of the Sixpence remained in use until the issue
of the bicoloured stamp of that value in 1892.
In August, 1891, the Government Printer printed 250 sheets (60,000
stamps) from the plate of the Fourpence. The sickly yellow colour of the
previous printings, and their indistinct appearance, led to a change being
made in the colour. A pale brown was adopted, but the old T A S
(Type I.) paper was used, and the stamp, though somewhat improved, was
not particularly impressive. The perforation was 111.
At a later date, of which I have not yet obtained particulars, the
Fourpence and Ninepence were printed on the T A S (Tpye II.) paper,
and both were considerably improved in appearance thereby. The Four-
pence was in clear, pale brown, and the Ninepence in light blue.
This ends, I hope, the history of the local prints.
(To be continued.)
stamp also exists (as shown) having a double impression, the first being
in plain relief, two sheets having probably been inadvertently impressed
at one time, the undermost one being subsequently restruck in colour.
As to the 100, I would only call attention to the wide and varying inter-
stices between the horizontal rows. The 25 reis once more affords the
main interest. After my correspondence with Mr. Wasserman I turned
naturally to the 25 reis, and, as I expected, I found " types " likewise. I have
so far found four varieties here, which I will briefly describe, but which can be
more readily followed by the aid of the stamps themselves; in each case the
variety (a) is the most important.
Type I. (a) Variety of background above " E " of " CORREIO." (b) First
" R" of " CORREIO " has the tail straight down, (c) Partial double
embossing of value.
Type II. (a) Variety of background above " E " of " CORREIO." (b) Thick
tails to " RR " of same, (c) Background above " EIS " of " REIS."
Type III. (a) Variety of background above "EIS" of "REIS."
Type V. (a) Variety of background above " El" of " CORREIO." (£) " o "
of " CORREIO " slightly nearer end of label.
Types I. and IV. seem the scarcest; the latter all came from a portion of
a sheet recently discovered. With regard to the 50 and 100 reis, there is
nothing noteworthy except the variations caused by more or less heavy
striking. The 1886 reprint is on Type III.
SYNOPSIS.
Issue VI. 1862 (July to September). Dom Luis.
5 reis, brown shades; Type I.
„ dark brown shades; Type I.
,, brown „ „ II.
„ dark brown ,, „
„ brown „ „ double print.
10 reis, pale yellow.
„ orange-yellow.
25 reis, rose "i
„ pale rose j-four varieties.
„ lake-rose J
50 reis, blue-green shades.
„ yellow-green „
100 reis, lilac shades.
Note.—The paper varies slightly, but is medium thickness generally.
great improvement, and that the stamps are at once serviceable and artistic. I
do not propose to go into detail with this issue, the last on which I touch, as
much has been lately added to the catalogues, and I fancy there is yet more
to learn than I can now place before you, my only object being to call
attention to one or two further variations of figures, and point out to my
confreres the direction in which they can usefully prosecute their labours.
There are of course two principal perforations (12^ and 13!). In the former
I have found three varieties of the 25 reis.
A. Perf. \2\.
Variety i. " 2 " and " 5 " of " 25 " evenly spaced.
„ 2 „ „ closer to left.
3 .. „ ., right.
50 reis.
Variety I. " 5 " and "o" of" 50" closer together.
„ 2 „ „ wider apart.
B. Perf. I 3 J.
25 reis.
Variety 4. Relative positions of " 2 " and " 5 " varying in angles.
» 5 »» »> "
» ^ » ») )>
)> / j> ?) »
I have compared the last four varieties with the other 25, perf. 12^, and I
cannot see that any 12 J perforated variety is to be met with perf. 13^. This
seems almost unaccountable, and presupposes the existence of a number
of plates. The reduplication of small 'plates of twenty-eight would, however,
present nothing of a deterrent nature.
The questions of the types of the 1 5, bistre-brown, and 20, rose, and the
two different classes of papers employed for the majority of these embossed
stamps, with the collation of the various perforations, present many features
of interest which I hope to touch on at some future date. I have already far
exceeded the limits of an ordinary paper, but I hope that I have shown —
aided by the stamps themselves — that there is much both to delight and
instruct the collector who throws himself heart and soul into the study of
what I may call the Portuguese Cameos.
[ 205 ]
PhilatelicNotes.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
WEhear from the Australian Philatelist of an interesting discovery.
A copy of the 2d. of the 1862 issue, wmk. double-lined "a," has been
found. It is stated that the stamp is of the same shade of colour as those
with wmk. double-lined "2" and " &," but is on very thin paper, with slight
traces of brownish gum. The specimen has two slight tears.
" The general purpose of the American Collectors' Company in assuming control
of the Scott Stamp and Coin Company and the New England Stamp Company, is
to act in such a manner as to be helpful to the interests of collecting in the United
States.
"Our corporation is a union of collectors for mutual benefit, and it therefore
is necessary for us to keep continually in mind and aim at securing those results
which will tend to strengthen and solidify the stamp business.
" A prime necessity in the collecting world is stability in values.
" It may be a very fine thing for the collector to buy stamps at large discounts
from catalogue prices, but when his collection is offered for sale, or a value is put upon
it, the possibility of these discounts gives it a correspondingly low value.
"Strong and well-maintained prices are altogether the best for the collecting
fraternity.
" We recognise the existence of discounts, and know that many good stamps are
sold at comparatively low prices, but we do not believe that anything excessive in this
direction is for the real advantage of collectors.
" Our first efforts will therefore be directed towards the strengthening of prices,
and in order to do this effectively we ask the co-operation of all interested in Philately,
whether as collectors or dealers.
" The general impression that exists as to standard catalogue prices is that they are
for fair average specimens of a stamp, whether used or unused. Therefore it has been
possible to say, " This stamp, or this lot of stamps, catalogues fifty dollars. We will sell
at half catalogue, twenty-five dollars." We propose to meet this state of affairs and
change it, by making the catalogue price in future the value of a perfect specimen, or
as perfect as can be found, of the stamp that is priced. This rule will, of course, be
subject to some exceptions, as in the cases of fine early prints or varieties.
"The unused price will be for a stamp bright, clean, well-centred, with original
gum (if the stamp comes in this way), no tear or other injury. The used price will
be for a whole, well-centred, lightly and properly cancelled, clean, and fresh-appearing
copy.
" This being the significance of catalogue prices, it will not be possible to advertise
that large discounts are given from catalogue prices when the stamps for sale are only
of average quality or, as has been done in some instances, when the stamps are of
inferior grade.
"The price of the inferior stamp will be only a proportion of the Standard
Catalogue price, varying according to the degree of inferiority.
" It is quite generally admitted that fine specimens of most stamps are worth very
close to catalogue prices, and it will be our endeavour to adjust these prices so that
they will represent as nearly as possible the actual value of the best obtainable
specimens.
"It is also a notable fact that the prices of stamps, like those of other articles
whose value is dependent on the law of supply and demand, vary from time to time.
Our Standard Catalogue prices, therefore, will be good only until we publish a change of
OCCASIONAL NOTES. 209
PAN-AMERICAN INVERTS.
THE subject of the Pan-American inverts has been worn pretty nearly
threadbare, especially in view of the fact that there are no new develop-
ments apparently, but taking into consideration the insinuations that have
been offered in some quarters as to how they came to exist, it may not be
without interest to collectors to hear the version of the Assistant Director of
the Bureau, under whose immediate supervision the printing came, as to how
the errors likely were made.
As has been previously explained, the stamps are printed by hand upon
a very simple kind of press, in some respects similar to the old Washington
hand-press used by Ben Franklin. The plate, containing 200 designs, either
of centre or border, is placed upon a block upon the bed of the press; the
dampened sheet of paper is laid thereon, and by means of a sort of vertical
windlass the bed is pushed under a small roller covered with felt, and the
impression is made. Then on the return another impression is produced.
After each printing the plate is removed from the block on the bed of the
press and placed over a small furnace to keep it hot. Here it is wiped off
and re-inked, then placed on the block and a sheet of paper placed upon it,
and so on. The printing is done by men who are paid by the hundred
sheets; the placing of the sheets is done by women who are paid $1.50 per
day. The error might have been made by either the man or the woman. In
the course of the work, which is carried on at breakneck speed, it would be
an easy matter for the man, in taking up the plate, to lay it on the furnace
or the bed of the press wrong end to. He takes the plate from the bed of
the press, turns half around to the furnace, then takes it up again and places
it on the press. The human mind is a peculiar thing, as every reader will
freely admit, and sometimes it temporarily goes off on a vacation, and we
slip a cog. The woman, in her work, performs the same motions with the
sheet of paper that the man does with the plate. She turns to the pile of
zio NEW ISSUES.
damp sheets, picks up one and lays it on the plate. When the impression
has been made she removes it from the plate and lays it upon another pile.
It is the easiest matter in the world to either lay the sheet on the plate
wrong end to, or, having taken it from the plate, to lay it wrong on the pile.
The Assistant Director says the errors occur this way. They could have
occurred in no other, and they were errors not knowingly made. That the
Department should have had any part in or knowledge of the mistake is
inconceivable. In the first place there could be no possible motive, and in
the second place probably twenty people must know of the scheme in order
that it should be carried out, were the Department to undertake such a deal.
There could be no profit in it to the employees unless the sheets could be
delivered to a certain person in a certain place. The examiners, perforators,
counters, gummers, second counters, wrappers, billers, etc., they and others
not named must be in the scheme in order that a certain sheet might reach
a certain post office. Otherwise any one of the twenty people noticing the
error would throw it out. No one will believe that any such scheme could
be worked, even were there a disposition to manipulate it, therefore reason-
able people will not censure the Government because in printing 250,000,000
stamps five sheets slipped out with the centre inverted.—Metropolitan
Philatelist.
New Issues.
N O T E S OF NEW, AND V A R I A T I O N S OF C U R R E 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 current 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.
Our correspondent informs us that the Jd. CRETE.—The set of Unpaid stamps lately
value exists initialled in black as well as in chronicled appears to have been incomplete.
red ink, and that the 4d., 6d., and is. values Der Philatelist illustrates a 5 drachmas,
were only issued imperforate. with head of Mercury in the centre, name
The following is a copy of the Proclama- at top, and value at bottom. It might be a
tion :— postal for anything there is to show the
" GOUVERNEMENTS KENNISGEVING. purpose it is intended for.
The i dr. Unpaid Letter stamp has been
" Met betrekking tot de nieuwe postzegels, die
de Regeering besloten heeft uit te geven, wordt surcharged "1 APAXMH," in black, to dis-
mils deze ter algemeene informalie bekend ge- tinguish it the better from the i 1. stamp.
maakt, dat niet een dier zegels wettig of geldig
Unpaid Letter Stamps, i dr. on i dr., red.
zal zyn tenzy zy op den bovenkant gewaarmerkt 5 dr., carmine.
zyn door de voorletters van J. T. de V. Smit, die
door de Regeering als controleur van deze uitgave DENMARK.—We are informed by Mr.
van postzegels aangesteld is geworden.
" F. W. REITZ,
Thorvald Cohn that the 4 and 8 ore en-
"Staats Secretaris." velopes have been issued in a new design,
" Gouvernements-kantoor te Velde, the old types being withdrawn from circula-
"Dist. Middelburg, tion.—^./. P.
" 8 Fe&ruari, 1901."
GERMANY.—A rather doubtful surcharge
VICTORIA.—Messrs. Whitfield King and is announced in the Continental journals.
Co. write us as follows :—
The 3 pf. stamps having, so it is stated,
"The stamps issued a few months ago run short on the ss. Vineta, permission was
(see p. 77) were rendered necessary on
account of the new laws requiring separate granted to surcharge some 5 pf., green,
sets of stamps for postage and revenue, the stamps.
new issue being exclusively for postage, and The 5 pf. was cut in half and each half
the old ones inscribed 'STAMP DUTY' re- was then surcharged "3 pf.," in violet, a
maining in use for revenue purposes. It has, hand-stamp being used.
however, been found that as no fewer than
eight values of the new set bear no inscrip- A dkesive.
tion indicative of the use to which they have 3 pf. on half of 5 pf., green ; violet surcharge.
to be put, they are frequently used as revenue
stamps, which is illegal. It has therefore GREECE.—The new issue of stamps has
been found necessary to withdraw the Jd., appeared and a full description is given in
i^d., 3d., 4d., 6d., is., and 2s. stamps, and the M. C. We copy the following from our
these have been replaced by new stamps contemporary.
exactly similar in design and colours, but
with the word ' POSTAGE ' added. We send " The designs are as follows :—
a set for inspection." "(a) Numerals of value in upper angles,
The new set is watermarked V and Crown, similar to the stamp on the 5 lepta post card,
and is perforated 12 x 125, as before. but with EAAAS on solid ground.
"(6) Numerals below ; an imitation of the
ZANZIBAR.—Single copies of the current stamp on the 10 lepta card, but the foot of
2 as., 2j as., and 8 as. have been found in Mercury is now poised on a mountain peak
instead of a globe. .
Messrs. Gibbons' stock, showing no trace " (c) The same figure, but larger, in a large
of any watermark. upright rectangular frame, like the Olympic
At present it is uncertain whether these Games stamps.
are from margins or corners of watermarked "The values up to and including the
I drachma are line-engraved, and if the
sheets or from printings on unwatermarked engraving is the work of Bradbury, Wilkin-
paper. son and Co., all we can say is that it is not
much credit to them. A comparison of the
EUROPE. adhesives with the post cards shows that
BELGIUM.—Messrs. Bright and Son call the original line-engraving whence the litho-
our attention to a variety of the 25 c., blue graphic transfer from which the cards are
produced was made, must have been vastly
on rose, of 1884-91. finer in execution. The 2, 3, and 5 drachmai
The foliage at the left side differs, the top stamps are printed by lithography, as im-
leaf at right of spray is very narrow, and pressions in metallic colours cannot be made
the vein is shown in centre of leaf. from plates engraved in recess. The result
is simply vile, and brings us back to the
In the normal stamp the leaf is wide and ' Hamonia, W. Krantz' labels which used to
the vein is shown close to the edge of the be religiously plastered into every Lallier's
leaf. album.
NEW ISSUES. 213
"The 'lepta' values are perf. 13^, and the Hacha. The stamps are type-set, in sheets
'drachmai' values I2|." of sixteen, four rows of four stamps each.
1 lepton, brown (a). There are numerous minor differences,
2 lepta, grey (a). principally in the position of the pieces of
orange (a). the border. The first stamp of the first row
green («).
carmine (/'). has a border of entirely different style from
pale purple (a). the other stamps in the sheet. The same
ultramarine (b}.
violet (a). setting was used for both values, the
chocolate (a). numerals only being changed. Each stamp
lake (a), is signed in black ink 'J. R. Pichon,' or
drachma, black (c).
2 drachmai, bronze (c). 'Julio R. Pichon.' It is said that the issue
3 ,, silver (c). consisted of five thousand stamps, and that
5 ,, gold (c).
only two sheets were printed on green paper."
We have since received the full set from
Adhesive Stamps.
Messrs. Whitfield King and Co., and find the PROVISIONAL ISSUE.
description given by the, •.#/. C. correct, "NO hay estampillas
Vale 10 centavos
except that the 5 lepta is of type (b). El Agente Postal."
The execution of the three higher values [mperforate.
is poor, but the lower values make a hand- 5 c., black on white.
5 c. ,, yellow.
some set, in our opinion. 10 c. ,, white,
loc. ,, grey-blue,
SERVIA.—Le P. F. illustrates the 5 paras, joe. „ grey-green.
green, of a new issue, the only value at
Tumaco.—Additional information reaches
present in circulation, unless the 3 and 5 us from Messrs. Whitfield King and Co.
dinars noted on page 79 form part of this about the late provisionals. Our friends
set; the other values, 10, 20, 50 paras, and write:—
i dinar, will follow as the old stamps are
exhausted. "We have just received a letter from a
correspondent at Tumaco, in Colombia,
The design is similar to that of the 1894 with reference to the recent provisionals.
issue ; the principal difference noted is the It appears that the postal agent or post-
name appearing in a straight band at top master who issued the provisional stamps
instead of in a curve. was dismissed from office on May 4th, and
the stock of stamps he then had on hand
According to the M. C., a new post card was delivered up to the Prefect to be
of 5 paras, green, has also appeared. destroyed. His dismissal appears to have
Adhesive. 5 paras, green. been due to his having speculated in the pro-
Post Card. 5 paras, green. visional stamps for his own personal gain.
"As there are still no stamps to be
AMERICA. obtained in Tumaco, letters have to be
franked by the postmaster, who simply
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.—A " Memoran- writes in the corner of the envelope, ' Pago'
,dum Postal" of the value of 15 centavos and the amount with his signature beneath,
— colour, dark ultramarine on white — and the dated postmark over all, while the
appeared in April.—M. C, Prefect, who apparently acts as a censor,
Letter Sheet, 15 centavos, dark ultramarine on white.
writes on the back of the envelope, ' Pase,
El Prefecto' and his signature. The letter
BRAZIL.—The 10 reis, dark blue, perf. n, we received is thus franked, and came
Gibbons' Type 72, must be added to the list, through without any extra charge."
specimens having reached this side. GUATEMALA.—We have not had long to
Postage Due. 10 reis, dark blue ; perf. n. wait for the further surcharges expected.
CHILI.—A new stamp of the current set, The 20 cents, of 1887-91 has been over-
30 c., dull orange, has just been issued. printed "1901 — i—Centavo" and "1901—2
This information reaches us from Messrs. —Centavos," with the figure "20" barred
Whitfield King and Co. out with five lines, all in black. Varieties
The Metropolitan Philatelist is informed may be found, it is stated.
that a new set is in course of preparation. Adhesives. i centavo on 20 c., green, of 1887-91.
Adhesive. 30 c., dull orange, current type. 2 centavos ,, ,, ,,
PhilatelicSocieties'Meetings.
^ubmtran J^iamp (Bsdjang* (£lub. stamps taken from each sheet. No charge is
made on purchases.
(FOUNDED 1892). Copies of rules with full information is gladly
supplied on demand.
H. A. SLADE, Secretary.
SINCE the publication of the last Club report INGLESIDE, ST. ALBANS.
packets have been circulated as follows:—
May, three packets, 147 sheets, £ *• d-
valued at . 1,547 2 I The Collectors' Club.
June, three packets, 138 sheets,
valued at . 1,466 18 o 351, FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.
July, two packets, 101 sheets,
valued at . . 1,178 17 3 THE sixty-seventh meeting of the Board of
March and April packets have been broken Governors was held at the Club - house on
up, and accounts were submitted in due course. Monday evening, June loth, 1901. Present:
Sales for these two months were .£241 2s. 9d. Messrs. Bruner, Low, Luff, Scott, and Perrin.
and ^264 os. 7d. respectively. A fair number A number of communications were read by the
of average sheets has been received for the August Secretary, who also reported having mailed on
circuit, but the continuance of the holidays has June 1st a copy of the Year Sook to each one of
lessened both the quality and the quantity of the members. The Treasurer's report, showing a
the contributions. Next month, it is anticipated, cash balance in bank of $362.19, exclusive of
the packets will return to their normal condition $1,000 bond, was read and approved. Report
(four), and a large increase of membership is of House Committee was received. The Com-
expected. mittee on new Club-house reported that favour-
Broadly speaking, Africans have been first able replies continued to be received in answer to
favourites during the first half of the present their circular.
year, while the early issues of South America
in first-class condition have been much sought THE sixty - eighth meeting of the Board of
after by collectors. Rare unused Europeans and Governors was held at the Club - house on
Australians have been but little in evidence, but Monday evening, July 8th, 1901. Present:
whenever offered for sale they have been eagerly Messrs. Andreini, Caiman, Luff, and Perrin. In
snapped up at good prices. The statement the absence of the President, Vice - President
that "the better the stamps the better the Andreini called the meeting to order at 8.30
sales" was never more true than it is at the p.m. A communication from Mr. G. S. Dickin-
present time. son was read, wherein he tendered his resignation
Philatelists of all grades are eligible for ad- as a member and presented his share of stock
mission, but in the interests of members refer- to the Club: resignation accepted with regrets,
ences are required with every application. and sincere thanks tendered for his generous
N on-contributors may see all packets, but ate donation to the Club. The resignation of Mi.
placed last on the lists. An entrance fee of 2s. F. H. Pitman was accepted with regret. Ad-
is charged, and in lieu of an annual subscription journed at 9 p.m.
2j per cent, is levied on the gross amount of ALBERT PERRIN, Secretary.
[ 215 ]
Correspondence.
COMMUNICATIONS.—All communications of Philatelic matters and Publications for Review should
be addressetl 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. (|i.5o). Subscribers' remittances should
be sent to Mr. A. CHURCHILL EMERSON, EFFINGHAM HOUSE, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND,
LONDON, W.C.
NEW SOUTH WALES VARIETIES OF O.S. perfectly round, it is slightly flattened, and the
To the Editor of the " London Philatelist." variety is not difficult to detect. Of this variety
I have the following :—
DEAR SIR,—I note in the London Philatelist
for June a chronicle of some New South Wales 1871-1883.
O. S. stamps, in which the letters of the surcharge id., perf. ii x 12.
are 8J mm. apart. 3d. ,, 10.
I supposed this variety was ancient history, 5d. „ 10.
especially to an old Australian collector like 6d. „ 10, lox 12.
yourself, but as it seems to be sufficiently new 8d. ,, lo, lox 12.
to chronicle in the London Philatelist, perhaps 5 sh. „ 10.
you would like to know of a few more varieties.
I have in my collection as follows :— 1885 (Fiscal paper).
id., perf. 10.
Issue of 1871-1883.
id., perf. 10, II x 12. 1891.
2d. ,, II x 12. 7jd., perf. 10.
3d. „ 10.
lod. „ 10. There are also a number of broken letters
I sh. ,, 12. which occur regularly in these sheets, but I
hardly think they are of sufficient interest to
Centennial Issue. make a list of them ; in fact, I have not paid
6d., perf. II x 12. very much attention to them, simply noting that
8d. ,, II x 12. they existed.
1885 (Fiscalpaper). It appears to me that the variety in spacing
id., perf. 10. of the " o" sideways and the broken letters all
occur in a forme which was used for surcharging
1891. all the issues from 1871 to 1892, and that we
I2jd., perf. II x 12. might expect to find these varieties on all the
1891-1892. stamps and all the perforations which were sur-
id., perf. II x 12. charged during this period.
If you find these matters of sufficient interest
I also have a number of stamps with this to turn into a note for the London Philatelist,
surcharge in which the letter " o" is placed they are at your service.
sideways. It would appear that with a round With best regards, I remain,
letter one could not tell whether it is in a vertical Yours truly,
position or sideways, but this letter "o" is not JOHN L. LUFF.
[ 2,6 ]
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 stale
of the Market, Trade publications, etc.
MESSRS. PUTTICK AND SIMPSON have already in which the news of the combination recently
published their dates of sales during the ensuing effected at New York is treated ; the so-called
season, no less than sixteen separate auctions ' trust' feature naturally is singled out for
being announced. An important collection is to prominent mention: ' Local dealers in rare postage
be sold on the opening dates, October 1st, 2nd, stamps are talking about the " stamp trust"—the
3rd, and 4th, comprising over 900 lots, and in- latest thing in the combination line. Trie "\rnst"
cluding most of the great rarities. The cata- is the American Collectors' Company, which was
logue, which is in quarto, contains facsimile organised some years ago with a capital stock
illustrations of over 140 rare stamps, and will be of $100,000, but which has increased this
found to include scarce and interesting stamps capitalisation to $450,000 in order to take over
in almost every country in the world. the business of another concern in this city and
one in Boston. Henry L. Caiman, who conducted
the New York Company, is understood to have
I MADE reference last week to the probability received a check for $50,000 on Monday last, and
of a combination of New York and Boston phila- in addition a large block of the stock of the
telic interests that would mean much in coming American Collectors' Company. A large trust
months in its importance as a business move. No company financed the operation. It is now
doubt the New York end will be exploited by the generally known that the American Collectors'
proper authorities, and I need only say that the Company of New York owns the Scott Stamp
stocks of the Scott Stamp and Coin Company, the and Coin Company, of Boston. Our Boston
New England Stamp Company, and the American correspondent gives the personnel of the board
Collectors' Company are to be merged into one, a of directors of the new corporation, and we
new stock company being formed under the name are able to validate his surmise that Mr. Luff
of the American Collectors' Company. The will be identified with the company in a leading
various details incidental to this important union capacity."
of interests are now being arranged. The effect * * * *
of this strong combination of philatelic interests
will be far-reaching. Boston collectors, as a The official announcement of incorporation is
whole, are very favourably inclined to this amal- as follows :—
gamation, and seem to feel that their interests
will be better served than ever before. In keeping "AMERICAN COLLECTORS' COMPANY:
with the new order of things, Mr. Carpenter " Incorporated under the laws of the
informs me that the Boston office of the new State of New Jersey, November, 1897.
company will be at 21, Bromfield Street, where "Paid up Capital $450,000.
street floor space will be used and several offices
on an upper floor also taken to give play to the ''Board of Directors.—^. W. Batchelder,
increased business. The present quarters at 292, Henry L. Caiman, Geo. C. Capen, E. M. Car-
Washington Street will be vacated late in July.— penter, Edward H. Fallows, Alex. Holland,
MekeeF s Journal, July 4th. Webster Knight, Joseph S. Rich, Sam R.
Simmons, jun., A. C. Wall.
"Officers.—George Crawford Capen, President;
THE NEW AMERICAN "STAMP TRUST" is still Alex.Holland, Vice-President; Sam R. Simmons,
the prevailing topic of philatelic journals in the jun., Secretary; Joseph S. Rich, Treasurer;
States. Mekeefs Weekly oi the i8th July writes:— Attorney, Edward H. Fallows; Registrar of
"The consolidation of the business interests of Stock, New York Security and Trust Company.
three large eastern dealers with the consequence "This company is the sole owner of the entire
of huge increase in capitalisation has attracted stock-in-trade and business of the Scott Stamp
the attention of the newspaper press. The and Coin Company, New York, and the New
following is characteristic of the general manner England Stamp Company of Boston, Mass."