Author Archives: VSC

Free Ebook on Nicholas F. Seebeck

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[press release]
Seebeck
Everything possible for you to know about Nicholas F. Seebeck is in this free 182-page ebook.

The ebook is titled Seebeck: Hero or Villain? by Danilo A. Mueses.

This new second edition published in October 2018 is in English. It is a newly edited update and enlargement of the book first published in 1986 in Spanish.

The entire free 2018 ebook will be sent to you in a few days by email or as a free download from an emailed link if you so advise momotombo@woh.rr.com that you would prefer a link.

The low-resolution PDF file of the ebook comprises less than 5 megabytes.

Pages are 8½ inches x 11 inches.

  • Learn about this prominent philatelic figure of the 1870s through 1890s.
  • Have 100s of facts and details about Seebeck at your fingertips.
  • All text of this ebook is machine-searchable.
  • Includes index and bibliography.
  • Includes full text of the Seebeck stamp contracts.
  • Includes full text of the 1895 public letters of Seebeck and J. Walter Scott.
  • Includes chapters summarizing the Seebeck stamps and stationery issued by El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and the Colombian state of Bolivar.
  • Pictures dozens of selected stamps and postal stationery in color.
  • Pictures important artifacts related to Seebeck and the Hamilton Bank Note Engraving and Printing Company.
  • Additional files of the Minute Books of the Hamilton Bank Note Engraving and Printing Co.

Why is this ebook free?
Author Danilo A. Mueses and editor Michael Schreiber want to promote the collection and study of the Seebeck stamps and postal stationery. This book provides essential background for understanding the listings in stamp catalogs and for reading published special studies on the stamps and postal stationery. Offering a free ebook eliminates the need for a physical inventory and for any packing, postage, shipping and money handling. There are no gimmicks. The author and editor are not trying to sell you anything or buy anything from you. At some point, a traditional book on paper might be published in a small quantity.

To receive the free book, send e-mail to momotombo@woh.rr.com.

Australia Marks End of World War I (Australia, 2018)

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[press release]
Australia marks 100 years since WWI

Australia Post is marking 100 years since the end of the Great War ahead of Remembrance Day with the release of five commemorative stamps in the series Centenary of WWI: 1918.Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said this is the final issue in a five-year program commemorating World War I, with each issue looking back 100 years on war efforts at home and abroad.

“In this issue, we used the image archive of the Australian War Memorial to focus on and highlight significant events and themes associated with the end of the war in 1918.”
Australian War Memorial Senior Historian Dr Aaron Pegram worked with Australia Post throughout the five-year program to help bring these stamps to life.

“We have tried to tell the story of Australia during World War 1 and the impact it had on Australian society. Australia Post’s five-year commemorative stamp program has been comprehensive. It has covered all theatres of fighting, the major campaigns fought by the Australian Imperial Force, and both the victories and losses during the war. This final issue looks at the momentous events of 1918, the Armistice signed on 11 November, and loss of around 60,000 Australians during more than four years of fighting,” Dr Pegram said.

The five domestic rate $1 stamps are:

  • Last 100 days: Represents the last months of hostilities on the Western Front and features Lieutenant Rupert Frederick Arding Downes MC addressing his platoon from B Company, 29th Battalion, during a rest before the advance onto Harbonnières.
  • Lieut Gen. Sir John Monash: Depicts our most celebrated leader during the war. Monash was promoted to lieutenant general in May 1918, and made commander of the Australian Corps. The background image shows his knighthood ceremony.
  • Armistice declared: Represents the Armistice signed on 11 November 1918. The image in the background reflects the spirited as citizens rejoiced at the news the war had finally come to an end.
  • Return home: Represents the families waiting for the arrival of their loved ones. It took more than a year to bring the last of the Australian troops home from the war.
  • Honouring the fallen: Pays homage to the lives lost on foreign soil and depicts the French children at Adelaide Cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux, who tended the graves of Australian soldiers who died in the surrounding area throughout the fighting of 1918.

The products available with this commemorative stamp issue include a minisheet, stamp pack, first day cover, maxicards, three postal numismatic covers, prestige booklet, prestige cover, medallion cover, medallion collection, and stamp medal.

The Centenary of WWI: 1918 stamp issue will be available from 2 October at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.

More Harry Potter Stamps from Royal Mail (UK 2018)

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From a Royal Mail press release:

Stamp Issue Date: Tuesday, 16th October 2018 (Stamps and Miniature Sheet)

The Harry Potter series remains to be one of the most beloved and enduring franchises with fans worldwide. The new stamps feature some of the most iconic characters from the films including: Harry; Hermione; Ron; Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom.

Product Range at a Glance:

• Set of ten Special Stamps AS4123 £6.70 16th October
• Full sheet of 50 x 1st Class Stamps £33.50 16th October
• Full sheet of 50 x 1st Class Stamps £33.50 16th October
• Full sheet of 25 x 1st Class Stamps £16.75 16th October
• Full sheet of 25 x 1st Class Stamps £16.75 16th October
• Miniature Sheet MZ134 £3.35 16th October
• Special Stamps First Day Cover AF439 £8.60 16th October
• Miniature Sheet First Day Cover MF132 £4.60 16th October
• Prestige Stamp Book First Day Cover HF084 £5.12 4th December
• Special Stamps First Day Envelope AE394 £0.30 16th October
• Miniature Sheet First Day Envelope ME129 £0.30 16th October
• Prestige Stamp Book First Day Envelope HE076 £0.30 16th October
• Stamp Souvenir AW085 £8.60 16th October
• Stamp Sheet Souvenir AW086 £4.60 16th October
• Presentation Pack AP452 £10.75 16th October
• Press Sheet (limited edition of 300) PZ036 £44.49 16th October
• Limited Edition Prestige Stamp Book YB080 £75.00 4th December
• Character Set
• Prestige Stamp Book YB079 £15.50 4th December
• Set of sixteen Postcards AQ269 £7.20 16th October
• Retail Stamp Book UB418 £4.02 16th October
• Collector Sheet AT104 £7.70 16th October
• Hogwarts Medal Cover AM058 £19.95 4th December
• Diagon Alley Medal Cover AM060 £19.95 4th December
• Silver Proof Hogwarts Medal Cover AM061 £99.99 4th December
• Silver Proof Diagon Alley Medal Cover AM059 £99.99 4th December
• Framed Stamp Set N3153 £39.99 16th October
• Framed Collector Sheet N3154 £39.99 16th October
• Framed Miniature Sheet N3155 £39.99 16th October
• Souvenir Art Folder £24.99 16th October
• Stamp Mount 16th October
• Bundle 16th October

Technical Details:

Number of stamps: Ten
Value of Stamps: 1st Class
Design: True North; digital image enhancement: Smoke & Mirrors London
Acknowledgements: HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s18)
Stamp Format: Landscape
Stamp Size: 37mm x 35mm
Number per sheet: 25/50
Printer : International Security Printers
Print Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14 x 14.5
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA

Mini-Sheet Details:Please note that the Miniature Sheet will be self adhesive rather than gummed (our Miniature Sheets are normally gummed). (The reverse of the minisheet:)

Number of stamps: Five
Design: The Chase
Miniature sheet size: 192mm x 74mm
Stamp Format: Portrait
Stamp Size: 27mm x 37mm
Acknowledgments: HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
WB SHIELD: © & ™ WBEI. WIZARDING WORLD trademark and logo © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing rights © JKR. (s18).
Printer : International Security Printers
Print Process:
Perforations: 14 x 14
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: Self Adhesive

Einstein FDCs Featured In New AFDCS Publication

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A new book from the American First Day Cover Society chronicles a collector’s love for the 8-cent Albert Einstein stamp of 1966. The Al Raddi Collection of Scott 1285 Albert Einstein FDCs shows 163 different first day covers for the Prominent Americans issue.

Each of the cachets is shown in color. Raddi, from Michigan, invites readers to send information about other cachets that exist for this issue.

The book starts with a brief biography of the scientist, and information about both the U.S. Einstein stamp and those issued by other countries.

The Al Raddi Collection s available as a .pdf download from the AFDCS for $8 ($6 for members) or a printout may be purchased for $15 ($13) postpaid. Either version may be ordered from the AFDCS website at www.afdcs.org/fdccatalogs.html. The printed version may also be ordered by mail from AFDCS Sales, PO Box 44, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0044.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization, with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status granted by the IRS. Established in 1955, the AFDCS also publishes handbooks, catalogues and its award-winning bimonthly journal, First Days. It also promotes first day cover exhibiting, both at its own Americover show and at other stamp shows.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at PO Box 16277, Tucson, AZ 85732.

Chicagopex 2018 Schedules 2 Societies, Museum Curator

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[press release]
CHICAGOPEX 2018 Features Two Convening Societies, NPM Chief Curator of Philately Dan Piazza

CHICAGO, Sept. 23, 2018 – CHICAGOPEX 2018 will feature two convening societies and a speaker from the Smithsonian National Postal Museum at the show, which takes place Nov. 16-18 at the Westin Chicago Northwest, 400 Park Blvd., Itasca, Ill.

The annual philatelic exhibition and stamp show, celebrating 132 years of the Chicago Philatelic Society, features two convening societies: the France and Colonies Philatelic Society and the Society for Czechoslovak Philately. These groups will present special exhibits of stamps and postal history as well as hold meetings open to the public.

On Saturday afternoon, Dan Piazza, chief curator of philately at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, will be giving a talk entitled “25 Years of Stamps and Stories: The National Postal Museum’s Silver Anniversary.” Attendees will have a chance to receive an autographed NPM cover, a set of postcards and a catalog from a past NPM exhibit.

On Friday afternoon, the Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society, Scott English, will hold a town hall event where he will take questions from the attendees. The Library Director of the American Philatelic Research Library, Scott Tiffney, will also be attending the show.

On Friday and Saturday of the show, at 12:30 p.m., Rodney Juell, one of the authors of the Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting, will be signing copies of the book in the Atrium. Copies of the book will also be available for sale.

The following groups are also meeting at the show (all free and open to the public):

  • Chicago Philatelic Society (Saturday)
  • Germany Philatelic Society Chapter #5 (Saturday)
  • American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors – Open Forum on Exhibiting (Saturday)
  • Illinois Postal History Society (Sunday)
  • North Shore Philatelic Society (Sunday)

Many of these groups feature expert guest speakers giving talks open to the public. The full schedule will appear in the show program, which will be available at the hospitality desk in the hotel’s atrium.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the APS Committee for National Exhibits and Judging (CANEJ) will be presenting sessions on the title page and synopsis, and exhibit treatment, respectively.

This year’s show theme is “Honoring the 200th Anniversary of Illinois Statehood and the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I.” The theme is featured on the show postcard and the cover of the show program. The U.S. Postal Service will likely have the stamp for Illinois’ 200th anniversary available for sale at the show.

There will be nearly 300 frames of philatelic material on display with something of interest for all attendees. On Saturday, the 2018 also marks the 52nd anniversary of the philatelic literature competition with the books and other materials on display. CHICAGOPEX judges also evaluate electronic literature such as websites, blogs and online articles.

The show bourse will feature at least 75 dealers from the United States and Europe. They will offer a vast array of material to interest everyone: from the beginning collector to the advanced collector and exhibitor. The U.S. Postal Service and the U.N. Postal Administration will also attend.

The show includes a youth booth with free stamps and supplies, including a giveaway from Mystic Stamp Company.

Attendees are asked to contact the hotel to make reservations and to mention CHICAGOPEX for the special room rate. Admission and parking are free. Show hours are: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday night will also feature a catered awards banquet. Tickets must be purchased in advance ($60 each) and dress is business casual. Please see the CHICAGOPEX website for the reservation form. Special diets can be accommodated upon request.

Lecture: U.S. Transcontinental Mail

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[press release]
National Postal Museum To Host Sundman Lecture About Nation’s First Transcontinental Mail Service

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum will host the 15th Maynard Sundman Lecture Wednesday, Oct. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. in the museum’s Discovery Center. Admission is free, with no reservation required. Glen Sample Ely, author of The Texas Frontier and the Butterfield Overland Mail, 1858–1861, will discuss the nation’s first transcontinental mail service from St. Louis to San Francisco. A book signing will take place immediately following the lecture.

In 1857, the U.S. Postmaster General awarded a $600,000 annual contract to the Overland Mail Co. to build the 19th-century equivalent of the modern interstate highway system, stimulating passenger traffic, commercial freighting and business. Company president John Butterfield was the namesake of this 2,800-mile mail route, which became known as the Butterfield Overland Mail Road. Many of the people living and working on the frontier during this period had connections to the mail line, and the U.S. Post Office had a large economic impact on the region.

Ely spent a quarter-century documenting 740 miles of this famous mail route from the Red River to El Paso, Texas. His presentation will not only feature fascinating little-known postal history, but will also take the audience on a journey aboard a Butterfield stagecoach for a firsthand look at America’s rowdy frontier and those who shaped it.

“Everyone is aware of the legendary accomplishments of the Pony Express, but two-and-a-half years earlier, from 1858 to 1861, the underappreciated Butterfield Overland Mail Route played a critical role in transporting mail, supplies and new settlers to remote places in the vast American West,” said Calvin Mitchell, assistant curator at the museum. “Dr. Ely’s lecture will address the significant contributions this route made to the development of the American West.”

Ely is a Texas historian and documentary producer. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Texas Christian University. Ely’s work has won The Award of Excellence in Preserving History from the Texas Historical Commission as well as Gold and Silver Wilder Awards from the Texas Association of Museums. His first book, Where the West Begins: Debating Texas Identity, was published by Texas Tech University Press in 2011. His latest book, The Texas Frontier and the Butterfield Overland Mail, 1858–1861, published by University of Oklahoma Press in 2016, has won 12 awards and honors. Earlier this year, he was inducted as a Fellow to the Texas State Historical Association in recognition of his “distinguished published works” and “exemplary scholarly activity.”

As a complement to the lecture, the museum will display an 1859 employee notebook issued by the Butterfield Overland Mail Co. (See below) The notebook contains a foldout map, instructions to employees regarding personal behavior and a travel schedule.

The National Postal Museum’s Maynard Sundman Lecture Series was established in 2002 through a donation by Sundman’s sons, David and Donald. The Sundman lectures feature talks by authors and expert philatelists on stamps and stamp collecting.

About the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation’s mail service and showcasing one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from Union Station. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). For more information about the Smithsonian, call (202) 633-1000 or visit the museum website at www.postalmuseum.si.edu. Photo: A leather flap clasps this notebook printed by Hellier and Company Publishers, New York. Issued by the Overland Mail Company to conductors, agents, drivers, and station managers working on the express stagecoach route, the notebook was designed for recordkeeping. Its accordion pocket and multiple sections hold a fold-out map of the mail route; instructions for employees of the Overland Mail Company; schedules for the stagecoach; rates of postage; and spaces to record a daily log for the calendar year 1859 and to track accounts. [Photo courtesy National Postal Museum]

No Stamp, No Vote

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Ouch!

A Washington, D.C., radio station reports the reason many college students don’t submit an absentee ballot is that “they don’t know where to get stamps.”

The study comes from a Fairfax County, Va., focus group that used college interns from several county departments.

“They all agreed that they knew lots of people who did not send in their ballots because it was too much of a hassle or they didn’t know where to get a stamp,” county spokeswoman Lisa Connors told WTOP Radio.

However, students may be able to take advantage of in-person absentee voting — that is, voting in advance — if they go home for a visit before election day.

Drought Relief (Australia 2018)

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[press release]
Australia Post supports drought-affected communities with special edition stamp

Australia Post has released a special edition Drought Relief stamp to help raise funds for Rural Aid, the charity behind the Buy a Bale campaign, with the aim of raising $200,000.

From today 100,000 booklets, containing five stamps, are available for purchase for $5, and with each booklet sold Australia Post will donate $2 toward much needed relief efforts.

Australia Post Managing Director and Group CEO Christine Holgate said the special edition stamp is about showing support and ensuring ongoing awareness for our farmers and communities impacted the most.

“Our special edition stamp is about showing support for people across Australia affected by drought,” Ms Holgate said.

“We’ve already seen communities across the country rally together to help our farmers, and over the coming weeks these stamps will serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to support Australians who need it most.

“We recognise many Australians have made significant contributions already to drought relief, including some of our largest and well-known businesses.

“As an organisation, Australia Post services every corner of the country, and that includes our people and customers who live in many of the impacted areas, so we’re doing everything we possibly can to get behind them.”

In addition to creating the Drought Relief stamp booklets, Australia Post is also supporting efforts by:

  • Donating $100,000 to Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to help with relief efforts; and
  • Matching up to $100,000 in donations made by Australia Post Group employees via its Workplace Giving Program to four drought-relief charities – Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal, Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale campaign, Lifeline, and Aussie Helpers.

The Drought Relief special edition stamp booklet is available from September 20th at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.

Fair Dinkum Aussie Alphabet (Australia 2018)

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[press release]
Commemorative stamps explore unique brand of Aussie humour

This month Australia Post continues its humorous commemorative stamp series, Fair Dinkum Aussie Alphabet, which takes a light-hearted look at Australia through cultural icons, places, characters, flora, fauna and more. In part four of the series, Gavin Ryan illustrates five stamps for the letters E, O, X, Y and Z.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt, said the entertaining stamp series explores the unique brand of Australiana with the previous three releases proving popular with parents, children and stamp collectors alike.

“These stamps take a look at some of Australia’s interesting and recognisable features. You’ll see in this edition that we include nature, recreation and even fashion to take a snapshot of things that are iconic to our country,” Mr Zsolt said.

The stamps feature illustrations from Queensland and Bali-based artist Gavin Ryan. Collectors might recognise Gavin’s artistry from parts one, two and three of the Fair Dinkum Aussie Alphabet stamp issues released in 2016 and 2017.

Each stamp design is filled with elements starting with that letter, with the idea is to see how many objects you can name.

The letters featured on the stamps are:

  • $1 E is for Emo emu, ear-bashing, echidna and …
  • $1 O is for Oilskin, opal opera house, oar and …
  • $1 X is for X-ray, Xanthorrhea grass tree, xylophone and …
  • $1 Y is for Yowie, yabbie, Yarra River and …
  • $1 Z is for Zebra Finch, zoologist, zebra crossing and …

The products available with this stamp issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicards, booklets of 10, and booklet collection. The Fair Dinkum Aussie Alphabet (Part 4) commemorative stamp issue is available from 18 September at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.

Experience Nature: Mushrooms (Netherlands 2018)

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[press release]
Mushrooms play leading role on autumn sheetlet of ‘Experience Nature’ stamp series

The Hague, 18 September 2018 – This year, PostNL is issuing the ‘Experience Nature’ stamp series. There is a ten-stamp sheetlet for each season. Today marks the publication of the fourth and final stamp series of the year. This autumn edition of the stamp series is dedicated to mushrooms.

Design
The autumn stamps feature ten types of mushrooms that we may encounter in our country. The photographs used are ‘portraits’ of these mushrooms in their natural environment. Most images run almost imperceptibly through onto the adjacent stamp. This creates natural contact between the mushrooms, as if they appear next to each other in the same wood, which would not be the case in reality.

The beauty of nature
Through the Experience Nature stamp sheetlet, PostNL pays homage to the diversity of nature in our country. Stephan van den Eijnden, PostNL’s Commercial Director for Mail: “Mushrooms are the visible parts of fungi. The fungi are often as invisible as mushrooms are visible and abundant in shape and colour. The colours and shapes come to life on this stamp sheetlet.”

Thousands of photos
For the ‘Experience Nature’ series, graphic designer Frank Janse from Gouda selected around one thousand photographs for each of the four stamp sheetlets. He narrowed these down to a shortlist consisting of around a hundred images, from which he chose the ten photographs that made it onto each stamp sheetlet. He was guided by both the beauty of the photograph and the special characteristics of the depicted plants, animals and mushrooms. The photographs are the work of amateur photographers who send their best images to the PIXFACTORY websites.

Availability
The ‘Experience Nature – Mushrooms’ stamp sheetlet consists of ten different stamps marked with ‘Nederland 1’, the denomination for items up to 20g in weight destined for mail in the Netherlands. The stamps are available from 17 September at all post offices and online at postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels. The stamps can also be ordered by phone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number +31 (0)88 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite.