U.S. Stamps are Collected Abroad
American stamp clubs in Denmark and the UK
by John M. Hotchner

America’s stamps are a focus for some collectors in other countries. In at least two, Denmark and the United Kingdom, there are even organizations where such collectors can meet and exchange information and stamps. There are likely others.

I was reminded of this by the passing of the original sparkplug of the Danish club, Arne Rasmussen. We had been corresponding for over 30 years, and it was a real shock to receive an email from one of his sons saying that he had passed away in his sleep at the age of 95.

It’s one of the joys of our hobby that we can share it with other collectors. In addition to many friends in the U.S., I have philatelic friends in a dozen countries with whom I exchange information and stamps. It adds a pleasing dimension of international understanding; and knowledge of how others see us and our institutions in this country.

I am a long-time member of The American Stamp Club of Great Britain, and enjoy its quarterly publication, The Mayflower, capably edited by John A. Edwards. It is a lively journal and one which moves me to contribute an occasional short article or bit of information.

There is little of the wailing and gnashing of teeth that is often found in our publications here. I suppose the membership to be more interested in what the USPS is issuing than in bemoaning what they have not chosen to honor, or critiquing USPS employees for their lack of interest in serving stamp collectors. Another benefit is the advertising by British dealers with American material to sell. I’ve acquired for my collection several covers that had been sent abroad with interesting, higher value frankings.

Corresponding members such as myself are also welcome to bid on desirable material in the quarterly auctions, and attend the yearly (in November) convention; which I hope to do one of these days.

The club now has a website where you can read sample copies of The Mayfower and get more information on how to join.

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