THE

LondonPhilatelist:
THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF

THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON.

VOL. III. JULY, 1894. No. 31.

The Disposal of Collections.

THERE has been quite a ripple in the Philatelic pond on
the Continent, with regard to the purchase of the Winzer
Collection by a leading firm of dealers in this country.
Various paragraphs have gone the round in the Phila-
telic journals, imputing slackness of enterprise and de-
preciatory valuing on the part of the German stamp trade,
in allowing such a valuable collection as that of the
well-known Dresden Philatelist to leave the Vaterland.
It appears, however, in the column of our contemporary,
the Ilhistriertes Briefmarken Journal, that in the case of
at least one eminent firm there was no lack of enterprise,
as they were prepared and ready to purchase on the owner's
terms, and that there has therefore been a close finish, the English horse
winning by a short head! It is not of course specially within the province
of this journal to enter into the merits of this controversy, and we are
only concerned (taking note of British pluck and energy as regards the
trade) with its aspect as affecting collectors, and naturally through them the
trade. The fact that this important collection was valued entirely by its
owner, and sold absolutely at his figure, without reduction and after a
close competition, is one that should be viewed with more than equanimity
by those of us who are collectors. With the modern development of prices
the collector is of necessity—unless a Croesus—an investor, and is fully
entitled to take all reasonable steps to see that his money is well invested.
If he is careful in buying, and in selling what he does not especially require,
he is only exercising the most conventional of rights, and does not, in our
opinion, thereby in any way cross the line of dealing. Any speculator, or
 162 THE STAMPS OF BRUNSWICK.

even the ordinary client of a stockbroker, might as well be dubbed a

stockbroker, as a collector who occasionally has transactions or " bargains"
a dealer.
But to return to our collection and its moral. It is made clearly evident
that there is great competition to secure really fine stamps, and that a
satisfactory realisation of a collector's " Philatelic investment," or hoard, is
within the reach of everyone who has " gone in for" really fine stamps of
the straightforward countries. There can be no doubt but that the result
of the auctions has been to materially strengthen the collector's position as
to disposal, by its wholesome competition. Nor is this an evil without
mitigation to the trade. The very confidence begotten by this knowledge has
induced, and will still further induce, men of wealth and position to take
up the pursuit, even to the point of investing thousands of pounds, with
security of feeling as regards the soundness of the investment, combined
with the rational pleasures of forming a collection.

The Adhesive Stamps 0f Brunswick..

BY ROBERT EHRENBACH.
A PAPER READ BEFORE THE LONDON PHILATELIC SOCIETY, JANUARY 27™, 1894.

*
HE few remarks I can make on the subject of these stamps do
not contain much new information ; but I shall be well
satisfied if what I have to say, especially on the rouletted
issues, will in future prevent collectors from buying these
stamps, unless perfectly satisfied with their genuineness. To
buy these stamps at auctions is very dangerous, as with only
seven days allowed for returning them, if necessary, it is practically impossible
to obtain an opinion on them. Anyhow I sincerely hope that after the
remarks I am making to-night, no one of the gentlemen present will be
taken in by the I gr. black and orange, and the 3 gr. black on rose, with
roulette, etc.
Issue I. — This came out on the ist of January, 1852, and consisted of
three values, the i, 2, and 3 gr. on thick white wove paper, varying but
slightly in thickness and texture.
The type is, as you all know, a galloping horse surmounted by a crown,
in an horizontal oval shaded by vertical lines; above and below this oval
there are two bands, the upper one bearing the name of the country
(Braunschweig), and the lower one the denomination of value. On both
sides of the inner oval small ovals containing the figures of value are found,
and the whole design is framed by an outer rectangle of double lines. There
are 120 stamps, twelve horizontal rows of ten, in the sheet, and the gum
used was either reddish-brown or white with a brownish tint, similar to that
used for the stamps of Hanover ; the stamps on sheets are printed about
2 to 2\ mm. apart from one another.
 THE STAMPS OF BRUNSWICK. 163

Of the 2 and 3 gr. only one type is found, while of the I sg., rose, there
are three, viz.:
a. With no dots on the figures of values.
b. With a dot on the figures on the right side.
c. „ „ „ left side.
And on type a. a misprint in the lettering exists, the lettering of the word
Silbg reading SIL3 instead of Silb.
The variety of shades is not great, and the stamps are apparently very
carefully executed.
Although the second issue came out in March, 1853, the stamps of the
first issue were not called in, but were all used up, which is also the case with
all later issues, and among the stamps on entire sheets I possess, there are
some dated July 29, 1854, and one 3 gr. even as late as January 18, 1855.
As mentioned, the second issue came out in March, 1853. The design is
the same, as also the values and the number of the stamps in the sheets.
The paper on the other hand was altered into coloured paper, probably in
accordance with the custom of other large German States, viz., Prussia,
Thurn and Taxis, Wurtemburg, Baden, and Hanover, &c., which all used
coloured paper at that time. The paper taken was a so-called handmade
paper of very rough and coarse texture, showing as watermark a post-horn
turned to the left in a rectangular frame, though in some instances it is also
found turned to the right—this is very often the case with the I sg., orange.
Up to now I have only heard of two distinct varieties of this post-horn being
chronicled, but this is decidedly wrong, as by the sketch of the watermarks
of an entire sheet I am handing round, you will see that every single post-
horn differs more or less in size and shape. What a boon for specialists of
"Brunswick stamps," to be able to collect 120 varieties of watermarks to
every stamp, both used and unused, and to plate them by this means! To
these three values, two low values, of 3 pfennig = \ gr., and 4 pfennig = ^ gr.
were added as a complement of the series on the ist March, 1856.
The J gr. did not long remain before the public, for the design of this
stamp was changed on February i, 1857, It is not quite correct to call this
stamp a ^ gr., as the stamps consisted of four sections each of \ gr., each
section being allowed to frank as a | gr., a J, a f, or i gr., and so on.
The design is a square of 26 mm. divided into four sections, each of
which shows the figure of value \ in an oval, surmounted by a Crown; below
the oval are the words " GUTE GR."; on the outer side of each section the
inscription reads "3 PFENNIGE"; and on the top and bottom is the word
" POSTMARKS." Although there are only 100 stamps, ten rows of ten on the
sheets, the old watermarked paper is used, of course showing the 120 water-
marks spread over the 100 stamps.
About this time, but probably later (the dates Lindenberg and Moens
give is ist March, 1856 respectively, January, 1861, seem both to be
incorrect), the colour of the I gr. was changed from orange to yellow, and
this change of colour was followed up in September, 1862, in the case of
the 3 sgr., which was then issued, printed in rose on white paper.
On the 1st of January, 1863, a new value of | gr.—5 pfening—was
added, the colour of the paper of this value being green.
 164 THE ADHESIVE STAMPS OF BRUNSWICK.

I now come to the most interesting part of the stamps of this country—
viz, the rouletted issues—and in what I have to say about these I shall be
quoting largely from a paper by Mr. Ludwig Berger in Braunschweig, who
is considered the greatest authority on these stamps, and who has been for
long years in contact with the postal authorities of his country, and thus
able to speak with authority on this difficult subject. I am very thankful to
him that he has consented to allow me to use his paper, and I hope the
members present will be pleased to acknowledge his courtesy.
When it was first decided to try the rouletting in Brunswick a good
opportunity was found when, in July, 1864, the i sgr. was again changed and
issued in yellow on white. The first rouletting machine was a line roulette
I2|. The roulette is always very indistinct, owing to the bluntness of the
machine, and the coarse hand-made paper in addition rendered it even more
difficult. Thus it was very difficult to separate the stamps without tearing
those annexed. In fact, after the trials with this machine on the above-
mentioned stamps had failed, it was decided not to go on using it for the
other values, but to order a fresh and new machine at once. It was a Mr.
Muller who supplied it, and this time it was one giving " a per^age en arc
16 to i6J." It must have been supplied very soon after the first one, as
I know of a copy of i sgr., yellow ferce en arc, dated I4th of August, 1864.
But owing to the texture of the paper even this machine did not work very
satisfactorily, and especially the \ gr. and the 2 gr. were most difficult to
separate from the sheets.
The few sheets of the i sgr., black on yellow that were left, were rouletted
with this machine, while in the case of the \ gr. only very few were rouletted,
most of them being continued to be used imperforate. This accounts for the
extreme rarity of these two values. That the i sgr., black on orange, and
the 3 gr., black on rose should have been issued rouletted, is impossible, these
values being already obsolete for a number of years, and no remainders of
any stamps could be left at the various offices, because all sheets of stamps
were, according to a rule in the Brunswick Head Post-office, sent in weekly
from the printers in order to be checked, and entered into the ledgers of the
head office week by week. Later sheets of the 2 gr., blue, show a much
brighter shade and are on thicker paper. This value, the I sgr., yellow on
white, \ gr., and the 3, rose, were continued to be rouletted, but were also, with
the exception of the i sgr., sold imperforate to the public.
The roulette eti arc of these stamps must always be in conformity with
that of the following issue of 1865-66, of course allowing for slight irregu-
larities, which were bound to occur on paper so badly adapted for rouletting
as the hand-made paper used for these stamps was. The roulette always
fits exactly on that of the last issue, except that it is about two to 2\ mm.
shorter on two sides, and it is a mistake to believe that the dividing lines
should be equally large on both issues.
From these remarks it will be easily gathered that no other values can
exist rouletted than those mentioned in the appended reference list.
In December, 1865, or January, 1866, the last issue came out; it consisted
of four values on white wove paper, without watermark, 100 stamps in ten
rows of ten in the sheet, percl en arc 16. The design, is a galloping horse
 THE ADHESIVE STAMPS OF BRUNSWICK. 163

surmounted by a crown in an upright oval, an outer oval containing the

figures of value in small circles on both sides, Braunschweig above and
Groschen below.
REFERENCE LIST.
ISSUE I. January i, 1852.
1 ,fgr., rose on white, three types.
a. Error on Type I., lettered " SIL3."
2 sgr., blue on white.
3 ,, vermilion on white.
Shades of all values.
ISSUE II. March, 1853.
1 sgr., black on brown-orange.
2 „ „ blue.
3 » » rose.
March i, 1856. And shades.
Complement of Series.
\ gr., black on brown and shades,
i „ „ white.
ISSUE III. Change of design. February i, 1857.
f gr., black on brown and shades.
ISSUE IV. Change of colour, first design; date uncertain,
i sgr., black on yellow, shades.
ISSUE V. Change of colour, first design; date uncertain,
i sgr., black on yellow, shades.
September i, 1862.
3 sgr., rose-red on white, shades.
ISSUE VI. January i, 1863.
J gr., black on green and shades.
ISSUE VII. a. Perce en lignes, July i, 1864.
i sgr., yellow on white, shades.
b. Perce en arc, August, 1864.
\ sgr., black on white.
1 „ „ green,
i „ black on yellow.
1 „ yellow on white, shades.
2 ,, black on blue.
2 „ „ lighter blue, thicker paper.
3 „ rose-red on white, shades.
ISSUE VIII. December, 1865, or January, 1866.
^ sgr., black on white.
1 „ rose-red on white, variety of shades.
2 „ blue „ „ „
3 „ brown „ „ „
Varieties imperforate.
\ sgr., black. | i sgr., rose. | 2 sgr., blue. | 3 sgr., brown.
A stamp similar to the A brown of 1857 (Issue III.) was prepared
(A brown on white) but never issued, probably it is a series of rejected sheets
of the 1857 stamps.
 166

Notes on Humphry's Retouch of the One Penny

GreatBritain,1854.
BY THE EARL OF KINGSTON, PRESIDENT.

A PAPER READ BEFORE THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON, ON THE 27TH APRIL.

THE alterations consequent on Humphry's retouch of the

facsimile of the original die, engraved by Charles Heath
in 1840, appear to be somewhat lightly passed over, in any
of the works I have read dealing with English stamps.
Allusion is made, of course, to these alterations, but
only in a general way, not giving any precise data by which
the many important differences between the two dies can be distinguished
readily and at once.
I have on many occasions had stamps sent to me for identification, not
only poor, indifferent copies, but fine early specimens, about which there
should be but little doubt. To aid those who have not made a special study
of these dies I have endeavoured to tabulate the most prominent points
of variance, so that should one test fail in its object others may be brought
into requisition.
I have selected six distinct points. Of these, Nos. III., IV., and VI. will
perhaps be thought the most important in the case of medium impressions.
Nos. IV. and VI. are generally visible, in cases where all the other tests are
pretty well effaced. Occasionally, of course, a specimen will be found so
utterly worn that identification becomes impossible, but such poor copies
are hardly worth consideration.
For the study of Die I. I have taken the earliest and best impressions
obtainable. For the study of Die II. also early copies, but specially a copy
of the so-called Royal Reprint, 1864, struck on Large Crown paper from
a spare unused (reserve) plate. I have also had the advantage of studying a
proof on India paper from Die II. itself, kindly lent to me by Mr. E. D.
Bacon.
No. I. Profile of Nose.
IN DIE I.
The line from the bridge of the nose to the extremity is somewhat of
a concave line rather than straight, and the tip of the nose appears thin
and sharp, giving it a pinched expression.
IN DIE II.
The bridge of the nose has been redrawn and raised in a slight degree,
and the curve of the nostril slightly altered. It often happens that this
 NOTES ON HUMPHRY'S RETOUCH OF THE ONE PENNY. 167

test is not quite satisfactory in cases where a superabundance of printing

colour or pigment has been allowed to remain on the plate, blurring the
outline.
No. II. Shape of Mouth and Upper Lip.
IN DIE I.
The upper lip is short, and separated distinctly from the lower lip, leaving
the mouth partially open.
IN DIE II.
The upper lip is slightly lengthened, closing the mouth somewhat. On
the lower lip several lines have been added as shading, making the lip fuller
in appearance than in Die I.

No. III. Sfiading of the Eyeball and Eyelids.

IN DIE I.
The eyeball is lightly shaded by fine and delicate lines, which end very
neatly at the lids, both above and below.
The upper eyelid is softly shaded and with great care, giving it a natural
appearance.
IN DIE II.
The eyeball has been reshaded by some half-dozen coarse, hard, curved
lines, nearly all of which, instead of terminating properly at the lower lid,
cut across it and downwards into the cheek under the eye.
The fine shading of the upper lid is replaced by a series of short, hard
cuts, which cut it up into a number of segments most unnatural in ap-
pearance, making it look like a string of beads.

No. IV. The Shading of the Ear.

I consider this to be one of the most important
and surest tests between the two dies.
As it is necessary to be particularly clear on
this point, and as amateur description generally fail*,
in lucidity, I give a short technical description of
the different parts of the ear alluded to, and append
a rough sketch in further illustration.
The external rim of the ear is called the helix.
Another curved prominence parallel with and in
front of the helix is named the anti-helix.
The narrow curved depression between the helix
and anti-helix is styled the fossa of the heliv.
The deep cavity leading to the internal ear is
called the concha.
Beneath this we find the lobule or lobe. (See
illustration.)
IN DIE I.
The fossa of the helix is plainly delineated, visible even in very worn
specimens. This line extends from where the hair covers the top of the
168 NOTES ON HUMPHRY'S RETOUCH OF THE ONE PENNY.

ear right down to the lobule. It penetrates the surface of the latter, perhaps
a little too far for correct drawing.
The horizontal shading lines on the helix and anti-helix stop short at the
margins of the fossa on both sides respectively, and do not interfere with its
clear delineation.
The shading lines are delicate, and are not much in evidence in slightly-
worn impressions.
The edges of the concha are well drawn with regard to natural shape,
and possess a clearly-defined contour.
IN DIE II.
We find the horizontal lines of shading much coarser and much more
numerous than in Die I. They practically cover the whole surface of the
ear, extending, without the semblance of a break, across from the anti-
helix to the helix, seriously interfering with the plain view of, and rendering
indistinct, the line of the fossa. The lobule is likewise entirely covered with
these horizontal lines, and the concha loses its shape, becoming a ragged and
misshapen cavity.
No. V. Shading of the Cheek.
This example is only to be found on comparatively early impressions.
IN DIE I.
The cheek is shaded by proper stippling, grouped so as to follow the
natural lines of the face.
IN DIE II.
The stippling has been covered by a series of cut lines crossing the curve
of the cheek, and forming a diagonal pattern with the original stippling.

' No. VI. Band at back of Ear.

This is a most important point, and generally visible in very worn copies.

IN DIE I.
A band or roll, having the appearance of twisted hair, will be found
extending from the hair at top of ear in a downward direction, leading
round the back of the head, and disappearing under the pendant curl.
This band looks quite soft, as if the hair composing it was very loosely
twisted.
IN DIE II.
This band has been reshaded by very deep regular cuts, which take away
the soft natural look, and the band assumes the character of a coarse, hard
hempen cable.
[This interesting paper of the President should have been published in
our last issue, but was delayed mainly owing to the illustration not being
to hand.—ED.]
 169

Philatelic Notes.
NOTE. — Under this title will be found all notes relating to postal issues other than those that are
chronicled as ctirrent novelties, or which form the subject of special articles. The co-operation of
Philatelists is invited in order to make this column of a varied and interesting nature.

MODENA.
DR. DlENA has lately submitted to us a sheet of the 5 cents, olive-green j
of the first issue, consisting of four panes of six horizontal rows of ten
stamps each, i.e., 240 in all. In the lower right hand pane number eighteen
has the error "CNET" and fifty, "CENi." In addition to this there are the
varieties of the big period and misplaced letters. It is seldom that an entire
unsevered (and valuable) sheet like this is to be seen, and it has therefore a
just claim to be philatelically noted.

TASMANIA, 2/6, LAKE.

WEare indebted to Mr. A. F. Basset Hull for the following interesting
note on the 2s. 6d. fiscal, in response to our suggestion as to his kind
co-operation :
" In your February number you publish a paragraph describing a curious variety
of the St. George and Dragon fiscal in dull lake. By an evident slip of the pen the
value id. is assigned to the stamp, which of course must be the 2s. 6d. value, as there
is no id. value in the series, and dull lake is one of the shades in which the higher
value is found.*
"A reference to page 92 of my Stamps of Tasmania will explain the raison d'etre
of the ' bisected' impression found adhering to a stamp taken from the bottom row.
" It will be remembered by those who have perused the work referred to, that the
plates for the St. George and Dragon series were engraved by Mr. Alfred Bock in
Hobart, and having somewhat primitive appliances with which to produce the
impressions from his steel die on the copper plate, he was unable to arrange the
impressions with anything like regularity. Hence it will be found that the stamps in
many cases touch or even overlap their neighbours, so that when the perforating
machine was brought into use, its rigid lines of punctures could not accommodate
themselves to the erratic register of the stamps, and many were shorn of portions of
the design, while others bore away with them more than they were entitled to.
"In 1880 a re-issue of the St. George and Dragon stamps took place for revenue
use, and in 1882 all revenue stamps were authorised to be used as postals.
"In August, 1888, the plate of the 2s. 6d. was cut in halves for greater convenience
in printing, and the upper half was used. In cutting the plate the eleventh row was
sacrificed in order to leave a slight margin at the bottom of the plate. The printing
was made on the TAS (Type II.) paper, and the colour was a much richer shade of
lake than that of 1880.
" The ' bisected' stamps will be found adhering to all the bottom row of the
sheet."
* The obvious correction was made in the April number. —EDITOR.
31*
170 PHILATELIC NOTES.

THE FOURPENNY BLUE ERROR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

MR. L. GlBB writes to us as follows :
1 " Reading notes on above stamp on pages 45 and 96 of your journal, I find
upon looking at the one in my collection it is of a rather light shade of the bright
blue, perf. n j horizontally, 12£ vertically, and the Star watermarked well in centre,
only being a little to one side; postmark indistinct, reading "ADEL." Comparing the
position of watermark in mine with that in the collection of late Mr. Tapling, and
taking colour (shade) into account it looks as if there was more than one sheet used.'

DISCOVERIES.
BAVARIA.—Mr. Robert Ehrenbach informs us that he has lately seen
a rather striking novelty in the first issue of this country—no less
than the I kfeuzer, black, t$te-b$clie. The specimen in question was one of
a block, and was placed on the left outer edge of the sheet. The stamps
themselves were quite of the normal kind, without thread, and presenting
no variation from the ordinary issue. This is quite a discovery, and it will
be interesting to learn how many sheets were so printed before the error was
found out, as must inevitably have speedily been the case, or it would have
been noted years since.
OLDENBURG.—From the same enterprising collector of Germans we
have also another interesting, if minor, variety, which, however, we had
also recently seen in another quarter—probably the same specimen. It
consists of the I groschen, blue on white, of the third issue of Oldenburg
of the rough printing, impressed very distinctly on either side. The im-
pression on the reverse does not occur evenly, thus shewing two vertical
halves of adjacent stamps, but is so remarkably distinct, the wonder is that
it was not noticed before being again imprinted. The specimen is obliterated
on its useful side, and leaves no ground for doubt as to its entire authenticity.
GREAT BRITAIN.—Mr. W. Morley, whose indefatigable exertions in the
unearthing of abnormal varieties of our own stamps deserves every recogni-
tion, writes us as follows. (Taken altogether, Great Britain will soon be
quite a difficult country to collect—even used !)
"I have made another discovery in English, having found Plate 17 of the 4d.
in green. An undoubted copy, used, numbers both sides clear and distinct.
"It bears the number on postmark of 107; viz., Bradford, Yorks, so no doubt
that office had an entire sheet at one time."
VICTORIA.—At the meeting of the Philatelic Society of Victoria, on
May 1st, Mr. C. B. Donne shewed a vertical pair of the netted corners one
penny of this country, the upper one being unwatermarked, and the lower
watermarked with a single-line numeral 1. We have possessed a couple of
single specimens for many years, innocent of any watermark ; and it seems
very probable that they are also stamps on the sheet that have accidentally
escaped being watermarked. The same thing probably applies to the is.,
blue on blue, of 1865, which exists both with and without a thin line 1, as
also in the case of the id., 2d., and 4d. of the laureated series without water-
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. . 171

mark, assumed to have been issued about 1867. A further like instance is
the case of the 6d., blue, laureated, of the same year, of which series we also
have in our collection the iod., grey, without watermark—a variety whose
existence is known to but a select few. In all these cases the watermark
may not have extended over the whole sheet—perhaps as in the case of the
id. and 2d. New South Wales on fiscal paper—having the four corner stamps
without the watermark. Whatever may be the real cause of their existence
they form interesting and eminently collectable varieties, and it is to be
hoped that some more pairs may be found so as to lead to a solution of
the question.
Another discovery was shewn at the same meeting by the President, Mr.
David H. Hill, which must also be of great rarity; viz., two of the 4d.
beaded oval issue, rouletted on the original paper, and watermarked " Four-
pence." The specimens hitherto known consisted of the same stamp, but
with watermark of thin-lined 4, both imperf. and rouletted ; and Mr. Hill's
find is quite a " bolt from out the blue." The acquisition of all these
varieties, not to mention the 6d., black, with watermark 4, and the 6d.,
orange, will constitute an alarming barrier "to completeness" in this issue
of the Victorian stamps. For ourselves, when we have seen Victoria " complete,"
used and unused, we shall be prepared, d la Naples, to see, and then die!

OccasionalNotes.
IMPORTANT TO MEMBERS.
THE acting Secretary, Mr. Gooch, will be away from July 31st to
August 25th inclusive, by order of the House Committee. The
Society's rooms at Effingham House will therefore be closed entirely on and
between those dates. Communications by letter may, however, be addressed
as usual.

EMPLOYMENT OF HIGH VALUE STAMPS.

THE question has often been asked by the initiated as to whether there
is any real employment for high value stamps, such as ios., £i, and
over. The following paragraph in a daily contemporary affords a fitting
illustration of their " reason for existence " :
" The practice of sending the product of the mines of South Africa by post is
growing so rapidly that in one mail alone the gold sent weighed a ton and a quarter.
The Cape Town postal authorities do not mind the transmission of small parcels of the
metal, but enough is as good as a feast, and accordingly they are discouraging the
wholesale use of their system as a carrying agency. They are attempting to divert the
traffic to the shipping companies, the Postmaster-General in his report magnanimously
pointing out that it is not the function of the Post-office to compete with the ordinary
means of transport."—O. W. G.
 172 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

A WORD OF WARNING.
ONEof our most prominent Philatelists sends a kindly note of warning,
which it behoves to place before our readers, so that they may duly be
forewarned. Our friend writes: " I think our members might be warned
against so-called 'worn copies' of the Great Britain, 1840 (black), Penny.
I had some sent me, but the 'taste' revealed acid, and I tried nitro-sulphuric
acid, and with eminent success, producing very worn types indeed !"

A SWEDISH PHILATELIC COMPANION.

MR. F. W. ANDREEN, the President of the Stockholm Philatelic Society,
has published a pretty little companion in the guise of a pocketbook
for collectors, with calendar, notebook, duplicate stamp pockets, perforation
gauge, &c. There is also much useful information, such as lists of all the
Scandinavian Philatelic Societies and of the Swedish stamps, while the book
is pleasantly enlivened by excellent illustrations, including one of the 2d.
Post-office Mauritius.

ALBUM DE SELLOS DE PORTUGAL E ACORES.

WEhave received a copy of the above, being an album for Portugal and
its colonies only, from Mr. C. F. Casella, issued as a souvenir of the
late Henrique celebration. The album is oblong in shape, bound in half roan,
and of very handsome design, made to accommodate adhesives, envelopes,
and postcards. The edition seems to be a very complete one, including all
emissions down to the lately issued Henrique stamps. The publisher or
price is not stated in the book.

THE VIENNA PHILATELIC EXHIBITION.

FROM the accounts we have received, this " function" seems to have
enjoyed great success, both as regards the number of visitors and the
objects displayed. Among these we note a Turkish collection comprising
almost every variety, normal and abnormal, the property of Jenop Bey
Merameldijan ; two fine collections of Swiss stamps by Messrs. O. Oberholzer
arid Reich-Langhans; several fine exhibits of Roumanian stamps (but
apparently no specimen of the 81 paras), that of Count von Horrak having a
pair of the 1879 issue, 5+10 bani, red, postmarked together, an "error" that
has hitherto elicited scant credence as to its real existence ; fine collections
of Austria (Mr. St. Resel), Sweden (Mr. H. Lichtenstein), Bavaria (Mr. H. C.
Joris), Saxony (Mr. E. Petritz) ; and many other noteworthy exhibits both of
stamps and literature. The winners of medals and diplomas have the
privilege of defraying their cost, but as the former article in " original gold "
costs £ 50, it may, in the eyes of winners, be deemed more of a luxury than a
necessity!
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. 173
THE DARK CONTINENT.
THE acme of nonsensical and useless new issues has perhaps been
reached in the labels for the French colony—the Protectorate of the
Somali Coast or Djibouti. The design is for all the world like a drop scene
at a theatre, a view of Somali (Town !) and its easily-counted inhabitants
occupying the centre, while to the right and left dusky warriors in " large
size" watch over their devoted home. The size of the stamps is nearly two
inches long by one wide. The reason suggested for these abnormal dimen-
sions can only be that suggested by the editor of the Timbre-Poste in his
witty remarks hereon—that the stamps are made extra large to prevent the
Somali niggers from swallowing them while in process of being lubricated!
Ineffable trash made for the delectation and exploitation of those who collect
anything in the shape of a label, but beneath contempt to anyone who considers
that Philately aims at being a pursuit for people not absolutely bereft of sense.

THE Philatelists of Bradford intend forming a society, and a meeting

will be called in the autumn for that purpose. Will the Secretaries
of other societies kindly send a copy of their rules to Mr. W. H. SCOTT,
Old Post Office Chambers, i, Piccadilly, Bradford.

THE address of MR. F. R. GiNN is now 143, Strand, W.C., instead of

Holland House, Tottenham.

Reviews.
THE STAMPS OF MODENA.*
THEappearance of this work will be hailed with acclamation
through the realms of Philately. Among the most neglected
stamps have been those of fair Italy, a fact partly attributable
to the dearth of authoritative Philatelic writings thereon. As
a group, whether regarded historically or from a purely
Philatelic aspect, the Italian stamps should hold their own
amidst all-comers, and we heartily welcome the appearance of this work as
a sign of their recrudescence.
No worthier champion on their behalf could have been chosen than
Dr. Diena, whose name deservedly stands in the forefront of distinguished
Philatelists, and were any vindication of the author's claim thereto
desired, it would be amply forthcoming in the Stamps of Modena. The
appearance of a volume containing 226 large pages on the stamps of this
Duchy alone will be a veritable awakening to those who have imagined the
Italian stamps as of but meagre interest. The exigencies of our limited
space forbid our entering upon a detailed review of all the interesting matter
contained, which we can best briefly epitomise by saying that this volume
» The Stamps of the Duchy of Modena and of the Modenese Provinces. By Dr. EMILIO DIENA,
3, Via Torre, Modena.
 1/4 REVIEWS.

embraces all that it is necessary to know about the Modenese stamps, either
from an official or a collector's point of view, set forth in the most succinct
and scientific manner. A modestly worded preface and a complete list of
all the writings referred to (an excellent innovation) precede the " historical"
portion of the work, which extends to over 100 pages, and embraces "chapter
and verse " for all the issues, with the official decrees and correspondence in
extenso. The " descriptive part" commences with a disquisition upon the
arms of the country, and in the first issue makes its mark by solving a
hitherto dubious point as to the exact date of Issue i, which is now ante-
dated some months—to the 1st June, 1852. The watermark of letter "A,"
sometimes found upon the I lira, stands for the maker's name, Amici, of
Modena. The numbers of the stamps of each value issued are given, as also
an invaluable list of the several errors of the inscription of value, which we
gather (from an imperfect knowledge of Italian) to be not common to all the
sheets printed. M. Diena calls attention to the rarity of the sky-blue of the
40 cents, which he places as undoubtedly of the first issue, and contends
most justly is a very much under-appreciated stamp. The issue of the
Provisional Government (colour on white) is assigned to the I5th October,
1859, and is treated in an equally exhaustive manner. The remaining
portion of the book is devoted to the historical and descriptive accounts of
the several newspaper stamps. The second issued of these (29th March,
1853) was the well-known variety with "large E.G.," of which Dr. Diena says
only 12,000 were issued, which is a conclusive proof of its rarity. If the
Italian stamps had more adherents it would be found that British North
American shilling values were common stamps beside these. We do not
gather which Dr. Diena considers the first round newspaper stamp as entirely
collectable, and we infer that the last of the series—the 10 c.—was never in
circulation. A carefully-compiled index to all the principal matters discussed
will be found of great use, notably to those unacquainted to any great extent
with Italian. It is indeed to be regretted that the work could not also have
been issued in French or English. The work is illustrated with eight pages
of facsimile reproductions of the arms of the country, essays, the types of
stamps, and the various obliterations. The typography and general ap-
pearance of the book are most excellent, and we take our leave of the
volume with a high appreciation of its excellence in every way, with our
congratulations to the learned author, and with the hope that it may be but
the forerunner of other productions from Dr. Diena's pen.

THE ENVELOPES OF BADEN, HAMBURG, AND BREMEN.*

The two little volumes bearing the above designations, in succession to
those reviewed in the March number of this year's London Philatelist, have
duly made their appearance, and are in every way worthy of their prede-
cessors. In the preface to the former, Mr. Lindenberg justly calls attention
to the fact that very little has ever been written about the Baden envelopes,
and characteristically alludes to it as stepmotherly treatment of such an
interesting theme.
* The Envelopes of the German Slates. No. 8, Baden; No. 9, Hamburg and Bremen. By
C. LINDENBERG (Landgerichts-direktor). Dr. H. Brendicke, 61, Potsdamer Strasse, Berlin.
 REVIEWS. 175

The consideration of those two "rare birds," the 12 and 18 kr., worthily
occupies a considerable portion of the work. Their rarity is well accounted
for in view of the small number issued, e.g.,
SMALL SIZE. • LARGE SIZE.
3 kr. ... 209,200 ... ... 50,700
6 „ ... 120,700 30i300
9 ,, ... 69,000 ... .. 20,600
12 ,, ... 8,500 ... ... 2,000
l8 „ ... 8,500 2,200

The author exhaustively considers the question of the necessity for the
issue of the higher values, calling attention to the large number returned
—nearly half of the issue—to the Post-office on their withdrawal, as also
to the fact that used copies are of the greatest rarity. From the foregoing
statements collectors will gather that the issue of these two high values
was uncalled for, that their user was of the most limited, and that there-
fore they worthily maintain their old prestige as great rarities among their
class. In contradistinction, the 3 kr., small size—of which over 200,000
were issued—was so rapidly used up, that while postmarked specimens are
to-day readily obtainable, even the Berlin Postal Museum itself remains
without an unused specimen. On page 28 Mr. Lindenberg calls attention
to the presumed existence of the 12 and ]8 small size, with the larger of
the two pattes, stating that, despite every enquiry, he had been unable to
authenticate a copy, and therefore disbelieved in their existence—a state-
ment that will hardly discourage collectors of these German envelopes, as
they have enough to cope with. Issue II. (with head to right) was more
plentifully issued, in hundreds of thousands for the smaller sizes, but in the
larger shape 40,300 were issued for the 3 kr., and about half that number
for the 6 and 9 kr. Issue III. as II., but with long gum, saw no less than
10,760,500 for the 3 kr., and the best part of a million each for the other
two values. The large size of the low value only was emitted to the extent
of 69,900 copies. The fourth and last varies from the third by the fact of
the paper being of a blueish-white tone, and the brighter colourings of the
embossed stamps. Of the 3 kr. over fifteen millions, and of the 6 and
9 kr. about one-third of a million, all small size, were issued. The list of
reprints numbers nine only, of which no less than six are of the two high
values, thus indicating the demands made for them. Some interesting
figures as to the numbers withdrawn from circulation on Baden joining the
German Federation close a most interesting and valuable work.
The envelopes of Hamburg present less interest to a non-Teutonic mind,
as their greatest difficulty is acquirement in used condition, readily accounted
for by the learned author's statement that they were only in issue for a year
and three-quarters. Mr. Lindenberg acknowledges in this, as in the pre-
ceding and other volumes, his indebtedness to dealers, notably Messrs. Senf,
and leading amateurs, and here gracefully thanks our distinguished member,
H.I.H. the Grand Duke Alexis, for what we cannot better designate than his
sportsmanlike action in forwarding the whole of his extensive collection of
these envelopes for Mr. Lindenberg's examination. Noblesse oblige! The
176 REVIEWS.

question of the reprints is considered at full length, and much space is

worthily devoted to a crucial examination of the varieties of watermark,
patte, &c. It is apparent that the second and third issues, where the water-
marks commence, embrace an infinity of errors, the author stating that,
despite the long lists thereof appended, he has reason to fear they are not
complete. We have no doubt of this, as there are many worthy folk who
like to see Philatelic labour in print before they can add to it.
The envelopes of Bremen will not sound tempting to those whose
acquaintance therewith formerly consisted of one particularly easily forgible
black hand-struck impression, on a thin white envelope that was always
unused. It appears, however, that there are no less than six issues of this
uninteresting-looking envelope, each with sub-varieties; that there are two
dies differing slightly from each other; and that though forgeries abound,
they have never been reprinted. Used copies do not bear any cancellation,
and the local surroundings of each " used" specimen must be weighed.
Difficult as these envelopes are to get together, this work should be of
extreme value to collectors of them. We can only take leave of these
handbooks in again congratulating Mr. Lindenberg on the splendid service
he has rendered to Philately by his able and exhaustive monographs.

MESSRS. SENF'S CATALOGUE.*

Messrs. Hilckes and Co., who are agents for the publishers in this country,
have sent us a copy of the new " Brown Senf." This work is now so well
established in the saddle of public favour in Germany and Europe that
there is little need to add to our encomiums of previous issues. It has
increased in bulk some forty pages since its last appearance in blue, and all
the later issues seem to have been most carefully compiled and added. A
new feature, and a distinct improvement, is the addition of a period between
the marks and pfennigs to all those priced specimens which the publishers
generally have in stock, thus avoiding the unnecessary making of lists of
wants, based on the imaginary prices for specimens, which collectors fondly
hope to secure as quoted. Perhaps the wish is reciprocal. The enormous
sale and success of this catalogue has been largely due to the fact of its
having been accepted as an arbiter of prices, and we are decidedly of opinion
that to maintain this success its arbitrament must continue to be a fair one.
We have no sympathy with the speculating effort to corner stamps, and drive
up the prices; but it must be obvious to anyone acquainted with market
values of to-day that in the vast majority of prices quoted as to German
and European stamps, and to a large number of Colonials and others, the
figures quoted by Messrs. Senf do not represent the fair buying or selling
values. It may be that Messrs. Senf imagine they can lead, and the market
will follow, in which case they are justified in varying from accepted prices;
but if, as is again probable, this should not eventuate, the issue of their 1895
Catalogue, on the lines of ignoring the real values of stamps, will inevitably
recoil on their own heads in the shape of greatly diminished circulation and
loss of prestige. For excellence of material, extreme portability, and
comfort of reference, no praise can be too high for this collector's vade mecum.
* Illustrated Postage Slamfi Catalogue, 1894. Gebruder Senf, Leipsic.
 [ 177 ]
New Issues.
Under this head will be found notes of the new, and variations of the current issues. We do not
profess to chronicle everything, but with the kind help of correspondents, are desirous that all
the important novelties may be inchided. Speculative stamps—i.e. those not really required for
postal purposes—will be considered on their merits, and Jubilee issues will not be chronicled.
GREAT BRITAIN AND COLONIES.
BAHAMAS.—The colour of the 2^ pence
envelope is now deep blue in place of ultra-
marine. Envelope, zj pence, deep blue.
BRITISH GUIANA. — The following is a
cutting taken from the Official Gazette of
April 21st :
" GENERAL POST-OFFICE,
" ig/A April, 1894.
"On and from the 1st of June the SURCHARGED
STAMPS noted below will not be available for the
prepayment of postage, viz.,
" I dollar, green, surcharged one cent.
2 ,, ,, ,, one cent.
3 ,, ,, ,, one cent.
4 ,, „ „ one cent.
" Postage stamps which by this notice will
become obsolete can be exchanged for current
issue stamps of equal value on application at the
public counter of the General Post-office up to
31st May, proximo.
"F. W. COLLIER, Postmaster-General."
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.—Our publishers
have shown us a specimen of the " Three
Pence'' (on 4d.), black and lilac-rose, sur-
charged with a thick figure " 3," identical in
type with that found upon the later 3d. stamp.
It is possible that a sheet of the " Three
Pence" on 4d. may have been accidentally
overprinted in this manner with the other 3d.
stamps of same colour.—Monthly Journal.
CEYLON.—There is every reason for hoping
that the surcharging of stamps has been
definitely stopped in this colony. We insert
the following clipping from the Times of
Ceylon (French Colonies, Tonga, etc., please
copy !):
"THE SALE OF STAMPS.—Several com-
plaints have, we hear, reached the Treasurer
from stamp vendors with regard to the failure
of the supply of 30 cent postage stamps. The
stamp office has run out of these, and stamp
vendors have been requested to await the
arrival of a fresh supply expected in a few
days. Under the old system the deficiency
would have been at once supplied by the
process of surcharging stamps of other values,
but that practice has now been discontinued
under instructions from Government."
HONG KONG.—The paragraph relating to
these stamps in our May number should
have been placed under " British Colonies.''
There is a further trifling with Geography in
our June issue, for which we apologise to
the Map of the World. The two paragraphs
relating to Cook Islands and Liberia were
intended to be read lower down in the same
column, under " Other Countries."
MALTA.—The Monthly Journal has news
that a sheet of the current 4d. has been
found imperforate. No copies have as yet
been seen, so we cannot verify the statement,
and reserve the chronicle for future date.
SIERRA LEONE.—Registration envelopes
of the sizes F, G, and H 2 have been supplied
for this colony by Messrs. De La Rue and
Co. The stamp is circular, with inscription
" Sierra Leone Registration Fee, Twopence."
Registration Envelope. 2 pence, blue; sizes F, G, H2.
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.—From several
contemporaries we learn of a change in
colour in the 12 cents, purple, the new colour
being claret.
Adhesive. 12 cents, claret.
SWAZIELAND. — The Monthly Journal
chronicles an error in the 53. value—"Swazie-
land" without the final "d."
Adhesive. 55., black and grey; error " Swazielan."
EUROPE.
GERMANY.—From the ///. Brief. Journal
we learn that the current stamps have secret
marks, consisting of crowns, eagles, and
posthorns, printed in ink which is only
visible when damped with alkali.
AMERICA.
BRAZIL.—We are informed of a new issue
in preparation for this country. " We await
further developments " before saying more.
The 700 reis, Southern Cross type, was
issued in May last.
Adhesive. 700 reis, brown.
178
CHILI.—We have received from Messrs.
Whitfield King & Co. a new post card, con-
sisting of the current design, but printed in
blue on green card.
Post Card. 2 c., blue on green.
GUATEMALA.—The 75 cents, carmine, has
been surcharged in black " 10 centavos," in
two lines, with 1894 above.
10 c. on 75 c., carmine ; black surch.
URUGUAY.—With reference to the para-
graph on the contemplated new issue for this
State on page 137 of the London Philatelist
of this year, Mr. W. T. Wilson has kindly
sent us the accompanying notice from the
Montevideo Times of May 23rd :
"POSTAGE STAMPS.
" The Post-office is now putting into circu-
lation the new series of postage stamps
recently received from London. The values
are divided as follows :
1 cent, blue . . . 3,400,000
2 cents, reddish-purple . 1,000,000
&-i 5 cents, rose . . . 3,000,000
<s s 7 cents, emerald-green . 50,000
"si 10 cents, deep orange . 430,000
S 8 20 cents, brown . . 50,000
0..0
E 5 T 8 25 cents, scarlet-vermilion 25,000
50 cents, deep lilac . . 20,000
I peso, sky blue . . 15,000
Types not/2 pesos, vermilion . . 5,ooo
known. \3 pesos (?) . . . 5,ooo
Total . 8,000,000
"These stamps have been printed by the
well-known firm of Waterlow and Sons,
Limited, of London, and delivered here at
a cost of 25 cents the thousand. The plates
from which they are printed are deposited
in the Uruguayan Legation in London. It
would be quite impossible to compete with
them either in price or workmanship in this
country, whilst the quality of the latter may
be considered a safeguard against forgery.
It will be remembered that there were several
forgeries of high values of the 1892 emission
in Buenos Ayres, made easy by the inferior
manner in which they were engraved by a
local firm.
" The i cent stamps of the new issue were
put in circulation on May isth, and are of
the same type or design as the 1890 emission,
but of a different colour. The other values
we have not yet seen, nor are we aware of
the official notice having been issued putting
them in circulation, but doubtless they will
appear very shortly. The 2 and 3 pesos
values will be a novelty, and will form fine
prizes for collectors, as both their value and
the limited number put in circulation will
NEW ISSUES.
ensure their remaining a rarity. Of course
there will be the usual rush to secure a stock
of the new stamps for European dealers,
many of whom take considerable amounts.
We hear that one German firm alone has an
order to remit §5000 worth as soon as they
appear. This is a considerable source of
revenue to the Post-office. Should Dr.
Ciganda's Bill be passed—changing the tariff
on newspapers — a J cent stamp will be
necessary, which will either be provided by
printing here or by surcharging the re-
mainders of one of the withdrawn emissions.
We have heard nothing at present about
any new issue of post cards, envelopes, or
wrappers. The latter are conveniences which
the Post-office has long been without."
We add therefore to our chronicle the only
value yet used.
Adhesive. I c , blue, perf. 15.
OTHER COUNTRIES.
CHEFOO.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
send us specimens of the lately-issued \ cent
post card and I c. letter card. The stamp
on both is of the same type as the adhesive.
Post Card. J cent, green on white.
Letter Card, i cent, red on blue.
CHINKIANG.—Messrs. Whitfield King &
Co. write : " We enclose photo of design for
new Chinkiang postage stamps, the values of
which will be as follows : ^ c., red ; i c.,
blue; 2 c., brown; 4 c., green; 5 c., orange;
6 c., yellow; 10 c., mauve. These stamps
will be lithographed in Shanghai, and issued
on July ist. Chinkiang is a port on the
Yangtsze, distant 250 miles from Shanghai."
Last month we chronicled a new issue of
2 candarin stamps for this port. Mr. D.
Benjamin writes as to this issue that it con-
sisted of 2000 stamps, all of which are now
exhausted. The stamps were issued by the
Chinkiang Transport Co., Limited, a public
company having its chief office in London (!)
We have a firm belief that this stamp's
character is on a par with its appearance.
This is not faint praise !
FRENCH COLONIES.—All the colonies
have received envelopes of 25 centimes
value, black on rose.
Benin.—This colony has been provided
with a series of stamps similar to the other
colonies.
Obock.—We have received from Messrs.
Whitfield King & Co. a 2 francs value of the
triangular series, printed in two colours.
Adhesive. 2 francs, pale lilac, orange centre.
 PHILATELIC
Soudan.—While awaiting the permanent
issue, Le Timbre-Poste informs us that the
75 c. and I fr. current French issue were
surcharged Soudan Fa" and the value, 0.15
on 75 c., and 0.25 on I franc.
Adhesives. 0.15 c. on 75 c., carmine ; black surch.
0.25 c. on i franc, olive-green ,,
HAWAII.—We now chronicle the two new
post cards alluded to in our May number,
received from Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
Philatelic Societies' Meetings.
THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON.
THE attention of members is drawn to the
notice in "Occasional Notes" as to the
MANCHESTER PHILATELIC SOCIETY.
THE fifteenth meeting of the session was
held on Friday, March 3Oth, 1894, sixteen
members being present, the Vice-President
in the chair. Mr. Greenhow was elected a
member of the Society.
The Treasurer read a paper on the Papal
THE PLYMOUTH PHILATELIC SOCIETY.
THE fourth annual meeting, being the final
meeting of the session, was held at ga,
Princess Square, on Wednesday, May 23rd.
Present—The President (in the chair) and
eight members.
Mr. F. E. Remfrey, of Venn, was elected
as member.
Hearty votes of thanks were passed to
Messrs. Stanley Gibbons, Limited, for a
copy of their recent publication on the
Stamps of the British Empire, and to Mr.
Walter Morley for a copy of the Handbook
of the Revenue Stamps of Great Britain and
Ireland, which had been presented to the
Society's library.
The accounts for the session, showing a
small balance in hand, having been audited
and found correct, were received and adopted.
The whole of the officers were re-elected,
and Messrs. Mayne, Milton, Millman, and
Harvey elected as members of the committee.
Votes of thanks were passed to the officers
and committee for services rendered during
the past session, also to Mr. William Earl
for again having placed a large room at his
offices at the disposal of members for their
meetings.
On the proposal of the Hon. Secretary,
seconded by the Vice-President, it was
resolved that, in order to increase the utility
of the exchange branch, a limited number of
corresponding members might be admitted
as members of the Society at one-half the
subscription of ordinary members, and the
SOCIETIES' MEETINGS. 179
They are of very handsome design, the work
of the American Bank Note Co., New York.
The inscription on the I cent card is in
Hawaiian, and that on the 2 c. in English.
Post Cards, i C , vermilion on reddish-yellow.
2 c., green on white.
TONGA.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
send us the 2j on 2d., with surcharge in
black in place of red.
Adhesive. 2^ on ad., green ; black surch.
temporary closing of the Society's Rooms
during the Secretary's absence.
States, pointing out the manner in which
these stamps were printed, and that the
number on a sheet varied many times in the
same value ; and in addition dealt with the
almost innumerable varieties of paper em-
ployed in the printing of these stamps.
committee were empowered to draft new
rules for the purpose.
It was resolved that a list of the books
and pamphlets comprising the library of the
Society be printed and circulated among the
members.
Since the foregoing, the committee have
held several meetings and drafted new ex-
change rules ; copies of the same will be
forwarded to collectors who wish to become
corresponding members of the Society.
Captain G. H. W. Stockdale, R.E., has
been elected ordinary member, and the
following gentlemen corresponding members:
Messrs. Leonard, Kuttner, Kirkpatrick, and
A. de Worms.
Mr. A. Preston Pearce having intimated
that, at the conclusion of the Leeds Exhibi-
tion, he and Mr. Lundy would be willing to
lend their exhibits of fiscal stamps to the
Society, it was resolved that these gentle-
men be thanked for their kind offer, and
that the same be accepted.
A sub-committee was appointed to carry
out the arrangements of a private exhibition
for the members and their friends, regret
being expressed that it was impossible in
the short time available to hold a public
exhibition. There is a probability that the
Society will open the new session in October
next with an exhibition of postage stamps.
ASHER LEVY, Hon. Sec.
190, UNION STREET, PLYMOUTH.
 TheMarket
MESSRS. VENTOM, BULL & COOPER
held a. two days' sale on May 3oth and 3ist
last, at which the following lots were sold
among others :
Hamburg, ist issue, 4 sch., green,
imperf., with Heligoland post- £ s. d.
mark . . . 4 10 o
Tuscany, 60 crazie, red, unused , 11 5 o
Labuan, 6 c., in red, on 16 c., blue,
unused (fine ? ) . . . 9 0 0
New Zealand, pelure, 2d., blue,
imperf., unused . . . 2 8 0
The same firm held a sale on June I4th
last, the following realising over £2.
Oldenburg, 2nd issue, ^ gros.,
black on green, unused (fine ?) 3 o o
Ditto, used (do.) . . . 3 5 0
Austria, Mercury, 50 kr., rose . 3 3 o
Correspondence.
•—t-
GREAT BRITAIN, 2|o. PLATES 2 & 3.
To the Editor ofthe " London Philatelist"
DEAR SIR,—On page 37 of your journal
for February, 1894, Mr. Hastings Wright in
his " Stray Notes on the Postal Adhesives of
Great Britain " writes of the 2^d. value that
Plates 2 and 3, watermark Anchor, are never
found on blued paper.
Perhaps I may be allowed, with all due
deference for his opinion, to say that my
experience is different. I possess copies of
these stamps very distinctly blued.
Faithfully yours,
KINGSTON.
KlLRONAN.
COLLEGE STAMPS.
DEAR SIR,—Various statements have been
made implying that the Hertford mauve, perf.
\2\ and imperf., are reprints ; but so far as I
can judge, they are simply opinions given by
various writers who have looked into the
College Stamps within the last year or two.
Now my experience upon these very stamps
is such that I cannot accept the statement
that they are reprints, without better and
clearer evidence than has been brought for-
ward up to the present time.
About the year 1884 or 1885 I had business
relations with Messrs. Spiers and Son, of
Oxford, who supplied these stamps to the
College, and was on very friendly terms with
them. I asked Mr. Spiers if he had any
College stamps he could give me for my
Spain, 1851, 2 reales, red, unused. 17 o o
Ceylon, 8d., brown, imperf. . . 10 15 o
India, 2 annas, green, unused . 3 0 0
Egypt, ist issue, 5 piastres, rose,
unused, error, inscription of
10 pres. . . . 2 2 0
N e w Brunswick, is., violet . . 8 8 0
Newfoundland, is., carmine-ver-
milion . . . 16 15 o
Ditto, is., orange-vermilion . . 10 10 o
United States, 1868, 90 c., with
grill, unused . . . 2 6 0
British Guiana, 1853, I c., brick-
red . . . . 2 6 0
Ditto, provisional issue, 1862, 2 c.,
black o n yellow, pearl border 3 0 0
Bolivar, ist issue, 10 c., green . 4 4 0
N e w South Wales, 2d., blue,plate I . 2 2 0
collection. From a drawer he produced
portions of sheets of Hertford and Keble.
I only saw a portion of a sheet of each, the
Hertford being both perf. and imperf. I
asked him with reference to the imperf.
whether they had been supplied to the
College, and used in that state ; but he
could not say whether this was so or not.
These are the facts. I therefore fail to see
why these should be classed as reprints.
What object could there be in reprinting
them at this period, as there was no demand
for them, and no interest was taken in them ?
With reference to the six sheets of each
imperf. and perf. stated by Mr. Turner to
have been acquired from Messrs. Spiers and
Son "prior to 1890," I think it quite probable
that these were a part of the same lot from
which those I received came, and as they
correspond in every particular I must cer-
tainly consider them to be remainders of a
second printing, whether supplied or not to
the College remains to be proved.
Professor Napier, in his able paper on the
College Stamps published in the Monthly
Journal, states, as a result of an examination
of Mr. Spiers' books, that only one lot of
15,000 stamps were supplied to the College
in 1875. Now as these books were carefully
kept, is it not possible by further reference
to find out definitely when they purchased
others from the London firm who printed
these stamps ? This should help to settle
this question.
Yours faithfully,
W. T. WILSON.