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THE

London Philatelist THE JOURNAL OF

THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON.

All communications on Philatelic matters should be accompanied by the name and address of the
writer, as a guarantee of good faith, and addressed to the Editor of THE LONDOS PHILATELIST, Kingston
Lodge, Hichmond Place, Brighton. Letters enclosing valuables should be registered.
Letters, Enquiries, and Remittances connected with the Advertisement pages should be addressed
Mr E. J. NANKIVELL, Carisbrook, Birdhurst Rise, South Croydon.
THE LONDON PHILATELIST will be sent post free in Great Britain or the countries ol the Postal Union,
to any subscriber, on receipt of 7s. Subscribers' remittances should be sent to our publishers, Messrs.
PEHK'IXS BACON & Co., Ltd., 36 -40, Whitefriars Street, Fleet Street, B.C.

Vol. I.] JULY, 1892. [No. 7.

THE NEW HOME OF THE LONDON PHILATELIC SOCIETY.

THE important step taken by the London Society, briefly


foreshadowed in our last issue, is one that will, without
doubt, commend itself to all well-wishers of the pursuit,
as being in thorough unison with the position and aims
of the doyen of Philately. The march of events in
Philately, as in all else, has been accelerated at this
" century end "—the effect of the recent Jubilee Exhibition, the
election of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh to the Honorary
Presidency of the Society, and the bequest of a National
Collection of Postage Stamps to the British Museum by the late
Vice-President of the Society, are the most important among a
chain of events that have at once arrested public attention, and
proclaimed the fact that Philately has at length emerged
from the past mists of obscurity, and has earned a place among
the body scientific. It is therefore but consonant with the new
era that the London Philatelic Society—the undoubted leader in this country, if not
in the world—should seek to commemorate this notable march of events in
establishing itself on the basis of other learned Societies.
The design now happily consummated has long been cherished among its
members, who but waited for a cloudless financial horizon to put it into execution.
The rapid increase of the membership of the London Philatelic Society, largely due,
we believe, to its literary work, having afc length afforded the desired vista, no time
was lost, after the appointment of a Committee, in fixing upon an eligible " Home "
for its members. The locale of the new quarters leaves nothing to be desired, its
194 NEW HOME OF THE LONDON PHILATELIC SOCIETY.

remarkable accessibility being on a par with the general appointments of the


chambers. As will be noted by Mr. Garth's circular in this issue, the advantages
now offered by membership of the London Society include those of a small and select
West End Club, in addition to the more solid mental pabulum afforded by the free
receipt of all the Society's Philatelic Works and the LONDON PHILATELIST. The
aggregate of the advantages offered to a country member probably constitute a better
return for the trifling subscription than has ever been given by any like Society in
the world, and will no doubt lead to a huge increase of the membership. Country
members, as well as foreign, will always feel that they have a congenial place of
resort in the Metropolis, where old friends can be met, business appointments held,
or correspondence addressed, while the field opened for social evenings, conversaziones,
minor exhibitions, and general philatelic intercourse is boundless. The Committee in
re&ommending this step have relied upon an increase of members commensurate
with the additional advantages (nor have their anticipations so far been belied), and
with this anticipated accession the financial future of the Society should rest upon a
sure basis. It will doubtless, however, ere long, be advisable to charge an entrance
fee, but • before this is effected, every possible chance should be given both to home
and foreign members to introduce their friends.
The appropriate furnishing of the rooms is an object that will commend itself to
all, and in this direction there is a wide field of attraction open. We trust that in
course of time the book-shelves and walls of Effingham House may present such an
array of Philatelic objects of interest that will attract every collector who may visit
the Metropolis. To this end the contributions of members, whether in cash or in
kind, is earnestly to be desired : every contributor will have the satisfaction of seeing
his good work visibly associated with the Society's existence, hence we trust that the
preliminary announcement of subscriptions will find many imitators.
We can but reiterate our firm conviction that the London Society has acted in
this matter as boldly as wisely in moving with the times. No ground now exists
for the quondam querulous complaints that neither the advantages nor the where-
abouts of the Society were manifest. The scientific—not to mention the financial—
value of the Society's literary production are a sufficient answer to the former, while
the insertion in the various London Directories of the new habitat will at once
answer the latter, and ease the susceptibilities of those philatelists who in the past
" have sighed to find their warmest welcome at an Inn."
195

NewIssuesandUnchronicledVarieties.
NOTE.— The co-operation of Members of the London and other Philatelic Societies, and of
all Collectors and Dealers is invited, in order that these lists may be as complete as
possible. The earliest intimation of Novelties is desired, accompanied, if possible,
by the specimen referred to, which will be acknowledged, with the sender's name, unless
otherwise requested.

ADHESIVES.
Afghanistan.—The editor of the Monthly Journal gives a timely -warning
as to the acceptance of the so-called re-engraved types, and we hasten to give further
publicity to a caution from so high an authority on Oriental stamps'.

Azores.—We illustrate the type described last month.

Brazil.—The bi-coloured 100 reishas partly changed its colour, says the Timbre
Poste, the blue having become somewhat verdant! It also exist s with the centre
inverted, and, adds the American Journal of Philately, tiie, b£ehe: the two latter
varieties se tenant will probably next be noted !
100 reis, rose and greenish blue.
„ »i reu ,,
„ „ carmine ,,
„ „ rose centre inverted.
„ „ ,, „ teche beche.
British Central Africa.—An esteemed correspondent writes:—"Mr. H. H.
Johnstone has applied for a new stamp of the value of 4s., it is really intended for
revenue purposes, a native poll tax, I think, but will undoubtedly also be used for
postage ; for this purpose the 5s. stamp has been overprinted, B C A—Four shillings."
4s, black surcharge on 5s. yellow (of B.C.A.)
Bulgaria.—The Philatelist notes some varieties as under, of the unpaid letter
•stamps—the error consisting of an Oriental letter instead of a Roman.
25 stot, carmine, perf., error in last letter of TAKCA.
25 ,, „ compound perf., (12 and wide perf.)
50 „ blue, imperf., error in last letter of TAKCA.
Cochin China.—Being of a fearsome temperament, we
had hesitated to chronicle this very Oriental and mysterious
looking label, but as they are sent in to us from all sides we
must proclaim their auspicious nativity. Fortunately our
illustration precludes the necessity of further description. The
paper is greyish and varies in thickness considerably.
£ puttan, orange, yellow shades, perf. 12.
1 „ magenta shades.
2 „ violet.
196 NEW ISSUES AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES.

Major Adams Smith writes from Poona (22.5.92) :—" The three envelopes and
three stamps enclosed I have through the courtesy of Mr. George Abraham,
superintendent of Anchel offices in the Cochin State, received this morning, and now
forward them as his present to the London Philatelic Society. These stamps were
introduced into Cochin State, Southern India, under Act 1 of 1067, called the
' Cochin Anchel (Post) Act, 1067,' and were first issued to the public on the
1st Medom, 1067, Malabar era, corresponding with our 1st April, 1892.
The half puttan is equivalent to 5 pies.
The one puttan ,, 10 pies.
The two puttans „ one anna 8 pies.
A post card will be issued in 1893."
Costa Rica.—We append illustrations of the six lower values of these hand-
some stamps, recently described in this Journal. They are imprinted on white paper
and perforated 15.

French Congo.—A small variety of the overprint on two recently issued


stamps is noted in the Timbre Paste, namely, two consecutive capitals in the
inscription COngo Frangais.
6 c., on 20, brick on green, black surcharge, variety.
10 c., on 40, vermilion on straw, „ „
Grenada.—The Stamp News is "amused" at the recent chronicling in this
Journal of the Id. on 8d., with the surcharge inverted, on account of the sheets
being, as is well known, printed in t&te Mche panes. Our information was that the
surcharge is also so printed, and that therefore the stamp noted was a distinct
variety, and our correspondent has since confirmed this.
Hong Kong.—Mr. M. Giwelb has sent us'two specimens of the Jubilee surcharge
varying one from the other, in one of which the " J " is distinctly shorter than the
other.
2 c., rose ; Jubilee surcharge, variety.
Japan.—Another addition has been made to the current set, viz.:—
3 c., lilac-rose, perf. 13.
NEW ISSUES AND UNCSRONICLED VARIETIES. 197

Labuan.—The stamps surcharged in Hack mentioned on page 68 of this Journal


are variously cited as existing also with a red surcharge. We have not yet seen
them—hut in any case their philatelic value is about on a par!

Mexico.—Messrs. Whitfleld King & Co. kindly write:—" You make a slight
mistake on p. 142. The grotesque Mexican there illustrated is not an unpaid letter
stamp, but merely an ' officially sealed' label, which is used to patch up flimsy
envelopes that get broken or torn in the post.'1

M orocco.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. write:—" We enclose the new Morocco
stamps issued on the 1st inst. by the French Post Office for the new postal service
between Tangier and Fez. There is a 1 franc besides those we send you, but our
correspondent could not obtain them in time to enclose with the rest. We will send
you a specimen as soon as they come to hand." The design is thoroughly typical of
Moorish scenery. Within an arabesqued frame is contained a land and sea-scape,
shaded by a luxuriant palm tree, but partly concealed by the square label containing
the numeral of value. The bordejrs bear native inscriptions on a fancy ground, while
;
' Postes " and the values are inscribed above and "Tangier—Fez" below.
5 c., green on pale green. 25 c., black on white.
10 c., black „ pink. 50 c., carmine on pink.
15 c., blue „ pale blue. 5 francs, mauve on white.

New South Wales.—The 4d., brown, watermark, thin numeral 10, recently
noted in the Monthly Journal, and now " going the round," is no novelty, as Mr.
Vandyck had one in his collection some three or four years since, which we saw, and
held for an unfinished stamp at the best, or a proof at the worst.

New Zealand.—There is another addition, pace the III. Brief Jour., to the
Life Insurance Department Postal Stamps.
6d., green, pert. \\\.
Obock.—The Revue Philatelique notes the following variety: Obock in
horizontal surcharge, two stamps se tenant, one with and the other without the
figure 4. This error is unaccountable in the issues of the glorious realms of Obock !
4 c., on 15 c., blue-black surcharge, variety.

Panama.—We illustrate the low value of the new series


described by us last month.

Paraguay.—We briefly alluded to unknown varieties of surcharge in our last


number. From various sources we now gather the following :—
1 c., current set, green, surcharged on black, 1892.
2 c., „ carmine, „ „
5 c.) „ green, „ „
Surcharged Official in black.
7 c., brown. 20 c., rose.
10 c., violet. 50 c., grey.
16 c,, orange.
198 NEW ISSUES AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES.

Patiala.—The following stamps have lately appeared with the surcharge


Patiala.
9 pies, carmine, black surcharge.
1 an. 6 „ brown-grey, „ „
3 an., orange, ., „
6 „ bistre.
12 „ red-brown, red surcharge.
Service—4 „ olive, black surcharge.
8 „ violet, „
1 rupee, grey, „
Varieties—(a) 2nd A of Patiala is smaller,
(ft) 2nd A is marked ^.
(c) L is smaller.
Portugal.—Mr. J. N. Marsden sends us another of the now current set, viz.,
80r., pale yellow-green.
Queensland.—Mr. M. Giwelb has sent us the 5s. with the new watermark,
on thinnish paper, imperf, or apparently so.
5s., rose, watermark Q. & Or., imperf.

Russia.—BOUZOTTMTJK (SAMARA).—There has been a change in


the stamps here. It is smaller, but in view of illustration it need not
be described. Lithographed in colour on white paper, imperforate.
3 kopecks, rose.

CHAEKOIT (CHAKKOIT).—"We illustrate a new type of this


local, the outer frame, the oval, and the figure being golden,
and the remainder of the impression red on white paper.
5 kopecks, red and gold, perf. llj.

A variety also exists with an oblique black surcharge on an oblong frame.


6 kopecks, red and gold, black surcharge.

PSZOIT (PSKOFF).—A stamp of the accompanying design was


issued, says the Timbre Paste, on the 27th April, lithographed on
white paper.
6 kopecks, black, bistre and blue, perf. 11J.

Sarawak.—Messrs. Whitfleld King & Co. write:—"There was such a run


on the recent 1 c. provisional that the stock of 3 c. stamps available was soon
exhausted. ; As there was a good number of the obsolete 3 c. stamps on hand, they
have been converted into one-cent, stamps as per enclosed specimen." The stamp
submitted is the second issued, 3 c., brown on yellow (1871): the overprint is in
two lines of block capitals, and the value at base is barred out. With reference to
the stamps referred to on pages 70 and 106 Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. found
out that there are two distinct varieties of the overprint. The one we have illus-
trated having capitals for each word, and measuring 18 mm. in length, while the
other has the surcharge entirely in small letters, and is 3 mm. shorter.
1 c., black surcharge (one cent), on 3 c., blue and lilac, no capitals.
NEW ISSUES AND UNCHBONICLHD VARIETIES. 199

Senegal. —We illustrate the last French Colonial rubbish


noted in the June LONDON PHILATELIST.

» ^^J
Shangbai. — In addition to the varieties noted by us on page 106, the Timbre
Paste adds —
Unpaid letter stamp, 15 c., blue, without watermark.
Siam. — Our excellent correspondents, Messrs. Whitfield King & Co., send us
two varieties of the 2 atts. on 3, blue and green, with the overprint differing very
materially ; the smaller and hitherto unnoted variety has the surcharge extending to
a width of 14| mm., as against 16^, the two central native characters longer, while
the numeral both in European and native type is considerably smaller. Two varieties
are quoted in Messrs. Senf's Catalogue, but our correspondents add: —"We do not
remember seeing the two varieties of 2 on 3 atts., Siam, described anywhere, and in
the 4th part of Moens' Catalogue received this morning, only one type is mentioned.
We send you one of each for comparison ; these varieties are not found on the same
sheet, they are entirely separate and distinct issues, and seem to be printed by
different methods. The one with small figure 2 is much the rarer, and is the one we
have never seen chronicled. We can send you a block of 12 of these if you like, and
whole sheets of 120 of the type with tall figure."
Socotra (?). —Major Adam Smith writes : — " I was at Aden when I received the
PJiilatelic Journal for March. After reading it I personally interviewed the leading
merchants residing in the Prince of Wales' Crescent, at Steamer Point, and not one
of them knew anything of the so-called Sokotra stamps, and several of the most
intelligent expressed unbelief in their existence at all. Indeed I am very doubtful
of there being a Post Office on the- Island, as there are but few inhabitants on it,
mostly poor fishermen, and these have no wants beyond what the sea and island
yield. If any stamp would be required, it would be the one used in British India,
as these are in use at Aden, this station being within the Indian postal limits for
inland correspondence, a boon which the inhabitants of Aden are grateful for."
South Australia. — Mr. Maycock has shown us the 9d. of a new shade, a
delicate chalky rose lilac, watermark and perforation remaining unchanged.
9d., pale rose lilac, wmk. S. A. & Or., perf. 11£.

Sweden.—The annexed representation will avoid the necessity


of a description of this recently issued stamp.
4 ore, crimson and blue on white, perf. 13.

Switzerland.—The 30 c. of the current set has made its appearance.


30 c., red-brown, perf. 11£.
Tasmania.—We have letters from this island bearing the 3d. of the 1870
type in a dull reddish brown colour, apparently re-issued, and replacing the platypus;
it has the second variety of watermark (TAS oblique), so presume the latter has
been superseded.
3d., dull reddish-brown, Wm. TAS, 2nd type, perf. 12.
Mr. Basset Hull has sent us specimens of the current ^d. and Id. locally printed,
imperf., as also the 2^d. surcharge on the 9d. pale blue, with an additional inverted
200 NEW ISSUES AND UN CHRONICLED VARIETIES.

surcharge falling generally between the normal overprints, and being thus half on
each stamp—a fortunate circumstance or else there would hardly have been room
for both surcharges on the one stamp ! This stamp (with the normal surcharge) is
also sent imperforate. These varieties, with those noted elsewhere, are giving a
distinctly " Obocky " tone to our Tasmanian friends' Postal administration.
3d. 1870 type, dull reddish brown, perf. 12.
jd. (local print) orange, imperf,
Id. ,, pink „
2|d. black surcharge, pale blue, imperf.
2jd. ,, „ surcharge inverted.
Tonga.—Messrs. Whitfleld King & Co. inform us that the Id. and 2d. Tongese
are being issued with a black star in the two upper corners, to prevent their being
fraudulently surcharged for the 4d. and 8d. denominations—a dangerous system
which we called attention to when we chronicled the latter. A new series of Tonga
stamps is in preparation, consisting of the following values :—Id., 2d., 4d., 8d., and
Is. Our correspondents also send us a specimen of a Government Frank, which
travelled to this country without any additional postage; it is composed of two circles,
the inner of which has a crown and wreath, and the outer the words " Tonga
Government Frank."
Uruguay.—The following pleasing varieties are culled from various sources.
ADHESIVES.
1 c., red and green, inverted surcharge.
5 c., on 7 c., red and brown, „
1 c., on 20 c., black and orange, „
1 c., red and green, double surcharge, one inverted.
5 c., on 7 c , red and brown, ,, „
1 c., red and green, „ one covering the other.
1 c., red and green, „ one below the other.
1 c., red and green, „ with a second surcharge over
two stamps.
1 c., on 20 c., black and orange, imperf, vertically.
There are also minor varieties of the figures, etc.
'West Australia.—The 5d. value of the new type has appeared, and we
believe the 2|d., though we have not yet seen the latter.
6d. ochre brown, wmk. O.A. & Or., perf. 14.
Wurtemberg.—Messrs. Cheveley, Wilson & Co. send us the 2 mark black
'and orange in an imperforate condition, a sheet of them existing thus, judging from
appearances.
2 marks, black and orange (1881), imperf.

ENVELOPES, WRAPPERS, &c.

NOTE.—Unless otherwise stated, the description of Novelties under this heading applies to
ordinary Postal Envelopes.

Cochin China.—These quaint looking productions will be found elsewhere


referred to, and our illustration will render any lengthened
description needless. Major Adam Smith and Messrs. Clark & Co.
have kindly sent us specimens of the three values, which are on
white laid paper, and measure 119x93 mm. Cochin China
has a population of about 400,000.
i puttan, deep yellow.
1 „ magenta.
2 puttans, violet.
NEW ISSUES AND UNCHSONICLED VARIETIES. 201

New South Wales.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. write:—" We now send
you one of the new gd. New South Wales wrappers just issued, with watermark
'one penny'; we should think this will soon be altered. The surcharged |d.
wrappers were not long in use." The die is the same as the adhesive recently noted
in this journal.
Wrapper, £d., grey (altered die), on white laid paper, watermarked " one penny."
Tasmania.—Mr. Basset Hull sends us some of the private issue of bands,
impressed with the oval |d. red stamp on blue and white laid paper. The 2d., 3d.,
and 6d. Platypus type have also been seen by our correspondent struck on wrappers ;
we hear of the first-named (which value is certainly new to us) also printed side by
side with the |d. As will be seen in our correspondence column the envelopes have
undergone similar vagaries, and we have been informed that of these, many charming
varieties are being offered for sale in various quarters. Mr. Basset Hull states that
the Tasmanian authorities do not intend to have any more of this trash printed. It
is a pity they did not take this resolution earlier. Collectors will have a sorry
return for any investments they may make in this fancy stationery.

POST AND LETTER CARDS.

NOTE.— Unless otherwise stated, the description under this heading applies to the ordinary
single Post Card.

Belgium.—The PJrilatelist notes a new reply card of a different " cut,"


bringing the two stamps closer to each other—the intervening distance being now
only 8 mm. instead of 32 as heretofore.
5+5 c , green on buff, altered shape.
British Guiana.—We illustrate
the provisional card described on page
146, and note that the corresponding
one for reply has now been issued.
2+2 c., black surcharge, on 3+3 c., carmine.
British Honduras.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. send us a reply card of
the usual Colonial type.
3+3 c., carmine on buff.

British North Borneo.—We illustrate the


surcharge on the provisional card described on page 146.

Congo.—In default of a supply for the needs of the postal service the Congo
Administration has, says the Timbre Poste, caused the issue of a provisional printing ;
this has been entrusted to M. Hayes, of Brussels, who has printed the 10 C; on buff,
202 NEW ISSUES AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES.

and the 15 c. on white, reversing the previous order, the inscriptions also varying,
notably in the fact that the " M " is distanced from the first line of the address in
the 10 c. and close in the 15, also contrary to precedent. New cards are also fore-
shadowed.
10 c. black, on chamois, provisional issue.
16 c. „ „ white „ „
Greece.—Messrs. Whitfleld King & Co. inform us that the cards are now
printed at Athens, the colour both of card and impression being changed; by com-
parison it will be seen that the shade of the new card is a much brighter carmine.
10 lepta, bright carmine on blue.

Holland.—We illustrate the


official card alluded to last month.

Mexico.—Annexed will be found


a representation of a new service card,
being a variation from the existing 2c.
card, but innocent of any stamp, and
also presenting differences more or less
marked in the general impression.—
Timbre 'Paste.
Service Card, 2 c., green on white.

Portugal.—We append illustra-


tion of the card described last month.

Tobago.—Messrs, Whitfield King & Co. write:—" Six new post cards which will
shortly be issued here are 2d., Id., and l|d., single and reply, specimens of which we
hope shortly to submit." For so small a place Tobago does not do badly !
203

SomeRemarksontheTriangularStampsofthe
CapeofGoodHope.
BY EMIL TAMSEN.
(Continued from page 185.)
THE TKIANGTTIAB 1 p. BED WATEBMABX GROWN & C.C.—The suggestion which
Mr. Bacon gives as to the origin of this stamp I believe will eventually be
found to be correct; for the last eight years I have carefully examined every
triangular stamp passing through my hands, whether red, blue, lilac, or green (I may
state that the quantity was very near 5,000 specimens, hailing from all parts of
South Africa), more particularly as to the watermark, but have never found the
Crown & C.C. type. My reason for examining the other values was, that I did not
see why the 1 p. value alone should have been printed on this paper, the 4 p. being
more used than the 1 p., and this if even only one supply had been printed ib was just
as likely to find the 4 p. as well as the 1 p. Any collector who thinks a moment as to
when the Crown & C.C. paper came into use, and notes the dates of cancellations
found on the stamps (if he does not believe in dates given in leading catalogues) must
come to the conclusion that the colour can only be " red-brown " a further thought must
also bring to his mind how the watermark would show. (I placed, during my search,
the largest block of triangular stamps I had on part of a sheet of rectangular ones,
watermarked Crown & C.A., and I found in this way how portions of the watermark
would be placed.)
The search is a very difficult one; many stamps refuse most obstinately to
disclose their watermark. Holding the front of the specimen to be examined against
a dark background (black cover of a book), and carefully wetting the stamp, has
generally given me good results. Some sheets have been printed sideways. I often
found two halves of two anchors at the base of the stamp, also some few specimens
showing more than three-fourths of each of the two anchors, and others again on
which very little was to be found at all, in fact I have still some specimens out of
which I cannot make anything, but they cannot be the Crown & C.C, type, because
the paper does not correspond with that of the rectangular issues, which at first was
of a quite different make to that in use at present.
THE TBIANBTOAB STAMPS GENERALLY.—Before I read the information given by
Mr. Bacon in No. 2 of this paper, which proves that Messrs. Perkins Bacon & Co.
handed the plates of the triangular stamps to Messrs. De la Rue & Co., which I think
is news to most collectors, I have always been under the impression that the issue of
1863 had been printed from re-engraved or new plates, and I can even now hardly
make up my mind to think that this is not the ease. By comparing all four values
printed by Messrs. Perkins Bacon & Co. with similar ones printed by Messrs.
De la Eue & Co., one must undoubtedly acknowledge the latter to be of a superior
state to the former; all fine lines and the ornaments stand out clearly, each line is
well-defined and can be traced, whereas all the light red shades of the 1 p, the pale
lilac of the 6 p, and the pale green of the Is. stamps which I have of Messrs. Perkins
Bacon & Co.'s printings, show apparently a wear of the plates ; many of the fine lines
204 TRIANGULAR STAMPS OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

cannot be traced, some have disappeared, the ornaments are not clear, the fine lines
of shading are disappearing, leaving the figure much whiter than in stamps of the
first printing with blued paper, which proves undoubtedly that some wear must have
taken place.
It has always been an accepted fact, that through continual printings the plates
get worn, the finer lines of the design always suffering most; how can it be then,
that after using the plates for ten years, when printings show already a worn state,
that a new firm print from the same old plates and get as a result a far superior
stamp to that which resulted from the last printings of the former printer from the
same plate ?
I must own I cannot well understand this, the stamps printed by Messrs. Perkins
Bacon & Co. were always well printed, and it is not their fault that the plates show
signs of wear, but how another firm can produce a superior stamp, showing absolutely
no signs of wear from the very same plate, is a puzzle to me, which I can only
solve by accepting as a fact, either that complete new plates (may be reserve plates)
were used, or that the old ones were touched up before a printing took place.
Perhaps Mr. Bacon would go to the trouble of taking two large blocks, of say eight
stamps of the 1 p., pale red, printed by Messrs. Perkins Bacon & Co., and the other by
Messrs. De la Rue & Co., and get them enlarged by photographic process, and then try
to discover some differences. Such, I maintain, exist. If I had had an opportunity of
getting this done I would have long ago gone to the trouble, but such a thing cannot
be done out here, whereas it ought to be an easy task for a collector like Mr.
Bacon, living in London, and having all the latest improvements at his command.
Mr. Bacon states that in 1868 the remaining stock of the 4 p. blue was re-issued
and sold out. "Well, I know that up to 1885 all four values of the triangular
stamps were to be obtained unused and in sheets in quantities from a firm
of booksellers in Cape Town. I myself bought in beginning of that year a quantity
through a correspondent resident there, and I must say the prices were very reason-
able ; the balance of the stock was in that year sold to a dealer in Europe. As a
suitable conclusion to my remarks, I append a cutting which I extracted from the
Philatelic Journal of America, for January, 1889, and which raises the question of
reprinting; the possibility of which I, however, personally doubt, and prefer to let
Mr. H. Gremmel explain.
" Mr. Henry Gremmel, of New York City, writes :—Messrs. W. Sellschopp and
Major E. B. Evans claim that Gape, of Good Hope stamps were not reprinted. Now
I came to Cape Town (Capital of Cape of Good Hope), on November 5th, 1883,
and remained there about six months at that time. I made the acquaintance of several
advanced collectors, and one who was employed in the Post Office, and when I visited
his home he showed me his beautiful collection of South African stamps, and when I
saw Cape of Good Hope, which he had complete, I saw the set of 1853-58, Id., 4d.,
6d., and 1st doubled, and I asked him why he had these stamps in his collection, and
he informed me that these were EEPEINTS, and that a large wholesale firm ordered a
large number of sets in 1882, but as there were no more in the Post Office they reprinted
the four values and sold them face value to English wholesale dealers. Now I am
willing to give the name and address of this party if any one wishes to write to him
about the reprints of Cape of Good Hope."
[The eight stamps forwarded by Mr. Emil Tamsen have been sent on to Mr. E.
D. Bacon, who has promised to reply to the above Paper in our next month's number.
—-EDITOR.]
205

Half Hours with the Australian Stamps.


BY M. P. CASTLE.
( Vice-President of the Philatelic Society, London.)

THE FIJI TIMES EXPRESS ISSUE.


THERE is still something to learn about these stamps ; the information both
in the varieties extant and the circumstances under which they were
issued being of a scant nature. The London Society's work on "Oceania"
gives the following account of them, being all that was then known, and
I reproduce it with the very little I can add to it, in the hope that by a discussion
some more definite information may, as has happened with other Oceanian stamps, be
elicited.
" Private Stamps.—Fiji Times Express.—In 1870 the proprietors of the Fiji
Times Rvjiress, in Levuka, issued a series of stamps to prepay the postage on their
newspaper.
ISSTJE I., 1870.
Five Values, type printed on rose-coloured paper. The design is of the
simplest character ; consisting of an oblong single-lined frame, containing the words
T. ' Times,' B. ' penny,' ' pence,' or ' shilling,' L. ' Fiji,' reading upwards; and
R. " Express " reading downwards in Roman capitals. In the middle is the figure of
value, plain in the case of the penny, threepence, sixpence, and ninepence, and
ornamented in the case of the shilling, which also, like the sixpence has the numeral
larger than the other values. The stamps are separated from each other by dotted
lines, and all the values are printed together on the same sheet. Shape oblong;
rouletted (about) 20 on the dotted lines, on quadrille paper.
Id., black on rose.
3d., ., .,
bd
-> » „
9d., „ „
"•i » »
ISSTJE II., 1871.
On laid liatonne paper, same values as Issue I. A third set is catalogued by Major
Evans on laid paper ; but no specimens have been seen by the Societ}'.
Reprints.—In 1876 a reprint of these stamps took place for the benefit of
collectors. They may be distinguished from the originals by the design, which is
smaller, and is better printed, and by the fact that they are pin-perforated, and not
rouletted. A bogus set also exists on bright violet-rose paper."
Issue 1870 on quadrille paper; the paper of these stamps is of a medium thick
yellowish white wove, intersected by lines crossing each other at right angles, making
a series of watermarked small squares, measuring about 3| mm. each; the gum is
of a yellowish brown colour ; the rouletting is as described in " Oceania," being virtu-
ally rouletted in colour—as the Thurn and Taxis stamps—but, of course, in this
case in black, the colour of the impression itself. The five values, as is well known,
were printed on the same sheet—I believe each in one horizontal row of six, begin-
ning with the lower value, and each type varying from the other. I have pairs of
the 3d., 6d., and Is., showing the types, and have seen at least three varieties of the Id.
The 9d. seems a scar ce value, on this paper, as I have not yet secured a copy.
206 REVIEWS.

The same remarks as to type and rouletbing apply bo the 1871 issue, on batonne
paper, but the colour of this is a pale pinkish white with, as its name implies, narrow
laid lines, running vertically, and the gum is nearly white. The types of this issue
compare, of course, with that of the preceding,~and I have two varieties of the Id.,
3d., and6d., as also the Is. used (pen-marked). These two issues constitute all that are
real, in my opinion. The " Reprint" series mentioned in " Oceania " are of absolutely
different printing; the letters are from a different fount, are thinner and better formed,
the frame is composed of a thin unbroken line (that in the first-issued stamps being
thick and broken), and they are roughly pin perforated, with wider printed, attempted
imitation of the black lined roulettes of the genuine issue. The bogus set on violet-
rose paper, mentioned in " Oceania," brings me to the object of this short paper, namely,
to warn collectors against either a reproduction of these latter, or their prototype,
which is being ingeniously placed on the market. Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
have lately sent me a sheet of thirty varieties of these on a bright pink, medium thick
wove paper, that practically answers to the bogus set of " Oceania." The sheet con-
sists of five rows of six stamps, each row being of a different value, and commencing at
the lowest. They were obtained from the Postmaster of Fiji, who himself procured
them from Mr. Griffiths, the proprietor of the Fiji Times. Their consignee in this country
was apparently satisfied with their pedigree, but wisely took further counsel before
completing his purchase. I have examined the sheet most carefully, and have no
hesitation in denouncing them as an imitation, official or otherwise, of the first issue,
and consequently of no philatelic value whatever. The type, as in the case of the
" Reprint" set, is quite different, the only real point of resemblance being in the
" 1" of the shilling stamp, which gives colour to the theory that all the old type was
broken up except this solitary fancy numeral. In any case, collectors will do well
to examine carefully any specimens offered to them, as I am informed that there are
considerable quantities on the market. I trust at a future date, with the help of
other collectors, to be able to reunite a sheet of all the original types, and these, if
reproduced, would be of great value in enabling us to divide the sheep and the
goats.

Reviews.
DR. KALCKHOFFS WORK ON REPRINTS.*

IT is long since we have perused any work with greater pleasure than this
little volume, and we heartily congratulate the industrious author and
| fellow-member of the London Philatelic Society. Dr. Kalckhoff has
evidently made a thorough search in pursuance of his objective—the presentation of
a list of all known reprints—and has collated enough to extend to 70 pages, with
the illustration of every type, and the explanatory notes to each issue. The latter
are succinct and clear, and by their aid many a collector will be enabled to
discriminate between the original and the " official imitation." The remarks on the
reprinted stamps of the German stamps are, as was to be expected, of a very

*Illustriertes Verzeichnis aller bekannten Neudrucke statlicher Post-werthzeichen. F.


KalckhoS, Leipsic, Ernst Heitmann.
REVIEWS. 207

interesting nature, notably in the case of Hanover, Hamburg, Liibeck, and Prussia.
The Portuguese list does not approach finality, as there are some later reprints to
add, and that of Tasmania requires many additions, and we hope at a future date
to tender some assistance as to this colony. The remaining Australian lists are
fairly accurate, but will probably be found to embrace a few more varieties by the
time the Doctor publishes his second edition. The lists of Cashmere and France,
however, require a far more extended treatment—the former can only be handled by
some expert in Oriental stamps such as Major Evans—the latter are a most difficult
series to properly distinguish, that of the 1 franc Empire especially, and we were
certainly under the impression that several reprints of the Empire series exist.
However, one of the main advantages of publishing a philatelic work is that it
forms the ground-work for future contributory knowledge, and Dr. Kalckhoff
deserves the warm approval for the concise, meritorious, and useful work that he
has issued. The work is prefaced by an 'article on reprints by another esteemed
member of the London Philatelic Society, Herr G. Lindenberg, of. Berlin, in •which,
he handles the question of unused versus used stamps and reprints in a most masterly
manner. This preface is redolent of the close reasoning of a judicial mind, such as
Herr Lindenberg naturally possesses, and of a keen philatelic instinct that at once
discards all false issues and drives the truth home in the clearest manner to his
readers. If the words of this very clever article are duly weighed and studied,
the Continental collectors whose creed is to ignore unused stamps will find it rudely
shaken by Mr. Lindenberg's unassailable and powerful arguments. The typography
and appearance of the work leave nothing to be desired, a notable feature being the
blank spaces allowed for additions to the lists, and in taking leave of it we cannot do
better than commend it to all our readers.

M. MOENS' NEW CATALOGUE.*


WITH the most commendable energy the fourth delivery of the Catalogue issued
by the renowned Belgian house has now appeared, thus completing the postal
adhesives. We have already given sufficient indication of the general scheme of the
work, and can confirm our previous laudatory criticism in every respect. Nearly one
hundred pages of letterpress are included in this instalment, making a total of
562 pages devoted to the description of adhesives alone.
The illustrations of the stamps, extending to 192 pages, comprise 5,517 different
designs. The " Atlas " containing the type varieties, as mentioned in our last notice
hereon, and embracing an equal amount, constitute with the letterpress nearly a
thousand pages of matter devoted to one branch of Philately. A stupendous work
truly, reflecting infinite credit upon its learned author, and a monument at once to
his unwearied industry and the abnormal development of our pursuit.
The present instalment begins with the remanet of Russia and finishes appropri-
ately enough with Zurich, the acquirement of whose modest number of varieties
may perhaps involve as arduous a search as in the case of many more
pretentious countries. We cannot but "regret, "however, that the Cantonal or pre-
federal issues should not all have been classed under the head of Switzerland. The

""Catalogue, Prix Courant de Timbres-Poste, Septi&me Edition. J. B. Moens, 42, Rue de


Florence, Brussels.
208 REVIEWS.

recent re-classification of the old "Cantonals" is not universally known, and the
reference to a dozen different headings will inevitably waste the time of those who
use the Catalogue; they should all have been included under the cegis of the Republic
and duly indexed. The list, however, includes the later information as to dates of
issue and sub-varieties of type in the 1850-52 stamp. We do not remember that
the 10 rappen, black on yellow and red, exists with la croix encadree d'un trait
entirely—the few specimens that have encountered our eager search having but
vestiges of a frame round the cross. The Shanghai and Tasmanian lists are very
commendable, while that of Transvaal contains most of the information published up
to date—which is, however, very far from what is known among the cognoscenti.
We note that M. Moens does not accept Mr. Bacon's theory as to the uniform value
of the early issue of Trinidad, but our Brussels confrere is a hard man to convince—
and when he holds an opposite opinion it must be proved thrice before the armour of
his obstinacy can be pierced. The " too late " stamps might well have been omitted.
Turkey with the types of the various overprints will be found an invaluable list to
the large class of collectors who are but imperfectly versed in " Ottomans." The
Victorians are, as heretofore, classified according to date, and must to the Continental
mind present the most delightfully heterogeneous jumble of watermarks, designs, and
perforations. We have always held to the advantages of making the Victorian
stamps an exception to the general rule by classifying them under their respective
designs. In concluding our necessarily cursory remarks on this chef d'oeuvre of M.
Moens, we tender to him on behalf of all true Philatelists in this country our grateful
thauks for his magnificent contribution to the literature of the science.

THE ENVELOPES OF BRUNSWICK.*


THIS brochure is the forerunner of a series treating of all the German envelopes
by Herr C. Lindenberg. As the Curator of the Berlin Imperial Postal Museum it is
obvious that its learned author's facilities for acquiring special information are
immense, while his great philatelic knowledge will combine to present a series of
works that to collectors of envelopes will be of the greatest advantage. The present
instalment is a sure index of the value and utility of the series, the beautiful embossed
envelopes issued by the ci-devant state of Brunswick being handled from every side
that interests collectors. Each issue has a chapter devoted to it in which official
notices, proofs and dates, are fully given, while the more philatelic portion, such as
the colour and size of the impressed stamp, envelopes, gum, and the transverse
inscriptions, are most accurately treated. A chapter is devoted to the local envelope,
and the work concludes with a full list of all the varieties known. The " Envelopes
of the German States," when completed, will be an invaluable work, and we heartily
congratulate Herr Lindenberg on his excellent commencement.

*Uie Briefumschlage von Braunschweig. C. Lindenberg. Berlin, 1892.


200

The Philatelic Society, London.

THE LONDON PHILATELIC SOCIETY'S NEW HOME.

WEhave much pleasure in presenting the following letter to our readers, a


copy of which has been sent to all the members of the Society:—

PHILATELIC SOCIETY OF LOOTON.


DEAR SIB,—I have pleasure in informing you that at the recent Extraordinary
General Meeting of the Society, held to receive the Report of the Special Committee ap-
pointed to consider the arrangements for our future accommodation and place of
meeting, resolutions were unanimously passed, approving the recommendations of the
Committee, with the following results as regards the future of the Society.
A Suite of Rooms has been engaged on Lease in EFFINGHAM HOUSE, ARUNDEL
STREET, STRAJTD, within a few yards only of the Temple Station, on the Metropolitan
Railway.
The Rooms will be open daily as a Club-room for the use of Members during hours
to be hereafter fixed, the largest room being devoted to the-fortnightly meetings of the
Society. No additional subscription will be asked of the Members for the advantages
thus offered, the estimates laid before the meeting by the Committee shewing that the
present income of the Society (relying on a moderate increase in the number of its mem-
bers annually) will suffice to cover all expenses, including a permanent attendant at the
Rooms.
The Committee have, however, found themselves obliged to invite voluntary sub-
scriptions towards the cost of furnishing the Rooms. The initial cost will, it is believed,
not exceed. £100, and a moderate donation from.every member would go far to cover the
expenses. I am, therefore, directed to invite subscriptions (which may be sent to me),
and it is hoped that a sufficient sum may be raised by the month of August to enable
the Rooms to be opened in September.
The Committee are further most desirous that the Society's new " Home" should be
rendered as attractive and interesting as possible, and they cordially invite Members
to present any suitable objects or pictures, prints, &c., of Philatelic interest, for the
Club rooms.
Regulations as regards the use of the Rooms, will in due course be drawn up and
circulated, and it is confidently hoped that this important step will greatly enure to the
progress and benefit of the Society, and supply a long-desired means of intercourse and
communication between its members, especially those at a distance from the Metropolis,
who only occasionally visit London.
I am asked to advise you that the future welfare and financial success of our Society
depends largely upon an increase in our numbers, and it is hoped that you will personally
use every effort to induce collectors to join the Society, the advantages of which (includ-
ing, as they now will, the use of a small West-End Club) are fully apparent^
For the present it is not proposed to impose any Entrance Fee, but it is probable that
this course will be adopted at no distant date, should the Society, as is anticipated,
largely increase its numbers.
Faithfully yours,
23, Tedworth Square, Chelsea, S.W., DOUGLAS GARTH,
July 1st, 1892. Hon. Secretary.
Philatelic Societies Meetings

MANCHESTER PHILATELIC SOCIETY.

President: VERNON ROBERTS. Vice-President: F. BARRATT.


Hon. Sec.: W, DORNING BECKTON. Assistant Hon. Sec.: C. H. COOTE.
Hon. Treasurer: G. B. DUERST.
Rev. J. W. PAULL. C. P. COLLETT.
J. H. ABBOTT. E. AITKEN.

THEAnnual General Meeting of the above Society was held on May 6th,
1892, at which eighteen members were present, the President in the chair.
The notice convening the meeting having been read, the Hon. Sec.
presented his report, which was in the following terms :—
" During the Session which has just passed, and which, as all the members know,
was the first Session of this Society, fifteen ordinary meetings have been held. These
meetings have been attended by an aggregate of 203 members, averaging fourteen
members for each meeting.
" At ten meetings the chair has been occupied by the President, while at the
remaining five meetings, owing to the President's unavoidable absence, the Vice-
President has taken the chair.
" It is satisfactory to note the steady increase in the number of members of the
Society, nineteen new members having been elected during the Session, while two
members have resigned. The Society at present consists of forty-six members.
" Much helpful work to the members has been done by means of the papers
which have been read by different members of the Society. The subject selected for
special study at the commencement of the Session was the Stamps of Great Britain.
The President undertook to read a series of papers on the subject, and considerable
progress has been made. The subject, however, being an extensive one, and owing
to the President not being able to continue the series of his papers at every meeting,
it has been found impossible to complete the study of the stamps in question this
Session. It is to be hoped that the President will continue the papers next Session.
" In addition to the papers read by the President, the Vice-President has dealt at
some length with the postage stamps of France in two papers, and Mr. Duerst has
read instructive papers upon the postage stamps of Heligoland, Lubeck, and Geneva.
" The Committee have also to acknowledge the kindness of Messrs. Stanley
Gibbons & Co., Limited, and Messrs. Theodor Buhl & Co., in presenting the Society
with copies of many of the leading philatelic books ; these have formed the nucleus
for the Library.
" Every endeavour is being made by the Committee to increase the Library, as
they feel that this is one of the most important branches of the Society, and it is to
be hoped that more use will be made of it by the members than hitherto.
" During the course of the Session it was found necessary to appoint an Honorary
Assistant Secretary, to assist me in the discharge of my duties, and I have further
urged upon the Committee that with a view to the more equal distribution of labour
the duties of the Honorary Secretary should be further simplified by the severance of
the Treasurership from the Secretaryship. This will necessitate the appointment of
a new officer, and will, I think, tend to strengthen the Society.
PHILATELIC SOCIETIES' MEETINGS. 211

" After twelve months' working it has been deemed expedient by the Committee
for a variety of reasons to recommend several alterations in the rules, and you will
be asked to pass amendments incorporating the proposed alterations at the Annual
General Meeting to-night.
" In conclusion, it is the earnest wish of the Committee that the next Session
will be more productive of members who are willing to come forward and read papers,
and that the object with which members come to the meetings will be more to assist
in the study of the stamps under discussion for the evening than with the object of
acquiring the latest variety of surcharge on the stamps of Obock."
On the motion of the President, the report was unanimously passed.
The President then proposed the following [special resolution, of which due
notice had been given :—" That each member shall pay to the Treasurer, before the
1st of June next, the sum of 8s. in addition to his subscription of 2s. 6d., which will
defray his subscription to the 1st of January next, and entitle him to a copy of the
LONDON PHILATELIST, monthly. Those members who have already subscribed to the
LONDON PHILATELIST can, upon application being made to the Hon. Sec., have the
sum of 5s. returned to them in lieu of receiving from the Society the LONDON
PHILATELIST for the current year. Any member failing to comply with this reso-
lution will be deemed to have resigned his membership." In the course of his speech
he pointed out the advantages which would be gained by the members by adopting
the resolution, coupled with the fact that it would be some encouragement to the
executive of the paper in question who were so deserving of it, and that it would no
doubt be the means of other provincial societies adopting a similar course.
The Vice-President, in seconding the resolution, impressed upon the members the
importance of it, and dealt at length with the objections which he understood some
of the members had to the resolution in question.
After several members had spoken in favour of the resolution, Mr. Batty proposed
an amendment to the effect that " the subscription to the Society should be five
shillings per annum, and it should be left to the discretion of each individual member
to take any journal he pleased."
The amendment not being seconded, the President put the resolution to the
meeting, which was carried with only one dissentient.
The revision of the Statutes of the Society was then proceeded with. Several
alterations of an important character having been found necessary after a year's
working of the Society.
The election by ballot of the officers for the ensuing year was then taken. The
President in announcing the retirement of all the old officers, stated that the
Vice-President did not offer himself for re-election, but that he had consented,
subject to the approval of the members, to act as Hon. Sec.
The officers and committee appointed for the ensuing year were as follows :—
President, Vernon Roberts ; Vice-President, Frank Barratt; Hon. Sec., W. Doming
Beckton ,• Assistant Hon. Sec., C. H. Coote; Hon Treasurer, G. B. Duerst; Rev, J. W.
Paull, J. H. Abbott, C. P. Collett, E. Aitken. Mr. Philbrick, Q.C., and Mr. M. P.
Castle were unanimously elected Honorary Members of the Society.
A vote of thanks having been accorded to the President for presiding, the
proceedings terminated.
Several scarce stamps were exhibited after the meeting, amongst which were
two Labuan, 6 on 16 c. surcharged in red, shown by Mr. Barratt and Mr. Fildes, also
Colombia, 1863 issue, error 50 c., red, shown by the President.
W. DOBNING BECKTON-.
212

Correspondence.
A. .

TASMANIAN FANCY EMBOSSED PORTUGAL, 25 EEIS, BLUE?


ENVELOPES. To the Editor of the LONDON PHILATELIST.
To the Editor of the LONDON PHILATELIST. DEAR SlB;—Seeing the mention of my name
DBAB, SIR, —I take the libeity to enclose a vmdcT the heading Portugal in the June
variety of envelopes that have made their number of the LONDON PHILATELIST, I beg
appearance here to-day. They have been to give you all the information in my power
struck to the order of a collector, who seems respecting the 25 reis, recent issue, Portugal,
to have a mania for novelties. Although I in a pale blue shade.
have purchased a few of each value, I do not I have no hesitation in saying that the stamp
hold with the principle, as I think it is taking in question is a chemical-changeling. I have
collecting to such a pitch that shortly there met with this change of colour, not only in the
will be no limit to provisional or novelties, Portugal stamp of 25 reis, but also in almost
whichever one can term them, so long as the all of similar colour—violet—of the current
Post Office people will execute any order, Colonial issue.
especially as they will strike in small quantities, The change of colour I attribute to exposure
viz., 480, that is the number of each value I to a strong sunlight, and I enclose two stauirs
now enclose. I should be pleased to have your which have been so treated. Previous to ex-
opinion on the subject ; should you feel posure their colour was of the exact shade of
disposed to comply with my request, I would the other specimens I also enclose. You will
like to hear from you, either by letter or notice that their original gloss is preserved.
through the columns of the LONDON PHIILA- I beg to send you the new series issued on
TELIST. the 1st July. A similar stamp for Angra,
Yours faithfully, Horta, Funchal and Ponta Delgado will be
Tasmania, J. issued in the respective districts on the 1st
June 9th, 1892. August.
I am, Dear Sir,
[We insert our correspondent's letter with Lisbon, Yours truly,
pleasure, with a few verbal alterations, and 15th July, 1892. J. N. MAKSDEN.
cordially agree with the sentiments therein [The specimens sent by our correspondent
enumerated. The specimens submitted are : — prove his contention, those that have been
Id., red, oval design, white laid paper. exposed to the sun being of a pale bluish shade
Id. -fid., „ similar to that under discussion.—ED.]
THE NEW ZEALAND 4o. WITHOUT
WATERMARK.
To tlie Editor of the LONDON PHILATELIST.
DEAH SIB,—Perhaps the following may be
, green ., „ of interest to your correspondent, " W.G." I
The latter being the Government issue. The possessed three copies of the 4d. New Zealand,
impressions are side by side horizontally, Issue VI., 1866, two of them of the shade called
beginning from the right hand of the envelope, canary-yellow in the L.P.S. list, and one orange-
except in the case of the ^d.+2d., in which yellow. One of the canary-yellow was used,
the added ^d. value is to the left. and the paper of them was harder and thicker
We have similar copies from other corres- than that of the orange-yellow, which, but for
pondents, used and unused, and the dies have the absence of the star watermark, was very
been recently noted, applied to various kinds much like the thinnish paper that the ordinary
of stationery. Our opinion of them is summed stamp is found upon. Were it not for this
up in the word "rubbish." We think the fact (the difference of paper) one might almost
Tasmanian Postal Authorities are not in- suppose that the absence of watermark was
creasing their prestige in allowing such fancy due to some of the stamps being printed on
varieties to be struck, and we know that an unwatermarked portion of the sheet. Your
collectors who buy them will never see their correspondent gives the perforation as 12J,
money again, so caveat emptor !— ED.] which is correct, although the L.P.S. list gives
CORRESPONDENCE. 213

13. This brings me to another point: should Trinidad provisional card (No. 298 in Illus-
not some more exact method of measuring trations to L.P.S. list) reads : " Treu " (under
perforations be adopted—for official lists at lion) " Fest" (under unicorn). I fail to find
any rate. Nearly all the 13's in the L.P.S. New the connecting "und." This is possibly as
Zealand list should be corrected to 12-J. The worthy of note as the Victorian " Drot" for
" dotty " method of measuring is all right as " Droit " in a similar case.
far as it goes, but it doesn't go far enough, for Yours faithfully,
all collectors must have met with stamps that June 27th, 1892. O. FlBTH.
fitted, say, 11J and 12 equally well. The only
way to be certain is to have an accurate two- To the Editor of the LONDON PHILATELIST.
centimeter gauge, and count the number of DEAB SIB,—I notice letter from " W.G." and
perforations in that space. This is very good your comments thereon re 2d. and 4d. New
for most cases, but even with this plan you Zealand, no watermark.
will discover that there are many stamps I have met with several copies of the 2d.
which gauge more than 11J and less than 12. and two of the 4d. used, and Messrs. Buhl
What is to be done with these 1 have one of the latter in their stock book at
Is there anything worthy of note in the present time postmarked.
following 1:— Both these stamps differ from, those usually
"St. Vincent, Issue III., Id., perf. 11J verti- met with: the intensity of colour seems greater,
cally, 11 horizontally at top, imperf. at the gum laid on more liberally, and altogether
bottom (strip of 5 bottom row of sheet), they appear considerably thicker than the
also, same, perf. 11 right hand vertically, ordinary specimens. One unused pair recently
perf. 11J left hand vertically, 11J at top, offered me showed a suspicion of star, which
12£ at bottom." I believe would have been clear when the gum
I suppose it is almost hopeless to attempt was removed. The price asked made the ex-
to chronicle these latter varieties for, in just periment too costly for me to attempt.
now measuring a block of these Id. stamps I have heard the Id. brownish, 2d. red, and
I find the following curious result:— 4d. yellow have been reprinted without water-
mark, and will send particulars as soon as I
11 12 Hi obtain replies to my correspondence on this
subject.
The following frauds are reported to me
from Australia:—Penny and shilling on blue
11} bare 12 paper; sixpence and shilling on soft unwater-
marked paper; sixpence, watermarked N.Z.,
all imperf orate; sixpence and shilling perforate,
watermark N.Z.; penny perforated with star
taken out and N.Z. substituted.
12} bare Sincerely yours,
June 28th, 1892. R. HoLLICK.
[Messrs. Theodor Buhl & Co. have shown
us a used specimen of this stamp. The post-
mark consists of a heavily vertically barred
oval, containing the figures 070. On examining
In this case measurements are taken, hori- our collection we find a similar postmark on
zontally, from left to right, except in measur- the 6d. blue, 2d. vermilion (Star watermark),
ing the border, when the order was reversed, also on the 2d. (N.Z. and no watermark). We
and the edge of sheet taken as a starting point, have carefully compared our postmarks with
the number of teeth including of course a few that of the specimen submitted, and can find
of those previously taken in for the stamp it- no appreciable difference. This specimen
self. The vertical measures are taken from tends therefore to establish the postal authen-
bottom to top. ticity of the issue, and we must frankly own,
I do not think it has ever been pointed out dissipates our previous dov\bts on the subject.
that the motto on the Royal Arms on the —ED.]
214

OccasionalNotes.
THE Philatelic Journal of America has in doubt as to the particular department in
its June number made a great leap towards which it will be displayed when it comes to
Philatelic worth. Not only has it appeared in be sufficiently advanced in classification and
a new and attractive cover, but its contents arrangement to be submitted to the inspection
have been increased both in quantity and of visitors. This will necessarily be a process
quality. There are some excellent reproduc- demanding some time for its completion, as
tions of the Fredericksbnrg types and of some may be inferred from the circumstance that
of Placido Torres' Spanish forgeries, while the weight of the iron safe in which the hulk
these quaint old stamps form the subject of the co"ection was stored for delivery at its
of an interesting article by Mr. J. K. Tiffany. destination in Great Russell Street was esti-
We heartily welcome this new regime, and mated at about two tons, and that it required
felicitate Mr. Mekeel thereon. the services of over a dozen labourers for its
* * * efficient manipulation."
MESSES. SENP BROTHERS have issued an * * *
illustrated catalogue. This little volume, A OOEKESPONDBNT has sent us the following
well printed and illustrated profusely with letter, anent our hobby, which appeared in the
cuts of the stamps in a reduced size, is of a Pioneer, and as it touches upon the use of
very handy shape, and can be carried con- the official stamps, that frequently constitute
veniently in the pocket. In point both of themselves as an uninteresting adjunct to our
size and contents it can be legitimately col'ections, in a new light, it is worthy
dubbed a collector's vade meeum, and is in of consideration and perhaps discussion.
every way a credit to this well-known firm, " I have noticed several letters in the
and another example of the excellent handi- Pioneer lately, suggesting the discontinuance
work issued in that metropolis of printing— of the use of postage stamps on official cor-
Leipsic. respondence, and if you will permit me 1
* * * would wish to add a few words on the subject.
THAT the interest in the stamps of this I think it requires very little consideration to
country is not confined to our shores has once convince anybody of the utter uselessness, not
more been evidenced in the publication by to say absurdity, of using postage stamps on
Herr Paul Beschorren, of Munich, of a brochure official correspondence. I have served very
on the stamps of Great Britain. So much many years in a large Government office, anrl
has already been written on this subject that I am convinced that a return to the old system
it is impossible to have made any substantial of simply franking letters would not only
addition to our fund of knowledge, but our save much, time and trouble in public offices;
friend has prepared a lucid and concise —which in itself is a desideratum in these
reference list of the several varieties that will days, when the work of almost every office of
serve as a guide to Teutonic philatelists, and the State has increased four-fold to what it
evidences on the part of the author a most was fifteen or twenty years ago—but it would
commendable acquaintance with his subject. also be a distinct gain to Government finan-
* * * cially, for doubtless it costs no small sum for
THE Birmingham Daily Nems is responsible machinery, labour, and material in the manu-
for this somewhat startling statement as to facture of the several millions of postage
the weight of the National Philatelic Collec- stamps which are now literally wasted an-
tion. The quality of the stamps will, how- nually. If, as I believe, the present practice
ever, far outweigh their bulk, as will be readily was introduced with a view to show the ex-
conceded when Mr. Bacon has displayed some penditure on postage in the various depart-
of the treasures: " The unique and well-nigh ments, then all I can say is that any calcula-
exhaustive collection of postage stamps which tions based on the so-ca'led postage accounts
formed the subject of the late Mr. T. K. Tap- of an office are, and will be, perfectly mis-
ling's bequest to the British Museum has now leading, for I am certain that inquiry wou'd
been received at that institution, where it has, prove that the postage accounts in quite
for the present, passed into the custody of the three-fourths of the Government offices are
authorities of the Department of Printed Books. not 'worth the paper they are written on. I
Such a collection, however, is so nearly nut do not imp'y that the postage accounts are
generii, and touches in various ways on so wilfu'ly falsified, but it can be easily under-
many departments, that it is left in some stood that they are carelessly kept, when one
OCCASIONAL NOTES. 215

considers that it is a matter of perfect in- some idea of its richness—those who have
difference to an office whether its postage sought " Views " unused know their scarcity !
account amounts to Ks.lOor Bs.10,000 in the * * *
year. It is not in human nature to expect WE much regret to find in the columns of
anything else, and I know for a fact, and have the Metropolitan Philatelist a confirmation of
seen over and over again, official covers being our fears that the World's Fair at Chicago
sent to be posted with stamps on them enor- next year will not possess any special attrac-
mous y in excess of the number actually tions for collectors in the way of a Philatelic
necessary. It is the greatest mistake out, to Exhibition. After a long discussion, it appears
suppose that the annual postage accounts of that the old adage that " what is every one's
departments correctly show their expenditure business is no one's business," has once more
under this head. Surely then, there is no been verified, that nothing has or will be done
sense in keeping up a practice which is not collectively, and that collectors are therefore
only troublesome but expensive." kindly permitted to act on their own initiative.
* ** And yet there are American Philatelic Societies
AN esteemed correspondent writes :—" Col- and journals!
lectors of South Africans may look out for * * *
some 'natives' ere long. The Boers have THE "Barber of Seville" has at length
trekked into Angola and proclaimed a Repub- found a philatelic prototype. At a recent
lic, and as the Portuguese are not strong auction, among the stamps of Roumania with
enough to drive them out they are likely to the barbed head of the King (1871), we noticed
hold on to their ' New Republic' this time. a specimen of the scarcest value, the 50 bani,
The last time they trekked they left behind a blue and red, with a somewhat ragged-looking
trail of worthless postal 'New Republics.' beard. A closer examination revealed the
This time a more permanent interest may fact that a tonsorial artist had added the
attach to the product of the rubber stamp. hirsute appendage to the more youthful
But what about Angola issues? That will presentment of the King in the previous issue,
be a question for collectors of Portuguese which is innocent of this manly adornment,
Colonies." and had thus presumably materially increased
* * * the value of the stamp. Such ingenuity well
IT is officially announced that the Transvaal deserved a reward, and it is to be regretted
has entered the Postal Union, which means that our curiosity should have frustrated the
that the rate of postage on letters will be re- laudable design of the artist!
duced to 2^d. per half-ounce, and that we * * *
shall probably before long hear of a new issue
for the South African Republic of "two-pence OUE contemporary, Der Philatelist, has taken
half-penny." to a comic vein, and now disports a monthly
* * * addendum with various cuts of " Humoristic
MR. D. A. ViNDix having reached home in Philately," some of which are really amusing,
Sydney after an apparently enjoyable Euro- e.g., the young lady who in one picture grate-
pean trip, has commenced .an account of his fully accepts any kind of stamp from an ad-
rambles and impressions in his Philatelic mirer as she takes a languid interest therein,
Monthly ; dilating upon the Tapling collection, and in the companion drawing writes to a
portions of which he was enabled to see, he correspondent that she can now supply an
expatiates upon the New South Wales stamps, 18 kr. Wurtemberg at 60 marks, the antici-
and after quoting the Id. plate of Sydney uncut, pated price for which in the new catalogue
presumed to be a proof impression, says — will be 80 marks ! A facsimile of the Bruns-
" there are several blocks of six and twelve wick oval stamp is given plus a dameuse on
unused twopenny views." the back of the steed prepared to plunge
* * * through the circus hoop of our boyish days (
THE opacity of our intellect prevented us * * *
from gathering the exact sense of this sen- THE omission on the part of this Journal to
tence, hence we applied to an authority well comment upon the contents of its contempo-
acquainted with the collection, who kindly raries should in no way be attributed to a de-
informs us that it embraces 42 unused penny ficient estimation of their relative merits. We
Sydneys, including a block of 4 and one of 9; are content to read and inwardly digest them,
31 unused twopennies, including a block of and to appropriate with due acknowledgment
•i and one of 3, and 10 threepences—83 in all. such items of philatelic novelty as may have
Our Australian friends can hence gather reached them before us ; it appears to be
216 THE PHILATELIC MARKET.

fashionable in some circles to reproduce very each month in its Keview ; the critiques are
considerably the articles of other journals—in smartly written, the articles well selected,
our judgment it is preferable to indite original and (crede expert*)) now furnish an agreeable
matter, but of course this is purely a matter hour's reading each month.
of literary taste.
* * *
to pressure of work Mr. C. J.
THE new venture, inaugurated by Mr. \Vm. Phillips has been compelled to resign the Hon.
Brown, of Salisbury, the Philatelic Review of Secretaryship of the Philatelic Protection
Reviews, as being quite out of the ordinary Association. It is but the truth to aver that
course, may well furnish an exception to the this excellent and useful body owes its very
rule previously mentioned. The idea of cull- existence to Mr. Phillips, without whose
ing all that is best in the Philatelic journals characteristic energy and Midland enter-
of the world, presenting them recJiauffe, with prise it could hardly have inaugurated its
editorial sauce (the simile is culinary), is one brilliantly successful career. Mr. F. R. Ginn
that presents exceptional features of interest. has been appointed Secretary, and will, no
Our contemporary has been steadily improving doubt, efficiently perform the duties.

ThePhilatelicMarket.
"Owing to the political excitement now well at £9 10s. each. En rfvanclit, some of
prevailing, the market has ruled decidedly flat, the lots were sold at absurdly low prices, e.g.,
and business has almost been at a standstill." Tasmania, second issue, Id., with error of water-
The foregoing is not without its application mark 2, at 40s.! The general want of attrac-
on the Philatelic Bourse ! tiveness of the 46i lots, added to the lateness
The recently inaugurated Paris auctions do of the season, may, however, well be account-
not seem to have been an unmitigated success, able for the variations in the prices attained.
the attendance of collectors being meagre The Scott Company's sale of Mr. R. Wor-
according to the Revue PMlatelique, and many meley's stamps on the 9th ult. does not seem
of the lots bought in, although such stamps to have been of an heroic nature, as the total
as the "Trinacria" and the 2 reales (1851) of received for the 459 lots was only about £175.
Spain attained nearly their normal values. An 8 c., green, British Guiana, on part oi
Messrs. Philips Lea, & Davies, at their llth original letter, even if creased and cut to
sale on June 16th had a good attendance and shape, should have been a veritable bargain
satisfactory results, the bargain-hunters being to its purchaser at £6 8s.!
quite nonplussed. A British Columbia, 2|d. A private sale by tender above the fixed re-
imperf., in a general lot, though undescribed, serve was also " functioned " by the same firm
afforded ample verification of this, as after last month, and included a red Buenos Ayres
keen competition, Mr. Giwelb secured it for (£10) ; a 15 c. Reunion (£40) ; and the com-
£15 10s. There were also ottered some fair panion, 30 c. (£46); an early unused Id. Mauri-
Australians, Newfoundlands, and a choice tius (£8) ; an 1861 Mexican error, 1 r, black
selection of Oldenburgs, which also were not on rose (£10) ; a plate of the lithograph, of
"tin occaie." Nevis (£7); a J peso, unused, yellow Peru (£6);
Messrs. Cheveley, Wilson, & Co., contrary an octagonal, small size, 7 gr., Prussia,
to their custom, and, we understand, to oblige unused (£9) ; and other good things, the
a client, held a Midsummer sale on the 22nd aggregate of the 34 lots sold being nearly
and 23rd ult. The Europeans were not fine, £200.
but, none the less, were freely sold. A Ceylon Messrs. Bogert and Durbin held a sale at
5d., no w'mark, unused, went reasonably enough Philadelphia on the 1st, and a second at New
for £6 10s.; the same remark applying to a York on the 22nd and 23rd of last month. A
large fillet Mauritius at £9 10s. A strip of St. Louis, 5 c. (£12), seems to have been the
the Bolivar, 10 c., green, 1st issue, realised most valuable item in the former, while in the
£15—an uncommon acquisition; and two latter " mediocrity seems to have marked it
specimens of the orange Buenos Ayres sold for its own."

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