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| Scandinavian Philatelic E-News: 2008 May 22 |
If you missed the 1 April 2008 E-News discussing, illustrating, and offering the Swedish Ladybug "error" stamp, click here.
If you missed the 17 April 2008 E-News discussing, illustrating, and offering the Norden 2008 Nordic Mythology issues & pack, click here.
CONTENTS:
1. New Items on the Website
2. News and Notes
3. Special Offers: Collections & Albums -- Great Buys
4. Used and One-of-a-kind Philatelic Literature
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| 1. New Items on the Website |
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FAROE NUMBER ONE
[Click on images to see the applicable price lists and more pictures,
along with links to larger pictures.] |
The Faroe 1919 provisional surcharge overprint has always intrigued philatelists. Life was not easy in the misty, far-away Faroes in January 1919 and delayed delivery of new 7 øre stamps to satisfy the new postal rate was just one of many difficulties in those days.
With the letter rate increasing from 5 øre to 7 øre, the post office almost immediately ran out of 2 øre stamps; in fact a letter bearing 2 and 5 øre stamps is a rarity. At first 4 øre stamps were cut in half (bisected). Then the indicia of 4 øre postal stationery newspaper wrappers were clipped out and cut in half (and applied to envelopes with glue). Finally, a 2 øre overprint device was fashioned from a chair leg and the overprint applied to 5 øre stamps until the supply of new 7 øre stamps finally arrived. The surcharge overprint was applied to sheets of 5 øre stamps, but it has also been proven that it was even applied one at a time to 5 øre stamps already on envelopes!
The overprint device is clearly pictured in the cachet of the official first day cover which can be seen here.
Unfortunately for the overworked postmasters, this exciting provisional stamp generated its own demand for more stamps and more letters to be mailed! (A typical occurrence in the case of overprints.) This is proven out by the fact that once the 7 øre stamps arrived, mail volume plummeted and extremely few covers (or even pieces cut from covers) bearing 7 øre stamps were saved in the remainder of 1919. Such a cover is itself a rarity worth much, much more than a cover bearing the overprinted stamp!
Mint hinged examples of the overprints have become quite scarce in nice quality. Mint NH examples are extremely scarce and sell for $3,000 to $5,000 depending upon centering. For this reason most collectors choose to acquire the more affordable used examples.
Forged overprints do exist; I regularly see them offered in the stocks of non-specialized dealers and on Internet auction sites. I recommend that this stamp only be purchased with a certificate, no matter how "reliable" the seller is. I only sell expertized examples accompanied by a certificate.
I don't have a Mint or NH example in stock at this moment (they always sell very quickly), but if you are seeking such, please let me know. I also fairly regularly have examples on cover.
You can usually find the currently available examples of Faroe #1 in the Faroe New Arrivals - Stamps and in the Faroes 1919 Provisionals page. However, I often will have one or two examples that have just come in and are not yet on the website, thus please let me know of your interest.
Would you like to have a Faroe #1, but it is a bit "pricey"? I am happy to arrange a payment plan if that would be more convenient.
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FINLAND MODERN RARITIES
[Click on images to see the applicable price lists and more pictures,
along with links to larger pictures.] |
Most collectors do not realize that there are some "modern rarities" in regularly issued Finnish stamps. I am not speaking of rare errors or the like, but just "regular" stamps that were consumed for postage before philatelists realized that they were different.
I have nice examples of both of these issues in stock. Click on the images above.
The first of these "modern" rarities is the 1974 35p + 5p Mushroom (morel) semi-postal stamp, Scott #B200. The stamp was normally printed on fluorescent paper (yellowish under long-wave UV light). However, a non-fluorescent (dark or bluish under l-w UV) paper was also used. This stamp is missing from virtually all collections!
The second "modern rarity" is the 1973 printing of Type II of the 3 mark airmail stamp, Scott #C9. This design was originally issued as Type I with 16 shading lines in the zeros (Scott #C9a), in 1963 on non-fluorescent TeP paper and then in 1965 on whitish (non) fluorescent HaP paper. It was then re-engraved in 1973 with 13 shading lines in the zeros, and other differences (Scott #C9), and first printed on the whitish (non) fluorescent HaP paper. This is the rare stamp! Then, less than a year later, in 1974, it was reprinted on yellow fluorescent EGpQ coated paper. The 1973 printing was little known to collectors and was not distributed through the usual "new issue" channels; they were virtually all consumed for postage before many collectors knew they existed. As a result, this has become one of the rarest, if not the rarest, modern Finnish stamp in mint condition. Furthermore, well-centered examples are very scarce.
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UNITED STATES STAMPS
I have added nearly 100 attractive U.S. stamps to the website. Above are a few examples -- there is LOT more to see! Start at the U.S. Table of Contents.
[Click on images to see the applicable price lists and more pictures,
along with links to larger pictures.] |
I have added nearly 100 attractive U.S. stamps to the website. Above are a few examples -- there is LOT more to see! Start at the U.S. Table of Contents.
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| 2. News and Notes |
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Memorial Day
In the United States, we are coming up to Memorial Day, the remembrance of those who have died in the service of the United States Armed Forces.
For a bit of background, take a look at:
https://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
https://www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
Memorial Day and what it represents has perhaps become an uncomfortable subject in some areas of our lives. I feel that this is unfortunate and I hope that you will allow me a few words on the subject.
For some Americans, it seems that this day has slowly become little more than an excuse for a 3-day-weekend holiday. I hope that those folks may take a couple of minutes to reflect upon the freedoms they enjoy and their ability to take such a holiday.
For a few others, it sometimes seems that their opposition to war and the killing of our fellow human beings (who could be for war and killing?), prevents them from recognizing the sacrifices of those who may have put their own feelings aside and answered the call of our political system which controls the decision process of going to war. The men and women who have died put their trust in the leaders of our country. Many will argue the merits of any particular armed conflict and it is patently clear that political leaders cannot always (or even usually) be trusted to make moral and just decisions in such matters, but without the trust demonstrated by the men and women of the Armed Forces, Americans would likely not be living in "America".
The constant whirlwind of "political marketing" and "spin" of the last few years has attempted to convince us that supporting the members of our Armed Forces requires us to support the agendas of the elected politicians. Nothing could be further from the truth. All political leaders make at least some bad decisions -- they are human beings and subject to human weakness. As citizens, we have the right and duty to develop and voice our opinions of the actions of the politicians we elect. We have the right and duty to observe, learn, analyze, and think, rather than to "just believe". We abandon our duty when we blindly support political actions for the sake of any form of political correctness or opinion. However, at the same time, we must also honor the trust that the members of the Armed Forces place in this system -- no matter how flawed or inconsistent the system, the politicians, or we, the voters, may be. Their trust results in our freedom.
In the United States, we elect the political leaders who make the ultimate decisions of how, when, and where we go to war and how, when, and where we react to the warlike actions of others. One of the greatest honors that we can give to those who have died or who have been injured in the service of our country is to be personally active in the political process: to truly educate ourselves about political candidates' positions; to truly evaluate the veracity of politician's statements; to actively support those candidates of whom we approve, even if we find it inconvenient in our busy schedules; and to VOTE!
This year we Americans will select a new president who will likely have to make many very difficult decisions that will affect the lives, and deaths, of the men and women of our Armed Forces. We Americans owe those people our careful political attention as the next president is selected. We owe them to perform our right and duty to VOTE!
Stamps for the Wounded
One of the greatest tragedies of the current war is largely hidden from the view of most American citizens -- and, in my personal opinion, that in itself is a tragedy! Unlike past wars, Americans are literally not allowed to see the wounded and dead Armed Forces members coming back to America. While some would argue, and the military states, that this is a military decision in the name of privacy, etc., others believe that it is a political decision made by politicians for "political marketing" purposes. Each American will have to decide that question for themselves and act accordingly.
However, the fact is that tens of thousands of American Servicemen & Servicewomen have been wounded. This cannot be denied. Many of those people are contending with extended hospitalization and other forms of ongoing treatment. In some small way, stamps can be of help and comfort to some of these veterans.
The Stamps For The Wounded program was founded in 1942. It is currently operated through the Lions International organization. Its intent is to provide support and assistance to wounded veterans through providing stamps and philatelic materials & knowledge.
This program has helped many veterans contend with their circumstances and it has surely introduced many to our beloved hobby.
Over this Memorial Day time, take a look at the Stamps For The Wounded website and consider assisting them with their work. Most of us have duplicate stamps which a wounded veteran would enjoy.
Also, if you live near a Veterans Administration facility, consider giving of your time.
Robert H. Cunliffe
In the same vein, I would like to honor the memory of a recently departed friend, Robert H. Cunliffe of the Pittsburgh area. Bob was a WWII veteran, a B-17 pilot (of a plane named "War Weary"), and recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained when his plane came under severe enemy fire and eventually crash landed. Bob was a true philatelist of great proportion (you will hear of several major auctions of his collections in the coming couple of years), a well-respected and accomplished businessman, a friend to anyone who met him, and an exceptionally generous human being. In his later years, and especially after the start of the current Iraq war, Bob spent as much time as he could at the nearest Veterans Administration hospital. He volunteered his time, enthusiasm, money, and boundless energy to those who had been willing to sacrifice everything. Thank you Bob.
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| 3. Special Offers: Collections & Albums -- Great Buys |
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I am constantly buying large and small Scandinavian, U.S., and Worldwide collections. If you are considering getting into a new area and would like a "starter collection" (whether small or large), let me know about your interest. Also, if you are seeking used binders or used empty albums to match what you currently have, again, let me know. In the process of buying Scandinavian collections, many of my long-time clients (or their estates) ask that I assist in selling the non-Scandinavian portion of their collections. If there is something you are looking for, just let me know. Take a look at the current listings on the web site (but if you don't see your interest listed, please inquire -- most have not been listed on the web site yet).
I guarantee your satisfaction. Each item is one of a kind; orders will be filled in order of receipt. Payment by MasterCard or Visa suggested, but I will hold items for 10 days pending receipt of your check or money order if you prefer.
Useful Links:
Scandinavian Collections
U.S. and World (Non-Scandinavian) Collections
Used Albums & Binders
Scandinavia: Thousands of Stamps and Covers!
U.S. Individual Stamps: Great Items at Great Prices!
World Individual Stamps: Great Items at Great Prices!
SCANDINAVIAN COLLECTIONS
For more, see: Scandinavian Collections
#731513 Faroe NH VF Complete Collection 1975-1991 in White Ace Album
Great, complete NH VF collection of the early years of Independent Faroe stamps. In mounts (some clear, some black) on White Ace pages in Faroe White Ace Binder, with White Ace slipcase. The spine of the binder is marred (but otherwise the binder is quite serviceable), thus neither the binder or slipcase are counted in the value. The stamps are complete 1975-1991, but the pages run through 1994. JSA retail of the stamps, souvenir sheets, and booklets totals $360 -- there is a lot of value here! A terrific opportunity to get started with Faroe at a very reasonable price! $235.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731514 Faroe NH VF Complete Collection 1975-2006 in Hingeless Schaubek Album
Terrific complete collection of the single stamps and souvenir sheets of Independent Faroe through 2006! Also includes the page for the 1919 and 1940s overprinted stamps. Schaubek hingeless (with mounts) pages in handsome blue 6-post Schaubek binder with slipcase. The binder, slipcase, and pages are all in like-new condition and have a new retail value of over $225! The stamps are pristine NH VF / Superb. JSA retail of the stamps and souvenir sheets totals $1174. There are a LOT of stamps here that I really need for my own stock, but this collection is too nice looking to break up. This is a great opportunity to start your Faroe collection at a great savings. $829.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731506 Finland Collection Balance 1889-1974
About 420 stamps, mint and used, on album pages. Includes regular issues, commemoratives and semi-postals. There is duplication in the 19th Century and the Saarinen Lions, with many annotated with Facit or Norma numbers or for minor unlisted varieties. Much of the value is in the semi-postals which include quite a few complete sets (some NH). The Jay Smith retail value of the semi-postals alone is over $94. With just a few exceptions, condition is F-VF or better with many VF. The album pages have a mixture of clear or black mounts. This is a wonderful collection for anyone who liked to hunt out and identify sub-numbers, varieties, shades, etc. $69.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731515 Greenland NH VF Collection in Hingeless Schaubek Album
Handsome Greenland collection, substantially complete 1974-2006, with all stamps in pristine NH VF / Superb condition. The pages are the complete Schaubek hingeless (with mounts) page set from 1905 through 2006 in a handsome blue 6-post Schaubek binder with slipcase. The binder, slipcase, and pages are all in like-new condition and have a new retail value of over $250! JSA retail of the stamps and souvenir sheets totals $910. There is a lot of value here! This will be a terrific start on your Greenland collection, at a tremendous savings. Greenland continues to be one of the most popular collecting areas! $679.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731508 Iceland Collection Balance on Scott Pages 1876-1982
Over 100 different, mint and used, neatly mounted on clean, usable Scott Specialty 2-post album pages. Somewhat scattered; most of the value is prior to 1950 and includes some useful medium to better values. Condition, with a few exceptions, is nearly all F-VF or better with much VF. A nice starter selection suitable for continuation and expansion. $79.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731507 Norway Collection Balance on Scott Pages 1872-1983
Over 300 different, a few mint but mostly used, neatly mounted on clean usable Scott 2-post album pages. Most of the value is prior to 1955, including some useful medium values, #16-17, 23, 27, 35, 36, etc. Condition varies on the early issues; overall condition is mostly F-VF or better with a large percentage VF. A nice representation suitable for continuation and expansion. $59.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731509 Sweden Collection on Scott Pages 1872-1957
Over 450 different, mint and used, neatly mounted on clean usable Scott Specialty 2-post album pages. This contains a useful range of late 19th and early 20th century issues with some medium to better values, such as #21, 27, 41, 66, etc. The 1932-57 period is fairly well filled in including more than a dozen mint sets. There are just a few scattered stamps from 1958-76, but the pages are complete through 1983. There are a few minor condition problems in the oldest issues, but overall it is F-VF or better with later issues nearly all VF. This collection is quite suitable for continuation and expansion, particularly if you can use a set of Sweden Specialty pages. $159.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
WORLDWIDE COLLECTIONS
For more, see: U.S. and Worldwide Collections
ALBUMS & SUPPLIES
For more, see: Scandinavian, U.S., and Worldwide Albums and Supplies
For new Stender Albums, see: Stender Albums
#731510 Aland Schaubek Album Pages Set 1984-1999 + Framas
Excellent set of Schaubek hingeless (with mounts) album pages complete 1984-1999 plus nicely made (on Schaubek blank pages) hingeless (with mounts) album pages for the Frama Machine Stamps 1984-2000. The new retail price of the regular stamp pages is around $80, plus the value of the Frama pages! This page set would probably fit in an existing Schaubek binder if you have one for another country; or you can buy Schaubek binders from Scott, supply dealers, or check to see if I have one listed on the website. $29.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731512 Davo Finland Album Binder
Handsome Davo 2-post binder gold stamped for Finland (and "I" on the spine) with Finnish coat of arms, etc. Good used condition. Great for expansion if your Finnish collection has outgrown its Davo binders. $17.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
#731511 Schaubek Album Binder and Slip Case
Handsome blue 6-ring Schaubek binder and slip case for their Hingeless series albums. This is the binder and slip case that Scott sells, thus it should match any that you have from Scott distribution of Schaubek albums. New retail is about $49! Absolutely like-new condition. $24.00
Order Online (Will open a new window; the new window may be under current window.)
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| 4. Used and One-of-a-kind Philatelic Literature |
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Most of these books are one-of-a-kind, thus be sure to order early. This is just a tiny glimpse of the used books available. Please take a look at the complete Literature Specials price list -- it has much more to offer. I welcome your want list for any Scandinavian books you are seeking. "New" books will be in brand-new condition. "Used" books will be used, though in attractive and serviceable condition; these books may contain minor owner's marks and have typical wear, but any significant defects will be noted in the description. Most "used" books are in much better condition than you might think; many are pristine.
For more, see: Scandinavian & Worldwide Literature Specials Table of Contents.
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SPECIAL OFFERS!
GREAT VALUES!
Updated
22 April 2024
Scandinavia:
 Philatelic
Literature
Collections
Used Albums
U.S. Stamps:
NH, Mint, and Used at great prices.
Collections
World Stamps:
Better stamps at great prices.
Collections
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SCANDINAVIAN PRICE LISTS BY POSTAL MAIL
Over 100 pages of price lists are available
by postal mail. While these will eventually also be available
on the web, I am not quite there yet. Request
your copy of the printed price lists today.
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SCANDINAVIAN PRICE LISTS ON THE
WEB Take a look at my specific country
price lists and topic price lists on
the web.
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Approvals are the best way to add to your collection.
If you prefer to examine stamps and compare them to your
collection, before you purchase, you will very much enjoy my
approval service. Send your want list today.
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Stender Scandinavian Stamp Albums
Albums made in Scandinavia, by Scandinavians make the most sense.
Well designed and attractive, these extremely price competitive
albums will make a great home for your collection. See the complete price list.
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I have added a Frequently Asked
Questions "FAQ" page for web site, computer, and Internet questions
as they relates to my site. I welcome your comments, input, suggestions,
corrections, etc.
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