THE

LondonPhilatelist:
THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF

THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON.

VOL. VIII. AUGUST, 1899. No. 92.

Reprints.
PHILATELY is distinctly the gainer by the publication of
the work on Reprints which we have elsewhere referred
to, and Mr. E. D. Bacon has once more deserved well
of the whole community in giving us further evidence of
his infinite capacity for taking pains. The question of
Reprints had never been really thoroughly " tackled," al-
though M. Moens has wisely included reimpressions in his
catalogue for many years past, while Dr. Kalckhoff and
M. Piet Lataudrie, a few years since, produced excellent
monographs hereon.
The path of Philately would doubtless have been some-
what smoother had no such things as Reprints ever existed;
but, like other troubles sent for our good, they have their distinct use
and advantage. The true definition and distinction of the narrow line
that sometimes almost imperceptibly divides the original from the reprint,
has not only called forth the best faculties of the collector—in stamps
as in other hobbies—but has added the zest of difficulties to overcome,
that must inevitably render more keen the edge of our interest. In olden
days the true knowledge of the difference between original and reprint
in such countries as Wurtemberg, France, or Natal was considered—and
justly—to represent the highest flight of Philatelic science. It is perhaps
fortunate for the average collector that there are but few countries where
the relative divergences are so slight as in the above cases. It may be,
however, now conscientiously affirmed, with the aid of Mr. Bacon's book,
that the difficulties that beset the path of the collector of unused, are less
formidable than those facing the man who takes nought but used
specimens.
There are three " lions in the path" of the inexperienced collector, be
he generalist or specialist. The first is common to both used and unused,
i.e. the difficulty of determining the genuineness of surcharges. The second
202 THE STAMPS OF TUSCANY UPON WOVE PAPER.

is the question of deciding between a reprint and an original, applying

perforce to unused only; and the third is the ability to differentiate between
legitimate and forged obliterations—which latter may also occasionally be
found attached to Reprints—in the endeavour to render them originals.
In the light of the writer's experience, both as a collector and member of
expert committees, the last named division—i.e. the expertising of oblitera-
tions—has always presented the greatest difficulties, and has necessitated
the most frequent resort to the leading specialists or connoisseurs in the
country whence the stamps respectively originated. The danger to the
collector of used stamps is fortunately practically nil until he conies into
contact with those specimens that are rarer used than unused. In the
instances of the German and Italian States and others, the number of
these is considerable, and some of these stamps are of distinct rarity when
postmarked, while in order to cope with the numerous forgeries of these
postmarks it has been found necessary to reproduce in facsimile all the
different obliterations of certain countries. The march of Philatelic science
has therefore kept pace with MM. les faussaires ; but the absolute certainty
of the authenticity of a postmark still remains one of the knottiest points
within the four corners of Philately.
Everything points to continued favour among the more prbminent
Philatelists as to the future of the cult of the mint unused; therefore the
appearance of such an aid in their classification as Reprints cannot but
have a good moral effect. The specialist in unused of the future must
assuredly include the various Reprints that have been issued by the
Governments. It will be found that this is by no means so easy as is
imagined, some Reprints being of great scarcity, but the value and interest
of the whole collection will assuredly be heightened by their inclusion.
As with engravings, time will not fail to add a value thereto, and the
day will yet be when the Reprint proper will be considered as an
integral and valuable factor in the complete specialist collection.

The Stamps of Tuscany upon Wove Paper:

are they Proofs or Reprints?
BY DR. EMILIO DIENA.

THERE has always been some doubt concerning the true

character of the stamps of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
printed upon wove paper. In No. 30, June, 1865, of the
Timbre-Poste, M. Moens considers them to be "essays in the
true and conscientious meaning of the word, that is to say,
proof copies taken from the original dies of the stamps."
And he added, "They were not reprints, seeing that the plates have been
broken."
 THE STAMPS OF TUSCANY UPON WOVE PAPER. 203

Dr. Legrand, in his essay upon " Reprints," Timbrophile, No. 36, October,
1867, did not even try to solve the question ; but on reading his remarks, it
is apparent that he was inclined to consider the stamps as reprints. He says,
in effect, " The reprint is upon white wove paper, and the absence of all
watermark is thus enough to distinguish it."
It is curious to note that in the second edition of his catalogue, 1868, and
in the following editions, M. Moens classifies the stamps in question as being
reprints, and in the last edition he fixes their date in 1864. Again, in his
interesting study " The Stamps of Tuscany," which appeared in the Timbre-
Paste of 1877, M. Moens once more considers the stamps in question as
being reprints, of which he gives the varieties, but he adds the following
note: " It has been affirmed that there have not been any reprints, but that
the stamps were only 'trial printings,' as the dies having been destroyed
any reprinting was rendered impossible."
It is important to remark that the above note was not reproduced in
the edition, published in pamphlet form, of the study referred to in 1878,
and this is calculated to show that the most accepted opinion in those days
was that the stamps were reprints. This opinion has prevailed up to the
present, although, I repeat, doubts on this point have been held by many
Philatelists.
I am not aware that this question has been treated by the English
Philatelic press.* In certain numbers of the Stamp Collector's Magazine,
1865, there appeared an advertisement of a Signer F. Caldelli, of Florence,
in which Sets of fourteen " essays " of Tuscany were offered at 14^. the set.
It will thus be seen that at the time when these stamps appeared in the
Philatelic world; 1864 or 1865, they were considered in Italy to be essays,
and at that epoch not much distinction was made between essays and proofs.
The Philatelic literature of Germany and Italy is dumb on this point,
with the exception that Dr. Moschkau, in his Handbook for Collectors of
Essays, 1875, considers the impressions upon wove paper as essays.
Having thus stated the generally accepted opinions, I will seek to present
what I think is the solution of this ancient Philatelic problem.
Last year I was asked by one of my friends if I had ever known of the
existence of a false stamp of Tuscany having served to frank letters; and I
replied that such a forgery was entirely unknown to me. My friend then
added that he knew of some copies of the 6 crazie, dark blue, not very fine,
on white wove paper, which he held to be nothing less than false stamps
made to defraud the postal authorities. My desire to examine the copies
in question having been satisfied, I easily recognised that they were nothing
but proof impressions, or rather impressions dc mise en train, and I soon
discovered that the soft white wove paper was identical with that of the
soi-disant reprints. My friend was speedily convinced, and having begged
him to make search at the source from whence he had obtained these stamps
(of the 6 crazie) which he had shown to me, I was fortunate enough later on

* In Mr. E. D. Bacon's work on Reprints—reviewed in the present number—on page 145

reference is made to these "reprints," and it should be mentioned that Dr. Diena having kindly
placed the information contained in this interesting paper at Mr. Bacon's disposal, the MS. was
forwarded to that gentleman with the consent of the Editor of this journal.
204 THE STAMPS OF TUSCANY UPON WOVE PAPER.

to receive, through his instrumentality, certain official documents, which

confirmed my opinion.
The papers in question consist of certain official letters of 1859. One
letter, dated March i8th, from the Director of the Post Office at Lucca,
informs the General Directorate of the Tuscan Posts at Florence that one
Ranieri Sorbi, a tobacco seller, stamp dealer, etc., at Pescia, in the province
of Lucca, had seized certain stamps (6 crazie), which had been offered to
him, and which were supposed to be false.
The authorities of the Tuscan Posts at first seemed to share the opinion
of the Director of the Posts at Lucca, and it promptly gave notice of the
fact to the Tribunal at Lucca.
The Governmental Delegation of Pescia replied that a search had been
made at the house of the said Ranieri Sorbi, and that no suspected stamps
had been found. It was added that a young man employed at the Livini
Paper Mills at Pescia had presented to the Signer Sorbi's wife nine speci-
mens of the 6 crazie stamps; that Madame Sorbi had accepted them, and
shown them to her husband. The latter deeming the stamps false, he in his
turn showed them to an employee of the local post office. The young man
who presented the stamps was interrogated, and declared that he had found
them at the paper works in a heap of paper rubbish destined to be reduced
to pulp.
On a renewed search being made by the authorities of the Tuscan Posts,
it was discovered that on December nth, 1858, fifteen bundles of paper
rubbish had been sent to the Livini Paper Mills at Pescia, destined to be
reduced to pulp. These bundles contained " principally waste paper of
1856," among which there were found "some proof impressions of stamps,
for the most part torn, which had fallen on the floor, and which had been
found in the room occupied by the hand-press that was used in printing
the stamps."
The perusal of the documents in question, and the examination of the
proofs of the 6 crazie, of which I have just spoken, and especially of the
paper, leave no further doubt in my mind that the so-called reprinted stamps
of 1864 were nothing less than printer's proofs.
Some months ago another correspondent had the kindness to submit to
me an obliterated copy of the 4 crazie, green, printed on the same soft,
machine-made, white paper, without watermark, very different from the
hand-made, watermarked material of the true stamps. The specimen bore
a black obliteration consisting of the capital letters S^ F^ in an oval, an
abbreviation of "Strada Ferrata," i.e. railway. Among the proofs which
I possess there are some copies which are exactly the same shade as this
used 4 crazie. Being convinced of the perfect genuineness of the obliteration
of the specimen in question, there is no doubt in my mind that certain proofs
of the Tuscan stamps upon wove paper have been used for franking letters—
in other words, that they may either have been stolen by a dishonest employee,
or that some sheets may have slipped by mistake among the sheets of
watermarked paper. The suggestion of the appropriation of certain
specimens seems, however, to me the more likely. I remember also some
ten years ago to have heard mention of an obliterated copy of the 6 crazie
 THE STAMPS OF TUSCANY UPON WOVE PAPER. 205

on wove paper, which perhaps had the same origin. It is also probable that
the 6 crazie upon pelure paper (without watermark ?) noted by M. Moens in
the two last editions of his catalogue is of the same character.* In order to
arrive at a better decision in this matter, I have tried to examine as
large a number as possible of the proofs in question, and have seen some
rather large portions of sheets showing a small outside frame-line similar to
the outer line which is to be seen upon the sheets of stamps now printed by
Messrs. De La Rue & Co. I have also found copies with several impressions
on the reverse side, which proves that they are " printer's proofs."
Moreover, in the work by M. Moens already alluded to, two proofs with
impressions on both sides of the I quattrino are cited.
I now append a full list of these proofs:—
A. Printed upon soft, white, machine-made paper.
\ quattrino, black,
i ,, black, with several impressions on the reverse.
1 soldo, orange, pale and dark, pale yellow.
2 soldi, brick-red.
1 crazia, red, pale red, red-brown.
2 crazie, pale blue, greenish blue.
4 „ green, pale blue-green, very light green.
6 „ blue, dull blue, slate-blue.
9 „ violet-brown, grey-brown, pale grey-brown.
9 ,, wine-red, very coarse, thick printing.
B. Black impression upon papers varying in thickness and colour.
2 crazie, yellow, violet-rose, green.
2 ,, on thick, bluish paper.
2 ., on solferino-red, with reverse white.

M. Moens catalogues these latter (B) as essays, but in my opinion they

all emanate from the same source, and are of the same character.
The 60 crazie, which has not been noted by M. Moens nor by other
writers, is not known to me. The 2 soldi is rare, even as an essay, especially
as certain rascals have bought all that they came across, in order to sell them
as real stamps after they had given a more or less bluish tint to the paper,
further embellished it with a false watermark (obtained by scratching the
paper), and furnished the stamps with false obliterations. At the same time
other values underwent this "treatment," and the fact may be recalled that
some years ago the Philatelic press announced, as coming from Genoa and
Leghorn, certain specimens of the 9 crazie, pale lilac on white, with a soi-disant
watermark (crossed lines), similarly made by scratching the paper; these
stamps were fastened down on old letters, from which the original stamps
had been removed.
M. Moens also announces as having been reprinted, the Newspaper Tax
stamp of 2 soldi, black (inscription in a double circle), the white paper of
which, although it is not identical with that of the proofs of the Lion type,
has a great resemblance to it.
* We have specimens of the 6 crazie on paper so thin as to be practically the equivalent of pelure
—with watermark of crossed lines—which would probably be the variety alluded to by M. Moens.—ED.
206 THE STAMPS OF TUSCANY UPON WOVE PAPER.

I incline to the belief that, even in this case, we are in the presence of
a proof—certainly much rarer than the true newspaper stamp printed on thin
straw paper (almost pelure).
There still remains the question—Are there any reprints of Tuscany ?
'For it is logical to affirm that if those stamps with which I have previously
been occupied are to be considered as proofs of original impressions, in
my opinion it cannot be concluded from this fact that reprints do not exist.
1 must remark that the affirmation published in 1865 concerning the
destruction of the " original plates " is in my opinion very likely to be true,
but at the same time it would have been more exact to speak of original
blocks.
We have a confirmation of this fact when later (in 1866, according to
M. Moens), in order to reprint the stamps of 2 soldi, 60 crazie, and also the
3 lire, the two original dies were without doubt used (Lion type and Savoy
Cross type); but as the different lower labels containing the indication of the
values (which were movable) could not be found, it was necessary to
engrave them afresh, and this posthumous and fraudulent work was such
a pitiful failure, that it is very easy to recognise the stamps in question by
their lower inscriptions (leaving on one side for the moment the differences of
colour and printing), and they are thus partly reprints and partly imitations.
Although the collector ought to be very careful in buying the stamps of
Tuscany, by reason of the excellent imitations thereof, and especially those
made of late years, the three reprints mentioned above, which I have only
very rarely found in some old collections, are not at all dangerous. The
2 soldi and the 60 crazie are printed in a shade which is much too brown, on
original bleiite paper (watermark crowns in the sheet), and the impression
is very coarse and thick. As to the 3 lire, printed on white paper with
the same watermark, in a bright yellow shade, I need waste no time in
describing it, as it is easily recognised, even by a beginner.
These three "reprinted" stamps seem to have been struck singly by the
aid of a hand-press. If the blocks of them had been found, the printing
would have been done in groups, and would have been a greater success.
I myself believe that they were printed from the original dies, which were in
tempered steel, from information gathered in a letter sent on November 17,
1851, by the Superintendent-General of the Tuscan Posts to the Director-
General of the Posts of the Duchy of Modena.
Thus we have no true reprints of Tuscany, and the three to which I
have just alluded seem to have been made in very small quantities.
What became of the two original dies, after they had been used for this
secret printing ? No one has yet been able to inform me.
 [ 207 ]

PhilatelicNotes.
NOTE.—7he co-operation of Philatelists is invited in order to make these columns of a varied
and interesting nature.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
THE early issues of this colony fully maintain their interest in the
eyes of collectors, one of the especial features of which is the wide
variety—not to say peculiarities—found with regard to the gumming of the
stamps. This gum is described in Oceania as brownish, but it will
be found ranging from fairly whitish to practically black, in layers or
streaks, and, as is well known in the case of the first fourpenny value, the
paper absorbed this mucilage, with the result that varieties of paper can
be found in every imaginable shade between white and brown. The Monthly
Circular s correspondent in Western Australia tells us that " the reason why
the gum on the lithographed stamps issued prior to 1860 is so free from
all uniformity is that the stamps were issued ungummed; but for the
convenience of the public a gum bottle was kept at the stamp window of
the General Post Office and other post offices so that persons might gum
the stamps for themselves." The informant of their correspondent was one
of the highest Post Office officials at the time that the stamps were in use,
which lends additional support to this very probable explanation. The
statement that " the lithographic stone of 240 transfers of the 6d. bronze
is still in the Post Office, but that this is the only one that is now in
existence," is also a very interesting piece of information, although of a
regrettable nature. The sheet of the twopenny octagonal would, if re-
printed, be of great value in clearing up the long-debated question as to
the number of types; and even as regards the fourpenny there remains
something to be discovered, as we have recently seen varieties of the
lithograph that were foreign to our previous experience.

LOMBARDY: ISSUE 1850 AND 1862.

WEhave been favoured by the receipt from Dr. E. Diena of two remark-
ably interesting but dangerous forgeries of this country's old issues.
The first is the 15 centes., red, of the first issue of 1850, Type II., and
Dr. Diena writes that he has also seen a like forgery of the 45 c. in Type I.
The paper and colour of the impression are remarkably good, and might
deceive the most wary. The gum, however, is gum, and not cement, such
as we look for in Austria's ancient days, and the details of the design vary
when compared with the original, the stamp moreover, being too long.
The relatively rare 10 soldi of the issue of 1862, Eagle type, perf. 14, is the
other specimen submitted by our correspondent as being probably manu-
factured out of the envelope stamp of the same denomination. This suppo-
sition is borne out by the colour of the impression, which is more heavily
208 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

struck and is duller in tone than the normal copies, and by the perforation,
which not only bears an appearance of apres coup, but gauges approximately
14^ instead of 14. Both stamps, however, are clever enough to require
watching by any intending purchaser.

DISCOVERIES.
PORTUGUESE INDIA. Our excellent contemporary, the Philatelic
Journal of India, is responsible for the following interesting informa-
tion, from which it would seem that two more varieties are added to the
records of Portuguese India. From the illustrations that accompany the
text in the P. J. I. there would seem to be no doubt as to the authenticity
of these stamps. The 10 c. tete-beche is postmarked " Bombay, May 15, '73."
" Mr. A. J. H. Smith has inherited his father's—the late Major Adam Smith's—
genius for ferreting out odd stamps. This time he sends us the stamps figured
below.
"The single stamp is the 10 reis, green, crown issue with a double surcharge, viz.,
\\ and 6 reis.
"It bears the Nova Goa postmark of ioth(?) November, and (on the portion not
reproduced) the Barkur postmark of i6th idem, but no year is given.
"The pair shown is an unsevered tete-beche pair of the 10 reis, black, of the 1872
issue on laid paper.
" Neither of these stamps appears to have been chronicled so far. Mr. Smith
informs us that there can be no doubt of the genuineness of the stamps. He bought
a whole bundle of Portuguese Indian stamps on originals from a person who was
quite ignorant of their value, and found these two among the lot."

Occasional Notes.
MESSRS. HASTINGS WRIGHT AND GREEKS'S WORK ON THE
BRITISH STAMPS.
THE appearance of this long-anticipated volume will be heartily
welcomed by all hands, as by the time these lines are before our
readers' eyes a large proportion of the edition will have been issued. We
regret that the late arrival of the work in question precludes—for the present
—more than a friendly advice to our readers to secure copies before the
limited issue is exhausted. The " British Isles " will be a classic in Philatelic
literature, and we can but now briefly assure collectors that the late Mr.
Hastings Wright and Mr. A. B. Creeke, jun., have produced a work of
commanding interest.
•* •
"POST OFFICE" MAURITIUS BY THE SCORE.
LEST any of our readers, being owners hereof, should take alarm by
this heading, we hasten to say that " the score" is the first score,
which has just been completed, and we may add that present appear-
ances do not indicate any immediate apprehensions as to the completion
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. 209

of the second score. M. Lemaire of Paris showed at Manchester a very

fine specimen of the one penny on original letter bearing as postmarks,
in both cases, capitals within oblong frames, " PENNY POST" in the upper
left of the envelope, and " PAID " across the stamp in the right corner.
The only address is " H , Esq., Jun."
From M. Moens' recent summary of these stamps there now exist of
The one penny . . . .12
The twopenny . . . . 8
20
Mathematically, therefore, the twopenny is half as rare again as the one
penny, but future discoveries may yet alter this ratio.
With perhaps two exceptions all of these are in Great Britain or France.
Cannot Germany or the United States " pluck up " and buy one while they
remain cheap ?
*
MR. HENNIKER H EATON, M.P.
ATa Special Meeting of the Common Council, in the Council Chamber
at the Guildhall, held on July 2oth, the Lord Mayor presiding, Mr.
John Henniker Heaton, M.P. for Canterbury, was presented with the
Freedom of the City in recognition of the important public services ren-
dered by the hon. gentleman in and out of the House of Commons in
successfully promoting postal reforms. The City Chamberlain (Sir Rich-
mond Cotton) in presenting the Freedom to Mr. Heaton, the documents
being contained in a gold box, offered him in the name of the Court
congratulations on those public services which the City of London had
that day recognised, and said it would be interesting to Mr. Heaton to be
reminded that twenty years ago an exactly similar honour was bestowed
by the Corporation on that great postal reformer, Sir Rowland Hill, in
acknowledgment of the social and commercial benefits the country had
derived from the adoption, in 1840, of his system of uniform penny postage
in the United Kingdom. Although it might be that Imperial Penny
Postage had not yet been universally adopted, it was certain that the few
remaining colonies and dependencies who were still outside the scheme
would give it their speedy adhesion when they saw the advantage and
comfort which it had produced, not only in the mother country, but in all
those parts of the empire where it was in operation.
The casket in which the formal documents connected with the present
tation of the freedom were contained was of solid gold, oblong in shape,
and surmounted by the City arms, with projections at each end sustaining
well-modelled figures representative of Britannia and Canada. The sides
are divided into panels bearing coats of arms, an inscription, and represen-
tations of a mail coach, a mail train, an old-type sailing vessel, and a
modern steamer, all delicately presented in enamel. Underneath the panels
are productions in enamel of representative postage stamps of Great Britain,
India, Canada, British Guiana, Trinidad, and Barbados. The pedal, of
ebony, bears a gold ribbon inscribed with the names of the various places
which are included in the penny postage system.
210 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

CORRESPONDING RARITIES.
THE great auk's egg of Philately is the "Post Office," without any possible
shadow of doubt. It is interesting, therefore, to compare their estima-
tion in the eyes of their respective fanciers, an opportunity which is afforded
by the recent sales of both species of the "rare birds." It appears that an
egg- was sold on July 2Oth for 300 guineas by Mr. J. C. Stevens, the
auctioneer, who then stated that in 1834 Comte Raoul de Berace bought
it from the owner of a St. Malo fishing smack.
"The Count's collection .was purchased by Baron d'Hamonville, and the egg
sold was one of four great auk eggs belonging to the Baron. There were 71
recorded eggs of the great auk, 29 of them being in museums and 42 in private
hands; 52 were in British collections. The first egg which the Baron sent over
fetched a record price, at the time, of 300 guineas; the second one only fetched
180 guineas. There was a spirited competition for the egg. The bidding started
at 100 guineas, and quickly rose by tens and twenties till it reached the high price
of 300 guineas, at which figure it was secured by Mr. T. G. Middlebrook, Edinburgh
Castle Museum, Regent's Park."
It appears that there exist seventy-one specimens of the great auk's
egg, and that recent prices attained, therefore average about .£300. Of the
" Post Office " there are now just twenty, and at latest figures they would
seem to average about £1000 apiece, which would bring the proportionate
appraisement of value according to known specimens practically on a par.
The eggs are over three times as numerous as the stamps, and attain rather
less than a third of the price. The unknown quantity is that of the number
of purchasers, but these should be in the ratio of one hundred to one as
regards the collectors of stamps.

EGYPTOLOGY.'
THERE is an opportunity for the benevolent to purchase some 300,000
used Egyptian stamps for the benefit of the funds of the Postal
Benevolent (Egyptian ?) Society.
The cost of packing and postage would have to be taken into con-
sideration in such a choice lot.
The following letter was addressed to Messrs. Stanley Gibbons, Ltd.:—
" SIR,—I have the honour to inform you that this Administration will sell, for
the benefit of the funds of the Postal Benevolent Society, obliterated Egyptian
postage stamps, taken off correspondence and parcels despatch notes, which have
been destroyed after the prescribed delay. The approximate quantity of stamps
to be sold is as follows:—
"Stamps of 10 piastres . . . 10,000
„ 5 „ . . . . 95,000
„ 2 „ Issue 1893 . . . 38,000
„ 2 „ „ 1879 . . . 2,300
,, i piastre . . . . 120,000
„ 5 Milliemes . . . . 35,000
Total . . . 300,300
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. 211

"Offers may be made for the whole lot or for part. In the latter case the
price per 1000 must be given for each variety. The prices will be for stamps
delivered in Alexandria only, in the present condition, and not packed. Packing
and postage to be at buyer's cost. Terms, cash to be paid on delivery of stamps.
Offers must be sent in sealed envelopes, with the mention, 'Offer for Obliterated
Stamps.'"
«
GERMAN IMPERIAL POSTAGES.
THE daily papers have variously made recent announcements hereon.
Following the introduction of Imperial Penny Postage in England,
the German Government has, since the beginning of this month, reduced
the postage on letters to all the German Colonies and Protectorates, as
well as to all German warships at sea, to the German inland rate.
The reduction goes very much further than that effected in the British
Empire, for not only do all letters up to 15 grammes go for 10 pfennig,
or half an ounce for not quite i^d., but letters above that weight, up to
250 grammes, go for 20 pfennig, or, in other words, at a rate of 2jd.
for over half a pound. It is, therefore, now possible to send for 2|d. a
letter from here to • German New Guinea which, even under the present
reduced rates, would cost is. 4d. if sent from England to India. The
sample post rate to the German Colonies has also been reduced to
10 pfennig for 25.0 grammes. Of course, there is no likelihood of these
rates paying for a very long time to come. But the reforms show the
great weight which the German Government assigns to German colonial
development and to the desirability of binding German citizens more
closely to the home country, and the rapidity, thoroughness, and uniformity
with which that Government carries out any scheme on which it has decided.

THE LATE MR. NICHOLAS f. SEE BECK.

WEregret to have to record the death of Mr. Nicholas F. Seebeck at the
comparatively early age of 42 years. Mr. Seebeck's name has long
been familiar to Philatelists all the world over. In 1889 he made his famous
ten years' contracts with the various Central American Governments by
which he was to supply them with a new set of stamps every year, taking
the yearly remainders for his pay.
Both as a stamp dealer and stamp printer for many years, Mr. Seebeck
conducted his business on the highest principles of honourable dealing ;
but it would be idle to say that his stamps have been held in high favour by
stamp collectors and dealers alike; indeed, much of the interest in Central
Americans was lost when Mr. Seebeck's labels and their nature became known.

THE DESTRUCTION OF OBSOLETE DIES.

THE question of the decent interment of " dies" when their earthly
mission is accomplished is one that must always interest collectors, and
we reproduce therefore the following notes by E. D. V. W., initials that
will readily be recognised as those of a capable-writer in the Australian
Philatelist.
212 OCCASIONAL NOTES.

"Our correspondent E. D. V. W. refers to the recent distribution of the dies of

the obsolete Queensland stamps, and expresses the opinion that such a method
of dealing with dies no longer required for active service will meet with the approval
of all earnest Philatelists. Doubtless differences of opinion on the subject will be
found to exist, at least the practice does not appear to commend itself to everyone,
and yet there seems no reason why obsolete dies and plates should be retained
except for the production of reprints or for provisional re-use in case of any accident
happening to those in use. Both of these expedients are open to serious objections
on purely commercial grounds, in that they invariably tend to lower the market value
of originals of the stamps; but this view naturally does not generally influence
the minds of the postal authorities, except in rare instances. To be in a position
to accede to the frequent demands of other postal administrations for ' specimens'
is considered of greater moment than to tacitly contribute to the piling up of
' unearned increment' in the value of original stamps in the hands of the Philatelic
and, possibly, Philistine public. However, there can be little doubt that the majority
of collectors will heave a sigh of relief that the haunting fear of further Queensland
reprints is finally and effectually dissipated."

THE DUKE OF LEINSTEKS STAMP COLLECTION.

MR. W. R. LANE JOYNT has forwarded the following interesting informa-
tion hereon: —
" I have much pleasure in informing you that a large portion of the Duke of
Leinster's stamp collection is now arranged, and on view in the Central Hall of
the Science and Art Museum in the city of Dublin. The countries exhibited are
those which through the generosity either of their Governments or of private
collectors have had the issues subsequent to 1880 added, and are consequently
more or less complete. These are Canada, Ceylon, Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius,
Malta, Gibraltar, Western Australia, India, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfound-
land, Austria, Baden, Bremen, France, Holland, Hamburg, Hanover, Italy, Denmark,
Thurn and Taxis, German Confederation, and Germany. The exhibit is contained
in a case of upright sliding panels, each panel holding two sheets of stamps, placed
back and back, and protected by glass. When closed the case is air-tight.
" Owing to the Duke's collection containing only stamps issued prior to 1880,
Col. Plunkett, Director of the Museum, forwarded a request to the Governments
of all stamp-issuing countries for sets of the current and any obsolete issues pro-
curable. His appeal has been most generously responded to. The Governments
of India, France, Italy, Denmark, Holland, Austria, Russia, and Japan have for-
warded valuable collections of both current and obsolete issues, and several of them
have added proofs and Government reprints of stamps long out of issue. Complete
unused sets of the current issues have already been received from almost every one
of the British colonies, as well as from the following countries: Argentine Republic,
Hungary, Hayti, Egypt, Soudan, Greece, Liberia, Mexico, Montenegro, Servia, Spain,
Switzerland, Roumania. Many other consignments will, I am sure, arrive in due course.
"The notices which you were good enough to insert in your journal have also
brought many offers of help and donations from collectors, and on behalf of the
Museum I have to thank the following gentlemen for stamps forwarded for the
collection :—
"T. W. Hall, over 600 stamps of various South American States.
" Major E. B. Evans, stamps of Mauritius.
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. 213

"J. C. Ph. v. Kinschot, pairs of first issue of Holland.

"J. N. Mostyn, Brazil.
"Col. Plunkett, Argentine.
"T. W. Jenkins, unused West Australian, Cape, and others.
''J. W. Dorman, a valuable lot of early British Guiana.
"William Hadlow, forged is. English, Plate 5, used with a 3d. on portion of
telegram.
" Rev. William Bell, South Australia and Tasmania.
" W. M. K. Connollys, a fine lot of early Western Australia.
" Mr. William Brown has presented a. copy of the British Empire Stamp Album,
which I have used for Colonial marginal references, and by kind permission of
Mr. Westoby I have added to the European countries many interesting notes from
his Adhesive Stamps of Europe, so as to render the exhibit useful to others than
advanced collectors, as well as attractive to the general public. The collection has
aroused a great deal of interest amongst Philatelists here, and will, I am certain,
be the means of bringing them more into touch with each other.
" A second case similar to the present one will soon be ready. These two cases
will be kept filled, and permanently exhibited, changes being made in the stamps
on view when considered advisable. Each case will be capable of holding between
three and four thousand stamps. I trust that any of the London Philatelist readers
who may visit Dublin will make a point of seeing the Museum and the Duke of
Leinster's collection. If every visitor will only aid by filling in a blank or two from
his duplicates, the toll will not be felt, and the result will be extremely satisfactory."

FEDERATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES.

THE Australian Philatelist for June gives an interesting article on
Federation, which now seems certain to become an accomplished fact
within, perhaps, eighteen months from the present time; and it is confidently
anticipated that the first Federal Parliament will meet about January ist,
1901. Our contemporary writes :—
" The opening of this new chapter in the history of Australia will be one of
paramount importance to all Philatelists, in that it will be marked by one uniform
issue of postage stamps for the whole Commonwealth. The Postal and Telegraphic
Services are amongst the first destined to be taken over by the Federal Government,
and already rumours of great changes and concessions are rife.
"The Postmaster-General of New South Wales (the Hon. Varney Parkes), in
speaking recently of the possibilities under the new Constitution, referred to the
question • of penny postage, intercolonial and imperial, as being one of the probable
results of the union. Such a step would involve other changes, the reduction of the
letter-card rate, for instance."

It may be taken for granted that the occasion will be considered one
calling for the exercise of great care in selecting designs for the new issue of
stamps. The question of what will become of the remainders of the separate
colonial issues is a most interesting one. Will they be destroyed ?
 214 REVIEWS.

THE COST OF OUR STAMPS.

A STOCK of 6,000,000 stamps or so is always kept at Somerset House
ready for issue. The cost of manufacture is .£30 os. i id. per million
stamps; paper costing £5 14^. 5^.; printing and gumming, £22 is. gd.;
perforating, £ i 8s. id.; wages, i6s. 8d. When to this amount is added the
necessary poundage and commission on sale, which amounts to £45 2s. ^d.,
it will be seen that the total cost to the country of this large number of
stamps is only .£75 3^. $d. per million. This information is given on the
authority of Tit-Bits. It is to be regretted that the outlay per million is not
more, with handsomer results !

Reviews.
MR. BACON'S BOOK ON REPRINTS.*
THERE is hardly a single remark applied by us (under the
head of Reviews) to the local stamps of which the exact
converse would not be due in the case of the Reprints.
These stamps are for the main part of great interest, and
definite information thereon was much needed. The present
volume is worthy alike of Mr. Bacon's great reputation as a
Philatelic author and the publishing firm's world-wide name. The intro-
duction should be carefully studied, as Mr. Bacon therein differentiates the
varieties of Reprints. The term " Reprints" is almost as generic in its
application as is that of " Stamps," and embraces almost as many grades of
merit. The officially reissued stamps of the United States or the French
Republic, with their full franking privileges, are as wide asunder as the poles
from the impressions made by dealers from " improved " dies of long obsolete
issues. One is a governmental reissue of a postage stamp, the other is a
forgery. There are many intermediary steps, and the whole question of
Reprints is most interesting, while their collection and study involve some
of the most absorbing and scientific points in Philately. The great increase
in the collection of unused stamps is alone a sufficient excuse for the issue of
such a work as Mr. Bacon's, for no one who thus collects can afford to
dispense with it. We are confident that when the average collector learns
the relative fewness of the reprints and the comparative facility with which—
now aided by our trusty guide—they can be detected, he could feel at once
an increased appreciation of his stamps with a greater security as to their
origin. It is interesting to learn that Messrs. Stanley Gibbons have made
a very fine and indeed almost complete collection of Reprints, and that it is
therefrom that Mr. Bacon has transcribed a large portion of his labours. We
are strongly of opinion that collectors who specialise in unused stamps
* Reprints of Postal Adhesive Stamps. By E. D. BACON (No. 6 of the Philatelic Handbooks).
Stanley Gibbons, Limited, 391, Strand, W.C.
 REVIEWS. 215

should follow Messrs. Gibbons' good example, and that their specialite would
greatly gain by the juxtaposition of unused originals and reprints.
Mr. Bacon is not the first in the field, as Dr. F. Kalchhoff published and
Mr. H. Hilckes translated in 1892 a work on Reprints, while M. Piet-
Lataudrie followed suit in 1894; but our author has gone further afield, and
his monograph is practically exhaustive, excepting as regards the United and
Confederate States, full information on which was not forthcoming. Among
the more interesting countries we might mention Afghanistan, Austria,
India, Jummoo, Kashmir, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, and United States. In
Heligoland, Bergedorf, the author's acknowledgments to M. J. B. Moens are
tendered, as also in the case of the Italian States to Dr. E. Diena. The
information as to the reprint of the four and six rappen Zurich stamps will
be news to many, though it has been known to an inner circle for some
years. With regard to Roumania we fully share Mr. Bacon's view, that there
are no reprints before the issue of 1876. With reference to our remarks on
local stamps elsewhere, it is significant that there are twenty reprints of the
Local Russians, a number that will probably be extended in due course "by
especial desire"! In some instances we hardly agree with Mr. Bacon's
colour-definition, and we think it would be advantageous on the score of
lucidity if the most striking difference between original and reprint were
printed so as to catch the eye. For instance in France, where colours of
originals and reprints are given, it would be better to print in parallel
columns, with the reprint colour-deviations in italics. We felicitate author,
publisher, and reader upon the appearance of this excellent, able, and useful
book. It throws light upon the dark places of Philately, and as so frequently
occurs, the dangers that the shadows conceal are not so fearsome as our
imagination would suggest.

STANLEY GIBBONS' CATALOGUE, PART I I I *

The "local stamps of the world" are not generally appreciated by
collectors, nor are they fortunately very numerous, hence their exclusion
from the main portion of the catalogue (or album) is cordially approved.
It remains to be seen whether locals will not be still further relegated to
back seats by this separation from the official issues. This catalogue of
Messrs. Gibbons contains 122 pages, of which Scandinavia occupies 16,
United States 15, Russia 74 pages, and with 4 pages devoted to Railway
Letter stamps, leaving but the minute balance of 12 pages for the "local
stamps of the world "! Is it worth while to issue a catalogue for this class ?
The United States locals are of interest, but appeal nowadays to no one
beyond a very limited class in the States, and the same remark applies to
the Russian locals, which alone constitute three-fifths of the book. The
former had a distinct legal sanction, and the use of the latter in supplementing
the Imperial Posts is well known, though we fail to see why Bogorodsk—
with all its world-wide importance—should have required 150 varieties of
stamps. Its probable local-postal requirements were one stamp of 5 kop.
* Priced Catalogue of the Local Postage Stamps of the World, Part III. STANLEY GIBBONS,
591, Strand, W.C.
216 REVIEWS.

and another of 10 kop. for its single and double delivery rate to the nearest
Imperial Post. In the Scandinavian locals there are a few grains of Philatelic
varieties in the sacks full of financial chaff. The Chinese locals need no
abuse. On the other hand, the Pacific Steam Navigation Co., the Lady
McLeod, and one or two other stamps, are unnecessarily degraded by
inclusion herein. The broad facts remain—that local stamps, having been
issued without due control, have not the status of a regular issue ; that these
local privileges have almost invariably been greatly abused in the creation
of speculative and unnecessary issues; and that, in the multiplicity of other
and more genuine varieties, the modern collector lets local stamps severely
alone. Under these circumstances, and giving due credit to Messrs. Stanley
Gibbons for the excellent way in which Part III. is issued, we should imagine
that it will have but a limited sale. In the permanent interests of the
publishing firm the question must arise if the game is worth the candle.

A COLOUR DICTIONARY.*
The question of the true definition of component elements or shades
of colours is one that has long interested the stamp world, that has evoked
several attempts on both sides of the Atlantic, and has been generally
regarded as being incapable of being treated at once on a scientific and
a practical basis. The author of this little work has at least the merit
of endeavouring to attain the latter result, for, as demonstrated at the
Manchester Philatelic Exhibition, he had worked with his stamps, and had
carefully graded the varying tones or depths of the more important colours.
Carefully as this was effected, the bystanders' agreement thereon was by
no means unanimous, while it is certain that anything like lengthened
exposure would reduce the lilacs more grey, and the reds alike more " sad."
The scientific portion of the Colour Dictionary is extremely so, and has
a distinct encyclopaedic flavour, nor do we think that the average collector
will linger long upon either the molecule or the oscillation and amplitude
of the light waves. Beyond this the letterpress gives a description of the
leading colours with appropriate instances thereof, and an alphabetical list
of colour names.
We do not, however, consider that the other and practical part is
helped either by jumping the letterpress from pages 12 to 37—between
which are interposed forty colour illustrations—or by printing the text upon
variously coloured papers. The real practical value of Mr. Warhurst's book
undoubtedly consists in the frontispiece plate of primary and secondary
colours, which is admirably rendered, and the aforementioned forty gradations
of colour, which are at once very effectively and truthfully presented—even
including the much-debated ultramarine. It is possible, however, that the
browns—yellow to olive—may not be universally acceptable. Mr. Warhurst's
book is assuredly the best contribution that has yet appeared on this
vexed question.
* A Colour Dictionary. By B. W. WARHURST. Stanley Gibbons, Ltd., 391, Strand,
London, W.C.
 New Issues.
NOTES OF N E W , AND V A R I A T I O N S OF C U R R E N T , ISSUES.
(Varieties of Obsolete Stamps, and Discoveries, will be found under "Philatelic Notes.")
We do not profess to chronicle everything, but, with the kind help of correspondents, are desirous that
all the important novelties may be included. Speculative stamps—i.e. those not really required for
postal purposes—will be considered on their merits, and Jubilee issues will not be chronicled.
Members of the London Philatelic Society, and other readers generally, are invited to co-operate with us
in making the columns as interesting as possible. Our foreign readers can especially help us in
this direction, by sending copies of any official documents relative to changes in the current issues,
or early intimation of any new issue, accompanied, when possible, by a specimen ; such information
will be duly credited to the correspondent, and, if desired, the specimen promptly returned.
Address: EDITOR "LONDON PHILATELIST," EFFINGHAM HOUSE, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND,
LONDON, W.C.

BRITISH EMPIRE. print is to cover the old value without inter-

BRITISH BECHUANALAND.—Mr. A. H. fering with the beauty of the stamp.
Stamford has favoured us with a curiosity in The surcharging is to be done from an
the shape of a post card of this country, engraved plate, so no varieties can be ex-
which appears, as far as we can make out, pected.
not to have been chronicled. The id. red- The 5 c., blue, with numerals in the lower
brown card of the Cape of Good Hope, corners, is stated to be now in circulation.
No. 2 in Gibbons, has been overprinted Adhesives. z cents on 3 c., rose-carmine.
5 cents, blue ; numerals in lower corners.
BRITISH

BRITISH BECHUANALAND. BECHUANALAND.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.—The M.J. chron-
icles a new variety of the id. on i^d. card.
It has a period after the word " Penny," and
•ONVivNvnHDaa •QNVIVNVnHJaa HS1XIH3
the usual three bars below. It is the card
HSixiaa
of 1896 that is thus surcharged.
and used, and posted in Mochudi, April i6th,
INDIA.—Alivar.—The M. J. has received
1899.
a vertical pair of the \ anna stamps from
Mr. Stamford's correspondent wrote him
a new stone. The impressions are much
as follows : " On the i6th ultimo (April), en
further apart than before, the thick line of
route to Buluwayo, I posted you a Cape id.
shading down the left side is absent, and the
post card, surcharged correctly, and in error
whole design appears to have been retouched
reversed,' BRITISH BECHUANALAND.'
to some extent. The stamps are also pin-
"This is the only one of its kind, and
perf.
being posted at Mochudi, an office in the Adhesive. \ a., slate-blue; pin-perf. about 12.
Protectorate, I trust it will find a place in
Cochin.—The M.J. writes: " We have re-
your collection." ceived sheets of the current \ and I puttan,
It is not quite clear whether this is the printed apparently from the same blocks as
only specimen known, or whether any others before, but without the inscription at the top
were found and destroyed. We shall be glad of the sheet, giving the currency as' Puthen.'
of any information our readers may be able Possibly it is this discrepancy in the
spelling that has led to the suppression of
to give on the subject. the marginal inscription. We may add that
BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA.—Messrs. Whit- the vagaries of perforation which distinguish
the first edition seem to have been dispensed
field King & Co. have sent us a specimen of with also. Two new envelopes have like-
the 2d., brown, type 1899, with numerals wise reached us, each impressed (typo-
in upper corners only. graphically) with a stamp of oval shape,
Adhesive. 2d., brown; perf. 14!. and of a design of similar style to the
central portions of the current adhesives :
CANADA.—The current 3 c., rose-carmine, figures denoting the value in the centre,
is to be surcharged "2 Cents." The over- ' COCHIN ANCHAL ' in the upper part of the
923
218 NEW ISSUES.

inner oval band, and the value in words at Pera6.—The issue of the "Four Cents"
the top of an outer band, in each case with on 8 c., mentioned on page 168, has been
the equivalent in native characters below. denied.
The envelopes have 'COCHIN GOVERN-
MENT ' embossed across the flap." ZANZIBAR.—From Messrs. Whitfield King
Envelopes. & Co. we have received a set of the new
\ p., green, on white laid ; 120X95 mm -
2 p., purple ,, ,, issue with portrait of the present Sultan.
We give illustrations herewith. The
Gwalior.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
colours, designs, and values are similar in
have sent us a specimen of the new 3 pies
every way to the 1897 issue, the only altera-
stamp lately issued for India and illustrated
tion being in the portrait.
on page 80, surcharged " GWALIOR," and the
equivalent in native characters in two lines.
Adhesive. 3 pies, rose; perf. 14.

Sirmoor.—From the M. J. we note the

issue of a post card for this State. There is
a 3 pies stamp, with portrait of the present
Rajah in the right upper corner, a Coat of
Arms with supporters, and an Elephant for
a crest in the upper centre, with scrolls in-
scribed "SIRMOR—STATE," and the usual
instruction on a label; the whole sur-
rounded by a Greek-pattern frame, with
the name of the firm outside it below.
The name of the State is spelt with one
" O " only.
Post Card. 3 pies, green on cream ; 140 X 90 mm.

JAMAICA.—It is reported that this island

is about to join, or has joined, the Penny
Ocean Postage system, and a new set of
stamps of varied designs is expected. Con-
sidering the size and importance of this
island, and also that for nearly forty years EUROPE.
it has used stamps with little change in AUSTRIA.—Bosnia.—We cull the following
design and almost free from surcharges, the from the M. J.:—
new issue will probably be welcomed. " Mr. W. Brown has discovered that there
are two types of the numerals on the \ and
MAURITIUS.—On page 195 we chronicled 2 nov., as well as on the 15 nov. In the
a 6 c., in red, on 18 c., green and ultramarine. second type of the ' 1 / 3 ' thefigures' I ' are
Mr. A. H. Stamford has kindly sent us a further away from the upper outlines of the
specimen with inverted surcharge, post- ovals than in the earlier variety, and the
fraction lines differ also in slope.
marked Mauritius, June ijth, 1899, and "The second type of the 2 nov. has
used on a Service envelope. numerals with straight foot instead of
Our correspondent is informed that only curved."
Adhesives. Yz nov., black, variety.
sixty specimens had been issued in this con- 2 ,, yellow ,,
dition, and that if any further sheets were dis-
CRETE.—Several of our contemporaries
covered they would be at once suppressed.
chronicle a new issue for this island. The
NEW SOUTH WALES.—We have received M. J. writes :—
the |d. wrapper in green, the new colour of "A correspondent sends us two curious
the |d. adhesive. labels with a double-headed eagle in the
Wrapper, gd., blue-green. centre and inscriptions in Greek, which are
stated to have been issued by the Russian
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. — Negri Sem- authorities in this island. They appear to
bilan.—The surcharge " Four Cents " on the be handstamped upon white wove paper,
8 c. stamp, mentioned on page no, is stated ruled in pencil for their reception, one with
to be in dark green, not in black as described. figures ' i ' in the corners in green, and the
other with figures '2' in black. La Revue
The doubly surcharged variety is stated to Ph. F. states that these labels formed the
be in red and in dark green. first of three issues which have already
 NEW ISSUES. 219

taken place at Rethymno within the last few There are also single and reply post cards.
weeks. They were authenticated by means 2^ c., in green, Type i to right, Arms to left,
of a circular handstamp bearing the Arms " Briefkaart" at top, " AAN " and three lines
of Russia and inscriptions in Russian im-
pressed in blue, so as to partially cover a for address, printed on green tinted card.
block of four stamps. We had taken this 5 c., in rose, Type 2 to right, Arms to left;
to be an obliteration, and wondered, in our four lines of inscription and three lines for
simplicity, at the original gum being still address, on rose tinted card. The reply
intact.
" The second issue is stated to have con- cards (not to hand) are stated to be like the
sisted of a i piastre stamp, in blue, of single cards, with the usual inscriptions of
similar design to the above. the old issues.
" The third emission is described as being
more carefully produced. The design shows Envelopes.—There are two values, both
a trident (borrowed from Britannia?) sur- Type 2 ; 5 c. and I2J c. on white paper.
rounded by a scroll bearing inscriptions in The colours of this dainty set of stamps
Greek, and with numerals in circles at the are very delicate, and it is difficult to de-
corners. This again was disfigured with a scribe some of them ; doubtless, however,
circular handstamp in blue, but of smaller
size than that applied to the two previous most of our readers will be soon familiar
issues." therewith.
It remains to be seen if this is really a Mr. Robert's letter covering the speci-
postal issue. mens sent will be sufficiently interesting to
Adhesive*. I (pias.), green and blue ; first type. reproduce here. This gentleman writes :—
2( „ ), black
i ( „ ), blue „ „
" I have the pleasure to send you the com-
i( „ ), rose ,, second type. plete new set of stamps, \ c. to 5 guildens
z ( „ ), blue (except the i guilden already issued), enve-
lopes and post cards of Holland which will
HOLLAND.—To Mr. J. B. Robert, of be issued on August ist, but not sold to the
Balistraat 57, The Hague, and Messrs. public before the remainders are exhausted.
As it is allowed to sell these stamps to
Whitfield King and Co. we are indebted for foreigners demanding them, it will be seen
specimens of a very interesting and hand- that the sets are practically to be sold to
some issue for this country. any persons asking for them. If the issues
We give illustrations of two of the types, up to 1897 inclusive are not exhausted on
viz. :— January ist, 1900, no other issue than the
present will be sold, as on that date all the
First type, consisting of four values. old issues before 1898 will be withdrawn,
i c., i c., 2 c., and 2^ cent. and be no more available for postage.
" I may add that I am at the service of all
the members of your esteemed society, and
will send the new issue at face value, plus
postage and registration (125 c. + 10 c. =
22\ c.) for a single letter."
Adhesive. \ c. lilac Type i.
1 c. rose ,,
2 c. brown ,
25 c. green ,
ft£j 3 c. orange Type a.
5 c. pink ,
72 c. brown ,
10 c. slate ,
i2j c. blue i
Second type, ten values. I5C. bistre-brown ,
3 c. 5 c., 72 c., 10 c., 123 c., 15 c., 20 c., 22g c., 25 c., and 20 c. green ,
50 c. (the last three values bicoloured). . 225 c. brown and green (bicoloured); Type 2.
25 c. rose and blue ,, „
50 c. olive-green and claret ,, M
2 guilden, lilac (shades); Type 3.
5 „ maroon „
Envelopes. 5 c., carmine-rose on white ; Type 2.
i2S c., blue ,, ,,
Post Cards. Single and reply.
2Z c., green on green card ; Type i.
5 c., rose on rose card; Type 2.

ITALY.—Eritrea.—Messrs. Whitfield King

& Co have sent us specimens of the i c. and
2 c., 1895-97 issue, overprinted in one line,
Third type, similar in every way to the " COLONIA ERITREA."
Adhesives.
i guilden Coronation issue, 1898. 1 c., brown ; " Colonia Eritrea" in black.
2j and 5 guilden. 2 c., red-brown ,, „
22O NEW ISSUES.

ROUMANIA. — Of the new colours of the COLOMBIAN REPUBLIC. — Antioquia. —A

1893-96 issue we have received from Messrs. provisional 2 c. card was issued recently for
Whitfielcl King & Co. the 5 and 1 5 bani. this province. The M. J. describes this card
Adhesives. 5 bani, emerald-green. as follows :—
15 ,, black.
" The provisional card seems to be an
SAN MARINO. — In our last number we elaborate type-set affair, with a fancy border,
gave a list of changes in colours. Messrs. a stamp with the Arms of the Republic, and
Whitfield King & Co. kindly point out that divers interesting inscriptions, all in black.
It was further adorned with an oval hand-
we were in error, and that only the 5 c., stamp in violet ink."
10 c., and 25 c. have changed their hues. Post Card. 2 c., black and violet.
Tant mieux /
ECUADOR.—In our last number we an-
AMERICA. nounced two surcharged stamps for this
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. — From several country, but it appears that the I cent, is on
sources we hear that wrappers with the new 2 c., orange, and not on the 5 c. value.
type for envelopes (Head of Liberty) have To the portraiture type lately issued must
been issued, and it is rumoured that there be added two other values, viz., 10 c. and
will soon be a new set of adhesives, with a 50 c.
head of Liberty in the centre. Adhesive.
i cent, on 2 cent., vermilion. Type No. 30, S. G.j Ltd.
Wrappers. % c., carmine on buff.
10 cent., black and mauve, with portrait.
1 c., dark blue „
2 c, , grey-blue ,, 50 ,, ,, pink ,,
4 c., dark green ,,
NICARAGUA.—It would appear that in
BRAZIL. — The Government, probably with future we are to have a crop, not of See-
an eye to profit, have surcharged the re- becks, but of Asenjos, for Nicaragua, and
mainders, or some of them, of the 1890 probably Salvador, Honduras, etc.
postal issue, "1899" and value in two lines. The Philatelic Monthly and World gives
Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. have sent the gist of a contract made between the
us the following varieties : - Government of Nicaragua and Doctor
A dhesives. Maximo Asenjo. This interesting inform-
100 reis on 50 reis, green ; magenta surcharge.
300 aoo ,, violet ation is now given for the benefit of our
500 300 „ grey-lilac (2 shades). readers:—
700 500 ,, olive-green
IOOO 700 ,, brown (2 shades). " We have received the Diario Oficial of
2000 1000 ,, olive-yellow
Nicaragua, dated Managua, June 10, 1899.
The Metropolitan Philatelist adds :— This contains a contract between the Govern-
50 reis on 20 reis, green. ment of Nicaragua and Doctor Maximo
Asenjo, which resembles in some respects
CHILI.—The following is a cutting taken the so-called Seebeck Contracts.
from the Philatelic Monthly and World of " It is made for the term of ten years,
July :- during which the Doctor agrees to furnish
stamps without cost to the number of
" The Republic of Chile proposes to have 3,400,000 every year. There are to be thir-
a new issue of postage stamps at an early teen postage stamps, from i c. to 5 p., ten
date. The features of Christopher Colum- Official stamps, from i c. to 5 p., seven
bus will no longer be used, although if they Unpaid Letter, from i c. to 50 c., eight
had kept on using his portrait on their Telegraph stamps, from 10 c. to 3 pesos.
stamps the Chilians could have had a semi- Also cards, 2 c., 4 c., 6c., 12 c., stamped en-
centennial celebration of that event three velopes, 5 c., 10 c., 20 c., 30 c., 50 c., and
years hence. For fully forty-seven years the bands, 2 c., 4 c. The Government is to
Columbus head was an integral part of the supply the design, and the workmanship
Chilean types. What were the reasons for must be of the best quality. The 30, 6 c.,
this sudden change of policy transpires from and 15 c. stamps must be of the Postal
a report published in a Chilean daily the Union colours. Each year 1000 stamps will
other day. It appears that the authorities be issued to commemorate some historical
discovered very clever counterfeits of the i, event, and they shall be current for one day
2, and 5 centavos postage stamps, and imme- only. Each year the Doctor is to receive
diately afterwards these three values were 50,000 complete sets of all varieties cancelled.
withdrawn from circulation. New stamps of This contract may be transferred to any
these denominations will be issued as quickly other person or company, and it is said that
as practicable, as these values are the ones these stamps will probably be made in Ger-
most used. In the meantime revenue stamps many. The contract is dated May n,
are being used in place of the postage stamps 1899."
retired, as is usual in Chile, where no sur-
charges have been issued so far." Prodigious!
 CORRESPONDENCE. 221

URUGUAY.—A portion or the whole of the vermilion. Specimens of both values have
1890 issue has been re-issued in fresh colours been received from Messrs. Whitfield King
or shades. At present we have seen the I c. & Co. Adhesive*.
and 2 c., kindly sent us by Messrs. Whitfield % anna on 50., yellow-green ; surcharge in carmine.
ii ,, on 15 c., blue ,, ,,
King & Co., and the Briefmarken Journal
gives the 10 c., type 1897, altered in colour HAWAII.—In addition to the different
to violet. changes in colour recorded from time to
Adhesive*, i c., green, type 1890. time, we have now to add :—
2 c., orange-vermilion, type 1890. Adhesive*. 50 c., violet.
10 c., violet, type 1897. $i, blue.

OTHER COUNTRIES. HAYTI.—The i c., 2 c., and 5 c. of the

1898 issue have had their colours changed
CUBA. — According to the Metropolitan
to green, red, and blue respectively, and
Philatelist of July ijth it will be at least two
some of the other values will probably have
or three weeks before the first shipment
new colours to prevent confusion.
(promised by July i8th) of the new Cuban
stamps can be made. PERSIA.—To account for the necessity of
It appears the question of paper had been the late type-surcharged Persians, the Phila-
raised, and now it is announced that a telic Monthly states that a heavy robbery of
special kind will be prepared for these stamps from the Post Office caused the
stamps. The watermark will be U.S.—C, Postmaster at once to withdraw from circu-
each letter supposed to occupy the space lation all the current stamps, and order the
of one stamp, also allowing one for the reserve stocks to be surcharged with differ-
dash. ent ornaments. This surcharge is so badly
This paper will now have to be made, so printed as to be scarcely legible. A new
it is probable that the stamps cannot be set is to be printed in the printing office at
ready before the first week in August. Teheran as quickly as possible.
FRENCH COLONIES.—Indo-China.—The RUSSIAN CHINA.—On page 136 we an-
M. J. has seen a very curious pair of the nounced a set of surcharged stamps shortly
75 c. of the current type, having the name to be issued for use in Russian China. From
inverted on one of the stamps, and it is the Philatelic Monthly and other journals
possible that a similar error may exist in we note the following values will for the
other values. present comprise the set:—
Adhesives.
Zanzibar.—The \ anna is now over- 1 kopek, yej/ow; surcharge blue.
printed on the 5 c. yellow-green French 2 kopeks, light green ; surcharge red.
3 ,, carmine ,, dark blue.
stamp, and the i\ anna overprint on 15 cent, 5 ,, purple ,, ,,
7 ,, blue ,, red.
blue, comes in a carmine shade in place of 10 ,, blue ,, „

Correspondence.
COMMUNICATIONS.—All communications of Philatelic matters and Publications for Review should
be addressed to the Editor of THE LONDON PHILATELIST, Kingston Lodge, Richmond Place,
Brighton.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to MR. A. CHURCHILL EMERSON (Advertising Department), Effing-
ham House, Arundel Street, London, W.C.
SUBSCRIPTIONS. —THE LONDON PHILATELIST will be sent, post free in Great Britain or the countries
of the Postal Union, to any subscriber, on receipt of 6s. ($1.50). Subscriber? remittances should
be sent to Mr. A. CHURCHILL EMERSON, EFFINGHAM HOUSE, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND,
LONDON, W.C.

RAILWAY LETTER FEE LABELS. Post Office Guide we read (p. 33): "Postage
Stamps of the following values are now issued by
To the Editor of the " London Philatelist." the Post Office" . . . (list of values). Again
DEAR SIR,—Is the evidence of the Post Office (p. 44), referring to Railway Letters: " The
Department itself of any value in deciding the sender must affix to the cover, in the same way
status of these tokens? as to an ordinary post letter, a postage stamp (or
If so, they are decidedly not stamps. In the stamps) of the value of id., which should, on
222 CORRESPONDENCE.
acceptance of the letter, be obliterated by the catalogue : "In the very near future there will be
railway servant, and must in addition pay to such no fresh general collector other than he who uses
servant the sum of 2d. in cash—no more, and no the printed album," and I take it from this that
less. The railway servant will affix and obliterate you are of opinion that a printed (and spaced)
an adhesive label issued by the railway company." album is the best for the general collector, and if
There seems to be no doubt in the mind of the so, thoroughly agree with you, going indeed a
Post Office that they are labels, and not stamps. considerable step further, and holding that it is
Yours truly, the only kind of satisfactory album possible for
P. E. RAYNOR. the general collector.
It is to my mind eminently undesirable to
attempt the arrangement of a large general collec-
SENDING STAMPS TO INDIA! tion in blank albums. I have searched long, but
To the Editor of the "London Philatelist" unsuccessfully, for really efficient printed albums.
SIR,—A great deal has been written on the The defects of those to be met with are very
subject of approval consignments of stamps sent obvious, and on pointing them out I have always
to India by post being charged customs duty on been referred to the plain album as the only one
the full value, but we venture to think our ex- possible for a collector in my position. I have
perience in one particular case puts in the shade grown somewhat weary of this, just as a man
anything else yet recorded. On October 27th, would weary of being offered a motor car when-
1898, we sent a small book of stamps, value ever he expressed a wish for a bicycle, and am
£22 I2s. 8d., by registered letter addressed to now writing to ask your advice as to where I can
a collector in India. The letter was opened in get a really suitable printed album for a fairly
India by the Customs officers, and our customer large general collection.
was informed he could have it on payment of I know at present of only one that can be
seventeen rupees (£l 2s. 8d.) for duty. He seriously accepted as reasonably permanent and
declined to pay unless he could first see the satisfactory—the Imperial dlbum of Messrs.
contents of the letter, whereupon he was told Stanley Gibbons, Ltd. The Imperial, however,
that he would have to sign the receipt for the as now appearing, should be regarded as furnishing
letter before he could be allowed to inspect its the very minimum of information and accommo-
contents. This he did, and after examination, dation essential to the general collector. It is
finding he would not be likely to buy enough a unique and scientific work, and not merely a
to justify payment of duty on all, he refused to disappointing toy make-believe, as are so many
pay, and handed the letter and contents intact so-called "albums." Its shortcomings are, how-
back to the postman. ever, very apparent. Spaces for the British plate
Some time subsequently our customer, to his numbers, for the various varieties of the U.S.
surprise, received a letter from the Postal Author- issues, distinguishable by "secret" marks and
ities informing him that as he had signed the other interesting features, and for dozens of other
receipt, it was an acknowledgment of taking stamps beloved of the generalist, and by no
delivery of the cover, and that he must pay the means to be considered the quarry of the special-
£i 2s. 8d. duty, or they would proceed against ist only, would add enormously to its value in the
him for it, and stop all his letters until it was eyes of all, except perhaps the extremely juvenile
paid ! The local postmaster advised him to pay collector.
under protest and leave the cover and contents 1 am fully aware that in raising trie album
with him, to be forwarded to the Postmaster- question once more I am laying myself open
General. This was done, but no further com- to the usual retort that the question is an insolu-
munication was received by our customer up to ble one, or that I have no right to expect
the time of his leaving India in March. We publishers to issue albums to meet my own
then took the matter up, and wrote three times to personal and particular wishes; but in spite of
the Postmaster - General of Bengal. The only this, I feel acutely that the need of more advanced
replies we got were : first, a formal acknowledg- spaced and catalogued albums than any now on
ment of receipt of our letter; and second, a the market is a very real one to the advanced
request for an exact copy of the receipt we "generalist,"and even, though in a lesser degree,
obtained for the registered letter. to the beginner also, for the collector of only
Finally, on May 27th, exactly seven months a few weeks' standing is often as keen on the
after the letter left here, the book was returned unearthing of non-standard varieties as is the
to the addressee, who was then in England, and veteran of years of philatelic garnering, and that
who at once sent it on to us. The duty paid it would not be difficult by the rearrangement of
under protest has not been repaid, notwithstanding existing albums to largely meet that need.
the fact that the stamps never left the custody of In the course of recent correspondence with a
the Post Office whilst in India, and no delivery well-known Philatelist whose services to Philately
took place. The foregoing is a plain statement the world over are justly recognised as of the
of facts and needs no comment from us. 'We no highest character, I am told that I and, I pre-
longer send approval consignments to India sume, other advanced general collectors, are not
except to customers who agree in writing to take really " general collectors " at all, but " specialists
all risks, and to pay any duty that may be de- of all countries," just as he (my correspondent) is
a " specialist of, shall I say, the continent of
manded. Yours faithfully, Greenland, "and that therefore, beinga "specialist,"
WHITFIELD KING & Co. I should not think of adopting any album with
"fixed limits."
THE ARRANGEMENT OF A GENERAL Without wishing to be philatelically autobio-
COLLECTION. graphical, I may mention that I collect everything
in the way of stamps of an adhesive character.
To the Editor of the "London Philatelist." I also specialise in, that is, I devote special
DEAR SIR,—As a general collector in need ot attention to three favourite countries, and for
new albums, I have read with interest the follow- these three countries I am satisfied to use blank
ing remark in your review of a recently issued albums. If, however, I accept my correspondent's
 CORRESPONDENCE. 223

definition, I am also a specialist in all the other of the century which any reasonably • minded
countries as well. generalist may wish to acquire.
There is but little in a name though after all, By the " advanced generalist" an increase in the
and if I am really a "specialist" in all the cost of the work would never be grudged ; his
adhesives of all the world, because I do not close needs would largely be met by the insertion of
my eyes and my pockets to the charms of 99 blank paper in the right places, and it is the
per cent, of stamps that may be fairly easily generalist who is after all the preserver of Phil-
obtained, as do many " specialists" of more ately as a practical pursuit.
limited ideas, why, be it so; but there remains The- beginner in stamps is only too well looked
the fact, that leaving out of the question the afler by "album" (?) publishers. Cheap and in-
demands of my three favourite countries la) in efficient album productions do more probably to
which I specialise, and taking into consideration all drive him out of Philately altogether than all the
the other countries of all the world (b) in which other incidentals to the hobby. The " specialist"
I am told I- also specialise, I am still on the in a few countries is independent of printed
look-out for printed albums, providing far more albums, but the advanced "generalist" has never
fully than do any existing printed albums, for yet, so far as I know, been sufficiently catered for
clas^i b of my own or any other collectors' collec- or appreciated.
tions. He is absolutely out of it at exhibitions. At
May I throw out a few hints for improvements London, Birmingham, Calcutta, and Manchester
that would be acceptable to me and doubtless I noticed he was literally nowhere. Dealers
to many others? provide him with beautiful catalogues of listed
The Imperial Album on its present lines should stamps ; he buys many of those stamps, and the
continue to appear, but avowedly for beginners dealers gravely tell him they cannot let him have
only. a listed album in which to place them. Why
An extended album should be introduced for should this be so? He it is that through
advanced generalists—a glorified Imperial. It strenuous years of faithful effort keeps Philately
might, pending the selection of a better name, be alive more than do either the beginner or the
dubbed the "Sub-celestial." advanced "specialist," but circumstances all com-
The "Sub-celestial" album would incorporate bine to make him feel his own unexalted position
a combination of all the good points of the in comparison with that of the boy dabbler in
Imperial Albums, Mr. Skipton's excellent British stamps or the collector who loftily ignores the
Empire Albums, and Mr. Westoby's Adhesive vast majority of stamps as "drawing-room stuff"
Stamps of Europe; that is to say, its size, shape, of little imaginable interest to anyone. The all-
quality of paper, order of countries, and general round general collector is in sad danger of pre-
design would be those of Mr. Skipton's albums; maturely dying out; he is well worth reviving,
its information and illustrations would be as and the issue of albums really suited to his
accurate and up-to-date as those of the Imperial, necessities would, I believe, prove the best
but fuller, so as to include all the information possible tonic for him and be of lasting service,
that Mr. Westoby gives (or would give if his if not ultimately of vital importance, to Philately
work were extended to the whole of the world), as a lasting pursuit.
together with much else in addition of an inform- I much regret, though I am not surprised, to
ative nature. It should be placed on sale un- see that Mr. Nankivell's proposal for a general
bound. catalogue for collectors by collectors has been
At least one blank quadrille lined leaf should rejected by the London Society. I believe that
be provided at the end of each country, thus such a standard catalogue is the greatest need of
enabling the individual collector to insert, before collectors to-day, though I can well understand
binding, as many more blank leaves as he wished the reluctance of the London Society to under-
without upsetting the general scheme of the work take its production ; but after the catalogue, the
—a most important improvement, and one that next thing that the Philatelic world stands most
would readily admit of the collection, were it so in need of is a really efficient series of printed
wished, of strips, pairs, shades, fiscals, or any albums for the "general collector," or for what
other items of interest not otherwise listed in the may be termed by some, "a specialist of all
right sequence, and to any extent. countries." I enclose my card.
As each collector is bound to digress from the August \st, 1899. " GENERALIST."
provisions of any listed albums, and each specia-
list digresses in different forms with regard to the OUR correspondent, who is a well known and
whole world, a completely catalogued album to able Philatelist, will find the realisation of his
suit all is an impossibility, but there is no reason wishes difficult. We should be glad to hear the
why, so far as it is possible, it should not be views hereon of the publishers of the Imperial
provided, and the opportunity given to each and other albums, though we hold personally that
individual collector to follow on from that point the number of varieties is now so great, and is so
on his own lines. rapidly increasing, that the future general col-
It is in the hope that your influence may be lector will be expected to take only primary
exerted to extend the usefulness of the printed differences. It was rather in this sense that our
album as an institution that I am writing this sentence quoted by "Generalist" should be read,
letter, and that early next year the collecting i.e. that the volume of varieties would inevitably
world may be provided with albums offering prevent all future general collection on specialists'
accommodation for all stamps issued to the end lines.—ED.
 The Market.
NOTE.—Under this title will be inserted all the information that may refer in any way
to the financial aspects of Philately, e.g. the sales or values of stamps, the state
of the Market, Trade publications, etc.

WE are informed that the auction prospects for guarantee goes with the stamp, it will hold good
the ensuing season are good, and that the leading after any number of transfers. Moreover, as it is
firms will have some fine lots for disposal. The only binding on the sellers, when a stamp in-
well-known collection of Mr. Emil Tamsen, creases in value the buyer reaps all the advantage,
which is especially strong in its African portions, whereas should a stamp depreciate in price it
is to be dispersed at auction, the first part, would unfailingly be returned under the ninety
including a very fine collection of the stamps of per cent, agreement, thus absolutely limiting a
the Cape and Transvaal, being fixed for October collector's loss to ten per cent., and giving him
26th and a/th. If the stamps of the latter could all the profits on an advance in price."
excite as much interest as their policy, it would
gladden the hearts of the Nankivellian school, Whether "after any number of transfers" the
but Transvaal stamp issues, like their politics, condition would not, like the guarantee, "go
although very interesting, are also rather involved, with the stamp," is a moot point. The guarantee
not to say tortuous. would also "irk" the vendor in the case of some
of the West Indian stamps—Nevis to wit, or the
* * * unused remainders of the Perkins-Bacon "find"
THE tendency to boom up a country's stamps at the prices of ten years since ! '' Methinks
is not healthy, for the pace is generally too fast, thou dost protest too much," and that there must
and more or less of a collapse ensues. In the be some drawbacks to a system that apparently
case of French stamps there has been a colossal gives all the advantages to the purchaser. It is
and deserved rise of late years; but critics not thus in these degenerate islands. To indulge
across the Channel have not been wanting who in Hibernian metaphor, if there is no skeleton in
have pointed out. that because the rise was the cupboard, we hope the idea may come home
"wanted" in the case of old issues, there were to roost !
not equal grounds for it in the case of later ones. * * *
The old Republic and Empire series (unused) BUSINESS would seem to be brisk in California,
have nearly all become absorbed, but it is open according to MekeeCs Weekly, viz.:—
to question whether the issues of the last few
years had developed a like amount of scarcity. "One of the heaviest transactions in stamps
The stamps from 1876 to date, with the jfigurines ever consummated in San Francisco took place
undoubtedly contain some specimens difficult to last week, when a private collection passed into
find, either in relation to the two minutely different the hands of W. Sellschopp in exchange for
dies, or the precise shade ; but when ^200 has $50x30 in gold coin. The name of the vendor
been paid for a block of these stamps and they was not made public, in deference to his wishes.
are being offered to collectors at £60 per block Aside from the amount involved, the deal excited
of four, one can only gasp. It would appear that more than usual interest on account of the re-
the group of the 25 c., ultramarine, Type I., markable showing the collection made in the
exhibited at Manchester, has been sold for the stamps of Hawaii and of Australia and New
above sum, and can be acquired by our readers at Zealand. Among the Hawaiians were no less
the "ridiculously low figure" of ^15 apiece. than seventy-five fine copies of the numerals.
Among these was a 2 c. on greyish paper, printed
* * * on both sides. It is a remarkably fine copy, and
THE good example announced in the following is on the original envelope."
paragraph, which Messrs. J. W. Scott and Co.
have published in the Metropolitan Philatelist is
one that will be received by collectors with wild "EVERY nerve is being strained and every
rejoicings, and one that we shall be glad to see device is being adopted by the local collectors
copied by advertisers in the London Philatelist! and dealers to obtain the stamps of Guam. All
" The J. W. Scott Co., Ltd., beg to announce to kinds of influence is being called into play—
their customers that when requested they will social, commercial, and political," says Mekcefs
give a certificate with every stamp sold for $i or Weekly. The postal requirements of Guam not
more, guaranteeing to repurchase at any time at being large, there would seem to be a good
ninety per cent, of purchase price. As this opening for a "corner."