FOR STAMP COLLECTORS

Evening Star, Issue 22031, 17 May 1935, Page 2

FOR STAMP COLLECTORS

[By Philatelist. 3 Stamp collectors are found throughout the civilised world and in every grade of society (writes an expert), I have attempted to give a more or less complete list of ‘ Royal philatelists and their chief interests along these lines. Judging by the number of Royal enthusiasts and the universal popularity of this hobby, it can truly, be said that philately is “ the hobby of kings and the king of hobbies.” Foremost among the Royal philatelists is H.M. King George V, of England, who is one of the leading stamp collectors of the world. His collection is confined to the postal issues of Great Britain and the British Empire, and is one of the most complete ever assembled. At various times during the Great War the King gave some of his most coveted stamps to be auctioned off for war funds. The Prince of Wales has followed his father in the choice of a suitable Royal hobby, but he does not restrict his collecting activities to the British Empire. In the latter part of 1906 the Prince exhibited a practically complete collection of Liberia 'and an unused collection of France and French colonies at the international exhibition held in that year. In 1919 he became the honourable president of the Royal Philatelic Society. The late King Albert of Belgium was interested in philately, as is his wife, Queen Elizabeth, and their son, the Duke of Brabant. About 10 years ago Queen Elizabeth accepted a collection from the Canadian Government. Philately is represented in the Italian Royal House by Queen Elena and her son Humbert, Prince of Piedmont and Heir Apparent to the throne. They are chiefly interested in the stamps of Italy. The Queen received a complete collection of Belgium from the King and Queen of the Belgians in 1922. H.R.H. Qustavua Adolphus, the Crown Prince, has an excellent collection of general issues of all countries, as well as an excellent representation of the stamps of his own country, Sweden. He is president of the Swedish Philatelic Society, and takes an active port in this position. King Fuad of Egypt has an exceptionally fine collection of all countries. He. is especially interested in Egypt, the Sudan, Hejaz, GreecOj Serbia, Palestine, Rumania, Austria, and the Argentine. In 1920 he acquired an excellent collection of Egypt, which he combined with his own, resulting in one of the finest collections of this country. Prince Hiroyasu Fnshimi of Japan is a very enthusiastic collector of the stamps of his country. He was directly responsible for uncovering a number of counterfeit stamps theretofore considered genuine. He has a collection of general issues of about 15,000 varieties, besides a complete collection of Japan. Two other stamp collectors who might he listed here under Royalty (depending upon your viewpoint) are the ex-King of Spain and the ex-King of Portugal. Both were, and are en-

thusiastic stamp collectors. Alphonso of Spain was chiefly interested in the stamps of Spain and Portugal. His collection of Portugal contains many unique items, known as “ King of Spain Reprints.” These were made by order of the King of Portugal of old issues, so that Alphonso might complete his collection of these issues. Don Manuel of Portugal had a fine assemblage of the stamps of Portugal and Brazil. I believe that this completely covers all Royal stamp collectors. There are possibly others who may have been active at one time, but for the most part all are listed here. This list may further prove that there is suitable interest in philately for those who would search for it. THE TIN CAN MAIL. This mail is one of the high spots of life on the island of Niuafoou in the Tongas. In the ordinary way mail boats are not scheduled to call at Niuafoou. but by courtesy of the skippers of the liners mails are picked up and delivered overside in metal canisters. As the mail boat approaches a canoe is paddled off from the island to pick up the inward and deposit the outward mail, and it is now almost standard practice for passing mail boats to slow down for this exchange. During the cruising season at least, the inward mail consists largely of souvenir covers sent ashore by passengers. This mail is franked and “ cacheted ” ashore—the reverse side of the envelope illustrated bears two cachets and a Samoan back stamp—and sent on by the next passing mail boat, possibly a month later. AUSTRIAN ARCHITECTS’ ISSUE. Austrian charity and commemorative stamp issues can always be relied upon to provide a theme of great interest as well as beauty of production. The recent “Architects” set well maintains the standard. It comes as a companion series to the earlier composers. poets, and artists sets in the annual winter charity series. The series contains six stamps ranging from 12gr to 64gr in denomination, each of them featuring a famous Austrian architect of bygone days. The list is as follows: —l2gr, Anton Pilgrim, creator of the famous chancel, pulpit, and organ loft in the Cathedral of St. Stephen. Pilgrim lived in the sixteenth century, and the stamp portrait is based on a statue standing beneath the stairs of the pulpit in St. Stephen’s. 24gr, Fischer von Erlach (1656-1723), designer of St. Charles’ Church. Vienna j 30gr, Jacob Prandtauer, who rebuilt the monasteries at St. Florian and at Meek; 40gr, A. von Siccardsburg (1812-1868) and E. van der Noll (1813-1868), who were iointly responsible for the design of the Vienna Opera, House; 60gr, H, von Ferstel (1828-1883), architect of the Vienna University; 64gr. Otto Wagner (18411918), a town-planning expert and architect of the Steinhofcr Memorial Church.

undersea gardens of the Bahamas reproduced from under-water photofraphs made by Mr J. Williamson, who as specialised in submarine photography. The design will include also the King’s portrait. No definite news as to the purpose of the series is available yet. One report hag it that it is to be for air mail use. Another —lei us hope it is unsoundly based—is that the stamps will be used on “ the first despatch of letters from the Williamson photosphere at the bottom oi the Bahamas Sea.” British postal administrators do not usually lend their approval to stunts of this nature. A HALF-CENT STAMP. The lowest value stamp ever issued by the United States, a half-cent value —equal to about half a farthing—is shortly to be put in use in St. Thomas and the other Virgin Islands acquired by the United States in 1917 by purchase from Denmark. Tim engraving and printing of a stamp is a costly matter, and as 400 of this variety will bo needed to make Idol, it rather looks as though the actual postal service given for this stamp will involve a loss. Sales to collectors will provide some recoupment, of course.