STAMP NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 244, 12 September 1935, Page 2

STAMP NOTES

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS. (By “Philatelist.”) Doubtless, with the renewed interest and etmnismm in the stamp collecting hobuy, very many collections have been progressing quire well during recent months, but one must remember that, as with everything else in this world, a good collection can only be 1 achieved by hard work. An attractive, I well displayed collection can be most interesting and is tiie reward of patience, care, and perseverance on the part ol : tlie owner. A limited number ■ of stamps conscientiously mounted can be infinitely more interesting than a haphazard collection containing many thousands of varieties badly arranged. Pardon this sermon, but tnc writer is keen to make readers realise the im- . portaiice of paying great attention to uie mounting and displaying. A special pomt in this connection was made clear by Mr Ken wick when addressing the last meeting of the members or tlie Manawatu Philatelic Society. He said that to work up a successful display, you must work on a definite basis or plan. In the case of his collection, comprising the stamps of New Zealand anu dependencies, lie took Verne. Collins’ catalogue list as the basis, and stamps and sets were mounted in the order in which they arc listed in that catalogue. Each set or issue, or perhaps part of a set, was given a separate page, and arranged according to the number and size of tlie stamps, to make as effective a showing as possible. Spaces were left tor varieties which lie.hoped to get in time, but he took the very wise step of not leaving blank spaces in his album for very rare varieties which ho considered ho was unlikely ever to secure. The result was a most interesting collection, with very few blank spaces. Incidentally tho writing up of this collection was a real object lesson, and it is a pity that all interested could not see it.

Which brings another thought to the mind. How many of the local collectors would cuter their collections (or sections at least) in a series of competitions lor stamp collections if tho local society were to organise them, say, in conjunction with an A. and P. Show?

There is another aspect of the “colour” question which there was not room to discuss last week. In describing colours ot stamps, straightforward words are used—fancy wordings such as petunia, Marina, coffee, etc., are avoided. Where there arc no important variations in shade to bo defined, the woids used are approximate only, e.g., pale blue, bright, blue, ultramarine, deep blue, indigo. But “red” is seldom used—carmine, scarlet, rose, rose-red indicate the approximate shade. However, it is more difficult when a large number of shades of tlie one stamp are to be clearly stated, and unless there is a wide difference in value, tho only way is to make comparisons and sort the stamps as near to description as possible. Taking the King George stamps of Great Britain, the 3d is listed by Gibbons in four shades—reddish violet, violet, bluish violet,and jiale bluish violet—and only a comparison can give you any idea of these shades. Actually there is a vast difference between tho reddish and bluish violet stamps—when you compare them side by side. The 7d is in pale olive, deep olive, and sage-green. The Id is in bright scarlet, scarlet, pale rose-red, carminered, scarlet-vermilion. The is in green, bright green, deep green, yel-Jow-green, bright yellow (Cyprus-) green, and blue green, but here is an exceptional case—the Cyprus green

variety is priced at 5Us, obviously a distinct and rare variety, and one which could probably be identified conclusively only by an expert. There is a similar case with the 5d pictorial of New Zealand, London printing. The colour usually met with is purplebrown, but there is a much scarcer variety described as “sepia.” Tho London printing is on unwatermarked paper, with perf. 12 to 14, 14, 15 and 16. There is a later (Colonial) printing also in sepia, on paper watermarked “N.Z. and star” and perf. 11 —this is not very scarce. (Reference to your catalogue will show that there are four main sets of the early New Zealand pictorials—the London printings, as described, then printings made by the Government printer at

Wellington, perf. 11, no watermark, and finally the sets on watermarked paper, oiie set perf. 11, the other perf. 14.) For those who buy packets to enlarge tlieir collections, here is some advice. Firstly, there is generally a better quality selection in a more expensive packet; and secondly, beware of packets that have the best of the stamps gummed on the outside of the packet. Frequently one sees quite good stamps (both British and French Colonials in particular), in unused condition, stuck to the outside of a packet with a spot of gum. This damages the original gum on the stamps and ruins them for collection purposes and these are the choicest stamps in the packet, mark you 1 One cannot understand stamp dealers making up packets in this way, but it will probably continue as long as so many collectors remain ignorant of the essentials of good condition and the importance of perfect copies. In conclusion, here is a tip for^those who desire unusual covets. Have you ever seen a letter from Hell ? It is a place in Norway—and a letter to the Postmaster (2£d postage) together with a self-addressed envelope and an International Reply Coupon, will bring you an interesting cover in due course. [These notes are published with the co-operation of the Manawatu Philatelic Society. Queries and items of interest for publication should be addressed to the Stamp Editor, care “Standard” Office.]