1. New issues and Varieties
2. Boston Philatelic Society annual report, Seybold Library
3. USA Revenue stamps - proposed law for druggists to affix revenue stamps to opium medicine
4. Valentine's Day covers are more plentiful because cover and letter were saved intact by the original recipients
5. Broad star watermark on 4p yellow of New Zealand - new variety or printing error?
6. USA four pounds domestic first class limit.  International limit is more than four pounds
7. Bisects frequently encountered from South America
8. United States Revenue Society year book
9. Chicago Philatelic Society annual banquet
10. Why I collect precancels competition announcement
11. Letters to the editor, 
1. Stamp shades - How shades of  the 1870 to 1879 USA issues were originally listed as a single issue, how that listing was expanded into multiple issues
2. Collector innundated with philatelic solicitations after his address is used as a sample address
3. Italian stamps - "ITALIA E VITTORIO EMMANUELE"
12. Springfield Stamp Club exhibit, Feb 24, 1911 - postal cards, coins, fractional currency, revenue, inverts, cancelations, machine cancellation, perfins, vending machine wrappers
13. News - USA 10 cent yellow with 1910 watermark found
14. Recent stamp market prices - Jamaica, Crete, Canal Zone, Siam, Austria, Bosnia, Philippines
15. King of Siam's name explained
16. DP overprint on Hong Kong, 
17. Collecting tools - albums, watermark fluid, tongs, magnifying glass, stamp catalog
18. Great Barrier Island Special Post local issue - pidgeon post, 
19. "Deutsch Oestr. Postverien" explained
    

(Pages 53-54 - New issues and Varieties)

CHRONICLE OF NEW ISSUES AND VARIETIES.
Edited by Henry A. Kidder

Any information regarding new issues will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Address HENRY A. KIDDER, 17 Addison St., Arlington, Mass. Letters calling for a reply should contain a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot give applicants the addresses of our correspondents.

United States. — Frank B. Eldredge reports the following new precancels:

No. 325, Cleveland, Ohio, inverted; Type III.
No. 325, Hammond, Ind., inverted; Type I.
No. 323, Binghampton, N.Y., normal; dated 5-10; Type I.
No. 323, Yonkers, N. Y., precancelled with square dots, Type VII; seven lines, Type VI; and four lines, Type V.
No. 324, Minneapolis, Minn., normal; Type V; reported by Walter L. Gates.
No. 327, Providence, R. I., normal; Type IV.

We are also indebted to G. M. Hale for specimens of the new New Haven precancelled 1c stamp. Heretofore the precancelling at this office has been done with the package postmarking stamp.

Frank B. Eldredge and others have shown us Permit No. 200 of Boston, Mass., 1c Paid, with the value obliterated by a square block, and new value “2c” printed above, the overprinting being done by rubber stamp in violet ink.

J. N. Morse reports having found Permit No. 247 of Boston, Mass., 2c changed from 2c to 1c, as noted in No.1042.

Cleveland Bundlie reports having found the current 2c amber envelope without any watermark.

Charles E. Fisher shows a cover with a stamp affixed by the Shermiack machine, but the machine has torn off half of the stamp in affixing it.

Herman W. Boers has shown us a block of the current 2c stamps, which has accidentally had some black mixed with the carmine ink in printing, producing a dark shading over many of the stamps, though there is no regularity in the color of the distribution of the darker color.

W. E. Estes submits a cover, which was part of a piece of mail matter sent, out by the Champion Blower & Forge Co., Lancaster, Penn., which has the most peculiar precancel yet seen. The stamp appears to have been treated to a marbleizing bath, such as book binders use on the edges of books, or on the covers and inside covers of blank books.

Herman W. Boers sends us specimens of the current 2c envelope, showing marked differences in the thickness of the colorless lines, figures and letters. In one case, where the heavier printing occurs, the left figure “2” is joined to the inner colorless line by a short colorless line or dot.

Afghanistan. — Mr. Schachne has shown us the card (if it can be called by that name) from this Indian State. We find it is a thin white paper 147x104 with a double (ruled) line frame around three sides, leaving the lower side open. An ornamental design of leaves, etc., 10 mm. wide, extends across the top inside the frame. Just below this is a headline and lower down are two lines of inscription, also one or two characters follow each one of the four dotted lines for the address. Every word on the card is in native language. The stamp is illustrated in Senf’s catalog.

Afrique Equatoriale. — This Colony, which was formerly known as “Congo Francais,” has now issued a new set of stamps, the designs and colors being identical with those of 1910, except that the name of the colony is changed. A full set of stamps has been issued from 1c to 5fr but we will not print the list.

Brazil. — Philip Wolff informs us that the Brazil 1906 issue 500 reis postage and 100 reis postage due stamps are unobtainable at Rio and have probably been out of stock for two years.

Canal Zone. — Gerald D. Bliss sends us an interesting budget of news from the Canal Zone, including specimens of the new provisional, 10c on 13c. This stamp has not yet been issued, as far as we are informed, either without the “Canal Zone” surcharge in the Panama Republic, or as a 13c stamp in the Zone. The design is the same as the 1905 set of map stamps, of which only the 1c and 2c values had previously been seen. The gray color brings out the design very nicely. The words “Canal Zone” are in two lines, both reading up, placed one line near each end of the stamp, and in much smaller type than any previous issue. The new provisional was issued in the Zone January 16, the surcharging of the new value being done at the printing plant of the Isthmian Canal Commission at Mt. Hope, Canal Zone. Mr. Bliss says there is no reason to expect that the Panama stamp of the 13c value will ever be obtainable without surcharge, as this stamp was ordered solely for the Canal Zone.

Mr. Bliss reports under date of January 25, that he has official information to the effect that the 1/2c and 1c and possibly another value of the new issue will be placed on sale in February, exact date not yet given. He was also permitted to see a specimen of the new stamps mentioned. The 1c is of course identical with the Zone 1c excepting for surcharge but the 1/2c is a departure from the rest of the issue, it being of the “Map” design and identical with the new Zone 10c on 13c Panama recently issued and of an orange color.

At the time these new stamps are placed on sale the Panama Republic will also place on sale another innovation in the shape of a stamp book somewhat on the order of those current in the States only that the Panama book will have several denominations incorporated, viz., 6 ten-cent, 6 five-cent, 18 two and one-half cent, 6 one-cent and 12 one-half cent, six stamps to a leaf and representing a face value of $1.47, the book selling for $1.50. It was in one of those books that Mr. Bliss inspected the new stamps but upon trying to obtain one was informed that they would not be issued until the office was ready to supply the new stamps in sheet form. It might be worthy of note that the stamps in book form are ungummed and anyone who has handled stamps from the Isthmus will readily understand the reason, also the covers of the books and interleaves carry the advertisements of Panama business firms for which I understand they pay $5.00 per annum.

We are also indebted to A. C. Roessler for information regarding the new provisional. Both surcharges are in black.

Provisional Adhesive.
10c on 13c gray.

Canada. — Frank B. Eldredge has shown us a split provisional made by cutting a 2c King’s Head stamp in two vertical halves, and using one-half for a 1c stamp. This was used on a picture postal card mailed at Amherst, N. S., just before last Christmas.

Chile. — Philip Wolff writes: “Mr. Focke’s information in MEKEEL’S WEEKLY  of Dec. 31, 1910, concerning the Chile 15c centenary stamp is very interesting. The Valparaiso Mercurio of Jan. 2, 1911, explains the matter by stating that the stamp shows a monument representing General Bernardo O’Higgins, when, from the heights above the harbor of Valparaiso, catching his first glimpse of the patriot liberating naval squadron setting out to sea in search of the Royalist navy, he excitedly points out the glorious event to his companion, and utters the historic words 'De esas cuatro tablas penden los destinos de la America’.”

Ecuador. — Frank C. Davis has shown us two new fiscal provisionals from Ecuador. In No. 1043 we noted that the 5c green fiscal stamp of 1907-1908 had been surcharged like Scott’s Nos. 376 to 380. The 10c black of the same year has now received the same surcharge in red, the date of the surcharge being changed to 1909-1910. The other provisional has the 5c fiscal stamp surcharged “Timbre - Patriotico — 1910,” like the others noted in No. 1043. All surcharges are in red.

Provisional Adhesive.
Fiscal Stamps Surcharged as Above. 10c black; red surcharge.

Patriotic Provisional.
5c green.

Finland. — The New England Stamp Co. has shown us the new series of stamps for this Province, the designs being the same as the current Russian stamp, with values and colors changed.

Adhesives.
2p orange.
5p yellow green.
10p rose.
20p dark blue.
40p violet and light blue.

French Congo. - The New England Stamp Co. has now shown us the new series of stamps, the inscription of the stamps reading “Afrique Equatoriale— Gabon,” in two lines, instead of “Congo Francais—Gabon,” as in the first issue in this design.

Kelantan. — This is another of the states recently ceded to Great Britain, along with Kedah, Trengganu and Perlis, and a full set of stamps from 1c to $25 has been issued, according to Ewen’s Weekly.

Newfoundland. — We are indebted to A. C. Roessler and Harry E. Huber for information regarding the Guy set. Mr. Roessler says: Apparently the rumor that the 6c Guy stamp, with error, was cornered, was founded on fact. Jan. 31, a new supply of this value was received in St. Johns, but printed in a new shade, much darker, in fact a rich brown purple. The perforation has also been changed from 12 to 14. This gives three varieties of this stamp—the original stamp with “Z” reversed, perf. 12; the same with “Z” normal, perf. 12, and the new printing, perf. 14. Incidentally it may be said that Type I is scarce.

Other values in the set have also had the perforations changed from 12 to 12x14, the values noted to date being 1c, 2c, 4c and 5c.

Mr. Huber confirms the above and adds that the 2c, 6c, 12c and 15c values have also been found perforated 14. A better quality of paper is being used, and the stamps are gummed more heavily than the earlier printings. Mr. Huber says all the stamps on the better paper are printed in deeper shades than when the series first appeared.

New South Wales. — The New England Stamp Co. has shown us the 2sh 6d emerald green, perforated 11.

No. Nigeria. — The New England Stamp Co. has shown us the new 1d stamp for this colony, which is printed from a reengraved plate. The principal difference from the earlier issue is in the “1d,” but there are also other minor differences in the engraving.

Adhesive.
1d carmine.

Sweden. — The Postage Stamp Co. has shown us a specimen of the 2 ore yellow chronicled in No. 1048.

EDITORIAL.

They Were Treasured — Valentine’s day, as we should have said last week, has left a lasting impression on philately. In fact, we do not know of any other festival day that can compare with February 14th in intimacy of association with philately or in direct influence upon it. The day has been instrumental in increasing the actual and visible supply of stamps for collectors. Many a good philatelic piece has been removed from valentine letters and collectors of original covers notice that valentine envelopes bearing stamps are available. As accounting for these circumstances, the theory properly is advanced that valentines and their containers usually were preserved by their recipients where ordinary letters were not. The valentine’s sentiment was cherished as a rule and the lace-paper messages were kept year after year, finally to fall into the eager but ruthless hands of the stamp collector. That is why there are fragile, dainty envelopes bearing stamps in rather fair number in collections of covers. Valentine’s day was a particularly busy one for the local posts in the large cities and many a local stamp has been removed from the valentine envelopes; and yet not a few remain upon their original covers.

(Page 56 - Broad star watermark on 4p yellow of New Zealand - new variety or printing error?)

Star Watermarks — Some time ago, C. B. Bostwick, New York (one of the collaborators of the recently issued Cay-man Islands brochure) wrote: “I should like to direct your especial attention to the enclosed copy of the four pence yellow New Zealand, No. 25. Certainly this stamp seems to be printed on the paper with the broad star watermark. It is the only New Zealand stamp that I have ever seen watermarked with this broad star, which is certainly different from the normal star appearing on other stamps. I am enclosing for purposes of comparison another New Zealand on which the narrow watermark is clearly shown and also two South Australians on which the narrow and broad shapes are clearly shown. In South Australia the broad watermark may always be determined because of its distinctness, but that does not seem to be the case with this New Zealand stamp. I should be extremely interested to know your opinion about this stamp for it may prove to be an interesting and rare variety.” Messrs. Bacon and Napier in their excellent hand-book, “Barbados,” present a history and description of the star-watermarked papers of Messrs. Perkins Bacon & Co. With this thorough exposition as a guide, we shall proceed at once to the consideration of the “large broad pointed star” which was used only for the stamps of South Australia and in 1881 of Grenada. A London firm of stationers received in July, 1875, an order from South Australia for fifteen reams of star watermarked paper that was to be similar to that which had been furnished by Perkins Bacon & Company. As the paper was to have an additional blank margin at one of the sides of each sheet, so that the sheets which were to be numbered could be bound for the sake of convenience and precaution into books, the old moulds used in the large star sheets could not be employed in the manufacture. This information was given to the firm that received the order when the stationers applied to Perkins Bacon & Company; and so the new contractors had one pair of moulds made with the large star sheet of paper as a model; they were forwarded to Perkins Bacon & Company who sent them to the paper-mill, where the order and a second one also for fifteen reams that was received in the interim was filled. Further deliveries of the paper were made by Perkins Bacon & Company in 1881 and 1885, respectively. A surplus of the paper evidently was in the hands of Perkins Bacon & Company in 1881 when several of the stamps of Grenada appeared with the broad star watermark. The broad star, patterned after the large star paper has stars of the same dimensions, so to say, but the shapes are different; the broad star has a greater area, although it measures 15 1/2 to 16 mm., as the large star does, across the center. There practically are no varieties of watermark on the sheet of the broad star, and we know that the watermark in the soft, white paper, characteristic of broad star printings, is always very plain; and the contrary is the case in the other star papers.

***
Varieties — As Mr. Bostwick’s stamp with variant watermark was issued before the broad star paper was ordered, the stamp cannot show the real broad star watermark. It is not necessary to point out that alone the indistinctness of the watermark dismisses it as a broad star possibility. As for the large and the small star watermarks, they vary both in shape and size; there were 960 “bits” made of wire and each “bit” was fastened to the moulds by hand and so only approximate uniformity could be expected. New Zealand had the large star watermark with its variations of shape and many of the principal types are in the differing points of the stars; so the star watermark is to be found “variously” on the New Zealand stamps.

Mistake — In the issue of January 21st, 1911, we spoke of the use of high values of the current issue and in the course of our remarks based on the provisions of Section 488 of the postal laws and regulations, according to the Supplement of 1907, it was said that the weight limit of four pounds was inapplicable to first-class matter. Our attention has been called to the incorrectness of this statement and we hasten to rectify the error. R. H. Willcox, San Francisco, writes: “I desire to call your attention to the fact that Section 488 of the P. L. & R., as amended, places a limit of four pounds on domestic mail matter of the first class. . . . There is no limit in weight of foreign mail of the first class.” Chas. M. Breder, Jersey City, N. J., says: “The Newark (N. J.) office refused to take a package from me last Christmas that weighed 4 pounds, 1 1/2 ounces, even though I was willing to pay first class rates, (the package was fourth-class matter); the clerk said that it was unmailable for the reason that the weight limit to any item of mail matter had been set at four pounds about a year ago.” At this moment, we shall merely recall our words, as in the next number, we shall consider the subject further.

(Page 56 - Bisects frequently encountered from South America)

Splits — A reader calls attention to the frequency with which split provisionals have been coming through the mails, received in the usual course of business, from some of the South American countries. He says that postmasters there seem to be more tolerant than ever before in their treatment of the split stamps as they come from widely-scattered sections. These halved provisionals are not official in the sense that they are authorized by departmental decrees but nevertheless the specialist will find them of interest when they are shown on cover. The latest contribution to the list is an envelope from La Grita, Venezuela, dated January 1, 1911, prepaid by two 10c, and the right half of a diagonally cut 10c carmine.

(Page 56 - United States Revenue Society year book)

REVENUE SOCIETY YEAR BOOK.

The Year Book of the United States Revenue Society, dated December 1910, was received several weeks ago and it merits a commendatory notice. While the contents of the pamphlet of thirty pages are devoted to society subjects, yet among the reports that were submitted at the convention at Detroit last year will be found some that have a wide philatelic application, — the reports of the Expert Committee and the Committee on Publications and Literature, for instance. The constitution and by-laws and the membership list very properly have place in the book. The secretary’s report gives the numerical strength of the society as 143, a good showing for an organization devoted to a philatelic specialty. Many well-known names appear on the roll; and that the society is an influential one is patent. It may be added that the solid accomplishments of the United States Revenue Society in the production of publications furthering the cause to which it is dedicated are an earnest of the usefulness of the organization.

(Page 57 - Letters to the editor, stamp shades, wrong address, Italian stamps)

COMMUNICATIONS.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the views expressed by our readers. Our columns are always open for communications of general interest. — Ed.)

Hamilton, N. Y., January 23, 1911. Messrs. Editors:

I note that Mr. Poole in his last article, “With the Boy Philatelist,” advises the young collector not to “pay too much attention to shades.” Please allow me, as an old collector, who collected for forty odd years, to give contrary advice as a result of long experience. It may be well not to pay out much money for mere shades but let me advise the young collector when he finds among his duplicates, or can obtain as a gift or in exchange, a stamp differing in any way from those he already has, by all means to carefully preserve it.

Let me cite a most remarkable case in point. It will be remembered that the three United States issues, 1870 to 1879 (National and Continental prints, hard or soft papers, with or without secret marks) were originally listed as one issue, and as such I had them in my album. I had, however, carefully added any stamp which seemed to me to differ in any way from those I already had. These were practically all merely as shades as I knew nothing then of papers or secret marks. Suddenly these appeared in the new catalogue as three distinct issues. As a thorough going collector I naturally wanted to fill these sets but supposed it would mean a very big bill, as so many of them were high priced. However, with fear and trembling as to the bill I would incur, I removed all the stamps of this supposed one issue from my album, placed them on sheets, and sent them to The Scott Stamp and Coin Co. with the request that they would mark the catalogue number under each stamp and send me all the missing ones from the three sets, awaiting the resulting bill with perturbation. Imagine my delight to receive back the three sets completed with a bill of exactly three cents. There were but two stamps missing and these, singularly enough, a one cent denomination at 2 cents and a three cents at 1 ct. All the others from the ninety cents down were present, having been saved merely as shades.

This is only one experience among many, very many, where I have saved a stamp merely as a shade of a common variety to later find it a rarity.

As for paying money for shades; well, it depends on how much one has to spend. I once took a stamp from a Dealer’s sheet, as an unlisted shade, for fifty cents which was afterward catalogued at sixty dollars.

A word to the wise should be sufficient.

W. C. Eaton,
Commodore U. S. Navy.

Frankfort, Ind., Jan. 16, 1911.

To the Editor :— In your issue of Jan. 7, you will remember that on the “Boys’ Page”, there was a paragraph upon an “Exchange Column” which I suggested. Near its end you say :— ”Here is a sample adv. — ”V. Hanna, Frankfort, Ind. R. 6, U. S. for Br. Col.” Of course you just used that adv. to illustrate, as I did not send it in. However, a good many dealers failed to see the point and the result is mail is pouring in: Price lists, literature, Br. Cols. on approval, dollars upon dollars worth of stps. to ex. for the U. S. stamps, the adv. says I have for ex. While of Circulars, Stamp Coupons and Magazines, etc., I have no lack, but can easily take care of them. It would almost keep a mint going night and day to pay the return postage on the stamp packets, fancy assortments, app. sheets, etc. Please rectify the mistake in the next issue if possible for I do not know but what our mail carrier will go on a strike if this keeps up. Since you say the “Boys’ Page” is only for collectors under 20 years old I, for one think, that that should bar the dealers from answering “our” advts.

Believe me, I never knew how many dealers there were in the U. S. before, but you bet I’ve got a much larger estimate now.

Virgil C. Hanna.

Saccasunna, N. J., Jan. 26, ‘10.

To the Editor :— In looking over the page devoted to the “Boys” in your issue of the 21st inst. item “Shades and Fades,” I noticed that one of your young readers inquired concerning his “find” of a light shade Of the 3 cent current issue. Doubtless his copy is not a “Fade,” as I have two fine used copies, and a mint block of 4, which are of the decided lavender shade, very different from the usual dark purple or violet. It hardly varies from the shade of current 50 cent, which fact drew my attention to it, and led my search for the mint block. There being such a marked contrast in the shades, should entitle the lavender to recognition in the catalogue — fully as much (really more as there is a greater contrast), as the “September” 3 cent Rose and Lake, and many others that have been listed. The young interrogator evidently has
his eyes open.

Frederick A. De Camp.

Steubenville, 0., 2-1-11.

To the Editor:

Being interested in collecting and de siring to know all the news in the philatelic line, I read always your paper and when I read about the new Italian stamps I had in mind to send you a note, telling you that the statement that the picture was that of Count Cavour, was a mistake, but I was busy and forgot about it. In the number received today I read it again and I can say that both pictures, in earlier and later stamps — two in each issue — are those of the General Giuseppe Garibaldi. If you have both stamps, you can notice the likeness in both pictures. The words “ITALIA E VITTORIO EMMANUELE” represent Garibaldi’s motto, when he fought to obtain the freedom and unity of Italy. Count Cavour’s portrait is very different, his face being without beard and wearing glasses.

You can be sure of these statements, as I am Italian and am very familiar with the features of both of these great men.

Guido Guidi, M. D.

(Page 58 - Recent stamp market prices, Jamaica, Crete, Canal Zone, Siam, Austria, Bosnia, Philippines)

THE STAMP MARKET.

By SENEX.

The 6d orange, Jamaica, multiple, is probably somewhat scarce, the 6d yellow, of 1909, having apparently been quickly superseded by the new 6d purple. The old 6d CA is not too easily obtained in perfect condition, and seems to be a stamp that will probably rise. The 3d olive, multiple, may prove to be a good stamp in its way, since there is now a 3d purple.

The 10 and 30 lepta, Crete Service stamps, surcharged “Ellas,” should be worth attention.

The 5c Canal Zone, 1909-10 is evidently cheaper. The 8c value does not seem to be so plentiful as the 10c; both these are good selling stamps.

The 24 atts, Siam, 1906, may advance; evidence of this is seen in one or two quarters.

The Austrian issue of 1910 maintains its prices, and to all appearance is likely to do. (A slight drop in one place possibly only meant that the owner was tired of holding.)

Bosnia, 1910, are getting available. Will the middle values of the 1906 set go up at all?

The 30c, Philippines, blue, 1910, is listed now. — Stamp Collectors’ Fortnightly.

(Page 58 - King of Siam's name explained)

A KING WITH A LONG NAME.

By B. W. H. POOLE.

The late King of Siam, whose portrait was shown on the stamp chosen for our last stamp study contest, was the proud possessor of the following lengthy name — Phra Bat Somedetch Phra Paramindt Maha Chulalongkorn Phra Chula Chong Klao Chow Yu Hua — and his son (the present king) has an equally amazing array of titles. Here is an interesting literal translation of them

“The most illustrious, invincible, powerful, and lofty monarch, who is crowned with a hundred and one crowns of gold, all of which are incrusted with nine sorts of precious stones; the greatest, the purest, and the most divine master of immortal souls; the sainted one who sees everything; the sovereign emperor who keeps under the shadow of his wings the great, wise, and incomparable kingdom of Siam; the king under whom is placed the most fertile of all lands upon which the sun shines; the lord, the greatest lord, whose palace is built of line gold and precious stones; the divine master of the thrones of gold and of the red and white elephant; the sovereign god of the nine ranks of gods; the king who is like the sun in his height and like the moon in his splendour, and whose glance is like the most brilliant star of the morning; the king who is above all the emperors, monarchs, and potentates of the world from the East to the West.”