Once again, user Steve R. has pointed out a few typos on some earlier pages. Several files that have been modified based on his corrections are also included in this update, which you can print as soon as you’re ready to do so.
Used and tied to postcard, genuine in all respects
Thursday, May 31, 2018 (posted by Kevin Blackston at 10:28 pm)
A couple of months ago, I wrote about finding an apparent Scott 443 Washington coil stamp in the $0.50 postcard box at the local stamp store, ABC Stamps. As I mentioned at the time, Washington-Franklin coils are often faked because of their relatively high catalogue value compared to their fully perforated siblings from sheets and booklets, and although the stamp I found looked okay to me, I wanted to be sure, so I shipped the postcard off to APEX for an expert opinion.
When I checked my post office box yesterday afternoon, I had a notice that a piece of certified mail was being held for me, and it turned out to be the postcard back from APEX. When I got home, I opened it up, and the certificate says…
“United States Scott No. 443, used and tied to postcard, genuine in all respects, postcard has a few creases.”
APEX Certificate #224872
As you can see, my improbable find turned out to be the real deal! For a total outlay of around $27, I have an authenticated Washington-Franklin coil with an on-cover value of $60.
The perforator “has a new wood table top and shelf, and I added heavy duty casters,” writes Niko. “It’s a beauty, but I only have room for so many of them.” (These old perforators are heavy, so I have no doubt the addition of the casters makes this example a lot easier to move.)
Niko is asking $900 for his perforator. If you’re interested, please let me know and I’ll put you in touch with him.
Texas artist’s work to be featured on new Philosateleian Post stamp
Monday, April 30, 2018 (posted by Kevin Blackston at 6:57 am)
A Texas artist’s work will be featured on the newest stamp from San Antonio-based Philosateleian Post. The Contemporary Art issue picturing Hadassah’s Lettuce is scheduled to be issued on June 1.
Contemporary Art
Lettuce is a colored wax on paper composition created by Hadassah at age 3. The young artist has also worked with ink on paper, and wax on a variety of plastics.
“Hadassah used two different shades of green when coloring Lettuce,” says Kevin Blackston, the artist’s father and proprietor of Philosateleian Post. “It is among the most original of her creations to this date, and it is a picture that I will keep always and am honored to be able to feature on Philosateleian Post’s new Contemporary Art stamp.”
Contemporary art is defined as “art made and produced by artists living today” (J. Paul Getty Museum), or as art “produced in the late 20th century or in the 21st century” (Wikipedia).
Technical Specifications
Format: sheets of 36 (6×6). Design size: 28×36 mm. Separation method: perforated 12. Adhesive: water-activated dry gum. Printing method: inkjet.
Philatelic Services
To receive a mint single of Philosateleian Post’s Contemporary Art stamp, or for first day cover service, send either $2 or a self-addressed stamped envelope and your request to:
Kevin Blackston
Philosateleian Post
PO Box 17544
San Antonio TX 78217-0544
United States of America
About Philosateleian Post
Founded in 2004, Philosateleian Post transports mail only from the proprietor’s home to the nearest mail receptacle or post office, and does not compete with any official mail service. For more information, please visit http://www.philosateleia.com/post/
Another 14¢ American Indian stamp with plate flaws
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 (posted by Kevin Blackston at 10:27 pm)
I’ve previously mentioned finding a couple of 14¢ American Indian stamps with some nice plate flaws, and I recently ran across another one.
14¢ American Indian stamp with plate scratches
As you can see, this stamp has a couple of things going on in the left quarter of the vignette. There’s a diagonal scratch running nearly from the chief’s eye up toward the “TE” of “UNITED,” plus a smaller but very distinct apparent scratch or gouge just inside the vignette frame to the right of the “U” of “UNITED.”
This sort of item is unlikely to ever hold a great deal of value above what a normal example is worth, but it does give me a way to add some interesting material to my collection at minimal cost.
