Philately
Contents
Philately
“(Interviewer) – “Why, you’re a fatalist!” – (Yogi Berra) – “You mean I save postage stamps? Not me.” - Yogi Berra
As you can see from the above quote, the public has often believed that philately is only the hobby of collecting postage stamps. It is, in fact, a broader pursuit. It does include collecting, but it is also the study of postage stamps. A philatelist might amass a collection of great, rare stamps, but he or she might also spend time studying stamps that are only available for viewing at a museum. And hobbyist philatelists might collect stamps only for the aesthetic rewards offered in finding stamps issued with a certain kind of image on them, boats or birds or butterflies.
Studying stamps is an almost endless pursuit. For example, though all the stamps produced with the same image on them might look the same to the casual observer, each of those individual stamps has unique qualities. They might have different watermarks in their paper, different color variations, perforations and kinds of paper. Some of those variations might be intentional, some might not. These variations are the result of the fact that stamp production was one of the earliest forms of mass-production. A philatelist might study the records of the issuing postal authority to determine why each stamp was different.
Traditional philately involves the acquisition and direct observation and study of stamps of the world. Philatelists often spend their time assessing stamps through powerful magnifying glasses, holding the objects with tiny tweezers to protect them from finger oils, a perforation gauge can distinguish the size of perforation being examined. They use additional tools in study, including fluoroscopes which produce ultraviolet light and watermark fluid, which can reveal hidden details of the stamps history and manufacture. The study of stamps is enhanced using philatelic literature.
Philately is greatly informed by postal history, the study of the mails. Philatelists use postal history to assist them in their studies. They might study the use post offices, the systems for delivering mail, postmarks, canceling machines.
There are many specific kinds of philately that are practiced, technical philately and topical philately being the most common. Technical philately is the study of the technical aspects of stamp production and identification. This can include perforation, fakes and forgeries, overprints, engraving, typography, and the wove, watermarks and laid of stamp paper. Topical philately includes the themes of the images printed on stamps. Philatelists collect and study every topic you can imagine, from birds and insects on stamps, to ships, maps and historical figures. Country collecting is a popular form whereby a hobbyist limits a study to one or several countries of interest.
Philately is one of the largest and longest running hobbies on the planet, the number of collectors alone ranges up to 20 million in the United States. Since stamps have been manufactured since the beginning of postal history and billions of those stamps were being manufactured at a time, there are an enormous number of stamps available for collection and study. Collecting has been so enduringly and reliably popular that governments have often catered to collectors issuing stamp runs that target specific areas of study for philatelists, or that are small or significant enough to become desirable to collectors.
And there are some very prominent collectors. Bill Gross, a successful bond trader, is one of the most prominent. In 2005, Gross purchased the famous “inverted Jenny” stamp which has an engraving of a biplane that is upside down. He was able to trade the “Jenny” plateblock to another prominent collector, Donald Sundman, for a 1-cent “Z Grill” from 1868. The addition of that stamp to his collection made Gross the second person to collect all the postage stamps produced by the U.S. in the 19th century. The first person to do this was Robert Zoellner in the 1990’s.
To discover more about famous philatelists and the famous stamps they study and collect, check out these Wikipedia site A list of famous philatelists:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_philatelists
And a list of notable postage stamps:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_notable_postage_stamps
Philately Definition
Philatelic Resources on the web
Philatelic Clubs and Societies
American Philatelic Society
With more than 44,000 members in more than 110 countries, the American Philatelic Society is the largest, nonprofit society in the world for stamp collectors.
United States Stamp Society
The United States Stamp Society is a non-profit, volunteer-run association of collectors who promote the study of the philatelic output of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and of postage and revenue stamped paper. Once concerned exclusively with the production of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the USSS has expanded its coverage to include all United States issues, both classic and modern, regardless of printer.
http://www.usstamps.org/background.html
The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society
The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society was originally founded by a group of stamp enthusiasts interested in the 1851 to 1857 era. Since its founding, the Society has broadened its scope to include postal issues and postal history from the Stampless era up to the Bureau Issues. http://www.uspcs.org/
American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors
Founded in 1986, the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors is a worldwide organization of stamp collectors who exhibit their collections competitively and work together for the betterment of philatelic exhibiting and judging standards and practices.
Chicago Philatelic Society
Organized October 8, 1886, The Chicago Philatelic Society is Chapter No.1 of the American Philatelic Society, and one of the two organizations with the longest uninterrupted service to philately in the United States. The CPS holds monthly stamp meetings on the third Thursday of each month in downtown Chicago at the Harold Washington Library.
Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society
The Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society (UPNS) seeks to unite all collectors of Ukrainian materials and is particularly dedicated to the promotion of Ukrainian stamp, coin, and medal collecting.
http://www.upns.org/ The Collectors Club of New York
The Collectors Club is a group of more than 750 people who study philately, promote the hobby and provide a social, educational, and non-commercial outlet for members. Founded in 1896, the Club has counted among its members the leading and legendary names in philately.
http://www.collectorsclub.org/
The International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors
The International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors serves the interests of all worldwide collectors. It publishes a bi-weekly newsletter, “The Circuit,” with classified ads from members and dealers who cater to worldwide collectors.
United Nations Philatelists
The United Nations Philatelists is an organization of philatelists devoted to the collection, study and exhibition of the issues of the United Nations Postal Administration, the postal agency of the United Nations. The organization serves members’ interests in the postal history of the United Nations, the issues and postal history of its branches, specialized agencies and forerunners, as well as the world-wide topical issues that call attention to the United Nations, its agencies and programs.
The Association of British Philatelic Societies
The Association of British Philatelic Societies Ltd (ABPS) is the national organization catering for the needs of philatelic federations, local and specialist societies, individual collectors and others interested in philately through all of its branches.
http://www.ukphilately.org.uk/ABPS/index.htm
Vatican Philatelic Society
Organized in 1953, the Vatican Philatelic Society is the oldest philatelic society in the United States devoted exclusively to the stamps of Vatican City and The Roman States.
http://members.tripod.com/~DCelani/index-VPS.html
Peshawar Stamp Society
The Peshawar Stamp Society promotes philately in Pakistan through stamp shows, exhibitions, virtual exhibits and scholarly articles.
The Machine Cancel Society
The Machine Cancel Society was formed to study the history of the machines used to cancel mail, as well as the actual markings that appear on mail. The Society studies machines from all countries and eras.
The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections
The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections (ESPER) is a national stamp society which promotes the collecting of African Americans on stamps and the collecting of stamps by African Americans. The society currently has over 220 members covering many parts of the United States.
American Air Mail Society
The AAMS was founded in 1923, and is the second oldest aerophilatelic society in the world with over 1,500 members worldwide. The AAMS publishes the monthly magazine The Airpost Journal & the Jack Knight Air Log, as well as the American Air Mail Catalogue, and many other aerophilatelic books.
http://www.americanairmailsociety.org/index.htm
American Topical Association
The American Topical Association (ATA), with members in 65 countries, is the largest philatelic society devoted to this specific area of stamp collecting. Organized in 1949, it is one of the best sources of information, fellowship and authority in the topical stamp collecting field.
http://www.americantopicalassn.org/
Anarchist Stamps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarchist_stamps
Postal Agencies
United States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is an independent establishment of the Executive Branch of the United States Government.
List of Postal Agencies from Linns.com
Linns.com is an introductory web site for beginning stamp collectors. Visitors to Linns.com will find how-to articles, a stamp glossary, a listing of countries around the world that issue stamps, polls, quizzes, headlines from the weekly Linn's Stamp News and much other useful information. The purpose of Linns.com is to introduce newcomers to stamp collecting and to provide them with a sampling of the content Linn's Stamp News.
http://www.linns.com/reference/postadmin/admins_k.asp?uID=
Philatelic Auction websites
Philatino
Philatino defines its activity as an interactive Internet portal for professional stamp auctioneers. It is born and managed by a group of philatelists who add up to over 100 years of commercial activity including on line auctions experience from the beginning of this sector. They also have their own stamp business and continue in permanent contact with market reality.
R. Maresch & Son Auctions Ltd.
R. Maresch & Son Auctions Ltd., is Canada's largest stamp auction firm. Dr. Richard A. Maresch, a collector since 1904, commenced the firm in 1924 in Vienna, Austria. R. Maresch & son was incorporated in Toronto in 1942 when Bill Maresch joined his father Dr. Maresch.. Maresch & Son is the only Canadian stamp dealers to have a booth at every CAPEX International Stamp Exhibition since the very first show in 1951.
Stamp Circuit Club
Stamp Circuit Club is the virtual meeting place for stamp collectors, dealers, auctioneers and anybody who shares the hobby. Stamp Circuit Club's main concern is to make this search as easy and direct as possible. They do not charge any commission on transactions made on the site. Furthermore, Stamp Circuit Club is not involved in any philatelic trade - their sole purpose is to provide the forum for all things related to philately.
Stamp Auction Network
Stamp Auction Network contains Online Stamp Auction Catalogs, a Worldwide Auction Calendar, 1000's of images of stamps in auctions, prices realized, auction company profiles, articles about auctions, and other auction related information. It is your all in one resource for Stamp Auctions.
http://www.stampauctionnetwork.com/
Stamp Dealers
Stamp King Coin King
Located at Higgins near Harlem, Chicago, IL.
Rasdale Stamp Company
Rasdale Stamp Company, a third generation business, has dealt with stamp collectors for over 70 years. The company is a member of the American Stamp Dealers Association, National Stamp Dealers Association, Midwest Stamp Dealers Association, Florida Stamp Dealers Association, and American Philatelic Society.
Earl Apfelbaum
Spanning four generations, they are regarded as a world leader in the philatelic community, with more than 75 years in this specialty business.
Ebay
eBay is an online auction site, enabling trade on a local, national and international basis.
Zillions of Stamps
Zillions of Stamps.com is a searchable online database that aggregates the inventory of more than 150 dealers to provide collectors with a quick way to find just the stamps they're looking for.
http://www.zillionsofstamps.com/
Philatelic Literature
Women on Stamps USPS Publication 512
http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub512.pdf
Linns Stamp News
American Philatelist
http://www.stamps.org/Services/ser_TAP.htm
Illlinois Postal Historian
Scott Catalog available at local libraries
Philatelic Libraries
American Philatelic Research Library (APRL)
The American Philatelic Research Library is the largest public philatelic library in the United States. Its holdings include many of philately's classic periodicals, and it receives more than 400 current periodicals from around the world. Catalogues, government documents, auction catalogues, and a variety of other materials are available for your use.
http://www.stamps.org/TheLibrary/lib_AbouttheAPRL.htm
American Philatelic Research Library Article Index
http://www.stamps.org/TheLibrary/lib_ArticleIndex.htm
American Philatelic Research Library Book Catalog
http://www.stamps.org/TheLibrary/lib_CardCatalog.htm
Chicago Public Library
Search for philatelic literature in the Chicago Public Library online catalog.
Columbia College Library
Search for philatelic literature in the Columbia College Library catalog, connect to other library databases.
Philatelic Stamp Shows
American Philatelic Association List of International Shows
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_IntlShows.htm
American Philatelic Association Calendar of Stamp Shows
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_ShowCalendar.htm
American Philatelic Association “World Series Shows”
http://www.stamps.org/directories/dir_WorldSeriesShows.htm
American Postage Stamp Dealers Postage Stamp Mega Event
A show held at Madison Square Garden in New York City with over 90 Dealers, Postal Administrations, Agencies, Societies and Clubs.
http://www.asdaonline.com/index.php
Chicagopex 2007
Illinois largest stamp show, attracting dealers, collectors, enthusiasts and exhibitors from all over the country.
Philatelic Activities
| Find a high-quality image of an unused international postage stamp. What image is represented? What other text informs the stamp? What does the information represent? |
| Obtain and examine and compare several different sheets of stamps. What can you say about the relative size and production of the stamps? What other printing is on the sheet? |
| View a stamp exhibit that is either topical or technical. What does it say about the stamps? |
