Our members and others often write about their collections. We have assembled a few articles and books to show you how to study your stamps and covers. One can write interesting stories from many angles, which these articles demonstrate.
What Philately Teaches
An 1899 book by John Luff, a great philatelist. The ideas are as applicable today as they were more than 100 years ago.
Judge D. Lybarger
A one page history of the only club member who also has served as president of the American Philatelic Society
When Did Cleaveland Become Cleveland?
In the early 1800s the city spelled its name to match its namesake. Then it changed.
Seebeck: Hero or Villain
Danilo Mueses has studied Seebeck and the stamps he had printed for several South American countries. He has generously made his work available as an e-book.
From Bône to Montpellier in 1840: a dive into history.
Inspired by a video broadcast, three philatelists collaborated to analyze a postal marking and the families of the addressees of this 1840 letter.
Plate Numbers and Imprints for the 1910 Perf 8.5 Coil Series
An explanation of how collectors finally took interest in coil stamps. More importantly, this documents new knowledge about the plates used to print some of the coil stamps.
“A” Plate Discovery
A short article that highlights information about Washington-Franklin coil stamps. Early, limited version of previous article.
Air Mail Rates from Australia to the United States
A short article and table with air mail rates from 1934 through 1980 for mail from Australia to the United States
An Exhibit Plan for the Bohemia and Moravia Protectorate
This club member explains the history of the German dismemberment of Czechoslovakia and how he chose to exhibit the stamps and covers related to those events.
Brooklyn: What’s in a Name?
A few words about Brooklyn, Ohio, where we held our annual show for several years. Also some postal history of the town.
Earlville, Ohio
A postcard triggers a short article about the nearly forgotten post office at Earlville, Ohio.
The Grand Hotels of Coos Co., New Hampshire
An illustrated article about the hotels in this resort area of New Hampshire.
Banking at the Post Office
A teaser that tells us the post office was also a bank for a while
Dahomey Pam Climber Bisects of 1920
Our author wonders why Dahomey used bisects rather than full stamps during an alleged shortage.
The Palm Climber Issue of Dahomey
Our author shares with us major items from his specialist collection of the Dahomey ‘Palm-Climber’ issue.
A fragmented story – forensic philately
Carefully analyzing the remains of this envelope sent from Algeria to New Orleans, the author determines that the item has been altered. He is also able to research the recipient and the address.
Arcola, Ohio
Arcola postal history, a post office that was only open about 15 years in the 19th century.
Transatlantic Mail
The story of a cover sent from Bytown, Canada, to London in 1855, with some history about the steamship and its owners, too.
Korean War Martyr’s Letter Sent home to Mother of Soldier
A short description of a 1951 death notice to a Korean War soldier’s family.
The Maritime Markings of Algeria from 1810 to 1875
An illustrated study of postmarks applied to letters carried on ships across the Mediterranean Sea
La Grand Cassure
This short article illustrates French stamps that were printed as the printing plate cracked.
U.S. Newspaper Stamps
A one page article illustrating the basic designs of American newspaper stamps
Printed Matter Rate
A short article illustrating an uncommon postage rate from Algeria to Italy in 1868
Robin Hood gets a mention
In an 1855 letter from Algeria to Croatia, the writer mentions Robin Hood!
A fraud detected
This illustrated article shows how a sender re-used a stamp and caused big trouble for the recipient in 1852.
A nice destination
A short article wondering why a letter took six weeks to get from Algeria to Gibraltar at a time when it should have taken just a week
Improving Your Exhibit Synopsis
The author helps exhibitors communicate with the judges who will evaluate their exhibits
Better Team Judging?
Ever wonder how judges work together to evaluate your exhibit? The co-authors offer some insight into how the judges can prepare for the show.