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The book is a comprehensive guide to the hobby of stamp collecting, covering its history, appeal, and educational value. It discusses the charm of stamp collecting, its permanence as a hobby, and its internationality, with collectors and philatelic societies found in almost every civilized country. The book also explores the geographical and historical interest of stamp collecting, highlighting its potential to educate and inform collectors about different countries and their characteristics. Additionally, it touches on the concept of specialism, where collectors focus on specific countries or groups, and the importance of studying the history and production of stamps. The book also discusses the financial aspect of stamp collecting, including the potential for stamps to appreciate in value over time, making it a potentially lucrative hobby. It highlights the romance of stamp collecting, the role of philatelic societies, and the literature of stamps, including books, journals, and catalogs. The book also considers stamps as works of art, discussing their aesthetic value and the growing trend towards more artistic and localized designs. Furthermore, it explores the potential of stamp collecting as an investment, providing guidance on what to collect and how to collect, and showcasing great collections of postage stamps. Overall, the book provides a thorough and engaging introduction to the world of stamp collecting, highlighting its many facets and attractions.
The chapter discusses the hobby of stamp collecting, its history, and its appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. It highlights the educational value of stamp collecting, including its ability to teach geography, history, and cultural awareness. The chapter also touches on the social aspect of stamp collecting, including the formation of philatelic societies and the exchange of stamps among collectors. Additionally, it discusses the financial aspect of stamp collecting, including the potential for stamps to appreciate in value over time, making it a potentially lucrative hobby. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the joy and satisfaction that stamp collecting can bring to those who pursue it.
The chapter discusses the charm of stamp collecting, highlighting its appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. It notes that stamp collecting is open to all, with expenditures limited to shillings or pounds, making it an accessible hobby. The chapter also touches on the concept of specialism, where collectors focus on specific countries or groups, and the importance of studying the history and production of stamps. Additionally, it mentions the excitement of discovering new issues and the thrill of the hunt for rare stamps. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the charm and appeal of stamp collecting, making it a popular and enduring hobby.
The chapter discusses the permanence of stamp collecting as a hobby, despite being labeled as a "passing craze" for nearly half a century. It highlights the hobby's ability to withstand the test of time, with many collectors devoting their lives to it. The chapter also touches on the internationality of stamp collecting, with collectors and philatelic societies found in every civilized country. The wealth invested in stamp collecting is immense, and the trading interests are prosperous and international. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the permanence of stamp collecting, citing the long-standing record of progress and the continued popularity of the hobby.
The chapter discusses the internationality of stamp collecting, highlighting its global appeal and the presence of collectors and philatelic societies in almost every civilized country. The hobby has a significant following in countries such as Australia, India, and the United States, with many collectors and societies actively engaged in the pursuit. The chapter also mentions the potential for governments to establish official collections of stamps, which could provide a valuable resource for reference and exhibition. Additionally, the international nature of stamp collecting allows for the exchange of stamps and ideas between collectors from different countries, fostering a sense of community and cooperation among enthusiasts.
The chapter discusses the geographical interest of stamp collecting, highlighting its potential to educate and inform collectors about different countries and their characteristics. It notes that many schools are now encouraging stamp collecting as a way to teach geography and history, and that collectors can learn about various countries by studying their stamps. The chapter also mentions that some educationists advocate for the making and exhibiting of school collections of stamps as aids to study, and that such collections can be more profitable than maps and diagrams. Additionally, it explains how stamps can serve as a key to valuable information about a country, including its name, colonial status, and currency.
The chapter discusses the historical significance of postage stamps, highlighting their role as "finger posts" to major events in history. Stamps are shown to mark important developments, such as changes in government, wars, and colonial expansions. The chapter cites examples from various countries, including France, Italy, Germany, and the United States, demonstrating how stamps reflect the history of nations and empires. The text also touches on the story of the Transvaal and its struggle for supremacy in South Africa, as told through its stamps. Additionally, the chapter mentions the Chilian war with Bolivia and Peru, and how Chilian stamps were used in occupied territories. Overall, the chapter showcases the educational value of postage stamps in understanding historical events and the development of nations.
This chapter discusses stamps with a history, highlighting their unique stories and characteristics. It explores various examples of stamps that have interesting histories, such as the V.R. Penny black, the Cape of Good Hope errors of colors, and the Connell stamp. The chapter also touches on the concept of stamps as works of art and the importance of condition and rarity in determining their value. Additionally, it mentions the role of stamp collectors and dealers in preserving and promoting the hobby of stamp collecting.
The chapter discusses great rarities in stamp collecting, which are stamps that are highly valued and sought after by collectors due to their rarity, historical significance, or unique characteristics. The author highlights several examples of great rarities, including the British Guiana 1856 1c magenta, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps, and the Hawaii 1851 2c blue. These stamps are highly prized by collectors and can fetch high prices at auction. The author also notes that the value of stamps can fluctuate over time and that some stamps may become more valuable as they become scarcer. Overall, the chapter provides an overview of the world of great rarities in stamp collecting and the factors that contribute to a stamp's value and desirability.
The romance of stamp collecting is a fascinating topic that has captured the hearts of many collectors. The story of the development of stamp collecting and the trade that has sprung up with it is full of interesting anecdotes and historical events. From the early days of stamp collecting to the present, the hobby has evolved and grown, with many notable collectors and collections being formed. The romance of stamp collecting is not just about the stamps themselves, but also about the people and stories behind them. It is a hobby that has brought people together and created a sense of community and camaraderie among collectors. Whether it is the thrill of the hunt for rare stamps, the joy of building a collection, or the satisfaction of learning about the history and culture of different countries, stamp collecting has something to offer everyone.
The chapter discusses the role of philatelic societies in the world of stamp collecting. These societies are associations of stamp collectors that aim to study and promote the hobby of stamp collecting. They provide a platform for collectors to share knowledge, exhibit their collections, and exchange duplicates. The premier society is the Philatelic Society of London, which has been in existence since 1869 and has a membership comprising leading collectors from around the world. The society publishes a monthly journal and has held international exhibitions, including one opened by the Prince of Wales. Other societies, such as those in Manchester and Birmingham, also play an important role in promoting the hobby. These societies are helpful to collectors, especially beginners, as they provide a platform for learning and exchanging knowledge. They also facilitate the exchange of duplicates, which is an essential part of building a collection. Overall, philatelic societies are a vital part of the stamp collecting community, providing a framework for collectors to share their passion and learn from each other.
The literature of stamps is a significant aspect of philately, with numerous books, journals, and catalogs available to collectors. The Philatelic Society of London has published various monographs on the postal history of different countries, and other authors have written books on the history of postage stamps. The Stanley Gibbons' Priced Catalogue is a comprehensive resource for collectors, providing prices for almost every stamp. The chapter also mentions the importance of proper cataloging and the need for collectors to be aware of the prices of stamps to make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, the chapter highlights the growth of philatelic literature, with many new books and journals being published, and the increasing popularity of stamp collecting as a hobby.
This chapter discusses the aesthetic value of postage stamps, considering them as works of art. Many stamp collectors believe that some stamps are entitled to rank high in the art world due to their beauty of design, exquisite workmanship, and unequalled printing. The chapter highlights that even within the limited space of a postage stamp, there are scores of little medallions, mostly on foreign stamps, that could pass muster with an impartial judge of art. It also mentions that some countries, like Brother Jonathan in the United States, prioritize art in their stamp production, proudly placing patriotic designs and portraits of notable figures on their stamps. In contrast, other countries, like Great Britain, seem to prioritize functionality over art, with their stamps being little better than ordinary beer labels. However, there is a growing trend towards more artistic and localized designs, as seen in the recently issued New Zealand picture series, which effectively illustrates colonial scenery and rare birds. Overall, the chapter showcases the artistic side of stamp collecting, highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship that can be found in these small pieces of paper.
The chapter discusses the potential of stamp collecting as an investment, highlighting its advantages and risks. The author argues that stamp collecting can be a viable investment option, with some stamps increasing in value over time. However, it is essential to approach stamp collecting as an investment with caution and to have a good understanding of the market and the factors that affect stamp values. The author also notes that buying unused stamps is generally a safer investment than buying used stamps, as unused stamps are less likely to depreciate and may appreciate in value over time. Additionally, the author provides examples of stamps that have increased in value over time, demonstrating the potential for stamp collecting to be a profitable investment.
The chapter discusses the questions of "What to collect" and "How to collect" in the context of stamp collecting. It provides guidance for beginners and experienced collectors, outlining the different approaches to collecting, such as general collecting and specialization. The chapter also covers the importance of choosing the right album and catalogue, and provides tips for filling gaps in a collection. Additionally, it discusses the benefits of retaining a general collection while specializing in a particular area, and highlights the value of patience and persistence in building a great collection.
The chapter discusses great collections of postage stamps, highlighting their significance and value. It mentions that great collections acquire an international rank and reputation, and that wealth alone is not sufficient to gather a truly great philatelic collection. Patient research and full knowledge of philately are also necessary. The chapter cites examples of notable collectors, including the Prince of Wales, who collects only the stamps of Great Britain and its colonies, and M. Philipp la Renotiérè, who has purchased many well-known old collections and employs two secretaries to manage his collection. Other notable collectors mentioned include Mr. F. Breitfuss, Mr. H. J. Duveen, Mr. W. B. Avery, and Mr. M. P. Castle. The chapter also notes that great collections can be found in various countries, including France, Italy, the United States, and Germany.