Fundy Stamp Collectors Club


P. O. Box 302
Moncton N.B.
E1C 8L4

Since 1997

The Fundy Stamp News
Issue No. 18 May 2007
Published by
Fundy Stamp Collectors Club

Philatelic Corner

By Paul-Emile Bourque, Moncton
Classic Philatelic Literature

One of the first philatelic books that I discovered when I decided to renew my interest in stamp collecting was a book entitled The World of Classic Stamps 1840 - 1870 by James MacKay and published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in 1972 (ISNB: 72-75945). I found this book at the Moncton Public Library about 15 years ago and it made a lasting impression on me. James A. MacKay is a very prolific writer and undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable British philatelists that I have read. He still contributes regularly in the Canadian Stamp News and has written over 20 books on philately.

In this book, MacKay gives a compreherisive overview country by country of the development and implementation of the postal system. He has divided the book into three main sections. In the first section, he reports on 18 of the major countries for the 1840s. Then, he presents 78 countries for the 1850's. and finally 62 countries for the 1860's. For each country, the information is well summarized and integrated . I particularly enjoyed the illustrations which include coloured and over 300 postage stamps in monochrome for this period. These enlarged photos give you a detailed view of the workmanship of the graphic designs for this period.

Throughout the book MacKay provides the reader with very useful and detailed information on the postal stamp history for each country. For example, I learned that the # 10 New Brunswick stamp is a paddleboat called the Washington. In regards to Prince Edward Island, MacKay explains that contrary to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia who released their first stamps in 1851, they introduced PEI stamps in 1861. The PEI stamps were withdrawn in 1873 when it entered the Confederation of Canada. This explains why the PEI Queen Victoria cents issues released in 1872 are plentiful unused.

MacKay notes that Stamp design in the classic period was relatively unimaginative... much of the charm of the classic period lies in the fine quality of the work produced. Indeed, this book certainly serves to give the worldwide collector much insight into the postage stamp in its formative years. The book is a pleasure to read and copies are often found in auctions at a very affordable price. The Moncton Public Library has a French translation of this book as well as other publications by MacKay.

Editorial

By Don Mills, Moncton

The philatelic season has nearly slipped away, and most people are turning their thoughts towards warmer weather, and outdoor pursuits. Last summer I took up the game of golf, and enjoyed it so much that I decided to grace this edition with a few examples of this great sport. It would not be a true Canadian spring without the NHL playoffs, so I could not forget to add a hockey example as well.

It seems to me that at this time of the year, I take a little time to reflect upon the past philatelic season, and in my opinion it has been a banner one. The fall was extremely busy with philatelic shows including Novapex in Halifax in early September and Brunpex in Moncton in mid-October. Both of these were quite successful, as were shows in Bndgewater, NS in late October and Saint John, NB in late November.

The fall line-up for 2007 includes all four of these shows again. in much the same time frames. Only. Brunpex has moved slightly, to Saturday, October 20. It also has a new home the Chateau Moncton; and a new chairman - Gilles Olivier. Canada Post has confirmed attendance, and it is hoped they will announce the 2008 stamp program.

The Fundy Stamp Collectors Club has been quite busy throughout the year. with a membership of 21, and average attendance of 15. The one-page exhibitions have proven very popular, and a presentation on the War of 1812 was enthusiastically received.

The club purchased a second lot of British Oceania stamps at auction in September, which was broken up and sold in its entirety to members at cost. The club circuit books have grown from one book to two to three over the winter, and activity has substantially increased. Also. the affiliation with the Junior stamp club in Riverview (Claude D. Taylor School) is very active, with a steady 20-22 attendees. A new affiliation with a Junior stamp club in Ste. Marie de Kent has commenced, and has been quite exciting. Finally. the club web site continues to grow, and has received several hundred hits from all over the world.

It has indeed been an interesting and active winter season, and looking forward to nnAxt fall, it appears this trend will continue.

For those who still want one more opportunity to search for that elusive issue. the Saint John Stamp Club has announced a new spring show, to be held on Sunday , May 27 at the Coastal In Fort How Hotel, from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Best wishes for a great summer to all.

Don Mills Editor
e-mail donmillscanada@yahoo.com

The rest of the newsletter was an encore printing of the Beginners Circle, on how to use catalogs. This can be found in the beginners page of this web site.

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