Sandi Robb founder of StampIT gives us an insight into the exciting youth programme. 

 Stephen T Taylor

When I started dealing in USA material full-time in January 2000, there was a philatelic auction in London which had a couple of USA “box lots” with short descriptions and low estimates (£200/£300 each)  One was full of “duck stamps” which I wasn’t very interested in and didn’t place a very high bid on but the other box was full of covers and folded letters, exactly what I needed for stock  – very disorganized with a few auction catalogues at the bottom of the box including Harmers New York 12 Jun 1990 “The Hessel Autograph collection of Presidents, Statesmen & Signers”.
I always carefully view large lots as there’s no telling what’s lurking inside and might have been missed by their describers.  This particular lot had numerous common covers worth £10 to £50 each but two caught my eye: one was franked “Free G. Washington” and the other “Free B Franklin”!  Both were ex-Hessel and listed in the auction catalogue that came with the lot.   Fortunately, no one else spotted these and I bought the box at their opening bid, a fraction of my top bid.
 As I didn’t yet have any clients who collected Free Franks, I consigned them to a US auction house where the pair sold for USD19,000 in May 2000.   
As David Phillips taught me when I lived in Miami in the 1990s, always read every letter and look carefully at every marking.
​

All About Stamps the online website has announced the launch of a new Collectors Conference from 12th - 14th November 2020.  The three day conference will include expert guides, webinars and offers.

This first conference focused on GB is in partnership with the Great Britain Philatelic Society.  Chris Harman RDP Hon. FRPSL, President of the Great Britain Philatelic Society, said: ‘The GBPS is delighted to be the partner for this exciting new initiative. Interest in GB philately is very high at the moment. With many people spending more time at home, we have all had more time to focus on our hobby and learn more. This series of talks on line provides a great opportunity for everyone to continue to add to their knowledge and encourage both new and established collectors.’

It is completely free to attend, head to www.allaboutstamps.co.uk to find out more.
 

 

Delighted to announce that Virtual Stampex will be available to visit online until the end of December.  This will give you the opportunity to visit the 84 booths, watch the talks and enjoy the Musuem of Philately.