The typical issue collector collects one or a very few countries or may even subspecialize by collecting one area of a country. The topical collection is tailored to a specific area. Cover Cover collectors enjoy the search for the identities of the individuals, organizations, and government agencies that used the perfins. It is in perfin cover collecting that many discoveries await. There are thousands of perfin patterns known without their users having been identified.
Covers can provide the link to other collecting interests, especially in bridging collections.
Take, for example, my airmail and perfin collecting interests. No matter how you cut it, there is something special about a gorgeous illustrated advertising cover or card with a perfin. Postal Stationery Don't forget perfinned postal stationery either. Often commanding high prices at auction, perfinned postal stationery is elusive and difficult to obtain. Some of the first perfin items were samples made by Joseph Sloper punched through postal cards.