The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-06-10


 less many, American and English, are competing via steadily increas- ing bids for mail that was carried on one of the first air mail routes in the world. During the Franco Prussian War in 1870 the French sent up 55 gas balloons at Paris. They carried both mail and pas- sengers. Eight failed to make safe landings, few going into the Eng fish channel and some into the hands of the Germans. Forty-seven however, landed their loads safely. To-day letters with clear postmarks of Paris and the nearest postmark to the point of landing command as high as $500. Torn envelope. minus the stamps, will bring $25. Re- course to history shows that the Germans had Paris besieged for four long months. It was during this period that the air attempt was made with such good success. Mail carried in that epic flight should have historic as well as a philatelic value. The $500 bids are easily understandable.
 Are They First Covers?
 The information that the govern- ment released Arbor Day stam ps to various concerns and organiza- tions that might be interested in the same prior to the first day sale in Nebraska City, Nebraska, seems to be pretty generally known now. The stamps went on sale April 22 and many collectors throughout the nation are treasuring covers with that date as first day covers". h. at Tor nc uGaA nFinr to that date there Is little or no value to c6vers, -postmarked April 22, and they ceHainly aren't first day covers" All of which means that Uncle Sam will be making more enemies than friends if he continues to do that in future com memorative issues.
 Scott's Out Early
 Scotfs 1888 catalogue will be out in september which Is considerably earlier than usual. Perhaps that Is due to the fact that the new cata- logue will be much different than previous issues. More information than in the past is to be contained in this new volume. From all re- ports 1t will be as much a refer ence book as stamp catalogue. House Cleaning vs
 Treasure Hunting
 .'Why not help your mother clean house? Make q little game out of 1t. But if she is wise she VIII do the main room first and let you clean the attic and the cellar alone. Why? Well, if 1t were l, l would either start at the attic or the eel lar because there you may find the treasure in the form of postage stamps. Recently a friend of mine was cleaning house and he came across some old envelopes all dated before 1885. In larger envelope he found an entire sheet of revenue stamps. These several items have since found their home in my col lection as 1 happened to have asked this particular person some time ago if he had any stamps around the house. So you, too, can add to your collection in helping to clean house."--B. l.. K.
 Polish Commemorative
 The value of the recent Polish commemorative, honoring Wash ington, Pulaski, and Koscuisko has had many collectors guessing. Of course those familiar with values in all countries knew at once what stamp valued at 90 ST. meant But many of us didn't until lately Or. means nothing more nor less than groszy. It's value In our cur rency can be estimated from the price that the stamp commands Incidentally the report that 1t was placed on sale April % and with drawn May 1. has been denied by the Polish Consul in New York. Missed Out
 Due to the fact that the Hart ford Chamber of Commerce did not do a lot of advertising for the spe- cial cachet which was applied to mail in that city on Tuesday of this week this column was not prepared to- notify cover collectors in time to prepare them. The occasion was the state participation in the Wash ington Bi-centennial on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week. The cachet featured one of Stuart's portraits of Washington. Not Far or
 When 1t was stated recently that the Olympic Game stamps would be issued about July l those mak- ing the statement weren't so far from the truth. But Uncle Sam Is nothing if not prepared for this commemorative issue, despite the fact that the lower of the two de- nominations is three instead of two cents as originally planned. The of ficial government bulletin to all postmasters this week contained the information the Olympics would go on sale at Los Angeles, California, June 15 and in all post offices the following day. No ca chet will be applied by the post office, but first day covers can be mailed under cover to the postmas- ter at Los Angeles. The number any one applicant can send is 25. Cash or money orders must be en- closed. No freak requests will be honored. Senders should use ink or typewriter in preparing covers. All penciled covers will be ignored. Incidentally the Philatelic Agency at Washington will also have stamps for sale on and after June 16. The postmaster at Los Angeles cannot supply mail orders for loose stamps. The two commemor- atives arc said to be rather striking. The three-cent is printed in pur- pie depicting runner crouched at the starting mark. The five cent Is q blue issue showing a discus hurl- CT outlined on globe. Cachets In connection with tive first day sale can be secured from great vari- ety of dealers who have prepared many and various covers for the event.
 Last Meeting
 The last meeting of the Water- bury stamp Club until after the warm weather was held at the Mattatuck Historical Society build ing Monday evening. A side-shoW exhibit and auction featured the gathering.
 Is This Correct?
 A recent news dispatch in the New York Times about the three- cent stamps that Uncle Sam is turning out in such quantities now in anticipation of the increase in first class postage rates stated that the new three-cent stamp that will replace the current Lincoln variety will go on sale at the Wash inhfon ID. C.. uOstofflco on June 16.