Evening star., 1936-09-27
(STAMPSa;;&|| ; S s. 3
BY JAMES WALDO FAWCETT.

BY JAMES WALDO FAWCETT.
The Harvard Tercentenary stamp
was not singular in failing to win the
approval of President Roosevelt. It
has become known that he also re-
fused to authorize commemorative
for the SEVENTEEN national encamp-
ment of the Grand Army of the Re-
public and for the silver jubilee Of
the United States Airmail Service.
Another appeal for the Harvard
issue will be filed with the Post once
Department next year, and special
stress will be laid upon the fact that
the university actually opened its
doors to students in the Autumn Of
1893.
The Army and Navy Heroes series
still is promised by Third Assistant
Postmaster General Clinton B. Ellen
berger. but nothing has been done to
expedite production. Inquiry at the
White House brings the answer:
There has been no development"
Without warning, the Mothers Day
stamp Of 1884 was removed from the
Philatelic Agency sales list on Tues
day last.
c. Robert Kay. writing for the
Associated Press says: Most collect
ors of United States stamps, as soon
as they receive a new retail price
list, turn to the quotations on the
1893 commemorative issues to see
how the high-value Columbians are
doing
THE reason is that in the great
majority Of commemorative collec-
tions the Columbia stamps between
the values of 81 and IS are the last
album spaces filled, because Of their
cost
Each new price list gives the high
value Columbians another boost. Two
years ago the five stamps could be
purchased in good condition for SIS
unused and SIS used. Today they
cost $l15 unused and SIS used. Twen-
ty years ago, in case any one is in
terested. they were priced at. $22 un-
used and SIS used.
The price movement Of these
stamps in the past two years has
been gradual, with one exception.
! Three months ago the So value used
was priced at $l4. The new Fall price
lists give this stamp sudden rise
to $l9
Auction prices Of these stamps as
a rule are close to the retail quota
tions. except in the case of very fine
or superb copies, which often sell far
above the retail list prices.
Many United States collector is
pining for the day when he will have
the necessary s75 or 500 to lay on
the line for these stamps. so that
he can fill those blank spaces and
heave a sigh of relief and content
ment in the knowledge that his COM
memorative album section is at last
complete.
''As long as this problem exists. and
it seems to be perennial one, it is
likely that the high value Columbians
will continue to mount in price, and
the longer their purchase is delayed
the more 1t will cost collectors for the
privilege Of saying. I've got United
States commemorative complete now.
Current retail quotations on the
high values in good condition are
81, unused. $l3, used, s9.65; 81. un-
used, $3.50. used, $6.25; So. unused
s24, used. $19; 81, unused, $50. used,
SIC; IS, unused, $3250, used, $24."
Gossip in postal circles hints at the
forthcoming announcement Of a 10
cent stamp. but nobody Is willing to
say anything definite about why, when
or wherefore.
A Dutch airship syndicate Is pre-
pairing to inaugurate a transatlantic
dirigible passenger and commercial
service. Such q development probably
would have philatelic significance. II
should bring out Netherlands stamps
If not United States.
The Id, carmine, King Edward VIII
stamp Of Great Britain appeared or
Monday. September IA. Very few
first day covers crossed to America
but Fred Melville. president Of the
Junior Philatelic Society, did not for.
get his Washington friends.
Postmaster General Alfonso Come;
Morentin Of Mexico has presented II
President Roosevelt q special album
Of recent Mexican stamp productions
He also gave Ambassador Josephu.
Daniels q volume containing the new
international highway commemora
tives.
Rebels advancing on Madrie
wrecked certain Spanish post offices
and the stamps taken from them ar,
anticipated on the philatelic market
in Paris.