I’ve been collecting United States postage stamps for the past 25 years or so, and I’ve spent countless hours flipping through the Scott Specialized Catalogue. I think I have a pretty good handle on what stamps the U.S. has issued, but a cover in the 50¢ box at the local stamp store last week left me scratching my head.
With a strip of three 1¢ George Washington coil stamps from the 1938–39 Presidents issue and a 1945 postmark, the cover is fairly nondescript except for a cachet created by C. Stephen Anderson, an early FDC producer. The cachet pictures a medic crouching next to a wounded solider, and its text reads in part:
“The blood plasma stamp was issued to bring to public attention the continuing need for blood plasma for the armed forces and to honor those who have given of their blood that others might live…”
Blood Plasma cover
Blood plasma stamp? I didn’t remember a blood plasma stamp, certainly not one issued during World War II. Intrigued, I figured the cover was worth half a buck, and brought it home to do some additional research.
A Google search revealed that there was indeed a plan for a blood plasma stamp in 1945, but that the stamp was never actually issued. According to the National Postal Museum, an essay picturing a medic with a wounded solider was produced, but when President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the design, he thought it was “too horrific” and rejected it outright. World War II ended later in 1945, of course, and apparently the idea was dropped altogether as the stamp was never issued.
So, there you have it. A chance find in the junk box at the local stamp store led me to discover a proposed stamp issue that I never knew had even been considered.
Once again, user Steve R. has pointed out a few typos on some earlier pages. Several files that have been modified based on his corrections are also included in this update, which you can print as soon as you’re ready to do so.
Used and tied to postcard, genuine in all respects
A couple of months ago, I wrote about finding an apparent Scott 443 Washington coil stamp in the $0.50 postcard box at the local stamp store, ABC Stamps. As I mentioned at the time, Washington-Franklin coils are often faked because of their relatively high catalogue value compared to their fully perforated siblings from sheets and booklets, and although the stamp I found looked okay to me, I wanted to be sure, so I shipped the postcard off to APEX for an expert opinion.
When I checked my post office box yesterday afternoon, I had a notice that a piece of certified mail was being held for me, and it turned out to be the postcard back from APEX. When I got home, I opened it up, and the certificate says…
“United States Scott No. 443, used and tied to postcard, genuine in all respects, postcard has a few creases.”
APEX Certificate #224872
As you can see, my improbable find turned out to be the real deal! For a total outlay of around $27, I have an authenticated Washington-Franklin coil with an on-cover value of $60.
The perforator “has a new wood table top and shelf, and I added heavy duty casters,” writes Niko. “It’s a beauty, but I only have room for so many of them.” (These old perforators are heavy, so I have no doubt the addition of the casters makes this example a lot easier to move.)
Niko is asking $900 for his perforator. If you’re interested, please let me know and I’ll put you in touch with him.
Texas artist’s work to be featured on new Philosateleian Post stamp
A Texas artist’s work will be featured on the newest stamp from San Antonio-based Philosateleian Post. The Contemporary Art issue picturing Hadassah’s Lettuce is scheduled to be issued on June 1.
Contemporary Art
Lettuce is a colored wax on paper composition created by Hadassah at age 3. The young artist has also worked with ink on paper, and wax on a variety of plastics.
“Hadassah used two different shades of green when coloring Lettuce,” says Kevin Blackston, the artist’s father and proprietor of Philosateleian Post. “It is among the most original of her creations to this date, and it is a picture that I will keep always and am honored to be able to feature on Philosateleian Post’s new Contemporary Art stamp.”
Contemporary art is defined as “art made and produced by artists living today” (J. Paul Getty Museum), or as art “produced in the late 20th century or in the 21st century” (Wikipedia).
Technical Specifications
Format: sheets of 36 (6×6). Design size: 28×36 mm. Separation method: perforated 12. Adhesive: water-activated dry gum. Printing method: inkjet.
Philatelic Services
To receive a mint single of Philosateleian Post’s Contemporary Art stamp, or for first day cover service, send either $2 or a self-addressed stamped envelope and your request to:
Kevin Blackston
Philosateleian Post
PO Box 17544
San Antonio TX 78217-0544
United States of America
About Philosateleian Post
Founded in 2004, Philosateleian Post transports mail only from the proprietor’s home to the nearest mail receptacle or post office, and does not compete with any official mail service. For more information, please visit http://www.philosateleia.com/post/
