Forgers such as the Spiro brothers, Fournier and Sperati are well-known characters in philatelic folklore. But what of the lesser-known forgers? Gerhard Lang has spent over six years investigating the mischievous creations of the little-known Placido Ramon de Torres…and uncovered one of the most prolific forgers in philately. He is now conducting research on more […]
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The Mainsheet goes digital
Next year will be the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of The Mainsheet. And to bring it in to the 21st century, the entire run has now been digitised. For those not familiar with The Mainsheet, it is one of the most (if not the most) comprehensive sources of information on the myriad aspects of […]
ABNC proofs – understanding the different types
The American Bank Note Company was a prolific printer of numerous issues for many Latin American countries. Die and plate proofs take pride of place in many collections or exhibits. However, they are often unmentioned and unpriced in most philatelic catalogues with little information available on the number of proofs printed. So just how scarce […]
The Numerals Issues of Brazil – Fakes, Forgeries and Counterfeits
Only one of these Bull’s Eyes is genuine…the example on the right Most collectors of Latin America will be familiar with the early postage stamps of Brazil. Bull’s Eyes, Snake’s Eyes, Goat’s Eyes, Cat’s Eyes…collectively, the numeral issues of the Brazilian Empire. Stephen Rose has spent nearly fifty years studying these issues and currently serves […]
The Collector | Eric Stovner | Mexico
Eric Stovner is a collector of Mexico, specialising in the ‘Mulitas’ issue of 1895-99. CLA How did you first begin to collect stamps? ES My grandmother and great-grandmother gave me stamps when I was very young. My mom encouraged me early on, obtained covers for me and I found opportunities to meet with other collectors. […]
Introducing ELASCA – The European Latin American Stamp Collector Association
Most Latin American countries have their own specialized society but what if your tastes are broader and you want to encompass the region as a whole? Regional societies and journals have thrived in the past, notably The Mainsheet from the UK-based Spanish Main Society. In the US, the Latin America Philatelic Society was active from […]
The Collector | Neal West | Nicaragua
For more than twenty years, Neal West was the President of The Nicaragua Study Group (N.S.G). His most recent exhibit is Nicaragua’s Revenue Based Postal Provisional Stamps and Uses 1908-1911. CLA How did you first begin to collect stamps? NW My father was a life-long stamp collector and not surprisingly (for the period of the late 1940’s […]
Stamp Dealers in Argentina and Uruguay
Once upon a time many of the world’s great cities maintained an active philatelic quartier. Stamp shops tended to congregate in a specific part of town to cater for the needs of a hungry collector base who would depend on local dealers to serve their needs. It is a business model that has been gradually […]
The Collector | John Shaw | Paraguay
In the first of a new series, Latin America collectors share an insight into their passion for Central and South American stamps. Here, John Shaw MBE FRPSL discusses – amongst his many interests – his collection of early Paraguay, which was recently displayed at the Royal Philatelic Society London… CLA When and how did you […]