redkiwi
Member 
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 4, 2024 7:45:29 GMT
I've started this thread with an image of the Postage Stamps of New Zealand, published by the then Philatelic Society of New Zealand (subsequently the RPSNZ). Though this wasn't the first volume on NZ philately, it set a standard for writing and research that continues to this day. It therefore seemed fitting to begin with this landmark text. When I started collecting I did not know just how many books, journals, pamphlets, and periodicals there were on (just about) every aspect of NZ philately. However, over the past few years, I have assembled my own reference library to increase my knowledge and have come to appreciate just how much work has gone into documenting NZ stamps and related topics. For a comparatively small country, New Zealand has a wonderfully extensive collection of philatelic literature. Some of the references are quite hard to come by and are collectable in their own right, and some are more useful (at least to me) than others, so I thought a thread where people discuss there own reference libraries or favourite NZ philatelic work, might be of interest. I'll upload a few more items and add some more thoughts in the coming days, but it would be great to hear from others. RK |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 4, 2024 8:58:04 GMT
Perhaps I should add that while I started with PSoNZ vol 1 (or Volume 1 of the Handbooks, as it is also known) due to its iconic status in NZ philatelic literature, it remains an excellent and useful reference. It was published in 1938 and there were quite a few (mostly minor) errors and oversights that subsequent volumes corrected - unsurprising in a volume of this ambition. Nevertheless, it is one of the books that I reference frequently, and is indispensable for collectors of early NZ material. The breadth and depth of knowledge contained in this one book is truly impressive. There were 1000 copies printed and it remains in demand; it is difficult to find for sale under $250 NZD in reasonable condition. Moreover, there was a nice addition in the back of the book of photo prints of portions of the printing plates of the Chalon 2d. These have often been removed from copies, so examples that still have them command a premium. |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 4, 2024 12:47:46 GMT
 Eventually, all 10 current volumes of the Handbook will no doubt feature in this thread, but I will jump forward to vol.VII, published in 1988 and edited by the esteemed philatelist, K. J. (Ken) McNaught.
This volume (published in an edition of 1000) exemplifies how the handbooks built on earlier volumes - in particular vol. III - to add richness and depth to NZ philatelic research. Volume VII focuses on postal history up to 1874 and is, therefore, an invaluable resource for early NZ collectors. It features the work of some of NZ most eminent philatelists, including Robin Startup & Gerald Ellott, to name but two.
My copy, which I picked up at auction last year, was Ken McNaught's personal copy - #1 - which I was very happy to add to my library.
Here's a sample page to show how extensively vol. VII is illustrated. If you're interested in NZ obliterators, vol. VII is a goldmine of information.
|
|
DK
Member
Posts: 1,532
What I collect: Classic NZ, Closed NZ Post Offices, New Zealand Postal History, Classic Br. Empire, Pacific Islands, France
|
Post by DK on Apr 5, 2024 6:30:07 GMT
Yes. Those are great books with a mine of information in them.
As you mention, there are some mistakes and/or some outdated ideas within their pages but generally very good publications.
One issue I was having in particular was with vol.3. Quite a bit of the info in that volume has been updated or been proven incorrect.
It is best quite often to read the later volumes for info on a particular area.
In my case info I read in vol.3 was corrected in vol.7
Moral : Always read the latest info written on a particular topic. It often proves earlier statements WRONG!
Dave
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 5, 2024 7:04:04 GMT
Yes. Those are great books with a mine of information in them. As you mention, there are some mistakes and/or some outdated ideas within their pages but generally very good publications. One issue I was having in particular was with vol.3. Quite a bit of the info in that volume has been updated or been proven incorrect. It is best quite often to read the later volumes for info on a particular area. In my case info I read in vol.3 was corrected in vol.7 Moral : Always read the latest info written on a particular topic. It often proves earlier statements WRONG! Dave Yes, I agree, Dave. There were many discoveries and corrections in subsequent years, so it pays to read the early texts in conjunction with other, later references. As you've mentioned vol. III, published in 1955, I'll post an image of it now: 
I still reference vol. III regularly as it is a great starting point for identifying postmark designs, particularly obliterators (though the POs linked to the cancels are not always correct). Volume VII notes the incredible ambition of this volume and the debt owed to it, noting that it was largely the work of one man - R. J. G. (Ray) Collins. Amazing for a book of over 600 pages!
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 5, 2024 8:06:52 GMT
This one is not so much a "go-to reference", but rather a piece of early philatelic history in and of itself. The volume, by Gilbert Lockyer, was published by Stanley Gibbons in 1887 and is one of the earliest (perhaps the earliest?) guide to New Zealand stamps. The images are artist impressions of the actual stamps, but are well done (there are also sections for many other British colonies). There are even entries on newspaper stamps, wrappers, fiscal stamps (used postally) and postal stationary. SG were certainly leaders in philatelic literature at that time.
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 5, 2024 9:23:52 GMT
 Robin Gwynn's book Collecting New Zealand Stamps is a nice example of a general introduction to NZ stamps, but with a wealth of detail and illustrations. Robin writes in the style of a career academic (which I believe he was), conveying both factual information and firm but gentle arguments and observations on various philatelic issues.
The book draws on Robin's own research and wonderful collection - now largely sold in recent years. It's easy to come by and cheap, which also helps.
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 5, 2024 10:43:07 GMT
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 5, 2024 13:26:30 GMT
Robin Gwynn's book Collecting New Zealand Stamps is a nice example of a general introduction to NZ stamps, but with a wealth of detail and illustrations. Robin writes in the style of a career academic (which I believe he was), conveying both factual information and firm but gentle arguments and observations on various philatelic issues.
The book draws on Robin's own research and wonderful collection - now largely sold in recent years. It's easy to come by and cheap, which also helps.
A large part of Robin's collection was auctioned through Spink in 2022. The auction catalogue is a nice complement to his book, and is very well illustrated.
|
|
skid
Member
Posts: 394
What I collect: NZ Chalons, 1800's NZ, Thames Valley NZ, and other interesting NZ stamps
|
Post by skid on Apr 5, 2024 18:45:26 GMT
|
|
skid
Member
Posts: 394
What I collect: NZ Chalons, 1800's NZ, Thames Valley NZ, and other interesting NZ stamps
|
Post by skid on Apr 5, 2024 18:54:27 GMT
There are several other Chalon books that are less available including Lee and Watts (only electronic I think) Ken Lynch (several versions and not very organized) Startup 1855 Overture (I don't think it was published, I don't have this) Odenweller's Chalon sorting guide  |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 5, 2024 19:37:04 GMT
The Royal Philatelic Collection by Sir John Wilson has some interesting NZ stamps etc.  Weighty book, that; and expensive, no doubt. |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 6, 2024 13:27:17 GMT
 Richard Wooders' book on NZ cancels is the reference for type and rarity linked to specific POs. I would say this book and Campbell Paterson (more on this later) are the two indispensable books for the serious NZ collector. If someone says that a cancel is "rated 8 in Wooders", it generally doesn't require further elaboration, which is quite a significant philatelic achievement.
The main limitation I find with the book is the absence of ratings for obliterators. Richard mentions this in the intro and (quite reasonably) says that the complexity and variety of oblits and their use would have made the book much more challenging to produce.
It would also be helpful if the book was available as a database, which would make searching for partial cancels easier, but that would presumably limit sales of the hardcopy.
Nevertheless, an essential reference work in NZ philately. |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 7, 2024 11:43:14 GMT
 The Midas collection was one of the best NZ philatelic collections ever assembled. Many of the pieces that it contained are unique or of extreme rarity, and they continue to appear in the better collections today with the note "ex-Midas".
The auction catalogue is therefore an interesting reference for items seldom seen. It is an impressive hardback book with hundreds of photos, though many are, sadly, in black and white. Nevertheless, for those aspiring to put together a collection of interesting NZ material covering 1873 to 1935, this is helpful, particularly if you want to see what that piece you're after was estimated to be worth 35 years ago ... 
|
|
DK
Member
Posts: 1,532
What I collect: Classic NZ, Closed NZ Post Offices, New Zealand Postal History, Classic Br. Empire, Pacific Islands, France
|
Post by DK on Apr 7, 2024 23:12:24 GMT
New Zealand First Day & Early Use Covers & Stamps 1855-2003 ~ Tony Thackery ~ 2004
Hardcover and Softcover: 450 pages  Contains very good info on Chalons in regard to earliest recorded dates of usage of the various issues, with examples. Now perhaps a little out of date, there is no later edition produced since. In 2004 Tony produced the second edition of his 462 page hardbound book in association with the Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand entitled New Zealand First Day & Early Use Covers & Stamps 1855-2003. It contains scans of stamps and covers detailing the earliest use where known. The search for information has been ongoing for many years and Tony can be seen at most exhibitions with a very worn copy of his book searching dealers stocks looking to add more detail. Tony has had for many years a special interest in the first day usages of New Zealand stamps. He has assembled what would be the best collection ever formed of New Zealand postal history covers and stamps either proving so called issuing dates or showing material with the earliest known usage. Tony has written countless articles for many newsletters including the NZ Stamp Collector, Mail Coach, Captain Coqk and the Manawatu’s own newsletter to name a few. He has exhibited extensively in New Zealand and overseas with his last success being at Royalpex 2018 being awarded a Large Gold with felicitations. Dave
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 8, 2024 6:33:01 GMT
New Zealand First Day & Early Use Covers & Stamps 1855-2003 ~ Tony Thackery ~ 2004
Hardcover and Softcover: 450 pages Contains very good info on Chalons in regard to earliest recorded dates of usage of the various issues, with examples. Now perhaps a little out of date, there is no later edition produced since. In 2004 Tony produced the second edition of his 462 page hardbound book in association with the Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand entitled New Zealand First Day & Early Use Covers & Stamps 1855-2003. It contains scans of stamps and covers detailing the earliest use where known. The search for information has been ongoing for many years and Tony can be seen at most exhibitions with a very worn copy of his book searching dealers stocks looking to add more detail. Tony has had for many years a special interest in the first day usages of New Zealand stamps. He has assembled what would be the best collection ever formed of New Zealand postal history covers and stamps either proving so called issuing dates or showing material with the earliest known usage. Tony has written countless articles for many newsletters including the NZ Stamp Collector, Mail Coach, Captain Coqk and the Manawatu’s own newsletter to name a few. He has exhibited extensively in New Zealand and overseas with his last success being at Royalpex 2018 being awarded a Large Gold with felicitations. Dave That's a great addition, Dave. I would have added it myself, but lamentably I do not have my own copy. The 2003 edition is quite hard to come by; and I've been holding out hope that Tony would update his work with a new edition. I know he has continued to make new discoveries, and I've corresponded with him on a few of my own finds. It's an enjoyable aspect of philately where some esoteric knowledge can pay off with some interesting and significant finds. One recent example, that drew on Tony' research, was this block that I found on eBay (in Ukraine of all places) that I got for $2. It is the earliest (currently  ) recorded example of use of the 2d victory stamps overprint.  Moreover, Tony is a very nice and approachable guy. He has significantly increased my enjoyment of the hobby by patiently answering my numerous questions. Here's hoping for that new edition!
|
|
xacs
Member
Posts: 92
|
Post by xacs on Apr 8, 2024 6:45:33 GMT
The Midas collection was one of the best NZ philatelic collections ever assembled. Many of the pieces that it contained are unique or of extreme rarity, and they continue to appear in the better collections today with the note "ex-Midas".
The auction catalogue is therefore an interesting reference for items seldom seen. It is an impressive hardback book with hundreds of photos, though many are, sadly, in black and white. Nevertheless, for those aspiring to put together a collection of interesting NZ material covering 1873 to 1935, this is helpful, particularly if you want to see what that piece you're after was estimated to be worth 35 years ago ...
I have not seen this Auction Catalogue but your posting here has got me excited (sad I know). In the second image there are some design artwork for presumably the 1898 pictorials? I would be really interested to know what was written about those lots in the descriptions. Some years ago now I dealt with a bunch of material that was clearly circa 1900 or earlier and part of this included a number of scrap pages with sketches and artwork that looked to be preliminary stamp designs. Was not able to associate this to a specific artist but was of the opinion that it perhaps related to the design competition for 1898 pictorials. One design in particular also suggested a link to the Christchurch Exhibition Set 3d "Landing of Cook". This was designed by L.J. Steel and I theorised that perhaps he had submitted a similar design previously that was not successful in the 1898 competition. In any case here is the image from the scrap pages. The pencil on reverse and small holes cut in page were for tranferring image by way of tracing. I'm sure we can all agree that this is the same image that is shown as EX 230.  |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 8, 2024 6:57:45 GMT
Great spot! And, what a fortunate coincidence that I'd randomly scan that page!
Indeed, these are Pictorial competition essays from 1895 - The description of that lot reads: "Hand-painted essays in the large format of a 2d. 'Poverty Bay' 3d. 'Rev. S Marsden landing in N.Z.', 1s. 'Lake Taupo'; exceptional quality. Estimate - £300 - 400
A nice item you have there.
|
|
DK
Member
Posts: 1,532
What I collect: Classic NZ, Closed NZ Post Offices, New Zealand Postal History, Classic Br. Empire, Pacific Islands, France
|
Post by DK on Apr 8, 2024 7:28:55 GMT
Yes. That is lovely, and a great piece of 1898 pictorial history too. I wonder if these initials on the essay relate to the designer/submitter?  Looks like 'PK' (not DK I can assure you!). I'm not sure what the word below the initials say. Dave |
|
xacs
Member
Posts: 92
|
Post by xacs on Apr 8, 2024 8:41:27 GMT
Yes. That is lovely, and a great piece of 1898 pictorial history too. I wonder if these initials on the essay relate to the designer/submitter? Looks like 'PK' (not DK I can assure you!). I'm not sure what the word below the initials say. Dave Only bit of writing on this page and appears as a note next to this image. The word below could be "Green"? After seeing the finished submission perhaps a note for colour change to Dark Green. Seems unlikely in the context that any signature or name would appear. On another page however there is a potential clue at lower corner. But again unless we know the artist hard to confirm if this is even related other than pigment appears to be same as that used on another design on that page. Clayton  |
|
xacs
Member
Posts: 92
|
Post by xacs on Apr 8, 2024 9:10:29 GMT
Great spot! And, what a fortunate coincidence that I'd randomly scan that page! Indeed, these are Pictorial competition essays from 1895 - The description of that lot reads: "Hand-painted essays in the large format of a 2d. 'Poverty Bay' 3d. 'Rev. S Marsden landing in N.Z.', 1s. 'Lake Taupo'; exceptional quality. Estimate - £300 - 400 A nice item you have there. Shame there was not a mention of potential designer's name if it was known. I don't suppose there were any images showing the 2d Poverty Bay and 1s Lake Taupo? There are further rough designs for both these values on the pages which could represent these descriptions. These occur in both the specified formats for design submissions. Being either 1 3/8 in. by 7/8 in. for large type and 7/8 in. by 11/16 in. for small type. Unfortunately these items were never actually mine and were sold through Auction so hence only a cropped image of relevant portion shown here. Clayton |
|
xacs
Member
Posts: 92
|
Post by xacs on Apr 8, 2024 9:19:11 GMT
Sorry, realise I have already taken this thread off topic as this is about Philatelic Literature and References.
Glad to say, I do have a Set of PSoNZ with the first 6 volumes matching numbers (633). No volume 10 though. Definitely a Reference source that can't be done without.
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 8, 2024 9:30:00 GMT
Great spot! And, what a fortunate coincidence that I'd randomly scan that page! Indeed, these are Pictorial competition essays from 1895 - The description of that lot reads: "Hand-painted essays in the large format of a 2d. 'Poverty Bay' 3d. 'Rev. S Marsden landing in N.Z.', 1s. 'Lake Taupo'; exceptional quality. Estimate - £300 - 400 A nice item you have there. Shame there was not a mention of potential designer's name if it was known. I don't suppose there were any images showing the 2d Poverty Bay and 1s Lake Taupo? There are further rough designs for both these values on the pages which could represent these descriptions. These occur in both the specified formats for design submissions. Being either 1 3/8 in. by 7/8 in. for large type and 7/8 in. by 11/16 in. for small type. Unfortunately these items were never actually mine and were sold through Auction so hence only a cropped image of relevant portion shown here. Clayton No, that's the only example shown. |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 8, 2024 9:31:51 GMT
Sorry, realise I have already taken this thread off topic as this is about Philatelic Literature and References. Glad to say, I do have a Set of PSoNZ with the first 6 volumes matching numbers (633). No volume 10 though. Definitely a Reference source that can't be done without. I have all of the handbooks except vol. IX, which I've never actually seen. Was it produced in a smaller edition? |
|
xacs
Member
Posts: 92
|
Post by xacs on Apr 8, 2024 10:38:20 GMT
Sorry, realise I have already taken this thread off topic as this is about Philatelic Literature and References. Glad to say, I do have a Set of PSoNZ with the first 6 volumes matching numbers (633). No volume 10 though. Definitely a Reference source that can't be done without. I have all of the handbooks except vol. IX, which I've never actually seen. Was it produced in a smaller edition? I read somewhere that it did drop to a 500 limit but unlike earlier volumes, this is not stated in the book which is also not numbered. |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 9, 2024 10:47:43 GMT
Campbell Paterson is the definitive guide for NZ stamp collecting. Its cataloguing and pricing for NZ stamps is the industry standard. The system of having removable and updatable pages makes it an evolving "living" resource. When I brought my copy a couple of years ago, it was inscribed with a number - 15979 - which is apparently the number of copies sold since Campbell Paterson issued the first edition. I wonder how many are maintained and updated these days? CP is the accumulated knowledge and market information of generations of NZ philatelists, and is essential (that word again) for the serious NZ collector. It is, however, expensive. New copies cost $250, and there is an annual update which also costs (which you can cancel). I use my copy regularly, particularly the detailed listings; less so the volume on identification and descriptions of NZ issues.
|
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 9, 2024 13:58:48 GMT
 In the interest of completeness (I am a collector, after all  ) I'll upload the venerable Stanley Gibbons guide for NZ.
I found it useful when first learning about NZ stamps, and the SG numbers are a globally acknowledged reference point for collectors in a way that Campbell Paterson is not. For most semi-specialist collectors, I would say this volume is enough, and its limitations will only become apparent when looking for information on rarer variations, which is where CP takes over. Importantly, it is significantly cheaper than CP - a very big advantage - particularly for those who collect more than one country.
This volume does have sections on Pacific territories associated with NZ - Samoa, Cook Islands, etc. (which CP doesn't) - a helpful addition. All in all, a useful resource, if one that I don't consult so very often these days. |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 10, 2024 8:36:16 GMT
Moving from the big texts - CP & SG - to a more esoteric, but nevertheless interesting NZ philatelic reference - R.D. Samuel's NZ Stamps with Perforated Initial (Perfins). I recently acquired this slim, 51 pg. text on eBay for some research on some perfins I have (a subject for another thread, perhaps?). Samuel was another prolific author on various subjects, and is frequently cited as a reference. I understand there is an updated edition of this 1968 volume (which I'll track down some day), but this edition is useful for providing background on the development and use of perfins in NZ, including variations. My copy has had no less than three previous owners (including two collecting societies) around the world, but has been very carefully looked after. It's perhaps a rather obscure collecting subject for many NZ collectors, but I enjoy this kind of knowledge. You never know when you'll come across a rarity that's been missed by others ... |
|
redkiwi
Member
Posts: 220
Member is Online
|
Post by redkiwi on Apr 11, 2024 19:41:19 GMT
 There are three volumes to this series. I only have the second volume. These are both interesting philatelic references and aviation histories. Useful for those who collect aircovers, though much of the information is available online. |
|
DK
Member
Posts: 1,532
What I collect: Classic NZ, Closed NZ Post Offices, New Zealand Postal History, Classic Br. Empire, Pacific Islands, France
|
Post by DK on Apr 11, 2024 21:29:31 GMT
I collect Airmail covers Klem.  I have 2 Airmail subject books only. Volume 1 (2nd Edition) - The Inland Flights - of your Volume 2 above:  And a copy of Stapleton's ' The New Zealand Airmail Catalogue' - great as a checklist of covers you have, and, what is required still!  Lots of good info in them. Dave |
|
) recorded example of use of the 2d victory stamps overprint.
