Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Analytical Methods in Philately
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press smithsonian contributions to history and technology • number 57 Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press ProceedingsA Chronology of the Firstof MiddleInternational Missouri Symposium Plains on AnalyticalVillage Sites Methods in Philately By Craig M. Johnson Edited by with contributions by Thomas Lera, John H. Barwis, Stanley A. Ahler, Herbert Haas, and Georges Bonani and David L. Herendeen SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Emphasis upon publication as a means of “diffusing knowledge” was expressed by the first Secretary of the Smithsonian. In his formal plan for the Institution, Joseph Henry outlined a program that included the following statement: “It is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge.” This theme of basic research has been adhered to through the years by thousands of titles issued in series publications under the Smithsonian imprint, com- mencing with Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge in 1848 and continuing with the following active series: Smithsonian Contributions to Anthropology Smithsonian Contributions to Botany Smithsonian Contributions to History and Technology Smithsonian Contributions to the Marine Sciences Smithsonian Contributions to Museum Conservation Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology In these series, the Institution publishes small papers and full-scale monographs that report on the research and collections of its various museums and bureaus. The Smithsonian Contributions Series are distributed via mailing lists to libraries, universities, and similar institu- tions throughout the world. Manuscripts submitted for series publication are received by the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press from authors with direct affilia- tion with the various Smithsonian museums or bureaus and are subject to peer review and review for compliance with manuscript preparation guidelines. General requirements for manuscript preparation are on the inside back cover of printed volumes. For detailed submissions require- ments and to review the “Manuscript Preparation and Style Guide for Authors,” visit the Submissions page at www.scholarlypress.si.edu. smithsonian contributions to history and technology • number 57 Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Analytical Methods in Philately Edited by Thomas Lera, John H. Barwis, and David L. Herendeen WASHINGTON D.C. 2013 ABSTRACT Lera, Thomas, John H. Barwis, and David L. Herendeen. Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Analytical Methods in Philately. Smithsonian Contributions to History and Technology, number 57, x + 122 pages, 111 figures, 22 tables, 2013.—This publication contains papers presented at the First International Symposium on Analytical Methods in Philately, hosted by the National Postal Museum in November 2012. Readers will find insights to research methods used across the entire spectrum of philatelic interests, from composition and physical characteristics of paper, to the chemistry and mineralogy of printing ink, to determining the genuineness of stamps, overprints, and the uses of adhesives on cover. Some of these projects were funded in part by the Institute for Analytical Philately and the National Postal Museum. Cover images, from left to right: Detail of 1941 Republic of Panama Air Mail Stamp (Scott C6B); Figure 12 of “A Scientific Analysis of the First Issues of Chile 1853–1862;” and Figure 3 of “Infrared Spectroscopic and X-Ray Diffraction Studies of the Typographed Confederate 5¢ Stamps.” Published by SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION SCHOLARLY PRESS P.O. Box 37012, MRC 957 Washington, D.C. 20013-7012 www.scholarlypress.si.edu Compilation copyright © 2013 Smithsonian Institution The rights to text and images in this publication, including cover and interior designs, are owned either by the Smithson- ian Institution, by contributing authors, or by third parties. Fair use of materials is permitted for personal, educational, or noncommercial purposes. Users must cite author and source of content, must not alter or modify copyrighted content, and must comply with all other terms or restrictions that may be applicable. Users are responsible for securing permission from a rights holder for any other use. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data International Symposium on Analytical Methods in Philately (1st : 2012 : Washington, DC) Proceedings of the First International Symposium On Analytical Methods In Philately / edited by Thomas Lera, John H. Barwis, and David L. Herendeen. pages cm — (Smithsonian contributions to history and technology, ISSN 1948-5999 ; number 57) “This publication contains papers presented at the First International Symposium on Analytical Methods in Philately, hosted by the National Postal Museum in November 2012.” Includes bibliographical references. 1. Stamp collecting—Congresses. 2. Postage stamps—Expertising—Congresses. 3. Postage stamps—Forgeries— Congresses. I. Lera, Thomas M. II. Barwis, John H. III. Herendeen, David L., –2013. IV. Title. HE6189.I58 2012 769.56—dc23 2013020554 ISSN: 1948-5999 (print); 1948-6006 (online) The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48–1992. Contents WELCOME LETTER v Allen Kane PREFACE vii John H. Barwis and Thomas Lera DAVID L. HERENDEEN, 1946–2013 ix John H. Barwis and Thomas Lera Keynote Address: The Place for New Tools in Forensic Philately 1 David R. Beech Paper Characteristics of U.S. 3¢ Stamps, 1870–1881 5 John H. Barwis A Scientific Analysis of the First Issues of Chile 1853–1862, London Printing 19 Thomas Lera, Jennifer Giaccai, and Nicole Little Documenting Science in Philatelic Literature: A New Perspective 35 David L. Herendeen Infrared Spectroscopic and X-Ray Diffraction Studies of the Typographed Confederate 5¢ Stamps 47 Harry G. Brittain Forensic Analysis of Great Britain 1858–1879 1d Plate 77 Stamps on Cover 57 Abed H. Najjar The U.S. 1851 3¢ Stamp: Color, Chemistry, and Changes 71 James A. Allen and Thomas Lera Analysis of Postage Stamps by Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission Spectrometry 83 Thomas E. Gill Statistical Estimates of Rare Stamp Populations 91 David L. Herendeen and Gary C. White Reflectance Spectroscopy of Colored Overprints 101 Lyman R. Caswell iv • SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO history AND TECHNOLOGY ABSTRACTS A Comparative Study of Security Measures Used by Stamp Printers 109 Garfield Portch and Charles J. G. Verge New Ways of Looking at Prephilatelic Inks 111 Dieter Bortfeldt A Layman’s Forensic Adventure 113 Roland H. Cipolla II SCHOLARSHIPS AT THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM 115 APPLICATION FOR AN IAP RESEARCH GRANT 117 THE SYMPOSIUM FEEDBACK SESSION 119 Welcome Letter June 1, 2013 It is my great pleasure to present the Proceedings of the First International Sym- posium on Analytical Methods in Philately. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum (NPM) hosted this premier meeting on 12–14 November 2012 in the Winton M. Blount Center for Postal Studies. This international symposium was, to our knowledge, the first ever held. It offered an opportunity for interested philatelists and scientists to get together, share their meth- odologies, highlight new technologies, and provide long-term, wide-ranging benefits to all aspects of philately and helped set the course for future forensic analyses in the phila- telic arena. Our close working relationship with the Institute for Analytical Philately, Inc. was a huge plus because the NPM allowed philatelists to use state-of-the-art equipment for their advanced research efforts. The success of the symposium was due in large part to David Herendeen, president and founder of the Institute for Analytic Philately, Inc., and Thomas Lera, NPM Winton M. Blount Research Chair, as well as the speakers, the demonstrations, and the more than 50 attendees. Special thanks go to Elizabeth Simmonds, NPM event coordinator. Without her efforts, the symposium would not have been as great of a success. If you enjoy these papers as much as I hope you will, please continue to support the National Postal Museum, the Institute for Analytical Philately, Inc., and future symposiums. Allan Kane Director, National Postal Museum Preface he Institute for Analytical Philately, Inc. (IAP) was formed in 2010 as a phil- anthropic, nonprofit corporation dedicated to deepening the understanding of Tphilatelic materials through the use of scientific technology and publication of experimental results. The support IAP provides can be tailored to the needs of any philat- elist, from those with no scientific background to those with advanced degrees in science or engineering. IAP grants typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 and are intended to help fund travel, lodging, and laboratory use. Additional funding may be available through cost sharing with alliance members, who can also provide advice on previous work done in a particular area or help in conceiving and planning a research effort. Current alliance partners include the Smithsonian National Postal Museum (NPM), the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Inc., the Confederate Stamp Alliance, the Vincent G. Greene Philatelic Research Foundation (Canada), and the Philatelic Foundation. Detailed information on grants and NPM scholarships can be found on page 115. Researchers may conduct their work anywhere they choose but are encouraged to