Volume 56, No. 6 www.vaticanphilately.org May–June 2008
ALSO: SOCIETY ELECTIONS AND AWARDS ◆ MORE PHILATELIC EPHEMERA ◆ THE 1989 BIRDS ISSUE GardensGardens && MedallionsMedallions 75th75th AnniversaryAnniversary RetrospectiveRetrospective GREG PIROZZI — [email protected]
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the now classic series of eighteen definitive stamps issued on May 31, 1933 by the Vatican City. Featuring views of Vatican landmarks and a portrait of Pope Pius XI, the colloquial name appended to the series by Italian collectors—giardini e medaglioni, or gardens and medallions—refers to the series’ subject matter and design format. The series was in use for a long time, spanning the pre– and post–WWII rate periods, making it particularly interesting and complex from the standpoint of postal history. In a series of three articles, I will review the technical characteristics and known varieties of each value of this issue and then illustrate significant usages, rates and destinations. I begin in this issue with the nine low values of the series (Scott #19-27), denomi- nated in centesimi and printed in a small vertical format. Subsequent installments will examine the midrange lire-denominated values (Scott #28 -31) and a final part will cover the high values and the express stamps (Scott #32-34, E3-4). All of the stamps were engraved and printed in two colors (with the exception of the 5 centesimi value printed in scarlet only) by the newly formed Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato (State Printing Works) in Rome. Interestingly, al- though the bicolor values were printed in sepa- rate passes for the frame and vignette, no invert errors are known to exist. The first nine values were printed in sheets of 100 examples (10 × 10 format) and line perforated 14 on paper watermarked with the crossed keys and papal tiara seal of the Holy See. The watermark can be found in several orientations including inverted and with the keys fac- ing either left or right. The selvage is watermarked with the name “Stato Della Città Del Vaticano,” and stamps are known containing part or all of this watermark as a result of misalignment of the paper on the press.
(Continued on page 7)
▲Fig. 1: Rare essay of the five centesimi value printed in deep blue on thick card paper and crudely perforated. Most of the design details are identical to the issued stamp with the ex- ception of the placement of the engraver’s name on the inner frame.
◄Fig. 2: Enlargements of the five centesimi value as issued show the revised placement of the engraver’s name as indi- cated by the arrow and the addition of ‘D.I.’ following his name, which stands for ‘Designer Engraver’ (‘Disegnatore Incisore’).
2 Vatican Notes President’s Message DANIEL CELANI—[email protected]
Official Bimonthly Organ of the Vatican Philatelic Society This is the end of our fiscal year and time for our bi-annual Organized 1953 American Philatelic Society Affiliate #129 elections again. With mixed emotions I have decided not to www.vaticanphilately.org seek another term. I believe I have attained each of the goals
I had set out to accomplish in just one term, so I don't feel EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR that I am leaving the society hanging. Daniel A. Piazza Greg Pirozzi P.O. Box 76846 19101 Starkey Terrace Washington DC 20013-6846 Brookeville MD 20833-3285 A couple of events are scheduled to take place in my life in [email protected] [email protected] the next year or so that require a lot of my attention. At the
OFFICERS end of the year I will close down the printing business and retire. I will keep the building and most of the equipment PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT Daniel Celani Dick Leitermann and do some charity and nonprofit printing, on my sched- 126 N. Main St 1945 River Park Court ule, not theirs. I will also be moving to a more rural area Capac MI 48014 Milwaukee, WI 53226-2840 [email protected] [email protected] and be breaking in a new woman at the same time.
SECRETARY–TREASURER Nothing concerning my collecting habits and interests will Joseph Scholten 1436 Johnston St. SE change and I will continue to welcome your phone calls on Grand Rapids, MI 49507-2829 Sundays from noon to midnight. (586-420-9592) [email protected]
APPOINTED CHAIRPERSONS I want to thank all the elected and appointed officers who have served so well. This isn't a one man show and all their MEMBERSHIP AUCTIONEER Sal Quinonez Dennis Brady effort has been appreciated. 1 Aldergate 4897 Ledyard Drive Apt 1002 Manlius, NY 13104-1514 Riverhead, NY 11901-1819 [email protected]
PONTIFICAL STATE & INDEX & BEREAVEMENT ADVERTISING Rev. Edward J. Mullowney, S.S.J. Daniel A. Piazza Saint Joseph’s Manor P.O. Box 76846 911 West Lake Drive Washington DC 20013-6846 Baltimore, MD 21210-1099 [email protected]
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Neither Vatican Notes nor the Vatican Philatelic Society can be held liable or in any way responsible for the content of advertisements appearing within these pages. All claims, offers, guarantees, state- ments, etc., made by Vatican Notes advertisers are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Deceptive or misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau. ©2008 Vatican Philatelic Society. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY ZANDER PRESS INC.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 3 ite by marking your choice on the enclosed dues envelope. The Blue Pencil Several members have E-mailed to ask why I have been DANIEL A. PIAZZA—[email protected] using the symbol for the British pound in front of denomi- nations expressed in Vatican lire. In fact there is a subtle It is the end of the VPS fiscal year, which means it is time difference; the pound sign is a script “L” with a single hori- for Society elections and the Veritas Award, presented an- zontal bar (£) while the lira sign always has two bars (₤). nually to the best feature article in Vatican Notes as judged by a vote of the membership. A feature article is one that is Why are the symbols so similar? Because both units of cur- original (i.e., not a translation or compilation); signed by rency descend from the ancient Roman Librum, a unit of its author; illustrated; more than two pages long (including weight that referred to the amount of pure silver in a Ro- centerfolds and illustration pages but not purely decorative man coin. The lira sign was widely used in both Italy and title pages); and explores some aspect of Vatican philately Vatican City before the introduction of the euro, although or postal history in depth. News items, regular columns, it normally followed the denomination rather than pre- and one-page contributions—while appreciated by the edi- ceded it (i.e., 500₤ rather than ₤500). However, I generally tor and readers—are not eligible for this special award. As place it before the denomination because the vast majority your editor it is my privilege to nominate the following of our readers are American and used to seeing currency eligible articles from Volume 56: symbols before the digits. July-August 2007 (Vol. 56, No. 1) "Vatican Scientific and Cultural Institutions-Part III: Letters Received Vatican Apostolic Library" (Greg Pirozzi)
"Vatican Europa Issues" (Michael B. Lamothe) You are correct (“Raimondi Redux”, March-April 2008, September-October (Vol. 56, No. 2) page 24) that Anna Raimondi was Aldo’s daughter. She "Vatican Scientific and Cultural Institutions-Part IV: died about a year ago. Aldo’s father Roberto also worked in The Vatican Observatory" (Greg Pirozzi) watercolor. November-December (Vol. 56, No. 3) Albert Bajohr "The Watercolors of Aldo Raimondi" (Greg Pirozzi) Sebring, Florida
"Vatican City and the Golden Age of Ocean Liner In the Pontifi- Travel" (Greg Pirozzi) cal Page sec- January-February (Vol. 56, No. 4) tion of the "'Le Forme Belle' of Antonio Canova" (Daniel A. last issue of Piazza) Vatican Notes (March-April "Vatican Mourning Covers" (Greg Pirozzi) 2008, page March-April (Vol. 56, No. 5) 16), Fr. Mul- "An Interview with Irio Fantini" (Michael B. Lamothe) lowney illus- "Vatican Philatelic Ephemera, Part I-Philatelic Show trated a mourning cover from his own collection. I possess Folders" (Michael Krejci) a mourning cover sent from Palombara to Rome via Tivoli (the district center) in August 1865. The postage was paid May-June (Vol. 56, No. 6) on the front with a 2 bajocchi stamp cancelled by the Tivoli "Vatican Philatelic Ephemera, Part II-Philatelic Show grill. This cover was included in the October 18, 2005 Nut- Sheets and Cards" (Michael Krejci) meg auction of Roman States postmarks from the extensive "Eleazar Albin and Vatican City's Only Bird Stamp Is- collections of Fred Levitsky and Fabio Pompeii. sue" (Matthew V. Cassetta) Tom Duckworth “Gardens & Medallions 75th Anniversary Retrospec- New York, New York tive, Part I” (Greg Pirozzi) Editor’s note: the reverse of Tom’s cover, showing the Rome and Thanks to all of these authors for sharing the fruits of their Palombara markings as well as the thin mourning border, is il- research by filling the pages of our Society journal with lustrated with his letter. Yet another Pontifical State mourning informative and enlightening articles! Vote for your favor- cover us illustrated on page six.
4 Vatican Notes PhilatelicPhilatelic EphemeraEphemera fromfrom thethe 20082008 PapalPapal VisitVisit DANIEL A. PIAZZA—[email protected]
The 2008 papal visit to Washington, D.C. and New York City is now history, and as predicted the philatelic com- memoration was very low-key. There was one stamp issued (by the Vatican); one special cancellation used (by the United Nations); and a handful of privately produced cov- ers in the United States. To the best of my knowledge, the U.S. Postal Service did not authorize any special cancella- tions to mark the papal visit; at least, none were an- nounced in the Postal Bulletin.
During the papal visit, the U.S. collectibles manufacturer Franklin Mint was hawking the two covers pictured above. According to the maker’s Web site, the covers are “limited to a worldwide edition limit of just 25,000 numbered sets”
that sell for $24.95.
The United Nations marked the pope’s address to the Gen- eral Assembly with a three-line pictorial cancellation fea- turing a dove designed by Rocco J. Callari. UN covers for this cancellation are decorated with a generic gold and sil- ver foil cachet and franked with a 90 stamp. Attached to the stamp is a label or tab that repeats Callari’s dove from the cancellation. The cover was being sold for $2. Just under a month after the pope’s address to the UN, the Vatican issued a €1.40 stamp commemorating the event. Issued in sheets of ten, the sel- vage features quotes from the Uni- This promotional postcard was issued by the archdiocese versal Declaration of Human Rights, of Washington, D.C. prior to the papal visit and may be which was adopted sixty years ago at collected in postal used condition as a philatelic memento Paris. The denomination pays several of the event. The smears on the pope’s cassock and above Vatican priority (i.e., first class) mail his left arm occurred in handling. rates, none of them heavily used.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 5 Investphila’s 30-31 May public auction, held in Lugano, Switzerland, contained some interesting pieces of Pontifical State postal history. Here is a look at some of the more notable specimens:
◄A great rarity, this 10 October 1867 cover from Viterbo to Rome was franked with the 2 bajocchi value of the 1852 imperforate issue. The 1852 imperforates had been demonetized on 21 September with the introduction of deci- mal currency, but this cover escaped detection and was not rated postage due. It is possibly the latest recorded usage of the 1852 issue. Realized €6,000 (including 20% commission) against a base starting price of €5,000.
► Mourning cover mailed from Rome to Florence on 7 September 1868 with a mixed franking of values from the 1867 imperforate and 1868 perforate issues. The effect is a striking array of four colors. Did not sell against a base starting price of €12,500.
◄ ▼An excellent grouping of three usages of postal forgeries of the 1852 series. At left, five postal for- geries of the eight bajocchi issue of 1852 on piece; the auction catalogue notes that this is probably one of the largest known groupings of this forgery. Below, two more examples of the same forgery on another fragment; portions of a French transit marking and boxed “PD” as well as a London port payé datestamp are visible. Bottom left, 11 March 1856 cover from Bologna to Paris franked with four copies of a postal forgery of the five bajocchi issue of 1852. Again, a French transit marking and boxed “PD” are visible.
Prices realized for the postal forgeries: five 8 baj. forgeries on piece realized €3,120 against a base starting price of €2,500; two 8 baj. forgeries on piece, €432 against an estimate of €300; four 5 baj. forgeries on cover, €3,600 against €3,000. All prices realized include 20% buyer’s premium.
6 Vatican Notes (Continued from page 2) ◄ Fig. 3: All values of the Gardens & The stamps were engraved by Enrico Federici (five cen- Medallions series were printed on paper watermarked with a Crossed tesimi value and frames of the remaining low values) and Keys design measuring 17 × 16 mm. Ferdinand Schirnböck (all vignettes). Each engraver The watermark can be found in sev- signed his work in minute text that can be discerned un- eral orientations. der 10x magnification of the stamps. Federici also de- signed and engraved a number of stamp series for Italy The official Vatican City announcement for the new se- and San Marino during the 1920-1940 interwar period. ries of stamps was contained in Ordinance #XLI on May Schirnböck was a well-known and prolific master en- 20, 1933, eleven days prior to the first day of sale on May graver of the Austrian State Printing works who produce 31, 1933. The five centesimi low value and the four mid- over 150 stamp designs for 17 countries in his long ca- dle values depicting the portrait of Pope Pius XI (Scott reer. He died in 1930, and the vignettes for the Gardens #28-31) were valid until December 31, 1940; the remain- & Medallions issue were his last work. It is interesting to ing values were demonetized on February 28, 1947. speculate that this may have been a reason for the delay Although the majority of the values were valid for nearly of the series until 1933. 14 years, there are relatively few known printing errors or The designs for the low values are Pope Pius XI’s coat of varieties in comparison to other Vatican issues, attesting arms on the five centesimi value; a view of the Apostolic to the care that was taken in their production. The most Palace, fountain, and obelisk in St. Peter’s Square (10, common printing varieties are those where the center 12½, 20, and 25 centesimi values); and a view of the vignette is shifted. Other notable collectable varieties in- dome of St. Peter’s from the Vatican Gardens (30, 50, 75, clude imperforates of the 5, 20 and 25 centesimi values, and 80 centesimi values). offset printings of both the frame and vignette, and the presence of gum applied to both sides of the stamp.
◄ Fig. 4: Extremely scarce full sheet of 100 stamps of the 12½c. value. The plate number, 510, is in the upper left corner.
▲ Fig. 5: Engraved portrait of Ferdinand Schirnböck (1859- 1930), Austrian master engraver who produced the vignette de- signs of the Apostolic Palace and Vatican Gardens view shortly be- fore his death in 1930. Courtesy of VPS member Joe Lopreiato VPSLopreiato Joe of member Courtesy
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 7
A
C
B
▲Fig. 6: Enlargements of the 12½ and 80 centesimi values show the signatures of both engravers. A: ‘E. Federici’ in the lower left hand corner of the 12½ centesimi frame. (Federici’s name is in the same position on all the low values.) B: the initials ‘F Sch’ stand for Ferdinand Schirnböck, engraver of the vignette. Note the peculiar reversed “S” that he used for his last name. C: the initials ‘F Sch’ on the 80 centesimi value; note that the ‘S’ is not reversed.
Another interesting variety are the bluish paper printings References: of both the 20c. and 25c. values. Examples are readily Catalogo Enciclopedico Italiano 2004/2005 distinguished when compared to the normal whiter paper Vatican City Specialized Stamp Catalog. New York: Pendendi (1982) variety. This is possibly evidence of a second printing for these values brought about by heavy postal demand. The David Feldman Auction, Zurich Switzerland Nov. 19, 1997. total print run for the series is unknown but it is likely A.P. Bantham, “Ferdinand Schirnböck, Engraver.” Essay-Proof Jour- that more than one million sets were produced. On the nal Vol. 19, No. 3 (1962). following pages I have illustrated significant usages of Giovanni Fulcheris, “Uno Per Uno: I Francobolli Dello Stato Della each value using items franked only with values from the Città Del Vaticano.” Vaccari Magazine Nos. 25 and 26 (2001). series. The postal history of the low values of the Gardens Special thanks to VPS members Rev. Edward J. Mullowney and Joe & Medallions series is a particularly fruitful and interest- LoPreiato who provided material for illustration. ing area of specialization for collectors since there is a large amount of material available and one can specialize in many different aspects.
Courtesy of VPS member Rev. Edward Mullowney S.S.J. Mullowney VPS Rev. of Edward member Courtesy
▲Fig. 7: Top right, imperforate top margin pair of the 25 cen- VPS Edward of courtesy S.S.J.Top Rev. Mullowney image member tesimi value. Top left, imperforate plate proof pair of the 20 cen- tesimi. Bottom left, unlisted and extremely rare imperforate cor- ▲ Fig. 8: Unlisted perforation varieties of the 20 centesimi value. ner margin block of four of the bluish paper variety of the 25 cen- Top, half pane of 50 stamps with several diagonal “crazy perfs”. tesimi. Bottom right: unlisted corner margin block of four of the Bottom left, block of four with double perforations at top mar- bluish paper variety of the 20 centesimi value. gin. Bottom right, block of four with partial perforations.
8 Vatican Notes
Essay and Proof Rarities
◄ Fig. 11: Extremely scarce block of four of the 75 centesimi value overprinted saggio (specimen).
◄ Fig. 12: Left, final trial color die proof of the five centesimi value. Middle and right, rare final design essays of the 10 and 50 centesimi values. Each has a sepia photograph of the vi-
Source: Ebay.com Ebay.com Source: gnette pasted in place. ▲ Fig. 9: Plate number singles or blocks of the Gardens & Me- dallions issue are extremely scarce. With the exception of the five centesimi value , for which two plate numbers are known (463 and 464), the remaining values of the series are all known with a single plate number located in the sheet margin.
▼ Fig. 10: A fuller understanding of the postal history of the Gardens & Medallion issue can be obtained with reference to the detailed postal rate table below. The key postal rates that a col- lector may encounter are included in this table.
Note: Absence of specific rate information indicates that the rate was either not applicable or suspended due to wartime conditions. Source: David Feldman Auction, Zurich Switzerland Nov. 18, 1997
Abridged Vatican Postal Rate Table, 1929-1947 Rate Period 1-Aug-29 1-Aug-30 29-Aug-33 1-Dec-44 20-Apr-45 1-Jul-45 1-May-46 15-Oct-47 Internal 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.00 Letters (20g.) Italy 0.80 0.80 0.80 1.50 1.50 2.50 5.00 12.00 Foreign 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 5.00 5.00 15.00 30.00 Internal 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.40 0.40 0.40 1.00 Postal Cards Italy 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.50 4.00 10.00 Foreign 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 3.00 3.00 10.00 20.00 Internal 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.30 0.30 0.30 1.00 Picture Postcards Italy 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.50 0.50 1.00 2.00 5.00 (5 words max.) Foreign 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 3.00 3.00 3.00 6.00 Internal 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.20 1.00 Picture Postcards Italy 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.30 0.30 0.50 1.00 3.00 (Signature only) Foreign 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 3.00 3.00 3.00 6.00 Internal 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.20 1.00 Printed Matter Italy 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.30 0.30 0.50 1.00 3.00 (50g.) Foreign 0.25 0.25 0.25 3.00 6.00 Internal Printed Matter Italy 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.40 1.00 2.00 (Vatican Publishers) Foreign 0.15 0.15 0.125 Internal Manuscripts Italy 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 3.50 6.00 16.00 (250g.) Foreign 1.25 1.25 1.25 15.00 30.00 Internal 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 2.00 2.00 2.00 3.00 Registration Fee Italy 1.25 1.25 1.25 2.50 2.50 5.00 10.00 20.00 Foreign 1.25 1.50 1.50 10.00 10.00 20.00 40.00 Internal Express Fee Italy 2.00 2.00 2.00 3.50 3.50 6.00 12.00 30.00 Foreign 2.50 2.50 2.50 30.00 60.00 Internal 1.25 1.25 1.25 Insurance Fee Italy 1.25 1.25 1.00 2.00 2.00 4.00 8.00 15.00 Foreign 1.25 1.85 1.85 25.00 50.00 May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 9
Courtesy of VPS member Rev. Edward Mullowney S.S.J. Mullowney VPS Rev. of Edward member Courtesy ▲Fig. 13: The low value of the Gardens & Medallions series, depicting the coat of arms of Pope Pius XI, was typically used in multi- ples or in combination with other values to pay a variety of postal rates. Top left, 17 December 1934 25 centesimi printed matter rate cover to a stamp dealer in Ontario, Canada. Top right, 28 November 1934 commercial 25 centesimi printed matter (‘stampe’) cover to Philadelphia. Bottom left, 23 August 1935 scarce franking of a horizontal strip of four from the Vatican Apostolic Library (inset) to Rouen, France. The cover is underfranked by five centesimi but was not assessed postage due, probably because it originated from an official Vatican institution. Bottom right, 14 September 1937 illustrated picture postcard properly franked at the 25 centesimi rate for postcards with fewer than five words to a foreign destination (in this case, Berlin).
▲Fig. 14: 26 August 1936 illustrated picture postcard to Scafato, ▲Fig. 15: This 13 April 1936 illustrated picture postcard slipped Italy sent at the 20c. concessionary rate for cards with a signa- through to Turin, Italy franked at the 25 centesimi rate for fewer ture only within Italy. than five words.
10 Vatican Notes
▲ Fig. 16: Single and multiple frankings of the 20 centesimi value were used to pay specific printed matter and letter rates. Top left, 1 December 1939 lower left corner block of four paying the 80 centesimi letter rate to Rome. Top right, 17 May 1943 usage of the 20 centesimi printed matter rate to Bagnolo Mella, Italy from the Vatican Office of Information (inset). Bottom left, 24 February 1935 air- mail printed matter to the Italian possession of Sirte, Tripolitania (Libya) with the addition of a 50 centesimi Italian stamp to pay the airmail fee. Bottom right, scarce 1941 usage of the 40 centesimi double printed matter (‘stampe’) rate (50-100 grams) to Novara, Italy from the Sacred Congregation for Seminarians & Universities.
▲ Fig. 17: Rare usage of the ten centesimi single paying the internal printed matter rate addressed to a Cardinal resident in the Vatican. This small size cover most likely contained a calling card. Postmarked 24 December 1933.
◄ Fig. 18: 5 July 1933 cover to Rome with a scarce block of four of the ten centesimi value in combination with the ten centesimi value of the Conciliation issue (Scott #2). Although the letter is short paid by five centesimi it was not assessed postage due.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 11
▲Fig. 19: Over its nearly 14 years of postal validity, the 25 centesimi value of the series was used extensively to post a wide variety of picture postcards to foreign destinations. Four exceptional usages are illustrated above. Top left, 5 August 1938 card to Montevideo, Uruguay—a scarce South American destination. Top right, 21 September 1942 card to occupied Croatia cancelled with the 25th Anni- versary Episcopal Consecration of Pius XI machine slogan cancel and bearing Italian and German censor markings. Bottom left, 18 June 1943 to Budapest, Hungary with a German transit censor (Ag) and Budapest arrival cancel. An ‘address unknown’ label was affixed to the card before it was returned to Rome. Bottom right, 7 November 1944 extremely scarce usage to Auckland, New Zealand following the liberation of Rome by the Allied armies in June of 1944. The card was likely sent by a member of the New Zealand expeditionary force in Italy and was censored in transit in Cairo, Egypt.
▲Fig. 21: 7 December 1934 rare commercial usage of the 25 cen- tesimi value to pay the internal letter rate for mail posted and deliv- ▲Fig. 20: A scarce usage of the 25 centesimi value: five single ered entirely within the confines of the Vatican City. This cover is ad- copies paying the ₤1.25 external letter rate. Postmarked on dressed to the Governor’s Palace. The Marelli Co. specialized in small 31 December1938 to Berkeley, California. electric motors, transformers, and centrifuges including electric fans. 12 Vatican Notes
Courtesy late VPS of member Robert Paliafito
▲Fig. 22: Interesting usages of the 50 and 75 centesimi values include single and combination frankings to pay the 75 centesimi picture postcard rate to foreign destinations. Top left, 11 September 1937 to Magdiel, Pales- tine. Top right, 2 January 1939 to Sofia, Bulgaria. Bottom left, 28 August 1939 to Chemnitz, Germany. Bottom right, 16 July 1934 to Jerusalem, Pal- estine.
◄ Fig. 23: The 80c. value was most commonly used as a single to pay the letter rate to destinations in Italy. At left, a 25 August 1942 late usage to Venice, Italy with a special machine slogan cancel commemorating the 25th Episcopal Anniversary of Pope Pius XII.
Fig. 24: 12 August 1933 scarce registered cover paying the ₤4.25 rate addressed to Luigi Cardinal Maurin (1854-1936) in Lyon, France. The postage pays the triple rate for a letter of 40-60 grams (₤1.25 + ₤1.50 Reg +.75 × 2). The horizontal strip of five of the 80c. value is the largest strip that I am aware of on cover. Robert Paliafito Collection.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 13 TheThe 19331933 GardensGardens && MedalliMedallioo
► Reverse
▲ 26 Sept 1945 spectacular late-usage registered cover to Rome franked at the ₤7.50 rate (₤2.50 letter rate + ₤5.00 registration fee) in effect for less than a year from July of 1945 to May 1946. Large multiples of any value, as well as a corner plate block of four used on cover for this issue are rare.
► 3 Oct 1936 scarce mixed franking Hotel cover pay- ing the ₤1.25 external letter rate to Hanoi, Indo- China. Courtesy late VPS of member Robert Paliafito
▼ 3 Jun 1934 extern franked at the ₤1.25 combination of low
▲31 Aug 1933 registered cover franked with a total of ₤2.75 to Safi, Morocco an exceptionally scarce destina- tion for this issue.
► 7 Sept 1940 newspaper wrapper from the Vatican L’Osservatore Romano Sunday edition franked with a single 12½c. value to Sombor, Yugoslavia.
The single franking pays the concessionary rate for Vati- can Publishers for printed matter to foreign destinations up to 50 grams in weight. The “Poste Stampe” cancel is rare with fewer than six examples recorded.
14 Vatican Notes oonsns SeriesSeries —— 7575thth AnniversaryAnniversary
◄ 5 Aug 1942 commemorative illustrated postcard to Rome celebrating the 25th an- niversary of the Episcopal consecration of Pope Pius XII in 1942-43. The 25c. value is tied to the card with a special machine can- cel XXV Aniversario Della Consacrazione Episcopale Di S.S. Pio XII. The message on the reverse of the card imparts a benedic- tion on the recipient of the divine peace of Christ by the Holy Father.
▲28 May 1934 ₤1.25 mixed franking external rate cover to Munster, Swit- zerland endorsed on the reverse from the Vatican Swiss Guards.
p 17 Nov 1941 illustrated picture postcard to Bulgaria censored in tran- sit by Italy with a “Verificato per Cen- sura” censor handstamp.
▲ 6 Aug 1934 mixed franking paying the 75c. postal card rate to Frechen, Germany.
◄ 22 Feb 1936 25c. printed matter rate cover to Zurich, Switzerland cancelled with a Vatican Press Exhibition com- nal cover to Cologne, Germany memorative machine cancel. 5 external letter rate with a colorful values.
► 22 Feb 1935 printed matter rate cover to Fribourg, Switzerland from the Congregation for the Propagation of Faith, an extra- territorial Vatican property located in Rome.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 15
Courtesy of VPS member Rev. Edward Mullowney S.S.J. Mullowney VPS Rev. of Edward member Courtesy ▲Fig. 25: Multiple combinations of the low values of the Gardens & Medallions series were frequently used to frank covers to foreign destinations at the ₤1.25 letter rate. Top left: 5 Feb 1934 to Ventnor City, NJ. Top right: 24 Apr 1935 to Berlin, Germany. Bottom left: 20 Sept 1944 cover to Detroit, MI. This historically significant cover, censored on arrival in NY and resealed with clear censor tape #5083, is evidence that external postal connections from the Vatican (at least to the US) were in operation as early as Sept 1944 following the end of the German occupation of Rome in June 1944. Bottom right: 4 Jun 1934 to Chuquicamata, Chile a scarce South American desti- nation during this time period for Vatican city mail.
Fig. 26: 11 Dec 1934 unusual combination of values on a regis- ▲ ▲ Fig. 27: 10 Dec 1939 cover to Quebec, Canada paying the tered cover to Penzance, England franked at the 2.75 rate to ₤ ₤1.25 letter rate to foreign destinations. foreign destinations.
16 Vatican Notes Gardens & Medallions — Postal History Rarities
▲Fig. 28: Top left, 9 Oct 1944 unrecorded usage of a strip of five of the 25c. bluish paper variety along with a strip of three on white paper and the 5c. value paying the ₤2.05 registered letter rate to Rome.
▲Fig. 29: Top right: 4 Apr 1935, rare example of the 80c. and 20c. values used in combination to pay the concessionary ₤1.00 Portor- ose Treaty rate to Budapest, Hungary. In effect from 1929 until the outbreak of WWII, the treaty among Italy, Austria, Hungary and Yugoslavia provided for a reduction in several postal rates between the countries. The Vatican participated in this reduced rate since it followed the Italian postal regulations for rates to foreign destina- tions during this period.
◄Fig. 30: Left, 19 Jun 1935 Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano franked with the 25c. value to Nuland, Netherlands. The 25c. paid the second step concessionary rate for Vatican publishers for printed matter between 50-100 grams to foreign destinations.
▲ Figs. 31 & 32: Following the end of the German occupation of Rome in June of 1944 and continuing until 1950, an inflationary pe- riod of postal rate increases occurred. The single letter rate to destinations in Italy went from ₤1.50 to ₤25 during this period. Left, example from 25 May 1945 is franked at the ₤1.50 letter rate to Bologna, Italy (rate period—Dec. 1, 1944 to June 30, 1945) and bears an Allied censor marking. Right, example from 24 Aug 1945 franked at the ₤2.50 letter rate to Aosta, Italy (rate period—July 1, 1945 to May 1, 1946). Both covers originate from the Vatican Office of Information, which carried out an extensive message service among POWs, internees and civilians of all nationalities separated by the events of WWII.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 17
18 Vatican Notes Many countries have produced definitive or commemora- Albin’s three volume Natural History of Birds (1731-1738) tive sets that depict birds and these are among the most is notable as the first English bird book containing colored popular topical stamp issues worldwide. The Vatican, how- plates. His illustrations are superior to those in earlier Eng- ever, has issued just one such set, on June 13, 1989 (Scott lish illustrated works, including Francis Willoughby’s Or- 830-837). These eight stamps depict nine species from nithology (1676) and John Ray’s Synopsis methodica stunning engravings by a remarkable but little known Avium (1713). In the preface to volume one he wrote: eighteenth-century artist called Eleazar Albin. As for the Descriptions, I have done those with all the Born in Germany as Eleazer Weiss, Albin changed his Accuracy I could from the very Birds themselves…and name upon migrating to England in 1707. He earned his particularly I took care to describe their Characteris- living as a professional watercolorist by painting natural tick Notes and Specifick Differences; and to impose on history subjects for the cabinets of wealthy collectors. In them the most received and proper Names both Eng- time he obtained several notable commissions that resulted lish and Latin… in volumes of exquisitely colored plates of insects, flowers Among Albin’s ten children, his daughter Elizabeth be- and birds. Among his early patrons were Sir Hans Sloane, came his collaborator in producing the natural history vol- President of the Royal College of Physicians (1660-1735), umes. Born in 1708, she worked tirelessly alongside her and Mary Capel Somerset, the Dowager Duchess of Beau- father coloring the etchings and is even credited with fort (1630-1715), who encouraged Albin to write his 1721 drawing 41 of the published bird etchings herself. Natural History of English Insects. It was Albin’s study of insects and their predators that led him to paint birds. Among the 306 hand-drawn etchings in Natural History of Birds are many common European or Eurasian species.
Fig. 1 (left): Title page from the first volume of the first edition of Albin’s Natural History of Birds, published at London in 1731. This copy is owned by the Smithsonian Institution. Fig. 2 (right): Acta Apostolicæ Sedis of 13 June 1989 authorizing the release of a series of Vatican City postage stamps featuring engravings from Albin’s books. The stamps are affixed to the Acta and tied by first day cancels.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 19 Other species depicted in Albin’s three volumes, however, gives us a clue on page 13 of volume one: were painted from caged birds in private zoological collec- This Bird is the most beautiful of all the Parrot Kind tions; they were native to the New World (i.e., the Cardi- that I have yet seen; it is very docible, learning any nal) or the East Indies (i.e., the Purple-naped Lory) and Language, and pronouncing very articulately anything Albin almost certainly did not visit these regions person- he is taught. I saw one of these Birds sold for twenty ally. Of the images selected for the Vatican set, seven are Guineas, by Mr. Bland, at the Tyger on Tower-Hill, European birds and just two are from outside the region. who has a great Collection of foreign Birds. The Acta—or government decree authorizing the release GREEN WOODPECKER of the stamps—gives us a few more details. The Vatican ₤150, Scott #831 took the images from a French edition of Albin’s work The green woodpecker published at the Hague in 1750 by Pierre DeHondt and (Picus viridis) is one of owned by the Vatican’s Apostolic Library. The issue was the most colorful of all printed in rotogravure by Courvoisier and the quantity was native Eurasian birds 450,000 sets. and was a well-known The Acta also reveals that the Vatican considered this to be bird to Romans and an ecology-themed issue, rather than a “birds” issue. This English alike. It often would have pleased Albin, who wrote in the dedication to feeds out in open lawns, volume two of his work: wooded parks and scat- tered large trees but ‘Tis certain, brute Animals were placed amongst us for avoids dense wood- nobler ends than just to kill and eat…An acquaintance lands. While generally with the Actions, Views, and Designs of these Crea- inconspicuous while tures must be an higher Gratification than ever they feeding, this bird is can yield in the Field or the Dining-Room. more noticeable in flight. Unlike others of its species, the What follows is a closer look at each of the species shown green woodpecker is frequently seen on the ground, due to in this set, illustrated by maximum cards each depicting a a great fondness for ants. In Celtic lore, woodpeckers were copy of the original plate and featuring the matching associated with revered oak trees and thought to be knock- stamp tied by a first day cancel. ing for rain when they tapped on oak trunks. PURPLE-NAPED LORY GOLDCREST (left branch) ₤100, Scott #830 ₤200, Scott #832 Described by Linnaeus The goldcrest (Regulus in 1758 from skins, regulus) is a leaf warbler Lorius domicella is na- with narrow white wing tive only to several is- bars and a distinctive lands of Indonesia. The head pattern. The nar- specimen in Albin’s row yellow or orange engraving is stunning: it stripe along the top of is mostly red, with an the crown is neatly orange bill and a black- edged with black and a violet head, sporting a pale ring around the yellow band across its dark eye gives the gold- upper breast and pur- crest an open-faced, plish blue thighs. Its staring expression. The wings are blue-green goldcrest is common in and its tail is red and rounded. This spectacular species coniferous woodland throughout north and central Europe appears to have been naturally rare; Alfred Russell Wallace but in southern Europe is restricted to mountainous areas. searched for it with mixed success on an 1858-9 expedition One of the smallest birds native to Europe, the goldcrest is to New Guinea and nearby islands. So how did Albin, who the national bird of Luxembourg and was featured on that lived in London’s Tottenham Court Road, see one? He country’s 1970 stamp honoring the protection of birds.
20 Vatican Notes WINTER WREN (right branch) the Ohio River; by 1895 it had reached the Great Lakes and ₤200, Scott #832 in 1910 it was found in southern Ontario. In the nine- The winter or northern wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is a teenth century cardinals were sought-after cage birds very small bird and the only one of nearly sixty species in highly valued for their vivid coloring and their pleasant the wren family that occurs in the Old World from Eurasia song. Thousands were trapped in the south in the winter to Japan. According to legend, the wren is greater than the months (when they are more conspicuously seen) and sent eagle—nimbly perching on an eagle's head or over flying it. to northern markets, and thousands more made their way A symbol of dark and earth, the tradition of the wren-hunt as cage birds to Europe. (associated with St. Stephen’s Day) dates to Neolithic BULLFINCH times. The scientific name is taken from the Greek ₤700, Scott #835 "troglodytes" (from "trogle" a hole, and "dyein" to creep), The Eurasian bullfinch meaning "cave-dweller", referring to its habit of disappear- (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), is a ing into cavities or crevices while hunting insects or to small bird with a wide roost. range to east Asia. The EURASIAN bullfinch is found in KINGFISHER mixed woodland with ₤350, Scott #833 conifers, including park- The Eurasian or Com- land and gardens. Its mon Kingfisher (Alcedo food is mainly seeds and atthis) has an extensive buds of fruit trees, which range throughout can make it a pest in Europe, Asia and Africa. orchards. This species It is a notable bird which does not form large frequents lakes, ponds, flocks but rather is usu- canals and streams and ally seen as a pair or family group. The male bullfinch has feeds on aquatic animals red underparts, and females and young birds sport drabber and fish. In winter, it grey-buff plumage. The melodic song of the bullfinch is often moves to tidal noted for its fluted whistles. marshes and the shore. The classical name of LAPWING ₤3000, Scott #836 the European kingfisher was halcyon, named after the The striking lapwing or Greek Dove-goddess Alcyone, leader of the Pleaides or green plover (Vanellus Seven Sisters. The ancients believed Alcyone stilled the wa- vanellus) is a gregarious ters near and built her nest on the open sea. and conspicuous bird CARDINAL distinguished by a strik- ₤500, Scott #834 ingly upcurved, slender The familiar northern crest. Its back is an iri- cardinal (Cardinalis descent deep green, cardinalis) is a North with the crown and American bird of the crest greenish black, a seedeater family. Origi- dark throat and white nally a bird of Southeast undersides. The lap- thickets and brush, the wing inhabits open ar- Northern Cardinal's eas, farm edges, fallow range expanded north fields and pastures, so it is well known throughout Europe and northwest along the and has been much exploited for its flesh and eggs. In Mississippi River tribu- many parts of Europe, lore attributes to the lapwing (and taries. In 1886 this car- all plovers) an evil repute—except in Germany where the dinal was found only bird is welcomed and referred to as “Virgin Mary’s Dove.” occasionally north of It has been known to migrate as far as Central Asia.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 21 The EURASIAN TEAL “philately” for “nature.” In any event, this beautiful series ₤3000, Scott #837 of stamps from Vatican City brings those two noble pur- The Eurasian teal (Anas suits together in a most satisfying way. - crecca) is a common Editor’s Note: Matthew V. Cassetta of Arlington, Virginia is a foreign and widespread water- service officer with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans, fowl species which Environment, and Science. He is the immediate past president of the breeds in the northern- Washington (D.C.) Stamp Collectors Club. Another article by Matt, most regions of Eurasia. “The Legendary Parks of Africa—A Philatelic Journey”, appeared in the A noisy inhabitant of December 2007 issue of the American Philatelist, and he is working on a follow-up to this article about the 1992 Plants of the New World issue. sheltered wetlands and bogs, the Teal usually feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing. It nests on the ground, near water and under cover. As a conspicuous waterfowl species, the teal has been historically prized by hunters throughout its range. The species was first de- scribed under its current scientific name by Linnaeus in his 1758 Systema naturae. In the preface to volume three of his work, Albin wrote: The Knowledge of Nature has been always a Study so agreeable, that it has been the Pursuit of the finest Geniuses in all Ages. The author examines a first edition of Eleazar Albin’s Natural His- He, of course, lived before the introduction of the adhesive tory of Birds, published in three volumes between 1731 and 1738, postage stamp, or else he might have substituted at the Smithsonian Institution's Cullman Library of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
22 Vatican Notes MeetMeet thethe Member:Member: MatthewMatthew CassettaCassetta [email protected]
My stamp collecting activities began stylized slogan cancels from Madagascar, Chad, and Poly- when at age nine I inherited a mas- nesia. Genuinely used copies of stamps from such places sive box of accumulated stamps are severely undervalued by catalogues in my opinion. from a late aunt in Tennessee. The I was drawn to collecting Vatican City issues about five used foreign stamps, many still on years ago when I bought a large accumulation of postally piece, were the part of the hoard used Vatican material from a collector in Norway. After a that really sparked my interest (Fig. visit to Rome's Sistine Chapel in 2004, I began pursuing 1) and started me collecting stamps used Vatican in earnest. - exclusively in used condition. My prized finds were invariably the exotic covers studded with stamps Fig. 1: The stamp that and evocative cancels. I delighted in hooked me on collect- ing: 5c red-necked pi- discovering a town cancel from Ele- geon, St. Vincent (Scott phant Pass on a clipping from Sri #284, 1970). Lanka. This became my true fasci- nation: a life-long hunt for interesting marks from small places, outer islands, and isolated outposts (Fig. 2). I am now approaching three decades of collecting and over this time I have become ever more appreciative of used stamps and covers for the stories they tell. I am particularly fond of picture post cards for the stories from visitors to faraway places and the adventures they share with those back home. Often, post cards are mailed from bizarre and Fig. 2: Postally used material from the Anglo-French condominium tiny places scarcely traceable on maps that the writers of New Hebrides in the South Pacific—known today as Vanuatu— sailed or hiked to at some effort from larger capital cities. is uncommon. This postcard, mailed from Luganville to France, is franked with stamps picturing the islands’ natural resources of Just a few of my favorites include Vava‘u in Tonga (Fig. 3); fish, coconut, and manganese. When the card was mailed in 1968, Kissidougou in Guinea (formerly French Guinea); and Luganville had a population of about 2,000.Today it has about 10,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest town in the Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. country (after the capital of Port Vila). Cover collectors abound, but I find used postcards perhaps a bit more challenging as foreign used material becomes increasingly elusive. Cards provide gorgeous imagery as well as cancels and odd postal markings from ships and air carriers that confirm the routes of their successful voyages from abroad. Some of my favorites include postcards from the Galapagos which clearly feature vessel names as well as local postmarks, or a card from Egypt with paquebot markings that confirm transit via the Suez Canal. I recommend to anyone the challenge of collecting postally used material from small places such as oceanic islands, tiny and short-lived nations such as Djibouti, or micro- states such as Vatican City. Since these places have small populations compounded in some cases by low literacy rates, actual postally used material is scarce indeed. I have Fig. 3: The Tongan free-form self adhesives of the 1960s and ‘70s can be hard to find in postally used condition; this is an assort- found lovely cancels from such places, such as beautifully ment of such issues on piece.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 23 VaticanVatican PhilatelicPhilatelic EphemeraEphemera——PartPart II:II: ShowShow SheetsSheets && CardsCards MICHAEL KREJCI—[email protected]
In the first article in this series (March-April 2008 Vati- on this card reflects the renamed Vatican printing house can Notes, p. 2), I proposed to list for members the vari- (a change which took place in 1992): TIPOGRAFIA VATI- ous ephemera that have been produced through the years CANA. by the Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico, or Philatelic and Part III of this series, in the September-October issue, Numismatic Office, of the Vatican City State. I also laid will complete the list of items related to specific philatelic out a classification system of six general categories and shows and begin cataloguing the all-purpose show items then began to describe the nonpostal folders, cards, and produced by the UFN. - souvenir sheets produced for specific philatelic shows. UFN Commemorative Show Sheets Without Postal Value In 1981 the UFN issued its first souvenir sheet containing perforated labels without postal value. These were given Year Show Size (in millimeters, # of out gratis by the Vatican at WIPA ‘81 in Vienna. At this width × height) labels and subsequent shows, attendees could also purchase a 1981 WIPA ‘81 (Vienna) 118 × 175 2 Vatican stamp and have the commemorative show cancel 1982 Philex France ‘82 (Paris) 190 × 125 1 tie the stamp to the souvenir sheet. The accompanying 1983* Brasiliana ‘83 (Rio) 126 × 166 2 table lists the year, show, size, and number of labels for 1984 España ‘84 (Madrid) 119 × 174 9 each of these sheets through 1997. Beginning in 1983, 1985† Italia ‘85 (Rome) 173 × 149.5 16 these sheets were included in the annual philatelic year- 1986 Stockholmia ‘86 132 × 180 3 ‡ books indicating that the UFN considered them part of 1987 Capex ‘87 (Toronto) 115 × 174 1 their regular philatelic program. 1988 Finlandia ‘88 (Helsinki) 119 × 170 2 1989 Philex France ‘89 (Paris) 154 × 110 2 The UFN also issued four cards celebrating individual 1990 Stamp World London ‘90 169 × 120 2 philatelic expeditions. In 1982, a 145 mm wide × 108 mm 1991 Phila Nippon ‘91 (Tokyo) 173 × 133 2 high card was printed for San Marino ‘82. Below the final 1992 Granada ‘92 162 × 116 2 address line is the imprint GOVERNATORATO — CITTÀ 1993 Polska ‘93 (Poznan)_ 163 × 123.5 2 DEL VATICANO. A similar card (of the same size and with 1994 Philakorea ‘94 (Seoul) 110 × 135 2 the same legend) was released the next year for Brasiliana 1995 Singapore ‘95 110 × 135 2 ’83 in Rio, making that show the only one to receive both 1996 Capex ‘96 (Toronto) 147 × 100 2 1997 Pacific ‘97 (San Francisco) 150 × 95 2 a commemorative sheet and show card. * Show card also issued Having released a show sheet for Philexfrance ’89, the † Folder, postage stamps and souvenir sheet (Sc. #766-7, 767a) also issued ‡ Commemorative folder also issued UFN instead offered a show card for World Stamp Expo ’89 in Washington, 1 D.C. This card is slightly larger than the two previous show cards, measuring 173 × 109 mm. The legend below the final address line on this card is TIPOGRAFIA POLIGLOTTA VATICANA. Italia ’98 was also honored with its own show card when the show took place in Milan from October 23-November 1. The face of the card is a reproduction of the ₤800 stamp issued by the Vatican commemorating the show (a joint issue with Italy and San Marino). The card measures 190 mm wide × 115 mm high. The legend below the final address line
24 Vatican Notes 2 3 4
Fig. 1 (previous page, 5 bottom right): interior of the folder issued for Italia ‘85 containing the non-postal show sheet of 16 labels on the right and the postally valid souvenir sheet on the left.
Figs 2-4 (this page, top row, left to right): non- postal show sheets for Stamp World London ‘90, Granada ‘92, and Polska ‘93.
Fig. 5 (right): nonpostal show sheet for Capex ’87 mounted in a folder that also features a Vatican stamp tied by show cancel.
Figs 6-7, bottom: Show cards for San Marino ’82 (left) and Brasiliana ’83. The San Marino card has had postage and a cancel applied.
6 7
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 25 3966 Jim Collins, 2068 Ponderosa Place Secretary-Treasurer’s Mandeville LA 70488 3967 John A. Kehrle, 11215 Oak Leaf Drive Report Silver Spring MD 20901 JOSEPH G. [email protected] 3969 Robert J. Youhouse, 321 Gumbert Street
Port Vue PA 15133 Society elections The Society's constitution and bylaws call for election of 3970 Michele Fiaschi, Via Piemo Maggio #368 officers to occur every two years in the even numbered Ponte A Egola, Pisa S6029 ITALY years. This year, nominations for the offices of president, 3971 Charles C. Hall, 5470 Elm Avenue vice president, secretary, and treasurer, as called for in the Beaverton OR 97000 bylaws, will be accepted until July 10th. Printed election ballots will be then be included in the July–August issue 3972 David J. Petullo, 10 Sherwood Drive and returns accepted until August 30th. Those elected will Sterling ME 01564 take office effective September 15th and the results an- 3973 Charles R. Hiehle, 600 Broadmoor Drive nounced in the September-October issue. Nashville TN 37216-1613 Dan Celani and Dick Leitermann, the current president 3974 Anthony V. DeSena, 191 Grand Street and vice president respectively, have informed me that New York NY 10013 they will not be running for re-election. I am willing to 3975 George Bruzza, 1026 Essex Circle remain your treasurer if so elected. I also assumed the ad- Kalamazoo MI 49008-2349 ditional duties of secretary when John Schorn was unable to continue because of his work. Not all members are re- 3976 Peter MacDonald, 874 Walkley Road tired; they have families and jobs that compete for their Ottawa ON K1V 6R5 CANADA time. The editor and associate editor of the Notes are 3977 Brian B. Flanagan, 527 Winthrop Mail Center prime examples of members who fall into this category. Cambridge MA 02138-7580 According to the bylaws, candidates for any of the elected 3978 Ira Moskowitz, 2121 Jamieson Avenue #1703 positions must submit two copies of a signed nominating Alexandria VA 22314-5715 petition: one copy to the secretary (me) and one to the edi- tor for publication in the Notes. The nominee must be en- 3979 Andrew Woycitzky, 210 Cosky Drive Marina CA 93933 dorsed by four members in good standing who themselves are not candidates. Here is the form of the petition: Join us today If you are reading someone else’s copy of Vatican Notes, Date: ______join the Vatican Philatelic Society today and begin reaping I, (NAME OF PROPOSER) , hereby submit the name of the benefits of membership, including a subscription to (NAME OF CANDIDATE) for the office of _(NAME OF OFFICE) this journal. Dues information and an application may be in the Vatican Philatelic Society. downloaded from www.vaticanphilately.org. Endorser #1 ______Keep your mailing address current Please notify me directly of any change in your mailing Endorser #2 ______address. This will insure that you will receive each issue of Endorser #3 ______Vatican Notes without delay and save the Society $2.00. Membership numbers (if known) should be supplied for Because of our class of mailing permit, the U.S. Postal Ser- the proposer, the candidate, and the endorsers. Please con- vice charges for an address correction, and we then have to tact me by E-mail or telephone (616-245-7661) with any remail the issue to the member at first-class rates. questions. Submit address changes to me by using the online form at New members http://www.vaticanphilately.org/moving.htm, by E-mail to As of May 1, your Society has members in 37 states and 12 [email protected], or by mail at the following address: foreign nations. We welcome the following new members Joseph G. Scholten, VPS Secretary-Treasurer admitted since my last report: 1436 Johnston Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49507-2829
26 Vatican Notes NotableNotable Postcard:Postcard: EarlyEarly MaximumMaximum CardsCards GREG PIROZZI — [email protected]
Early Vatican City maxi- mum cards (pre-1939) are quite scarce. The examples shown below are especially interesting since they repre- sent both a first day usage (Fig. 1) and a commercial maximum card created by the Italian collector group A.M.C. ROMA (Fig. 2). In order for a card to be considered a true maximum card, three characteristics must be met. The postcard should illustrate the subject of the stamp with either a photo or artwork; the stamp ▲Fig. 1: Photo maximum card with the 10c value (Scott #20) of the should be affixed and cancelled on the front of the Gardens & Medallions issue cancelled on the first day of issue — 31 May, 1933. The concordance of the postcard view, specific stamp card; and the cancel should be contemporary with the subject and first day postmark result in a card with maximum con- stamp. When all three of these criteria are met, the cordance between these three characteristics. card is in maximum concordance—hence the name. -
▼Fig. 2: Early, commercially produced maximum card with the 5c. and 20c. values (Scott #19, 22) of the Gardens & Medallions issue cancelled on 8 Aug 1939 with views of the coat of arms of Pius XI and the Apostolic Palace. Pius XI had died earlier that year; note the word “defunto” and the black border around his arms. Despite AMC ROMA’s name, their post office box was in Florence.
▲ Reverse of the card with a de- scription in four languages of the AMC ROMA collectors association.
May-June 2008 (Vol. 56, № 6) 27 If not delivered, return to: Vatican Philatelic Society Joseph G. Scholten Secretary-Treasurer 1436 Johnston St. SE Grand Rapids MI 49507-2829
AA GardensGardens && MedallionsMedallions MysteryMystery GREG PIROZZI — [email protected]
The postcard illustrated below depicts Pope Pius XI in a an ornate frame strikingly similar to the 30c. to 80c. values of the Gardens and Medallions series. The address side is franked with the 25c. value of the series (Scott #23) postmarked 23 July 1937 and addressed to Troy, NY. Captions on both sides indicate that the picture (quadro) is part of the Vatican Philatelic Collection (Raccolta Filatelica Vaticana). Was the design an unadopted essay for the series? Was Enrico Federici the de- signer? When was the Vatican Philatelic collection first established, and is this item on view in the Philatelic Museum to- day? Can readers provide any additional information to help solve this mystery? -
◄ The stamp-like design of the picture postcard includes a nearly exact repro- duction of the frame of the issued stamps. The two lower circular spaces below the vignette contain the Papal seal on the left and the coat of arms of Pius XI on the right.
► Along with a vignette of St. Peter’s dome, the final adopted design of the frame included an abbreviation of the centesimi currency unit (Cent.) and the denomination as show for the 75c. value at left.