No. 60 4 Th Quarter 1989 POSTAL Hlmal Is a Quarterly Publication of the Nepal • Tibet Philatelic Study Circle

POSTALHIMAL QUARTERLY OF THE NEPAL AND TIBET PHILATELIC STUDY CiRClE

NEW TIBET FORGERY, 1912 issue, 1/3trangka, block of four (enlarged), with one cliche tete beche. See article on pages 45-48.

No. 60 4 th Quarter 1989 POSTAL HlMAL is a quarterly publication of the Nepal • Tibet Philatelic Study Circle. Membership subscrip tions run from January through December of each year. Dues should be paid to the society representative in your area. Infonmation on advertising rates may be obtained from the editor. MEI-'B ERSH I P DUES USA India Nepa 1 Rest of World One Year $ 7.50 Rs 140 Rs 273 t. 6.00 Three Years $ 21.00 Rs 390 Rs 774 .1. 17.00 AND TIBET L1 fe Member $150.00 Rs 2760 Rs 5460 t. 120.00 American Philatelic Society Affiliate 1122 POSTAL HIMAL No. 60 British Philatelic Federation Affiliate 1435 4th Quarter 1989 OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES Officers PRESIDENT: Dr. Pierre Couvreur PATRON: Mac Linscott Ricketts SECRETARY: Colin Hepper 12 Charnwood Close. Peterborough. Cambs .• PE2 9BZ. ENGLAND EDITOR: lester Michel 309 Yucca Circle. Colorado Springs. CO 80906-2150. USA PUBLICITY: F. Westbrook 2886 Carambola Circle South. Coconut Creek. FL 33066. USA Re~resenta t i yes EU PE COlin Hepper. 12 Charnwood Close. Peterborough. Cambs .• PE29 BZ. ENGLAND INDIA Sohan Lat Dhawan &Sons. National Agencies. Sheranwala Gate. Patiala.147 001. INDIA NEPAL Surendra Lal Shrestha. K'du. Dist. P.O.Box 72. 5/148 Ombahal. Kathmandu. NEPAl USA Roger D. Skinner. 1020 Covington Road. Los Altos. CA 94022. USA LIFE MEPeERS: S. L:Shrestha. · D. vanderWateren. W. C. Hellrigl. P. Gupta. R. Hurray. vn P • I~~ 1'iiA "'I·"' i"~lIt .... "" R~,'-11. al.a""d U"n..'" f,-,lh.· ,.~ott t 11>0__ U"rtn-~ ""-'. ~A . .. t:...... 7111_ _ . lI~t..- __ _a. s;_ Jr'*;. NEW MEMBERS: CHANGE OF ADDRESS: George Bourke , P. O. Box 564 , Be11evi11e, Mich. , 48111, USA TABLE OF CONTENTS page Editor1s Letter ...... Miche1. 41 A Report on PHILEXFRANCE 189. Co 1in Hepper " 42 A Visit to the Past President...... Col in Hepper .. 42 A Book Leaves the International Scene ... Wolf gilng Hellrig1 & Frank Vignola. 43 An Interesting Historical Letter from Tibet - A Translation D. Dawson. . '. 44 A New Set of Tibetan Forgeries ...... George Bourke.. 45 A Review of the latest issue of PHILATELY Lester ~1iche1. .. 47 A Fake Rarity of Classic Nepal ... '. .. Wo1fgang He11rigl. 49 Frank & Mae Vigno1a Survive Earthquake! Frank Vigno1a. " 50 Proposed Statutes for the N&TPSC ...... 51 Study Circle Auction List No. 50 ...... after 52 No. 60 Fourth Quarter 1989 time! He called to 'tease' me about my forgetfulness, but did not complain! Dear Friends, No one else has objected either! Our President, Dr. Pierre Couvreur, Lester A. Michel has submitted his resignation from that CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINC office. As your editor, for more than FOR MDiBERS USE ONLY ten vears, I can only say that I have been- the beneficiary of our president's One insertion, per line $1.00 knowledge and wise counsel -- and his Four insertion., per Hne 3.50 constant encouragement. I am happy to To calculate the number of linea your report that Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl is advertisement will require, count 39 expected to be confirmed as the next charactera per line, including all let president -- at the meeting of our Study ter., numerala, punctuation marks and Circle in London next May. For the blank spacu between \,lOrds. Ads rill benefit of our newer members I wish to be placed under appropriate heading. note that Dr. Hellrigl was one of the without charge for the headings. See 'founding father's' of the Study Circle the Classified Ad section in the final and is, without doubt, the best known pages of any issue of The AMERICAN philatelist concentrating on the phila PHILATELIST for typical ad headings - tely of the Himalayan Region. His con or simply send your own ad, asking the tributions to the pages of POSTAL HIMAL editor to place it under an appropriate have been most welcome on these pages, heading (at no extra cost). and we have two important contributions DEADLINE: Ad and payment in USA dol to this issue. lars (or in mint USA postage stamps) It is also appropriate to report that must reach the editor by the first day this editor will 'step down' from his of one of the following months -- Feb very rewarding position and is happy to ruary, May, August, November -- in order be replaced by a very capable and en for ad to appear in issues mailed about thusiastic collector and exhibitor - one month later. Any change of copy Mr. Leo Martyn. We hope to make the after the first insertion will be coun transitio n Q3 smooth as possible during ted as a new advertisement. 1990. Colin Hepper, as Secretary, will con tinue to wear his many hats! He, and FOR SALE other 'old-timers' in our Study Circle, have decided that our organization is mature enough to require some 'Statutes' TIBETAN FORGERIES. I have a large stock (or By-Laws). A third (or, possibly, of the older 1912 and 1933 forgeries, fourth) revision of these 'rules'is in as well as examples of the new 1912 for cluded with this issue. Final changes geries. Want lists are welcome. If you will be discussed during our meeting(s) have fo~geries for sale, I am an active in London next May. Please read these buyer. Write first before sending ma proposed 'Statutes' and send your sug terial. Trades are also welcome. If you gestions and questions to Colin by the have an interest in forgeries and would first of May, 1990, so that the discus like to share that interest or are look sions at the meeting mentioned above ing for information about Tibetan for may bring a consensus among 'our member geries, write to me. George Bourke, ship. P.O.Box 564, Belleville, MI 48111, USA. Note that pages 39 & 40, omitted from the Third Quarter issue of POSTAL HIMAL, because of my error in counting (~), WANTED are included with this issue. That sheet, as well as the listings for Mail -Bhutan. Anything: covers, FOGs, stamps, Auction No. 50, are folded separately. proofs, essays, etc. Also loose stamps Thus, pages 39 & 40 can easily be in & broken sets to use for postage. Write serted in the proper place in PH No. 59. first. Nildo Harper, 510 Main St. 1910 Another mistake was made by me in Roosevelt Island, New York 10044 printing Prof. Dr. Armand Singer's one column article on page 30 for a second 41 A REPORT ON PHILEXFRANCE ' 89 --Colin Hepper On the weekend of 8/9th July Eleanor and I t ook a holiday break in Paris, to co-incide with the PHILEXFRANCE '89 In ternational stamp exhibition being held in the quite magnificent surroundings in the Pare des Expositions. On Sunday morning we visited the ex hibition and met up with those two most enthusuastic of our members: Dick van der Wateren and Peter Planken from Hol- i land, and, also, Jos Gobert from Belgium.! Dick and Peter had already spent most ' of the previous day at the exhibition and had already viewed the Nepal exhi bits of members Colin Hepper and Mr. A. Bose from India. A very pleasant couple of hours were spent over some refreshments discussing their various purchases and the items on display. Members awards at the exhibition were : "The Classic Stamps of Ne pal" received another well deserved LARGE GOLD for Wolfgang Hellrigl & Frank Vignola, with From left to right: Jos Gobert Peter Planken, Colin Hepper gaining a LARGE SILVER for Dick van der Wateren and Coli~ Hepper his Postal History exhibit. A SILVER went to Mr. Bose for his Nepal. r----.------A VI SIT TO THE PAST PRESIDENT --Colin Hepper I In the last weekend of July I had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Pierre Couvreur and his famil y at his home in Seillans. The weekend could have been spoiled by the fact that when we arrived in Nice, we discovered that the airline had sent our luggage to Lisbon, but Pierre and Monique came to the rescue with clothes from their wardrobe. Pierre was in excellent spirits and looked remarkably well for his 76 years. Even though he has now handed over the reins to Wolfgang, he is still very en thusiastic about the Circle and it~ pro jects. We spent some hours discussing collecting in general over a few drinks in the shade of the large trees in his garden which was most welcome with the temperatures being around 34 degrees Celcius. A very enjoyable weekend ~- and I look forward to Pierre continuing to give us his advice and guidance for many more years.

relax President's home, "La Rouviere" 42 A BOOK LEAVES THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE tory of the Indian sub-continent. --Wolf gang Hellrigl & Frank Vignola However, the real success of a book With the last world philatelic exhibi cannot be measured just by the favour tion, PHILEXFRANCE '89, the final cur able reviews and the number of medals tain fell for a book which had been much received. There is a far more important in the limelight for the past few years. test and that is the opinion of the rea Published in April, 1984, "The. Clcu.6.i..c. ders .. We are happy to say that "The. Stamp.6 06 Ne.pM" was regularly exhibited ClaM-<.c. S.tamp.6 06 Ne.pM" was extremely in the literature class of the main well accepted by the growing community philatelic events until the five-year of Nepal collectors, so much so that, limit, imposed by FIP-regulations and even today, we receive occasional let calculated from the date of publication, ters from philatelists expressing their had expired. appreciation. Moreover, the fact that Now that this book leaves the compe most collectors and virtually all exhi titive international scene, it is time bitors of classic Nepal are now adopting for us to take a look back and express the "H / V" numbering system, ma y perhaps our gratitude to the persons who have be taken as a silent form of recognition. taken interest in and supported our work Having thus given a brief summary of in so many and varied ways. the events following the publication we . Generally referred to as "HilltUgl/ wish to thank those philatelists, mo~t V--<..gYl.Ofa." or, simply, "H / V", this volume of whom are members of the Nepal & Tibet has had most favourable reviews through Philatelic Study Circle, who have helped out the leading philatelic journals of us produce this book. Without their en the world. One of the most knowledge couragement and co-operation as well as able reviewers, Prof. Dr. Armand E. . technical and financial assistance, the Singer, had concluded his comments (pub project could never have been success lished in Postal Himal, No. 38) with the fully concluded. following, benevolent words: "16 ['The. We gratefully remember the many re Cla..6.6.i..c. S.tamp.6 06 Ne.pal'] 6a.J..1...6 .to gaA..n viewers, who have taken their time to gold me.ditu SOft rhD!.c'-t~UC.U../:e.h.a;tLl.Jte. at delve into a rather complex and, for most of them, unfamiliar subject. Next, ~f1.te.,:-~0 f1a1. e.xJUb.i..Uo f1.6 ,a gfte.at .i..n our thanks go to the members of the vari jU.6tic.e. .{..6 .i..n .the. malUng." Protected by such powerful spells, we entered the ous international juries who have invari book at eleven world philatelic exhibi ably included "H / V" among the world's tions. We are proud to announce that, best philatelic publications of the past on each occasion, "The. CfM.6.i..c. Stamp.6 06 five years. Ne.pM" was awarded a gold medal. There remains one special group of The exhibitions in question were: supporters to thank for - the many phi ITALIA '85, AMERIPEX '86, STOCKHOLMIA latelists who purchased a copy of "The. CfM.6.i..c. Stamp.6 06 Ne.pal". In this con '86, CAPEX '87, HAFNIA '87 ' FINLANDIA , 88, PRAGA '88, INDIA '89, IPHLA '89, text we also wish to thank those dealers BULGARIA '89 and PHILEXFRANCE '89. It - in the V.S., England and Germany - who should be noted that in the literature have eased our financial burden by order class of world exhibitions there are ing consistent quantitites of the book. usually between 180 and 220 entries com The combined response by individual buy peting for an average 5 to 6 gold medals . ers and dealers was so great that it did As an exception, IPHLA '89, a special not take long before the stocks of the world philatelic-literature exhibition , book began to run low. The 500 copies featured close to 600 entries, an abso printed were virtually sold out after lute record. three years, enabling us to fully re Apart from these major successes, the cover the considerable production and volume was awarded gold medals at vari mailing costs. ous exhibitions of local importance such We have occasionally been asked whe as the Cardinal Spellman Literature Fair. ther we consider publishing a revised One award which we treasure for its spe edition of "H/V" . Obviously, new infor cial significance is the Martin Memorial mation on the classic issues has emerged Trophy, the India Study Circle's recog since 1984 i but this does not include nition for the best literary work on the any dramatic discoveries such as new subject of philately and/or postal his- settings. This means that, on the whole, (concluded on next page) 43 HELLRIGL/VIGNOLA ...... ( concluded)-- ing Officers , we were glad to know that the book is still very much up to date orders have been given to the troops and that, at this stage, a new edition which have already arrived in Dre Jong* is not in sight. Nevertheless, we have to cease firing until the negotiations meticulously recorded any new finds, are completed, and also ordering the however small, and appeal to all members withdrawal of the troops from Shel Kar of the Study Circle to continue supply to Nyanang. It is very kind of yo u. ing with details of anything of interest. "Enclosed with this letter is a sepa Once sufficient new information shall rate one to the Maharajah of Gurkha. have been collected, we will consider Please try to deliver it to him as s oo n the possibility of issuing a supplement. as possible. We should like to conclude these re "I myself and Sakya Lama, having our marks by saying that the wonderful sup beneficial thoughts and being determined port we have received from all concerned to bring happiness to the large number has been not only the greatest reward we of people of Gurkha and Tibet, will make could have hoped for but also the best every effort to develop the negotiations incentive for continuing our research in a positive way. work in the future. Also you, the High Ranking Officers, must have positive thoughts and show mercy to the people of Nepal and Tibet, and should give your support to the negotiations . "Particularly during these negotiations , AN INTERESTING HISTORICAL LETTER FROM it would be very helpful if the Sakya TIBET - A TRANSLATION Lama and I could work towards a success -- D. Dawson ful treaty without being caused many The article which was published difficulties. As we mentioned earlier in issue number 56 under this tit:Le to you, we will inform the representa provoked at least one member of the tive of the Central Government. As you Study Circle to press the case for a have asked through the representative full translation. Approaches to several here, we enclose the urgently needed possible sources for this to be done met best quality medicinal stones and with little success until quite recently , clothes for the seven High Ranking Of when I heard of a houng Tibetan monk ficers in their various locations. studying English in London who might be "Enclosing a Kathag for a symbol and prepared t o undertake the task. Offi four golden coins. cial Tibetan documents are not the "ON AN AUSPICIOUS DATE easiest papers to translate for various SEAL OF THE PANCHEN LAMA. reasons. These include the use of hon *i.e. Sikkim" orifics, which in Tibetan almost consti tute a separate language, and the changes which affect most languages over a century or more. Kalden Lodoe has done a remarkably good job, and I am grateful to him. His translation STAMP WORLD LONDON 90 of the letter is aa follows:- Did you know that a half-century ago "To the High Ranking Officers of the philatelists were planning fitting cen Gurkha Army in Nyanang. tenary celebrations for May 1940? The "To bring about happiness for the outbreak of war in September 1939 put people of Tibet and Nepal, the Sakya to an end the preparations. -- So the Lama and I recently wrote a letter to 150th anniversary of the Penny Black is the Maharajah of Gurkha on the subject an event that should not be missed. Two of negotiations, and I received a quick meetings of our Study Circle are planned reply to that very letter. during May 3-13. Please plan to attend. "Specifically, as we mentioned in a letter which was sent to the High Rank- 44 STAMP WORLD LONDON 90 1 . 1912 issue, 1/6 trangka 3. 1912 issue, 2/3 trangka, first setting

" • ~,

2. 1912 issue, 1/3 trangka 4. 1912 issue, 2/3 trangka, second setting

Note: All illustrations on this page are reduced to 75% of the original photographs .

45 A NEW SET OF TIBETAN FORGERIES This variety has not been seen in a --George Bourke full sheet. (See front cover.--Ed.) A new and very dangerous set of for 1/2 TRANGKA geries of the 1912 issue has appeared. Violet. I have only seen two singles This is the first set since Waterfall of this value. Both were printed on set seven to include all five values of rice paper. No sheets have yet been the 1912 issue. In addition. the one seen. At the present time this value sang has also been forged. Like the remains rare. originals. they are printed in sheets 2/3 TRANGKA of twelve. They have been photographi Vermilion. Both rough-smooth and cally reproduced either from genuine yellow paper. Two different settings sheets or photographs of genuine sheets. have been seen: Dr. Hellrigl. who has examined some of 1st: two "Potsage" errors. The the material. has offered the following . cliche nUlllber and arrangement has not possible explanation: "As to why only been completely determined because of certain cliches were used in one sheet. the poor registry of this setting. I would presume that the remaining cli This was printed on rough-smooth pa ches did not come out well in the photo per. No copies on yellow paper have graphic reproduction or. alternatively. been seen for the first setting. The they may have featured some individual only cliches that have been determined flaws which would have allowed to iden are: 1 X 3 X tify the 'model' sheet." At least two 5 6 7 X printings of each value have appeared. X X X 12 The first. on a thick paper. smooth (polished) on one side and backed with 2nd: three "Potsage" errors. Both native paper. I refer to this as 'rough rough-smooth and yellow paper. smooth' paper. A second printing. on Seven cliches: yellow paper exists for each value. In 1 2 3 4 addition, several copies of the 1/2 5 6 7 1 trsngkz ~ve been fo~nd on rice pa?e~; 4 2 5 6 Whether other values will also be found 1 TRANGKA on rice paper. remains an open question. Vermilion. Both rough-smooth and Several other paper varieties have been yellow paper. Six cliches: noted, but they have not been found in 1 234 all values or in full sheets. With the 3 672 exception of the 1/3 and 2/3 trangka, 6 7 4 1 th~ forgeries of this set are in colors that closely reproduce the colors of the 1 SANG originals. making them very dangerous, Deep green. Both rough-smooth and especially on cover. yellow paper. Only four cliches: 121 2 1/6 TRANGKA 565 6 Green, light green. vivid green. Both 2 6 2 6 rough-smooth and yellow paper. Only five cliches: 1 2 3 2 THE CANCELLATIONS 531 3 With the exception of one strip of 9 9 5 3 three of the 2/3 trangka. all examples Double prints of this value have been of this set so far seen are uncancelled. seen. unless on cover. Examples on cover 1/3 TRANGKA bear a variety of cancels: Light blue. Both rough-smooth and Chushu in black and blue. yellow paper. Only six cliches: Lhasa in black and green. 1 234 Gyantse in black. blue, green 5 158 and red. 8 2 3 4 The above are all type I and are pho A sheet has been found printed on the tographically reproduced from the book: smooth side, although this is not "The Postage Stamps and Postal History usual. Blocks of four of this value of Tibet" by H. D. S. Haverbeck. They with one cliche tete beche exist. are not forgeries in the usual sense. 46 (continued on next page) •.•.• TIBETAN FORGERIES ••... (continued)- graphically reproduced stamps in accurate colors and perfect cancels make this the They are exact reproductions. That is most dangerous material so far encountered. their weakness as well as their strength. The failings of these creations are sub Other cancels seen are Lhasa Type VI in tle and I will make no mention of them black. Phari Type VIII in blue and Nan here. for fear that future productions gartse Type VIII in black. all reproduced will be even better. To the collector from Haverbeck's book. A Shigatse Type with a bent for research and a good li XI has been reproduced from "The Postal brary. this set offers just the right History of Tibet: by Waterfall. An ad amount of challenge. It's quality. ditional marking found on one cover is variety and promise of more to come. the Shigatse Registration handstamp, should make it a favorite among collec again reproduced from Haverbeck. tors. While much still remains to be COVERS learned about this set, it is hoped that the information in this article will It may be good at this point to make provide a framework for further study some general comments on the covers. of this most interesting set of forgeries. The ones that I have seen fall into two groups. fabricated covers which are pre printed business covers (two) and genu ine cover fronts and pieces (five). The PHILATELY, "Jan 88 - July 89", Vol. XV preprinted covers are not dangerous as they are very clean and fresh. The The most recent issue of the official genuine cover fronts and pieces on the publication of ~he Nepal Philatelic So other hand are very dangerous. With the ciety reached me on 24 August -- too late exception of the 1 sang. all values of to be reviewed in POSTAL HIMAL No. 59. this set have been seen on cover or Since then one of our members asked if piece. So far only the rough-smooth he had missed an issue, as this most re printing has been used. The yellowish cent "N. P. S. Half-yearly Journal" carries paper printing would be easy to spot. the "Whole No. 28". This number seems Except for the colors of the 1/3 and t~ , be in error, as the previous issue 2/3 trangka. the stamps themselves are ("Vol. 14 January 1987") shows "Whole very convincing, especially on cover No. 26" on the Title page. The editor where examination of the paper is dif ial page of the most recent issue pro ficult. The 1/6 trangka is particular vides a clue in the opening sentences: ly so . The genuine cover fronts and "We regret for not being able to publish pieces so far seen are all British this magazine in time due to various Offices in Tibet. inward or outward reasons. The main reason is the problem bound. One example in my collection of transferring our office from one ren bears a genuine Gyantse Registration tal building to another as we do not label and another a Pharijong F.P.O. have our own building." -- We can ima Due handstamp. No combination covers gine the disruptive effect of such a have yet been seen. but I do not expect move. I have written to the Secretary , this oversight to continue. Several of Mr. Shyam Prasad Pradhan, about the ap the fronts and pieces have ink seals parent discrepancy between the Volume which are exactly the same ones found number and the Whole number, and will on some of the forged covers beari~ report his explanation in a future issue copies of the 1/6 trangka shiny ink. of POSTAL HlMAL, since many of us are that first appeared in 1979-80. (See members of both philatelic organizations. "More Tibet Forgeries" by Wolf gang C. Space limitations prevent a complete Hellrigl. Postal Himal No. 30). This review of this fine issue, but the Table raises the very real possibility that of Contents shows the lead article to both of these forgeries were produced be authored by the well-known writer, by the same person or persons. These Mr. J. B. Manandhar, and titled: "Ach seals are not contemporary with the ham Ridikot Post Officel! (useful to our cOVers they are found on and have been postal historians). A variety of arti added for effect. To those familiar cles follows (eight in all), ending with with them they are a sure indication the usual "Members Listl! . -- We urge all that the cover is not quite right. The members of the Study Circle to join NPS. use of genuine covers and pieces. photo- 47 5. 1912 issue, 1 trangka (reduced 75 %) 6. 1 s ang (reduced to 75 % of original)

7. Forged 1 trangka and Gyantse Type I cancel in green, on a genuine cover front. (full size)

, ~~.J'~~~~ .. ," \ \, ~ I r ta;r.;rr; .' ~ \ .. ' .. , . ~ 0 ~~· . rr~·~~~E} - ' \ S <>. ~--..---- . ..I ,'/ 'i~ _: ' .~., .>t:! ;,".. ~ft \ , Chi tQ«'t.:k;{;~R~ l Htkk~)tolc". , ·i:t.~ ;', . i<~~ .'7rrt~~:i4){dt-dl)' .,' "'~- £-«a«./ . ~ . , " ~.+-. ' ~ ' :~ . ~ • .--r,... .. __. ~ .7. ~. ~~n<'~·~~..~ ...m -.... 4 ~ <. . J ...

48 A FAKE RARITY OF CLASSIC NEPAL --Wolfgang Hellrigl aside and informed him of the various reasons for my suspicions. I also ex This story of an exceptional Nepal co plained to him that to purchase such an ver really began in New Delhi. The il absolute star item of Asian postal his lustrated cover was exhibited at "INDIA tory just on good faith was purely his '89" and this is where I first came a personal business, but to show it at a cross this brilliant star. And what a star it was - just imagine a cover bear ing a pin-perforated pair and a single of the 2-an nas stamp of the first is sue, on European paper, plus an imperforate 1-anna always of the first issue. The result is simply stag gering and so are the unique features: - the only cover known bearing pin-perforated 2- annas of the first issue; - the only registered co ver bearing pin-perfora ted stamps of the first issue; - the only cover bearing a combination of pin-per forated and imperforate stamps of the first issue; - the earlie~t registered cover of Nepal (October, 1881) . Judging by this record, I would have no hesitation in calling a cover of this calibre as probably the most important as well as the rarest cover of clas sic Nepal. It would in deed be the absolute high light of any collection. There is really only one test that a cover of this order has to pass before entering the ''hall of fame" ...... and that is, it must be ~ ______~ ______~~ ______~ __~ ____~ __~_ genuine. To cut a long story short, more than one feature of world exhibition, was an entirely dif this cover aroused my immediate suspi ferent matter that could not be left at cion, so much so that I was convinced that. I added that if I ever saw this that the three 2-annas stamps were ad cover exhibited again, by whoever, I ded later in a fraudulent attempt to would immediately inform the Jury. I convert a (either double-rate or A/D) felt sure that, if the cover were taken registered cover. out of the frames and examined on the At this stage, I took the proud owner spot, I could prove that it was a fake . of this cover - a collector of Kathmandu - (concluded on next page) 49 A FAKE RARITY ...... (concluded)-- I am of the opinion that the exhibi Some time after this episode, I re tion of key items that are faked, or ceived a letter from the furious Patan even doubtful, is extremely detrimental dealer who had supplied this cover and to our hobby and cannot be tolerated who was desperately trying to defend under any circumstances. the bona fides of himself and his star item. At any rate, he sent me a photo copy of both sides of this cover which enables me to change my earlier suspi FRANK & MAE VIGNOLA SURVIVE EARTHQUAKE! cion into certainty: the cover is de An inquiry, sent by mail, brought one finitely a fake, as proven by the fol of Frank's 'up- beat' letters, plus a lowing facts: photocopy of his experiences during the - it is not a registered cover at all October 17 earthquake. I now quote: (there are no wax seals and no mls en "Mae & I were reading a menu on a dorsements of registration, etc.), hence window of a restaurant when the quake the 7-annas rate is wrong; started. The window began to gently - the weight of the letter being 1 tola wave and Mae said, "Look, it must be (as stated at the back), the correct an earthquake". She no sooner said rate is 1 anna. Had the cover been re that than the street and sidewalk be gistered, the correct rate would have gan rising and falling in big waves. been 6 annas, not 7, since AID was not I couldn't believe it, as I have lived requested; here all my life and never felt or saw - the cancellations centred on the 2- such an earthquake in action. Then annas stamps are not properly tied to the windows in the stores and restau the cover, although some attempts were rants on this street began cracking made to add portions of the killers; like pistol shots and crashing. I - there are further clues such as the looked overhead and saw signs above us placing of the 2-annas stamps over the shaking, so grabbed Mae's arm and we address details despite the fact that made our way to the curb -- about 10 there was ample free space at the back . reeL fro~ th~ buildings. Mae sta~ted Both the owner and the dealer have to fall, but I caught her and we both been fully informed of the situation. held on to each other. In-the-meantime, Should this particular cover re-appear motorcycles parked nearby started fal at a world exhibition, I shall have no ling over and there were lots of crashes option but to inform the Jury that it within the stores and restaurants as is not genuine. people ran out of the stores and buil To make matters worse, there is a se dings. Then, the quake stopped, al cond doubtful cover in the same exhibit though the ground continued shaking, and it was handled by the same dealer. but less violently. The autos had all It bears imperforate 1, 2 and 4 annas stopped in the street and were bouncing stamps of the first issue, genuinely like rubber balls -- I couldn't believe cancelled with the standard hexagonal it. The overhead wires were wildly Jaleswar type. The stamps appear to sw inging, so we made our way across the have been "tied" to the cover by the street where there were no overhead additional strikes of what I constder 'things' to fall on us. Mae sat down, to be a forged Jaleswar cancellation. and I leaned on a parking meter. There The date of the backs tamp appears to were several mild afterquakes for seve have been fraudulently altered (from ral minutes but we were able to walk l889? to 1881). A definite opinion on' home a few blocks away. Our place was this second cover will only be possible a mess inside, but the only damage was after a careful examination of the re broken lamps and some crystal decanters, verse. Thus, I have'offered to exper glassware, etc. Fortunately there was tize this item free of charge. In the no structural damage to our place, but meantime - and in view of the fact that many were not so fortunate." (The scare there have been recent offers to pur headline is mine, but the story is Frank's chase this item - I must warn prospec and his words are so graphic that we tive buyers that this is almost certain thought they should be shared with you, ly a fake. our readers.--Ed.) 50 PROPOSED STATUTES FOR THE NEPAL & TIBET 3.4 The membership fee includes a sub PHILATELIC STUDY CIRCLE scription to the Circle's journal, Article 1: General Postal Himal and participation in the Circle's quarterly auctions. 1.1 The Nepal & Tibet Philatelic Study 3.5 Membership can be terminated by Circle (hereafter referred to as the Board should any person act in 'Circle') is an international non a manner which is detrimental to profit organization. The Circle the good name of the Circle or the is an entirely independent organi hobby. zation and is an active affiliate 3.6 Members may resign by voluntary of the American Philatelic Society res igna t ion. and the British Philatelic Federa tion. Article 4: The Board of Directors of the Circle Article 2: Objectives of the Circle 4.1 The Board of Directors of the Cir The objectives of the Circle are: cle shall consist of a maximum of 2.1 To unite persons of all nations in nine, being the President, the terested in the philately and pos Vice President, the immediate Past tal history of the Himalayan region President, the Secretary, the and to promote and encourage per Treasurer, the Editor of Postal sonal contact and co-operation Rimal, the Librarian, the Auction between them. eer, and one or more members who 2.2 To issue and/or support studies and are not an officer of the Circle. publications dealing with the phi (More than one would be required lately and postal history of the when one person held more than one Himalayan region. official position.) 2.3 To facilitate and promote the ex 4.2 Every function of the Circle is change of views and opinions be honorary. One person may hold one tween members. or more of the positions listed in 2.4 To uphold common interescs. 4.1. The President is che legal 2.5 To promote and organize regular representative of the Circle, the meetings of members, locally, President's residence is considered nationally or internationally. the legal seat of the Circle. 4.3 The President and Board of Directors Article 3: Membership are responsible for the running of 3.1 Members of the Circle may be col the Circle. The President decides lectors, dealers, auctioneers, or on the ordinary business. Very any other interested persons. Mem important and/or extraordinary bership will be denied to any per business is decided by a two thirds sons who have been knowingly in majority of votes by the members of volved in the production and/or the Board. Vital decisions, such circulation of forgeries. as amendments of these Statutes, 3.2 All members are obliged to pay the must be voted by the Board and then Treasurer or Regional Representa ratified by a two thirds majority tive the annual membership fee. vote by all members of the Circle. The membership fee must' be paid at Article 5: Election of the Board of the latest by 31 March of each Directors year. Any subscriptions not paid by this date, the membership will 5.1 The Board of Directors of the Circle be considered as lapsed and the remains in charge for five years. name will be removed from the At the end of a five year term, the mailing list. New Board is elected by the members 3.3 The amounts of the annual member of the Circle, by Postal vote. ship fee and life membership fee While all members of the Board are respectively, are fixed by the eligible for one or more re-elec Board of Directors,' from time to tions, the President cannot serve time. more than two terms in that office.

(continued on the next page) 51 PROPOSED STATUTES ...... (concluded)-- Dear Members We will not be sending out an auction 5.2 Any vacancies occurring within the list \vith the next two issues of Postal five years will be filled by Board Himal as we are go ing to try running a appointments. These posts \vould larger auction to coincide with the Lon then have to stand for elect ion at don International Exhibition in May. the end of the normal five year This will be run as a separate catalogue period. with the lots being available for v iew 5.3 Announcements to be made in Postal ing at our two meetings during the ex Himal six months prior to elections hibition. I am looking for good quality asking for nominations/volunteers. lots which must be in my hands by the Article 6: Dissolution middle of February in order that the catalogue can be out by the end of March. 6.1 The Circle can only be dissolved The two meetings will be held during the by the membership. All members to afternoon of Friday 4th May and Thursday be balloted with full explanation 10th of May. At least one of these will for reasons for dissolution. If be used as a General Business Meeting of dissolution was the majority vote the Circle and the other can be used in under rule 4.3, the financial whatever manner members would \vish . So assets of the Association shall be for all of you who are attending I would handed over to another philatelic like to hear from yo u letting me know organization. which day s you may be able to attend and what subjects you would like to see us (All members are encouraged to read, and cover either by discussion or display . re-read these "Proposed Statutes". If We will do our best to try and please you have questions, or suggestions, we everyone. ask that yo u submit them in writing to Both I and your President look forward our Secretary, Colin Hepper, so that he to having two very enj oyable and fruit may prepare a suitable agenda for the ful meetings . discussions that will take place during the meetings held during May 3-13 at Regards, STAMP I']ORLD LONDON 90. As our organiza Colin Hepper tion matures, the need for appropriate (Please note that the second meeting is rules for its management becomes more now scheduled for Thursday, ~~y 10 important.--Ed.) and not on Friday , May ll. --Ed.) FLASH! In a letter to your editor from Colin Hepper (just in time to 'make' ANOTHER LATE ITEM this issue) he states that the second Yo ur editor has just received a packet meeting during STAMP WORLD LONDON .90 has of 130 cards from Tibet -- the cards il been shifted to Thursday, May 10, in lustrated on page 37 of Postal Himal No . room D from 14.15 to 17.45. -- This was 59. Unfortunately, the name and address necessary in order that Dr. Hellrigl on page 37, as well as in my letter on could attend the meeting. It turned page 25, is no longer valid. My first out that he, being a director of the attempt to order a set of these cards experts committee, was required to meet suffered the same fate as a previous on the very same day and time as the mailing. Another of our members learned Study Circle meeting had been scheduled. that the cards (bearing the bilingual Also please read the important letter postmarks -- all dated February 28, 1987) on page 6 of the enclosed listing of could be obtained from the same person lots for Auction No. 50. Since that \vho offered the mountaineering maximum letter is there reduced to half-size, cards -- so we tried that and found suc we repeat it in the column on the right cess: We wish to apologize for the con of this page.--Ed. fusion and plan t o deal with this subject more thoroughly in our next issue.--Ed.