Founded 1921 The Hong Kong Philatelic Society

February 2020 NewsLetter HKPS Monthly Newsletter Honorary Editor: P. C. Shaw Member of FIP & FIAP

Editor’s Note ...... P. 1 Editor’s Note January Meeting Note ...... P. 1 Exhibition Calendar ...... P. 2 Hong Kong has not started well in 2020. Besides the ongoing 2019 Journal Obtained Gold Award ...... P. 2 social unrest, we are facing the Coronavirus epidemic. This Fakes, Forgeries and Doubts ...... P. 3-4 virus is originated in Wuhan China and is spreading to other 4c Postal Stationery Envelope of KGV ...... P. 5 part of the country. Compared to SARS in 2003, the virus Collectors Guide Part 6 ...... P. 6 is milder but more infectious. So far, recovery depends on Collecting Stamps Can Save your Wife ...... P. 7-8 the body’s defence and there is no e ective cure. People are Collect Hong Kong Stamps ...... ………………………P. 8 very worry and queue for long hours for buying face masks. They also avoid going to crowded places. As a result, many activities are cancelled and unfortunately this also includes Hong Kong Stampex scheduled in February. On the brighter side, besides the CG Award obtained for the 2019 HKPS journal, which has already been reported in the December 2019 newsletter, we are pleased that the journal has also obtained a Gold Award in the 16th New Zealand Philatelic Literature Exhibition. We are now in the final stage of producing the 2020 journal. The coming issue contains 26 articles for the sections: General, Reflection, Youth Philately, Research – Hong Kong, Research – China and others. We thank the enthusiastic support of contributors and look forward to comments from readers for future improvement. The journal will be ready for distribution in the March monthly members meeting.

January Meeting Note Chairman: Malcolm Hammersley Our member Mr. Leon Hong LI shared his collection on Maritime mail of Ecuador at Colonial Period (1764-1822). In 1764 King Carlos III created the Spanish Maritime Postal System (Correo Vice-Chairman: 張文德 Maritimo) and established the first post o ices at the port of La Coruna and Cadiz to handle Andrew Cheung Daniel Szeto 司徒福添 mail between Spain and Americans. Mail was sent by packet boat to Havana where it was sorted for destinations in Nueva Espana (Mexico), the Caribbean Islands, Central America, Ecuador, Honorary Secretary: and most of South Americas. Presentation contents four chapters, 1: Maritime Mail from Spain Stephen Chan 陳贊殷 to Ecuador, including mail rates and two deferent routes, Maritime mail demarcation mark Honorary Treasurer: ‘ESPANA’. 2: Maritime Mail from Ecuador to Spain, such as rates and postal marks. 3: Spanish John Tang 鄧文聰 Pacific Coast Mail, rates and routes. 4: Maritime mail via Ecuador. Honorary Editor: Mr. Li also provided copies of his presentation contents and brought 16 pages of his exhibit P.C. Shaw 邵鵬柱 about Maritime mail letters for members to view the real covers. Auction Secretary: Tony Cheung 張柷枰 O icial letter from Spainish Court to Ecuador Youth O icer: Madrid, Spain to Quito, dated c. 1776. Albert Lai 黎鴻健 Route: Madrid- La Coruna- La Habana- Cartagena- Quito. Markings: Black oval sello negro was used on o icial mail in Spain Librarian: since 1716. Robert Schneider “Por el Rey” Manuscript means “For the King”. Rate: Manuscript 5 means 5 Reales Plata, double weight letter. Committee Member: This is one of the earliest recorded letters from Spain to Ecuador sent by Correo Maritimo. William Kwan 關卓然 K.L. Poon 潘鑑良 No Monthly Members Meeting in February

GPO Box 446, Hong Kong, HKPS email: [email protected], HKPS editor email: [email protected] www.hkpsociety.com Exhibition Calendar 2020

Exhibition Date Place Commissioner

Hong Kong Stampex Cancelled – –

New Zealand 2020 19 – 22 Mar Auckland, NZ B.M. Wong

London 2020 (FIP Patronage) 2 – 9 May London, UK Andrew Cheung

Indonesia 2020 (FIP Patronage)+ 6 – 11 Aug Jakarta, Indonesia Daniel Szeto

Taipei 2020 23 – 27 Oct Taipei, Chinese Taipei Wong, Siu Po

+ https://indonesia2020.com/info/

2019 Journal Obtained Gold Award

We are pleased to report that the 2019 Society Journal has obtained a Gold Award in the 16th New Zealand National Philatelic Literature Exhibition hosted by the Christchurch (NZ) Philatelic Society and authorized by the New Zealand Philatelic Federation. The event was held in Christchurch, New Zealand on 28 September, 2019. The journal has received favourable and useful comments from the jury team. We have taken note on the comments for producing another high quality journal for 2020.

Summary of Judgement Score

Treatment of contents 32/40 A high quality specialist journal with well written scholarly but readable article.

Originality, Significance, Depth of Research 35/40 80% articles with much original research and sound explanations. Bilingual text improves availability. One article in Chinese only.

Technical matters 14/15 Four different colours of papers – General, Activities, Exhibits, Research – Bilingual appreciated! No ISSN but everything else expected is present.

Presentation 5/5 A4 bound gloss paper – about 150 p – excellent colour

Total points 86/100

2 | HKPS Monthly Newsletter – February 2020 Certifi ed Small Potato Fakes, Forgeries and Doubts

Before and a er transformation…… The 1866 entire-letter shown below has been “re-directed” 153 years later from Hong Kong to Shanghai and delivered by a resurrected Shanghai Local Post!

By the way, the manuscript “Shanghai” written by a broad-nip pen in brownish ink is similar in style to other fabrications by the same person. For instance, see page 6, October 2018 HKPS NL re: 1863 Foochow to Manila folded letter.

(Above) Spink, China 20 January 2019 sale Lot #2274 The entire-letter shown below has been “re-directed” 153 years later from Hong Kong to Shanghai and delivered by a resurrected Shanghai Local Post! By the way, the manuscript “Shanghai” written by a broad-nip pen in brownish ink is similar in style to other fabrications by the same person. For instance, see page 6, October 2018 HKPS NL re: 1863 Foochow to Manila folded letter.

(Right) Zurich Asia September 2019 sale Lot #352 “1866 (11 Aug.) A stampless incoming entire letter from Singapore to Shanghai, tied by double ring ‘SINGAPORE/P.G.’ cds, and ‘SINGAPORE’ forwarder oval chop in blue green, plus single ring ‘SHANGHAE/ LOCAL POST/ 21.8.66’ arrival cds in blue Zurich Asia September 2019 sale Lot #352 green very rare and early usage.” Est. HK$ 16,000 - 20,000, sold for $20,700

Our member Chris Norton showed us this 1876 “Nicholson” cover franked with a HK QV48c cancelled blue B62. Question is why there are two “R” hand stamps? Chris does not think that this is a registered letter because there is no such manuscript inscription on the cover, nor is there the usual red oval Hong Kong registration hand stamp for the period. Furthermore the manuscript “2/-” and the single 48c. Adhesive suggests that only 1 oz. postage was paid, i.e. 1/- (or 24c.) per 1/2 oz. via Galle. Reverse shows c.d.s for Hong Kong dispatch (JA 20 76), Melbourne arrival (MR 6 76). A member suggested that the red boxed R with chamfered corners was the type of registered marking used by French PO. What about the tall serif R in black? Cover to Melbourne with double “R” handstamps

In Richard Gurevitch new book, ‘HK Franked covers of the QV period’, he recorded a 48c cover from this correspondence to Melbourne which appeared in Christie’s HK November 1995 sale as lot 2224. Same?

www.hkspsociety.com – February 2020 | 3 Certifi ed Small Potato Fakes, Forgeries and Doubts

Dubious “Dollar chop” on 1c ICP postal stationery card

18 MAR 98 Wuhu Dollar chop on ICP PS card, Peking Dollar chop on reverse dated 24 MAR 98 as arrival c.d.s. Both are rather crude looking and probably fake. See Page 6, September 2018 HKPS NL which showed a better quality fake Wuhu Dollar chop dated 28 JAN 98 on HK 1c green postal card. Made US$310 on eBay in January.

Fake Wuhu c.d.s on HK QV 1c PS Fake Wuhu c.d.s on ICP 1c PS Fake Peking c.d.s on ICP 1c PS

Suspicious “Dollar chop” on 1c and 4c Hong Kong postal stationery card

Re: Page 6, September 2018 HKPS NL with various fake Dollar chops. These two cards appeared on eBay recently both addressed to HK Telegraph o ice, address written in light blue crayon. Fortunately, the quality of the Taku and Ichang A member showed us a HK 1900 cancel leaves much to be QV 2c green block with boxed Edward WHW datestamp in blue desired. The HK c.d.s. with 20 Oct. 1905. Genuine or fake? index E is fake. All cancels A remarkable colour change! A genuine postcard is known probably produced by a with it in bluish-black 45 days earlier. di erent person/team.

4 | HKPS Monthly Newsletter – February 2020 B.M. Wong 4c Postal Stationery Envelope of KGV Referring to Ms Susan Crewe’s 4c envelope 121 x 95mm printed on bu paper dated 26 March 1938 published in the January 2020 HKPS Newsletter, I have a similar envelope cancelled also at noon on the same date but by a di erent c.d.s. (Figure 1a). Though lower part of the envelope has been trimmed, it should be the large size of 146 x 113mm (Figure 1b).

Figure 1a Figure 1b

An interesting point I notice is that Susan’s and mine were sent to the same recipient at the same address and the address in the two envelopes has the same font. The sender mailed these two envelopes, a large and a small size, at the same time, probably for philatelic purpose.

Susan confirmed that her envelope has not been trimmed. Thus, buff paper can be found on small and large size KGV envelopes, despite the small size buff paper envelope is not listed in Yang’s Postage Stamp & Postal History Catalogue of Hong Kong. A large size envelope with grey and thinner paper used on 5 May 1914 is attached for reference (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Although in UK, postal stationery envelopes in buff paper were printed throughout the KGV period, our examples show that in Hong Kong, envelopes printed on buff paper were used in the late KGV period. More examples revealing the dates of use are welcome.

www.hkspsociety.com – February 2020 | 5 Collectors’ Guide from Australia, Part 6

COINS

Always hold a coin by its edge with your thumb and first finger or use special coin tongs. That way you will not leave any fingerprints or other marks on the main parts of the coin.

CLEANING It is a general rule to NOT clean a coin because doing so is likely to leave a permanent mark on that coin and take away its natural shine. However, if you have a coin that is particularly dirty, greasy or otherwise really in need of cleaning, there are several reasonably safe ways to do so: • Soak the coin in a weak soap solution. Do not use kitchen detergent or laundry detergent though, because they will damage the coin surface. Also, use distilled water, not tap water. • Ultrasound cleaner. This is an electric cleaner o en used to clean jewellery. Follow the machine user instructions. Use distilled water. • For really encrusted coins, soak for several months in olive oil. If you have cleaned a coin, make sure to rinse it thoroughly and gently with distilled water. Do not rub it dry; gently pat it dry or let it dry by itself.

CONDITION / GRADING COINS There are several di erent methods to grade the condition of coins. The American Sheldon Scale uses the numbers 1 to 70, with 70 being a coin in perfect condition. Learning to grade coins (and other things) takes practice.

MINT STATE or MS60 to MS70 UNC UNCIRCULATED Like brand new, with no marks or signs of wear. All design details are clear. ABOUT AU50 AU53 AU55 AU58 AU aUNC UNCIRCULATED Almost like brand new, with almost no marks or signs of wear. All design details are clear, although high points are slightly flat. EXTREMELY XF40 XF45 XF EF FINE Only very slight marks or signs of wear. All design details are clear, although high points will appear a little flattened. VERY FINE VF20 VF25 VF30 VF35 VF Strong definition in the detail and lettering. Light to moderate wear or flattening on the high points of the design. FINE F12 F15 F Good definition in the detail and lettering. Some wear or flattening on the high points of the design VERY GOOD VG8 VG10 VG Looking worn. Design features are prominent but a bit flat. GOOD G4 G6 G Worn but lettering is still readable. Rims are complete. ABOUT GOOD AG3 AG aG Very worn, but lettering is still readable. FAIR FA2 F Worn almost smooth but some of the design can still be identified POOR P1 P So worn that it is di icult to identify the coin.

Copyright reserved by Johanna Stafford

6 | HKPS Monthly Newsletter – February 2020 Fu, Sio (傅嘯) Collecting Stamps Can Save Your Wife

For Judy, my beloved wife…….

I wrote this article for my lovely wife who is my best friend and has always supported me and taken care of me, but sometimes complaining me spending too much time and money on my hobby. This article tells a story that stamp collecting is not only a good hobby for a man, but can also save the life of his family. Here is an amazing story a stamp collector who escaped holocaust and stayed in China funded by his stamp collection, and the event of how Jewish refugees were persecuted, escaped and found a wartime home in Shanghai that is both historically and philatelically important. In the beginning, I got this letter about 4 years ago (Figure 1). I was fascinated by the custom chop on the cover and noticed an unusual sender name on the back, so I googled it, and found the article “When a stamp collection saved lives in Nazi Germany” by Eileen Hallet Stone in The Salt Lake Tribune. It was about the life of Max Lichenheim, who was born in 1901 in Ribnitz, eastern Germany, lived through the Nazi period, was able to leave Nazi Germany with his wife to Shanghai (Figure 2) because of his philatelic connection and eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah (Figure 3). Max became a respected stamp dealer in USA and had an impact on Utah young people on philately.

The article may be found in: https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=3044430&itype=CMSID&fullpage=1 https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=3095492&itype=CMSID

I found the story very interesting and I started collecting and researching on the holocaust and how Shanghai saved tens of thousands Jews from the Nazi. I have then published a research article in Issue 24 of Hong Kong Philatelic Society Journal.

Figure 1. Letter sent from Shanghai to Germany with Wehrmacht censor.

(a) Front

(b) Back

www.hkspsociety.com – February 2020 | 7 Collecting Stamp Can Save Your Wife

Figure 2. A letter sent by Max from Shanghai to his friend in Finland on February 7 1947. In 1948, they left for San Francisco and settled in Utah.

(a) Front (b) Back

Figure 3. Enamored with Utah landscapes, the Lichenheims hiked mountain trails. They toured national parks. Receiving compensation from Germany, they imbibed cultures and travelled worldwide. Photo Credit: Margaret Lichenheim collection. The Lichenheims in times of bliss.

Collect Hong Kong Stamps

Centenary of Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Issue Date: 10 March 2020 Stamp Design: Michael Miller YU Founded in 1920, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) was the first non - governmental organisation in Hong Kong with women as its main service clients. Today, the YWCA has grown into an integrated social service agency that o ers diversified and people - oriented community services. In celebration of YWCA’s outstanding contributions over a hundred years, Hongkong Post is launching an issue of four stamps to mark such a momentous occasion. Designed with attractive drawings of women from di erent age groups, the stamps present the YWCA’s four core services, namely women and family services, youth and community services, education and employment services, and elderly services. Products include mint stamps, stamp sheet, souvenir sheet, presentation pack, prestige stamp booklet, first day cover and datestamped first day cover. Information courtesy of Hong Kong Post Stamps

8 | HKPS Monthly Newsletter – February 2020