Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Robert A. Siegel, 80, Stamp Dealer, Is Dead

Robert A. Siegel, a Manhattan stamp dealer who auctioned off some of the world's rarest and costliest stamps, died on Friday at New York Hospital. He was 80 and had homes in Manhattan and Fort Lauderdale.


The One Cent Magenta from British Guiana in 1856. Considered the Rarest Stamp in the World, it was auctioned by Robert A. Siegel at their Rarities of the World Auction in 1970.

http://www.siegelauctions.com

 By his own estimate, the company bearing Mr. Siegel's name sold more than $200 million worth of stamps during his 63 years in the business. One, the unique British Guiana "One-Cent Magenta," was auctioned by him twice. The second time around, in 1981, it fetched $935,000, which set a record at the time.
He was a past president of the American Stamp Dealers Association.

He is survived by a daughter, Roberta Edelstein of La Jolla, Calif.; a sister, Betty Portwood of Albuquerque, N.M., and two grandsons.

Stanley Gibbons and Frank Godden Reunited

Two of the most famous name in stamps acquires luxury album producer

Luxury philatelic album manufacturer, Frank Godden Ltd and the world famous stamp dealer, Stanley Gibbons announced last week, a corporate buy out that will see Frank Godden returning home after an absence of 95 years. Stanley Gibbons Company Directors have been negotiating the buy out throughout 2009 and finalised the deal at the end of last month.

Originally an employee of Stanley Gibbons, Frank Godden set out in 1915 to build a philatelic empire of his own, initially residing above Woolworths on the Strand. In the 1980’s the company repositioned itself as a luxury philatelic album and exhibition materials manufacturer and has been providing some of the finest philatelic materials available on the market, to collectors and competitive philatelists ever since.

To celebrate the homecoming, Stanley Gibbons will be relaunching two albums from the Frank Godden range; the De Luxe Exhibition and the Warwick:

Made from the finest materials available, such as Morocco grain padded leather and silk linings, the award winning De Luxe handcrafted albums are some of the finest available and are designed to last a lifetime.
The Warwick is a more cost effective album, being covered in good quality Rexine rather than leather, but still with the same first class workmanship and durability.

The Frank Godden exhibition leaves are made from Frank Godden’s own archival paper mix and their exhibition protectors are made from the best archival polyester. All recent Frank Godden leaves are made to the internationally recognised designation ISO 9706 for the archival quality of paper; this guarantees that the paper is made to the international standard for ‘permanent’ paper which is suitable for long term storage and is the standard recommended by all museums.

Stanley Gibbons Production Manager, Jon Rayson, said, ‘Stanley Gibbons are very proud to welcome Frank Godden back to the fold.  The Frank Godden range of albums will be a fantastic addition to Stanley Gibbons stock and I am sure collectors the world over will be incredibly pleased to see both the De Luxe and Warwick albums back on the market.’


About Stanley Gibbons

Founded in 1856, Stanley Gibbons is established as the most well-known, respected and trusted name in philately and collectibles. With over 3 million stamps in stock, the business has grown to become the largest name in stamp collecting serving both collectors and investors alike. Stanley Gibbons is also Europe’s largest dealer in autographed material, memorabilia and rare historical signatures through its division, Frasers Autographs.

www.stanleygibbons.com

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

London 2010: Festival of Stamps - Mega Stamp Show and Exhibition

This year I'm planning to attend the London 2010: Festival of Stamps in May.

It is a year long programme of exhibitions, events and activities that aim to showcase, celebrate and raise public awareness of stamps, stamp design and postal heritage.

The Festival marks the centenary of the accession of George V, the philatelist king and includes a major international stamp exhibition at the Business Design Centre, Islington for stamp collectors.

One of the first events of the Festival is "Post Abolition: Commemorative Stamps From Around The World."

This new display in the London, Sugar and Slavery Gallery of the Museum of London Docklands looks at how the abolition of slavery has been commemorated through the everyday postage stamp.

Other events taking place across London and beyond include displays at the British Library; British Museum; Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum; and a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home with stamps featuring cats and dogs.

There's also a walking tour which explores 400 years of postal history and developments in the iconic street furniture of telephone kiosks and letter boxes.

"The London 2010: Festival of Stamps offers something for everyone - whether you're an enthusiast of international rugby, African culture or more broadly interested in geography or history, or design in the 1920s and 30s," said Douglas Muir, Curator of Philately, The British Postal Museum & Archive.

"The Festival not only aims to fascinate keen stamp collectors and philatelists but anyone with an interest in design and the world."