STEVE LEVINE
Postal Stationery
and Stamps

 (LATE) JULY, 2010

HOW TO ORDER:
1.  DINOSAUR STYLE  If ordering Dinosaur Style (thru the mail), you can print out this sheet, then circle the price of what you want and mail it in with your payment.  PLEASE circle with a fine colored marker; any color will do.
2.  ONLINE  Sorry, this is not a full-function interactive website with a shopping cart and card processing ability.  It's Dinosaur-style; it only has listings.  Still, we can improvise!
     You can send me an e-mail and type out what you want and the price.
     OR, you can cut & paste the item with its description and price.
IF the item exists in several conditions or forms (such as f-vf or vf for stamps, or as Cut Squares or Full Corners) please indicate which you want.
     OR you can cut & paste large portions of the list and HIGHLIGHT whatever you want.  Green (the 00-80-00 shade for the techs out there) works well, as does Red (the FF-00-00 shade).
     I accept VISA, Master Card, and American Express.  I also accept PAY PAL, at my e-mail address of "slwarking@erols.com".
3.  PHONE  IF your order is relatively simple or if you have a few questions, you can phone me at 718-939-5788.  For me, "business hours" are flexible.  I'm usually in, and if I'm not, you get the answering machine.  Leave your #; I'll get back to you.

TERMS OF PURCHASE:  Items from this list may be combined with items from my other lists for a MINIMUM ORDER of $15.  ALL ORDERS will be shipped via Insured or Registered mail, for your protection.  Please add $2 for postage and insurance to all orders.  Smaller orders will carry private insurance and will have NO USPS markings.    There's no "handling" fee; just actual postage expenses.  This is for U.S. orders only.  Overseas shipments, please e-mail me in advance for shipping information.
     New York State Residents, please add the appropriate Sales tax.  VISA, Master Card and American Express are accepted: please include all information which appears in raised print, PLUS the 3 digit security code which appears on the back.  PayPal accepted.
          
        SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED ON ALL ORDERS

Dear Friends & Collectors,

     Sorry it's been so long since I last contacted you; perhaps I can make up for it with a wide range of new items and great offers.  June & July were busy months, buying-wise, and I've bought in a LOT of material.  I'll be organizing it and putting in on my website as soon as I can.  Especially, new Cut Squares and new envelopes by UPSS #.

     The 2010 UPSS POSTAL CARD CATALOG is due for release in a few weeks, and is ON SCHEDULE for sometime in August.  I'll be in touch when it's available.

A BIRTHDAY GIFT - UC27 ENVELOPE  It was MY birthday (June 29, & for the record, I'm 62.) - but YOU get the gift.  It was a busy month, buying - wise, and I ran into a group of UC27 ENVELOPES ....which is unusual, as I've never owned more than 3 or 4 of them at any one time.  And since my tagline has always been "When I get lucky, YOU get lucky" ...you're about to get lucky.
     UC27 is one of those items which is scarce in ANY condition (It's worth more USED than MINT!), so you can think of this as a CUT SQUARE, FULL CORNER, or COMPLETE ENVELOPE.  Either way, it's a bargain.  You are, however, receiving a COMPLETE ENVELOPE.  Scott is $350.00 and $375.00 for a cut square and an envelope, respectively.  My retail is $325.00 and $350.00 for the same.  ENJOY MY BIRTHDAY; I already did. 

PRICE FOR A COMPLETE ENVELOPE IS $275.00!

U661 STAR WARS PACK OF 3 EXPRESS MAIL ENVELOPES

     These abominations were issued in 2007 in a shrink-wrapped pack of 3. There's only one "stamp" (U661), but it was placed on 3 different Express Mail Envelopes, each with a different design and having a face value of $16.25.  Total face for the package was $49.  The USPS has been out of control for years and 2007 wasn't an exception.
     I didn't stock these when they were issued; there was just something about the whole thing which rubbed me the wrong way.  But I know that some of you missed them, too...and when a few of them passed my way recently, I bought...albeit at higher than I wanted to.  Call; I only have 3 sets.
     PRICE FOR A SET OF 3 STAR WARS ENVELOPES IS $85.00.

W155 UNFOLDED WRAPPER  The older wrappers are very difficult to find in good condition; moreso unfolded.  With every year that passes, the cheap paper dries out just a little more and becomes more brittle...and those wrappers tend to crinkle where the gum meets the ungummed area of paper...as you can see in the scan at the left.

     I've unearthed a bunch.  They're all UPSS #355, Knife W3, Watermark 5.  No mistake on the ID; the center bar on the "N" of CENTS is thin, and the Watermark #5 is there, more or less clear.

     UPSS Price is $40.00 as of 2001 when the catalog was issued and Scott was $40.00. It is not unreasonable to assume that today's price for this variety should be around $50.00.  As for the premium for UNFOLDED, I can only leave it to your imagination.

     BUT...despite what I think it's really worth....THE PRICE IS $50.00 for an unfolded wrapper in excellent condition.

     You know the drill by now.  As in any group, some are better than others.  They're not all "perfect"; some have EXTREMELY MINOR faults, especially in the area of the gum (that hand gum is a killer) and on some, the watermark is a bit less than clear.  First calls and emails get the best copies, and when we get to the less-than-perfect copies, I'll reduce the price accordingly.
    

EATON'S STATIONERY LABELS These labels were printed for the Eaton Paper Corporation, which distributed them, free, in boxes of their Stationery which were given out at the 1939 N.Y. World's fair.

     These are among the most desirable of American "Cinderella" stamps.  They were produced by the highly-respected American Bank Note Company, which had designed & printed engraved stamps for many countries...including the United States.

   They are intricately engraved, very colorful, and cover a wide range of topical areas including trains, planes, ships, churches, buildings, colleges, and parks...all, of course, in New York City.

     Just how excellent the engraving is can be seen in the second scan, shown at 400 dpi.  The quality is as good as any stamp we issued at that time; you can even see the portholes on the ship!

     THE PRICE IS $9.50 for a complete, Never Hinged set of 10. 

NAJUBRIA OVERPRINT, TAGGED  UX110, the STAMP COLLECTING Postal Card, was issued in a quantity of 10 million.  The fluorescence of this card varies.  I stock a "dull paper" card, as well as a medium-bright fluorescent card.  To be accurate, my "dull paper" card isn't exactly dull, it's more of a "very low bright" fluorescent card.  This is, in fact, the case with many modern postal cards.  They're ALL fluorescent, but for various reasons, some are a lot more...OR LESS... fluorescent than others.

     Now, when such a card is overprinted (like the various USPS showcards of the late '80s), it's a crapshoot as to whether the overprinted cards will also show a variance in brightness.  In the case of the NAJUBRIA card, 90,000 were overprinted.  That's roughly 1% of the total, and they ALL could have come from one group of fluorescence...or lack thereof...which is what I thought was the case for the past 23 years.

     I was wrong.  I never saw a med-brite fluorescent card...and I figured they were never overprinted...until last month, when I found some.

     Based on what I found...a respectable quantity...I have no reason to believe they're scarcer than the "dull" cards.  This is one I chalk up to the "luck of the draw".  Maybe I never found one before because I wasn't looking hard enough.

     In any case, I now have both "dull" and "fluorescent, medium-bright" NAJUBRIA overprints in stock.

     THE "BUY IT NOW" SPECIAL PRICE for the FLUORESCENT NAJUBRIA IS $4.00.  It will go up later.

     AND, if you already have a NAJUBRIA card in your collection...and it HAPPENS to be the fluorescent one...then THE "BUY IT NOW" SPECIAL PRICE for the "DULL" NAJUBRIA IS $4.00.

     AND if you have neither, then THE "BUY IT NOW" SPECIAL PRICE for BOTH NAJUBRIA CARDS IS $7.50.

DIGITAL COLORIZED POSTMARKS - A NEW TYPE OF FIRST DAY COVER  For many years the USPS promised they would never enter the First Day Cover business by printing cachets.  Technically speaking, they told the truth.  But the boundary line between these postmarks and "cachets" is a fuzzy one.  True, they leave enough room to print a real cachet at the left, but they're really starting to encroach....AND they're quite eye--catching...both pictorial AND in color.

     All this began, I believe, in 2004.  They don't exist on all issues.  The USPS appears to favor Commemoratives.  They're not cheap; the USPS new issue price is $1.50 apiece for single 1st class rate stamps, more for hi-values. 

     I'm offering here just a small portion of what's out there.  If it seems that you like these...I'll try to stock more.  If you pass...so will I.

3945-68  37c Constellations, SET of 4 Singles...................   9.00
3987-94  39c Children's Book Animals (Above), SET of 8 singles..  18.00
4025-28  39c Disney-Romance, SET of 4 Singles...................   9.00
4073     28c 1606 Voyage of Samuel Champlain, Single issue......   2.25
4075a-c  $1/$2/$5 Washington 2006 Exhibition, SET of 3 singles..  16.50
4076a-f  39c American Diplomats, SET of 6 singles...............  13.50
4077     39c Legends of Hollywood, Judy Garland, Single issue...   2.25
4080-83  39c Baseball Sluggers, SET of 4 singles................   9.00
4089-98  39c American Treasures, SET of 10 singles..............  22.50

     Quantities are limited...for most of these, I only have 3 or 4 sets.  If you want to just dip a toe in the water, try the 4073 Champlain.  I have quite a few of these.

2 CANADIAN and 2 AMERICAN REVENUES

   Four interesting and seldom seen revenues, in much better condition than normally seen.

     CANADIAN REVENUES are listed in a specialized catalog published by E.S.J. van Dam (2009 Edition).
     The Customs Duty Stamps are FCD3 and FCD4, listed at $7.00 and $10.00.  These are 1912 issues, with a heavy (100%) premium for NH.
They come in 31.5 mm and 32.5 mm sizes...wet and dry printings. 
     U.S. REVENUES are RD15 and RD30, listed at $12.00 and $47.50.  The Scott Catalog does not mention a premium for NH...though U.S. stamps of this vintage usually carry a premium of roughly 100%.

CANADA  FCD3,  5c Brown 32.5 mm (dry) printing, F-VF NH, 9.00  VF, 13.00
CANADA  FCD4, 10c Blue  32.5 mm (dry) printing, F-VF NH, 12.50  VF, 16.50
     I have a few XF-SUPERB FCD4s; price is $22.50
U.S. RD15, $4.00 Brown perf. 11, F-VF NH, $12.50   sorry, no VF
U.S. RD30, $1.00 Green perf. 10, F-VF NH, $50.00   sorry, no VF
     There may be a few gum skips on the U.S. Revenues.  This is normal for these issues.

A FEW MORE U.S. STAMPS...

    My toes got in the water a few months ago when I offered those Wine Revenues and frankly, I like the temperature.  I didn't realize that so many of you were "stamp" collectors; I just naturally assumed most of you collected Postal Stationery exclusively.

     Presented here are a few stamps.  Some odds and ends from the 692-701 set, and some Ducks.  Everything is NH, centering as noted.

Scott     Description                      F-VF      VF
  #                                         NH       NH
 693   12c Grover Cleveland.............    5.50     ----
 697   17c Woodrow Wilson...............    5.25     ----
 698   20c Golden Gate..................    8.50     ----
 699   25c Niagara Falls................    9.25     ----
 700   30c American Bison...............   15.50     ----
 701   50c Arlington Amphitheatre.......   36.50     ----

RW39 $5.00 Emperor Geese................    ----    22.50
RW40 $5.00 Steller's Eiders.............   14.00     ----
RW41 $5.00 Wood Ducks...................    ----    16.50
RW43 $5.00 Canada Geese.................   12.50    15.75
RW44 $5.00 Ross's Geese.................   12.50    15.75
RW45 $5.00 Hooded Merganser Drake.......   12.50    15.75
RW46 $7.50 Green-winged Teal............   12.50    15.75
RW47 $7.50 Mallards.....................   12.50    15.75
RW48 $7.50 Ruddy Ducks..................   12.50    15.75
RW49 $7.50 Canvasbacks..................    ----    15.75
RW50 $7.50 Pintails.....................   12.50    15.75
RW51 $7.50 Widgeons.....................   12.50    15.75
RW52 $7.50 Cinnamon Teal................   12.50    15.75
RW53 $7.50 Fulvous Whistling Duck.......   12.50    15.75

     Quantities are limited...alternates appreciated.

UPDATE! - AS OF LATE JULY

1942 WINE REVENUES FROM THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM

     Several years ago the Smithsonian Philatelic Museum disgorged something in the neighborhood of 7 million Revenue Stamps, in a move to free up space and raise money for new acquisitions. These stamps, from that holding, are all "Post Office Fresh", having been in vaults for over 60 years. Fresh as they are, you need to keep 2 things in mind.
     1. The sheets of either 50 or 100 are straight-edged at the sides. A sheet of 50 has 26 straight edges; a sheet of 100 has 36.  You may receive a straight -edged copy...which is actually good, as the margins are bigger than the other stamps.
     2. The rouletting lacks the clean-cut look of perforated stamps. IF you've already collected these issues, then you know what to expect.  I promise, you won't be disappointed.
 

SCOTT NUMBER, YEAR, DESCRIPTION           F-VF     VF

Scott #RE108, 1942 1/5c Wine Stamp.        .50    .60
Scott #RE109, 1942 1/4c Wine Stamp.       1.50   1.90
Scott #RE110, 1942 1/2c Wine Stamp.       2.00   2.50
Scott #RE111, 1942 1c Wine Stamp.          .75   1.00
Scott #RE112, 1942 2c Wine Stamp.         3.50   4.50
Scott #RE113, 1942 3c Wine Stamp.         3.50   4.50
Scott #RE115, 1942 3 3/4c Wine Stamp.     7.00   8.75
Scott #RE116, 1942 4c Wine Stamp.         2.50   3.25
Scott #RE117, 1942 5c Wine Stamp.         1.75   2.25
Scott #RE118, 1942 6c Wine Stamp.         2.25   2.75
Scott #RE119, 1942 7c Wine Stamp.         4.50   5.75
Scott #RE120, 1942 7 1/2c Wine Stamp.     6.50   8.25
Scott #RE121, 1942 8c Wine Stamp.         3.25   4.25
Scott #RE122, 1942 9c Wine Stamp.         9.00  11.25
Scott #RE123, 1942 10c Wine Stamp.        3.25   4.25
Scott #RE124, 1942 11 1/4c Wine Stamp.    3.50   4.50
Scott #RE125, 1942 12c Wine Stamp.        5.00   6.50
Scott #RE126, 1942 14c Wine Stamp.       25.00  30.00
Scott #RE127, 1942 15c Wine Stamp.        3.50   4.50
Scott #RE128, 1942 16c Wine Stamp.        8.50  10.50
Scott #RE130, 1942 20c Wine Stamp.        4.50   5.75
Scott #RE131, 1942 24c Wine Stamp.        3.25    OUT
Scott #RE133, 1942 30c Wine Stamp.         .90   1.15
Scott #RE135, 1942 36c Wine Stamp.        2.00   2.75
Scott #RE136, 1942 40c Wine Stamp.        1.75    OUT
Scott #RE137, 1942 45c Wine Stamp.        5.25   6.50
Scott #RE138, 1942 48c Wine Stamp.       12.50  15.75
Scott #RE139, 1942 50c Wine Stamp.        7.25    OUT
Scott #RE140, 1942 60c Wine Stamp.        2.50   3.25
Scott #RE141, 1942 72c Wine Stamp.        7.50   9.50
Scott #RE144, 1942 90c Wine Stamp.       15.00  18.75
Scott #RE145, 1942 96c Wine Stamp.        9.00  11.25
Scott #RE146, 1942 $1.20 Wine Stamp.      6.00   7.50
Scott #RE147, 1942 $1.44 Wine Stamp.      1.00   1.25
Scott #RE149, 1942 $1.60 Wine Stamp.      7.25   9.00
Scott #RE151, 1942 $1.80 Wine Stamp.      2.50   3.00
Scott #RE152, 1942 $1.92 Wine Stamp.     47.50  60.00
Scott #RE153, 1942 $2.40 Wine Stamp.      7.50   9.50
Scott #RE154, 1942 $3.00 Wine Stamp.     60.00  75.00
Scott #RE160, 1942 $7.20 Wine Stamp.     12.00  15.00
Scott #RE173, 1942 $1.00 Wine Stamp.      3.00   3.75
Scott #RE174, 1942 $2.00 Wine Stamp.      5.75    OUT
Scott #RE180, 1942 $10.00 Wine Stamp.     6.00   7.50
Scott #RE181, 1942 $20.00 Wine Stamp.    15.00    OUT
Scott #RE183, 1942 3 2/5c Wine Stamp.    32.50  42.50
Scott #RE184, 1942 8 1/2c Wine Stamp.    18.00  22.50
Scott #RE185, 1942 13 2/5c Wine Stamp.   60.00  75.00
Scott #RE186, 1942 17c Wine Stamp.        9.50  12.00
Scott #RE188, 1942 33 1/2c Wine Stamp.   55.00  67.50
Scott #RE190, 1942 40 4/5c Wine Stamp.    2.25   2.75
Scott #RE191, 1942 51c Wine Stamp.        2.40   3.00
Scott #RE192, 1942 67c Wine Stamp.        7.50    OUT
Scott #RE193, 1942 68c Wine Stamp.        2.25   2.75
Scott #RE195, 1942 $1.50 3/4 Wine Stamp. 30.00  37.50
Scott #RE196, 1942 $1.60 4/5 Wine Stamp.  2.50   3.25
Scott #RE199, 1942 $2.01 Wine Stamp.      2.00   2.75
Scott #RE200, 1942 $2.68 Wine Stamp.      2.00   2.75
Scott #RE201, 1942 $4.08 Wine Stamp.     57.50  72.50
Scott #RE203, 1942 $8.16 Wine Stamp.     10.00  13.25
 

     (The inventory is still strong.  A few items have sold out, but the best items are still available.)

     My Ebay listings of Souvenir Cards have expanded.  BEP and ANA cards have been added, up to roughly 1986.  A few ABNC cards have been added last month.  Still more to come.

SOME NEW ENVELOPES BY UPSS #

     Presenting a small selection of Envelopes by UPSS #.  While these all have fresh, good color in both paper and ink and look as if they were printed last week...they did have stuck flaps which took some working.
     The flaps are now unstuck.  The damage was minimal.  There are a few thinned areas here and there and the envelopes show a small amount of twisting, but overall, they look great...and the price is heavily discounted from what I'd charge for perfect ones.  It's a deal...

Scott      UPSS    Size   Knife   Wmk   Price
  #          #
 U326     1080-8     13     74      8   11.00
 U327     1082-8     13     74      8    8.75
            U332     1098-8     10     54      8   11.50  Dark Blue
            U333     1099-8     10     54      8   11.50  Dark Blue

     You may wonder WHY I'd go to the trouble of unsticking them.  The reason - twisting.  Leave them stuck and the twisting will worsen.  Unstick them, put them in the right mounts or sleeves, and they will straighten out with time.  Some small thinning is the price you pay.

     AND just in case you're wondering, there were some REALLY bad ones, which will turn into cut squares & full corners....NEXT mailing.

     As Porky would say, "That's all, folks.".  For now.  I'm pretty sure you're not disappointed.  Next month, I'll have the UPSS Postal Card Catalog and some new Cut Squares & Full Corners, and I promise to work on some of the new Stationery issues I've been neglecting

     What I REALLY want to do is regenerate my EBAY auctions, especially in the area of Postal History.  I haven't done much with that area recently, and the back room is like the home of the Collier Brothers...and if you're not old enough to know who they were, just Google them.  WHEN this happens, there will be announcements.

     Some people may argue over what's causing Global Warming, but nobody argues that it's here.  Up here in NYC we're on track for the hottest July... ever.  Wherever you are, be careful, and do your best to enjoy the Summer. 

     Best Regards,