MONOGRAPH OF CZECHOSLOVAK STAMPS, 5th PART -
SO 1920
by Oldiich Tovacovsky, co-authored by Vladimir
Schodelbauer and Jan Kypast with ten additional contributors listed
in the title page.
Published
by POFIS in cooperation with the Union of Czech Philatelists at
the publishing house of FILATELIE, in PRAGUE, 1998.
This book is part of what is currently a twelve (12) volume set
detailing much of Czechoslovakias philately and postal history.
It is hard bound, contains 295 pages and, for the first time in
the series, includes a color illustrated section showing individual
overprinted stamps, full sheets, and covers. The entire set of
the Monographs is in Czech.
The contents of this volume - the S.O. overprints - is probably
the most complex subject in the entire area of Czechoslovak philately.
This is due to the existence of all basic varieties of the overprinted
stamps, mostly printed from a multiplicity of plates permutated
through one or more overprint plates, each showing their own characteristic
varieties. In addition the book covers the S.O. overprints on
the issues of Poland.
The text is appropriately comprehensive and well organized in
nine (9) chapters. The first deals with he history of the plebiscite
territory, somewhat condensed, and with some of the maps showing
the various demarcation lines, as for example on p.8 perhaps a
bit unclear. The second chapter consists of a full presentation
of the overprinted Czechoslovak issues. While covering such subjects
as perforations, plate varieties and other characteristics of
the basic stamps, the treatment is of necessity less detailed
than what may be found in the first part of the Monograph series.
The third chapter deals with manufacturing faults and trials of
the overprint. The fourth covers overprint varieties, pointing
the major ones out by diagrammatic presentation showing plate
location with accompanying descriptions. Chapter five deals with
postmarks in the plebiscite area while chapter six covers the
usage of the overprinted stamps. Chapter seven covers forgeries
of the overprint, postmarks and covers, and chapter eight deals
with valuation, using point count. The last chapter covers usage,
postal rates, forerunners, Polish issues, censorship and pertinent
historic aspects.
Some, though not all of the information presented on overprint
varieties. may be found in other publications, such as the Padelky
(Forgeries) book published some years ago. However, the information
as presented is significantly clearer and more comprehensive.
In addition, chapters five and six contain for the most part new
and previously unpublished information. Chapter five deals with
post marks in the plebiscite territory. Orava and Spià, both during
and after the validity of the overprinted stamps. The postmarks
are listed by type and include those issued by Poland. railroad
postmarks, and postmarks of small postal substations (poàtovny).
Illustrated are also examples of military mail. The various post
marks are listed alphabetically and well described. Overprinted
stamps used out side the plebiscite territory are covered separately.
Chapter six includes a detailed description of domestic and foreign
postage rates of which there were three, representing various
time periods. Usages of regular issues. newspaper, postage due
and special delivery stamps are described and amply illustrated.
The authors present a novel system for evaluating the value of
covers in chapter eight. The system takes into account the value
of the best stamp on the cover., the value of the additional stamps,
the type of cover (letter, postcard, registered letter,etc.) and
adds the three point counts. It then adjusts the result for the
franking type (colored, multiple. mixed), then adjusts for franking
period and additionally for the location of the mailing. It finally
adjusts for overall quality and individual assessment. Point counts
for all these factors are listed in tables. The entire system
transforms the usual qualitative judgement by collectors into
an essential quantitative determination, eliminating the familiar
"Liebhaber preiss"- so elusive and questionable in the instance
of S.O. covers.
The clarity and overall presentation in this volume demonstrates
the results of meticulous research by the authors. The book was
exhibited shortly after publication at the PRAGA 98 international
stamp show and received a large Vernieil award. The scholarship,
excellent graphics and high quality of product ion undoubtedly
factored into the high valuation.
The inclusion of some public and one commercial advertisement,
such as noted on p.187 represent a minor but unusual distraction
in a book of such high caliber. However, it is recognized that
the advertiser provided the financial assistance enabling the
book to be published.
We heartily recommend this volume to Czech reading collectors/specialists.
It may be purchased from the Society Book Sales Manager for $30,
post paid.
Henry Hahn
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