BOOK REVIEW

Pofis 2002 eskoslovensko 1918-1939 by Franti–ek Bene–

Specialized catalog Pofis 2002 CESKOSLOVENSKO 1918-1939

The excellent specialized catalog of the Czechoslovak stamps during the First Republic (1918-1939) has recently been re-issued. The first edition of this catalog had been available on the philatelic market for some time. I am happy to report that the editors have used the three year interval between the two versions to good use.

While the basic format has not been changed, much has been added to the design and content. This version is 48 pages longer than its predecessor. The first change that strikes one are the headings. They now are printed on a light blue background which more clearly delineates the sections.

Most of changes are on the content side, which is at it should be. Tables and pricing have been added for plate numbers, collecting of which is currently much in vogue. Also added are tables with pricing for stamps on covers as singles, multiples, and with mixed franking. Certainly this is not new to specialized catalogs, but here the tables are very easy to use because of their pictorial design. Finally I would note that many additional illustrations have been added, including many more proofs - with prices of course.

For those who do not remember the review I wrote of the earlier edition, I take the liberty of quoting myself. The observations made then about the catalog still apply.

"The Pofis 1999 Katalog CESKOSLOVENSKO 1918-1938 is a fairly slim, soft cover volume of 175 pages and is printed in full color on glossy paper. The color quality of the illustrations is surprisingly true to the stamp colors. The size of the catalog (5 3/4 by 8 1/4 inches) is the same as the earlier Trojan catalogs which makes it not only easy to use at one's desk, but also to take along to bourses or shows. Franti–ek Bene– is listed as the author of the catalog and its graphic designer as Martin Trojan. This later name explains why the catalog has all the fingerprints of the earlier Trojan catalogs. In short this catalog is very attractive.

"Most important is what Bene– and Tojan have done with the contents. Each issue of stamps is treated in depth. The basic stamp is illustrated in color as are their sub-types. Each of the types are also described by text, though for those who do not read Czech the illustrations will more than suffice. In addition, type and sub-type illustrations are repeated wherever they appear in the catalog. For instance, the Hradcany spiral and column types are first illustrated when the imperforate stamps are listed, then again with the perforate stamps, then with the overprinted air mail stamps, the Hradcany overprinted as postage dues, and finally with the SO overprinted stamps. Overkill? I don't think so. What this does for the collector using the catalog is to supply the information he needs where he needs it. It avoids the constant checking back to a sole reference which is the usual case with other catalogs. New entries, such as those of horizontal Hradny gutters, have been added, while a few have been removed. Such changes usually reflect the latest philatelic thinking.

"Other nice features, many of them new: this catalog, in addition to listing the basic stamps and their types and sub-types, also covers proofs, plate and printing flaws and errors, essays, plate numbers, and, yes, even printer's wastes. All of these are illustrated and priced. Plate positions of types/sub-types in several issues are fully illustrated. A number of tables which summarize information also included in other forms have been added. Speaking of tables, rather complete postal rate tables, which should prove especially useful to postal historians, are included at the end of the catalog. Finally, illustrations of a number of counterfeits have been included. These counterfeits are not those contained in the recent Karásek book, but mostly of the Scout and Siberian issues. All of this information on each issue appears together and is not scattered among other categories.

"Though I have not made a careful study of them, the prices listed appear to reflect those of the current Czech market. At the end of the catalog Bene– discusses a method to price covers and gives a couple of examples. He identifies several components that need to be considered and their sum total add up to the price of the cover."

Jaroslav J Verner