Status: U Return-Path: Received: from web5205.mail.yahoo.com ([216.115.106.86]) by runyon.mail.mindspring.net (Mindspring Mail Service) with SMTP id t7sdf3.1lo.37kbi7f for ; Mon, 5 Feb 2001 00:10:59 -0500 (EST) Message-ID: <20010205051058.24613.qmail@web5205.mail.yahoo.com> Received: from [152.163.213.176] by web5205.mail.yahoo.com; Sun, 04 Feb 2001 21:10:58 PST Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 21:10:58 -0800 (PST) From: MPCgram Subject: MPC Gram 244 To: mpcgram@yahoo.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii ==================================================== MPC Gram ==================================================== Covering the Entire World of Military Numismatics ---------------------------------------------------- Series 002-Number 244 Sunday 4 February 2001 Numismatic Art and a Journey by Phil IWANTMYMPC Goldstein As the clock ticks down to those big days in March... (FEST!) I am happy to say I will be able to share a special treat with all of you attending. Although some of you may not share my enthusiasm for Nicole, I felt the importance of MPC art was worth discussing. Nicole is the name that I have given the woman on the face of Series 641 (and 651) fractional MPC because we have not been able to find out her real name. As I am sure you those of you that are closest to me, know the details concerning the art. But most of you may not. So, without further interruption, I proudly bring you the story behind the art of "Nicole"! MARCH 2000: Margaretville, NY: I received my monthly issue of Bank Note Reporter looking forward to the expected coverage of MPC Fest 2000. After searching for the article (which didn't appear until the following issue) I went on with my regularly scheduled browsing. I came upon an article for the Chicago Paper Money Exposition, and found a picture of Suzanne Bauman with her numismatic themed paintings. I had heard that name before, and after thinking for a while, I remembered where. She was commissioned to due a painting for the 50th Anniversary of Military Payment Certificates. That work graces the cover of Fred Schwans' Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates. I spoke to Fred, who said that there existed a possibility that Sue might be commissioned to do work with Nicole. APRIL 2000 - Margaretville NY, & Franklin, MI, After dilly-dallying around for a month, I proceeded to contact Sue to see if she would be interested and available to do some work for me. Fortunately, she was very interested, but unfortunately, time was not available immediately. I explained how I was very fond (that's an understatement!) of Richard M. Bower's vignette "Nicole" on the Series 641 & 651 fractional notes, and since I had a slim to none chance of either seeing or owning the original art and/or vignette proof from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, (Fred proved me wrong there!), could something be done? After a lengthy discussion, we settled on not one, but TWO works: First, she would create a replica of a vignette proof. This is not the proof taken from the engraving, but the artist’s original work. (I don't know if that is correct term, so, what I'm referring to here is the original art that the engraver uses to do his work from...) A vignette proof is usually a drawing in sepia tones (I now believe this to be incorrect, as the image Fred brought me from B.E.P. is in black and white), with high clarity, and fairly large, about 5" x 7" or 8" x 10", so the engraving can be reproduced with great detail, when the note is originally designed. There where many details to discuss, and several lengthy e-mails over a period of time, we discovered we would both be attending Strasburg PM Show. Once there we agreed we would be able to settle all questions... We arranged to meet there. SEPTEMBER 2000 - Strasburg, PA: Sue and I met on the bourse, after I scoured the floor for material (no rest for the wicked) and after Sue and Keith finished setting up their displays, we sat down and discussed everything we could possibly think of. Actually, the sepia print was straightforward in terms of design, the only thing in question was which direction she would face. Fred was asked to come over and give his input as well as Larry... The colored one was a bit more complex... Since I have always wondered what the vignette would have looked like in real life, (or perhaps how I would like her to appear in real life! {{{sigh}}} I decided to have the next work done in color and this vignette will face right as on the MPC note. After carefully looking over and studying the note, I felt that from appearances in the artwork, I believe the model had medium blonde hair. I personally do not normally prefer blondes, well, we will make an exception for Marilyn M. and Meg Ryan! I came to this conclusion after comparing the reflections and toning used in this vignette to other vignettes... it seems fitting. Eye color I couldn't determine, but also going by other vignettes, they appear to be dark, so I think a nice brown would compliment the blonde hair (even though blue eyes are more common with blonde). She said she would possibly need some actual Series 641 notes to use as reference, so I immediately ran over to Leo May's table and purchased a set of four Series 641 fractionals. I made an unusual request upon turning the notes over to Sue: could see sign them before sending them back? This was not a problem, and I plan on putting them in a frame by themselves! Anyhow, work was agreed on, but the time schedule would be a problem. She had prior commitments, but I made it understood, that I would very much appreciate it if both vignettes could be completed by beginning of February 2001, in time for the MPC Fest II. Sue said it wouldn't be a problem at all, and in all likelihood, they would be completed by Thanksgiving 2000. So now, I sit here, impatiently, waiting for the word, that they are on their way! JANUARY 2001 - Margaretville, NY: Well, Christmas came two weeks late for me: the artwork has arrived! Anxiously, and without the slightest moment of hesitation, I ripped the box apart, and was immediately blown off my feet! They are truly a work of art... I was astounded.. On 22 JANUARY, Fred Schwan visited my home, and brought with him a computer disk. On it was a digital picture of the ORIGINAL artwork, done by the artist for the B.E.P. I proceeded to print out the image on photo paper at 2400 x 2400 DPI resolution and Fred was impressed! This made a nice addition to the others, and all will be professionally framed. All images are located on my website for your viewing pleasure: IWANTMYMPC's Military Payment Certificate, Military Currency & Numismatic Webpage Go to the table of contents, left column, and click on internal link: Vignette Artwork by Suzanne Bauman FEBRUARY 2001 - Margaretville, NY: I would like to take a moment to specially thank Sue and Fred for everything you've done! One footnote, there is one thing more I would have liked, but unfortunately now, it cannot be done. I would have liked to had the artwork photographed with the model, the original artist, the engraver, (Richard M. Bower) and Sue Bauman. I think it would have made an excellent photo to have the people who made it possible for me to appreciate this in the first place all in the same location at the same time.. For those of you interested in having your own art work done of your favorite numismatic subject, contact Sue Bauman, at TNAksbauman@earthlink.net MARCH 2001 - Port Clinton, OH: With any luck, the artwork and I will be at Fest II, so hopefully, this great achievement will be shared but all us nuts who collect MPC! Happy Collecting! and remember: MPC Collectors never die... They just get converted. ==================================================== Editorial ---------------------------------------------------- This gram was prepared on Friday for publication on Saturday while I was out of town. I carried the laptop with me so that I could send out your gram from the road. I confess. I bungled it. May be grounds for replacement! Ah, the magic word! I could talk on and on about replacements! Really, it was a bad mistake on my part. We have assisitant editors who are willing and able to help with matters like this and I just goofed. What good are assistant editors if I do not abuse them?! The gram box was just full of wonderful news, views, and ideas on Sunday so watch your gram for great things in the next few day! Yesterday the Port Clinton Ground Hog came out long enough to say "Yikes, it is cold here, wake me up for the Fest!" I guess everyone is looking forward to the event. We were delighted to add Sam Feeback to the list today. Sam is another New Fester. There was a little confusion about the terms for the fest so we altered the description below, hopefully, it is more clear now. The most important thing to keep in mind now that we are in February is that registration fees go up after Feb 15 so make your plans and reserve early. The additional fees are necessary for two reasons. First there are difficulties in making plans without knowing how many will be here. More importantly, because of the first reason, we need to motivate you to register more than a day before the fest! We have just added the possibility of paying by PayPal and Pay Direct. If you have either of these and want to pay that way, the associated email address is fred@papermoneyworld.com. We are not good (nor even experienced) at this, but we did receive a trial payment, so we hope that it will work. Reserve early. Reserve Now. =================================================== Mail Call --------------------------------------------------- Hello, I want to register for the MPC Fest. I will send my fee by mail, and am planning on attending with Doug Bell. I am looking forward to attending the fest very much. I collect MPC, AMC. JIM, and anything else connected with WWII. I don't have a complete collection, just started a couple of years ago and am accumulating as I go. Again, looking forward to the fest. Sam Feeback Dear Sam, Maybe you can complete your collection of all WWII numismatic items at the fest! We look forward to seeing you there (here). Editor =================================================== Departments --------------------------------------------------- WWII numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar 2001 --------------------------------------------------- Not only does the scholarship fund have an official identity but also has a bank account! Any further donations should be paid to the order of "Military Numismatists Scholarship" and sent to: Military Numismatists c/o Marcus Turner 8103 East US Highway 36 Suite 163 Avon, IN 46123 THE UPDATED LIST OF SCHOLARSHIP BENEFACTORS 1/21/01. These folks have generously provided money or material to finance scholarships to the ANA WWII Numismatics seminar. Your contributions will help promote collecting WWII material and be greatly appreciated. Mr. Anonymous Donor Mike Cummings Ed B. Doug Bell Sam Feeback R. A. Medina Harold MPCKid Kroll Leo "Paymaster" May Bill McNease Marcus Turner Larry Ski Fred PK6 Joel Shafer World Wide Ventures John & Nancy Wilson Neil Shafer ----------------------------------------------------- MPC Fest II ----------------------------------------------------- MPC Fest is the annual feast of MPC. After some difficulties of coordination we have not changed the dates and tentatively scheduled 9-11 March 2001 for MPC Fest II. Confirmed participants in MPC Fest II Doug Bell Bill McNease Al Glaser Phil Goldstein Harold Kroll Ian Marshall Larry Smulczenski Leo May Kevin Maloy Marv Mericle Bruce Potter David Seelye Nick Shrier Fred Schwan Dan Swartz Warner Talso (and Jane) Marcus Turner (We are well past last year's participation level. Can we double it, triple it, more?) If you have made a reservation and your name does not appear above, please contact the gram immediately (MPCgram@yahoo.com). PayPal and PayDirect are available, the associated email address is fred@papermoneyworld.com. Tentative schedule as of 15 January 2001 Friday March 8 1500-1900 Arrivals at Comfort Inn 1900-2030 no host dinner at Cisco and Charlies 2030-2300 bull session at Comfort Inn 2400 lights out Saturday breakfast at Comfort Inn 0730-0845 breakfast at Service Club 0900-1000 equipment issue (supply sergeant) 1000-1100 pay operations (pay master) 1100-1230 show and tell, session I 1230-1330 pizza party at Service Club (mess sergeant) 1330-1800 swap session (dealer surcharge, TBD) 1800-1930 spaghetti dinner at Service Club (mess sergeant) 1930-2030 secret operations 2000-2345 commemorative poker game at Comfort Inn 2200 MPC chat (simultaneous with poker game) 2400 lights out Sunday 0830-0900 breakfast at Service Club 0900-1000 research updates 1000-1230 show and tell 1230-1330 lunch at Service Club 1300-1500 field trip to WWII POW camp 1530 closing ceremonies Monday (optional, weather permitting) 0600-0630 breakfast at Service Club 0700-1400 Walleye fishing trip Remarks: registration is $139 per person (for reservations after February 15 $164, after March 1, $189). This includes two nights lodging (double occupancy, room assignments by first sergeant the only possible exception is married couples), Meals as indicated (Friday evening not included), equipment and amenities. The value of souvenirs and goodies distributed will likely exceed the cost of the entire Fest. Reservations accepted now at MPCGram@yahoo.com, deposits ($50 minimum) accepted at MPC Fest, 132 East Second Street, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. Confirmed reservations will be listed daily in the gram—make your reservations now! Additional information; the Comfort Inn is located at 1723 East Perry Street, Port Clinton, Oh 43452, you may use one of the online map services to get exact driving directions. DO NOT make your own reservations or inquiries. The best airports in order of distance are Toledo (45 mins), Cleveland (90 mins), Detroit (100 mins). We will try to coordinate ground transportation, but there are no guarantees here. Questions: send your questions to MPCgram@yahoo.com. In most cases the questions will be answered in the letters section of the gram. After all, if you have the question, someone else probably does too. ==================================================== Post/Base Exchange (PX/BX/NEX) Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale will be run here for free. Send your ads to the gram. This service is for everyone, most humble dealer or most advanced collector. The point is to make the gram more interesting. Send in a list of items for sale and we will list them here in the gram. In all cases confirm your order via email first. MPC Series 692 $1 replacement, unc $900. Ian Marshall, please e-mail for confirmation. iam@total.net. MPC series 481/3 $10 VF $75.00 confirm at coinman@rochester.rr.com. MPC Series 681 $1 gem CU $18. Confirm fred@papermoneyworld.com. WANTED Collectors may submit lists of items wanted for their collections for listing here. Dealers and collectors who have these items are then encouraged to list them for sale in the above section. This is a trial, if you like it, send your list. MPC Series 661 $10 fine or better all WWII items pertaining to Camp Perry, Ohio WWII English war bonds (and savings stamps, was savings certificates and the like) =================================================== Staff: publisher and editor: Fred Schwan - fred@papermoneyworld.com; assistant editor - Phil Goldstein IWANTMYMPC@aol.com critic: Harold Kroll - MPCKid@papermoneyworld.com; index manager: Ed Beaman webmaster & technical advisor: Doug Bell - (Wiz): doug@papermoneyworld.com; The Boss: Judy Schwan ===== MPC Gram is published by BNR Press and papermoneyworld.com as a free service to the community of military money collectors. Your suggestions, criticisms, complaints, editorial contributions, letters, and even praise are very welcome. The entire contents including linked illustrations are copyright protected by the publishers. In the case of contributors, the copyright is protected on behalf of the creators. Please send all correspondence regarding the gram to MPCgram@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your participation. __________________________________________________ Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail - only $35 a year! http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/