============================================== MPC Gram ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics ---------------------------------------------- Series 003-Number 577, Thurski, March 29, 2002 On to CPMX by Larry "Ski" Smulczenski [editor's note, the following skigram was created by the skister himself several weeks ago. Between CPMX, the Fest, and other adventures, computer difficulties, other things that I am sure he will tell you about, it has been delayed.] By the time you read this, we will either be on the way to CPMX or already there. I really cannot wait to get to the Lyn Knight Auction lot viewing to see some of the magnificent notes that are for sale. Unfortunately, I didn't hit the lotto jackpot recently so I am like the proverbial kid in the candy store with eyes wanting a lot more than these not-to-deep pockets can afford. Hopefully, three will be at least a couple of lots that journey south with me in a couple of weeks. I also have it right from the horse's moth that Tony Pisciotta will also have some very seldomly seen notes from Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guinea in high grades at CPMX Many of these notes were printed by the E. A. Wright Bank Note Company had have magnificent vignettes like the 500 franc first printing from Guadeloupe with the Mayflower on the face. Similarly the 1000 franc, same printing and country, with the Indian Karukera on the face. These are really high powered notes and many are the plate noes from Pick. If notes from any of these countries interest you, give Tony a call. Well, I left Florida on Tuesday morning February 26 at about nine o'clock with the overnight low in the mid-fifties. The high for the day was predicted to be 72 degrees. When I got to Toledo where our editor was going to pick me up, somebody had transposed that 72 and the temperature was 27. To top that, it never got any warmer throughout Wednesday and the low for Wednesday night is predicted to be eight degrees. I keep asking myself "What are you doing up here?" and Fred keeps answering--"Going to the Fest!" As the aircraft was making its approach to Toledo, the pilot said that winds were 25 gusting to 35. Fortunately that was straight down the runway, because I've flown many an aircraft that a crosswind of the magnitude would have exceeded the design capabilities for landing. I looked out the window as we taxied to the terminal, and thought we had somehow been transported thru space and landed in Scotland. The wind was blowing the snow so hard that it looked like mist rising from the moor's. I expected any moment to see the phantom of the opera rowing his boat across that ramp! I was happy to see Fred in the terminal and since he hadn't been there long, the car was still warm and we made it to Port Clinton without any problems. World War II POWs & Civilian Internees in East Asia A book review by Howard A. Daniel III Richard B. Graham's "Postal History" column in the March 25, 2002 issue of Linn's Stamp News is titled; "Rossiter Trust: British POW book, annual journal". The major part of the column is about a book; "A Postal History of the Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees in East Asia During the Second World War, Volume I, Singapore and Malaysia" by David Tett. This book was published by the Stuart Rossiter Trust Fund of Great Britain that often published books on out of the mainstream topics. The book is over 400 pages are hardbound in green cloth measuring 8.5 by 11 inches in size. Inside there are 15 chapters, 7 appendices, a bibliography and an index among hundreds of illustrations. I am not sure how many Americans will be described in this reference but I do not know there were many of them in that part of the world when the war started. For those of you collecting camp financial instruments, I am sure this reference will be an important addition to your library. It is available from Leonard H. Hartmann, P.O. Box 36006, Louisville, KY 40233 at $47.50 postpaid. After searching the Internet I found his website and it is www.pbbooks.net and his email is leoanrd@pbbooks.net, but he does not have any online payment system with PayPal or credit cards, so you will have to send him a check or money order. But he does have a HUGE book list with many other books from the publisher of the above book and many others with military subjects. There is some good stuff there!!! ============================================== Editorial ---------------------------------------------- The more that I think about the editorial stance that I described yesterday, the more certain that I am that I was correct. None of the numismatic periodicals publish complaints against dealers (or collectors for that matter). They do (sometimes) follow up on complaints made if the dealer is an advertiser in the publication. I think that the feeling is that there are avenues for "business complaints," so they should be used. An example of an avenue is a complaint about a dealer to the ANA, IBNS, or SPMC. Furthermore, even when a publication arbitrates a complaint to successful resolution, seldom if ever is there anything to be gained by publishing the results. ============================================= Mail Call ---------------------------------------------- Dear Gram, I have checked the serial number--position number combination on my mystery 481 $5 note. The combination is correct. This seems to make it more likely that it is a genuine note and is from an extended third printing or an undocumented fourth printing. Dick Fresyer (paraphrased from lost email) Dear Dick, Yes, Doug had checked your SN/pos number. It does increase the chances that it is a genuine note, but as you say is far from conclusive. Did you examine the planchettes as I suggested? First find one that you can see with reflected light, then hold the piece to a light. If the planchette stands out, there is a serious chance that it is a genuine note. If it does not (stand out), it almost certainly is not. Try it with some other notes first. Editor Dear Fred; I have only one word for you - - - THANKS. I received your Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payments Certificates Fourth Edition, signed by you on March 14, 2002. I am now on page 125, reading it page by page, sometimes re-reading a page or two. It's like reading about old friends, the information is outstanding, the photographs are spectacular, your unique research is beyond words. Your stories come from the heart. I have learned so much so far and I'm only on page 125. I'm taking my time and enjoying every minute with deep satisfaction. Thank you again Fred. This hobby of MPC's is the highlight of my collecting passion. Thanks also to the many who helped you put this book together. Gary Hansen Dear Gary, Gosh, actually reading the darn thing?! Wow. Thanks, however, be careful what you say, some people might hear you praising your steamed disorganized editor! Editor Dear Editor Now I understand better Henny Youngman's famous statement about respect. Here is a copy of the email I sent to you on March 13, 2002, which you kindly published in the March 17, 2002, gram #569. I may not be as distinguished as those you have listed, but I clearly did send in my reservation. I guarantee I have as much fun as anyone, surely that alone deserves my being included. Dick Freyser Dear Dick Yes, I must agree, you are not as disorganized as I am! You are on the list and I can hardly wait to see you next year! Editor ============================================== Departments ------------------------------------------------- Calendar of events for Gramsters maintained by Howard Daniel, Nancy and John Wilson and Gram staff, last updated September 7, 2001 show reports are requested on all events. Even if it was not a great show, there must be something to report. What and whom did you see? Market activity? Share your observations and thoughts with Gramsters everywhere. ---------------------------------------------------- Special "MPC" events June 29 to July 5 W.W.II numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002 Session I (June 29 through July 5, 2002) Session II (Sunday, July 7 through Thursday, July 11, 2002) general events will return 2003 CPMX 9 Feb 20-23, MPC Fest IV 28 Feb - 2 Mar, Port Clinton, OH (Fest Registrants: Leo May$$, Tom Warburton, Guido Crapanzano, Dick Freyser, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Kevin Maloy, Doug Bell, Marcus Turner, Phil Goldstein, Jack Lippincot, Nick Shrier, David Seelye, Joe Boling, Gary Hicks, Fred Schwan, running total 17) ANA 19-22 March Charlotte, NC 2004 CPMX 10, Feb 26-29, MPC Fest V 5-7 March, Port Clinton, OH 2005 CPMX 11, 24-27 Feb, MPC Fest VI, 4-6 March, Port Clinton, OH --------------------------------------------------- Donations are now being accepted for scholarships to the 2002 "Military Money" course at the 2002 ANA Summer Seminar. Inquiries and donations should be sent to maturner@indy.rr.com or Military Numismatists c/o Marcus Turner 8103 East US Highway 36 Suite 163 Avon, IN 46123 Donors to 2002 Scholarship Fund Steve Feller Harold Kroll R. A. Medina Guido Crapanzano David Seelye Leo May Warner Talso Marv Mericle Mark Watson Gail Baker Joel Shafer Ed Hoffman Howard A. Daniel, III Keith and Sue Bauman Mr. 691 Ort Cowles Neil Shafer Bill Yanchick John & Nancy Wilson Dave Amey Tim Kyzivat Gary Hicks ==================================================== Hot Contact List ------------------------------------------------------------- Below is the BNR Press Hot Contact List. This list serves several functions. Obviously it is an outreach by the dealers listed for your business. Most of them buy and sell MPC. Others organize shows or publish periodicals. They have supported the new Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates with their advertising. They deserve your support and patronage. Secondly, this is a draft from the book that participating dealers should check for correctness. Finally, dealers who are not on it and want to can still get their ads in if they act promptly. Respond to this email or call (419) 732-6683. We are sorry if the format is a little messed up here in the Gram, we are not sure of how to fix it! Hot Contact List Dealers and resources for collectors Name/phone/fax/email Allens (614) 882-3937 (614) 882-0662 info@allens.com American Coins & Collectibles (800) 865-3562 American Numismatic Association (800) 367-9723 ana@money.org Bob Baker (713) 864-3122 Ken Barr (408) 272-3247 ken@kenbarr.com Fred Bart (810) 979-3400 Dick Balbaton (508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154 RJBalbaton@AOL.com Keith and Suzanne Bauman (248) 262-1514 tnaksbauman@earthlink.net Joe Bissell (602) 440-0442 (602) 494-9103 BNR Press (419) 732-6683 (419) 732-6683 fredschwan@yahoo.com Remy Bourne (800) 789-7070 (763) 789-4747 Ed Carne (614) 882-3937 (614) 882-0662 info@allens.com Champion Stamp (212) 489-8130 (212) 581-8130 Cookie Jar Collectibles (301) 604-9225 cjcpi@comcast.net Guido Crapanzano [39] 2-8056228 [39] 2-4459856 Currency Dealer Newsletter (310) 515-7369 David F. Cieniewicz (205) 852-7015 CGC (602) 493-4758 (602) 494-9103 sales@gradedcurrency.com Cygnet Charters (419) 734-2422 Ray Czahor (301) 604-9225 cjcpi@comcast.net Doric Coins & Currency (508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154 FUN (407) 321-8747 Phil Goldstein (845) 254-MPC1 (6721)IWANTMYMPC@AOL.COM Great Lakes Bank Note Company (419) 732-6683 Mike Cummings (863) 603-9899 (863) 603-9880 mpccoin@hotmail.com Great Lakes Bank Note Co (419) 732-6683 IBNS joeboling@aol.com Essie kashani (909) 627-3996 (909) 627-2776 kashani10@aol.com Lowel Horwdel (765) 583-2748 765 583-4584 horwdel@inshightbb.com Lyn Knight (800) 243-5211 Krause Publications (715) 445-2214 (715) 445-4087 bnr@krause.com Harold Kroll (251) 649-5134 HARBONS@AOL.com Leo May (305) 271-8391 LeoMayent@aol.com Ian Marshall (416) 445-0286 (416) 445-0286 iam@total.net Memphis Coin Club (901) 757-2515 MPCGram (419) 732-6683 MPCGram@Yahoo.com Bob Reed (504) 361-5684 bobreed@rrcoins.net Fred Schwan (419) 732-6683 David Seelye (585) 594-1987 (585) 594-2311 R. M. Smythe (800) 622-1880 (212) 908-4047 Military Trader (800) 334-7165 Fred Schwan (419) 732-6683 (419) 732-6683 FredSchwan@Yahoo.com Richie Self (318) 868-9077 Mel Steinberg & Son (415) 453-9750 (415) 457-4432 melsteinberg@mindspring.com Scott Winslow Associates (603) 472-7040 (603) 472-8773 scott@scottwinslow.com George Warner (307) 672-3700 Pam West [44] 0208 641 3224 [44] 0208 641 3224 pamwestbritnotes@compuserve.com 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. FOR SALE Your advertisement of material for sale (related to military money collecting) will be accepted for this section at no charge as a public service. FOR SALE: ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY OF ITALY, Series 1943 M10a Forbes 1 lira F $1 VF $3 XF $6 AU $9 M10b BEP 1 ira VF $3 XF $6 AU $9 CU $15 M11a Forbes 2 lire VF $2 XF $4 AU $6 CU $10 M11b BEP 2 lire VF $2 AU $6 CU $10 M12a Forbes 5 lire VF $2 XF $4 AU $6 M12b BEP 5 lire AU $8 M13a Forbes 10 lire F $10 VF $25 XF $50 AU $75 M13b BEP 10 lire F $10 VF $15 M14a Forbes 50 lire G $3 VG $6 F $10 M14b BEP 50 ire VG $6 F $9 VF $12 M15a Forbes 100 lire VG+ $75 M15b BEP 100 lire VG+ $75 F $100 (Short Snorter) Please confirm at hoffman@rabbitbrush.com Fourth edition Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates by Fred Schwan shipping about March 5. Order yours now. Standard edition (400 pages!) $50 Collectors's Edition (432 pages!) $95 Researchers' Edition (432 page, 46 produced, limited to availability) $125 All orders plus $4 shipping per order (NOT per book). Send snail mail payment to BNR Press, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 or PayPay using email fredschwan@yahoo.com. MPC for sale: Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing VF 55.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing VF-EF 80.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing EF 90.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing EF-A.UNC 135.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing A.UNC 175.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing CH. UNC 300.00 Series 481 5 Dollars 1st Pinting VF 155.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 1st printing VF 80.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 1st printing EF 300.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing VG-F 30.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd print F tape residue 30.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing F-VF 55.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing VF 80.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing EF 300.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 3rd Printing F-VF 65.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 3rd printing VF 75.00 Please confirm at coinman@rochester.rr.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 or sale in the above section. This is a trial, if you like it, send your list. Collector wants MPC checks from unusual places, Morocco, Libya, even France. WANTED Souvenir Card 'MPC Fest I' from the first MPC Fest. if you have any of this material for sale, advertise it in the Gram =================================================== Staff: publisher and editor: Fred Schwan - MPCGram@Yahoo.com assistant editor - Phil Goldstein IWANTMYMPC@aol.com distribution manager - Brad Peacock bp22@swbell.net Tuesday columnist Joe Boling - JoeBoling@aol.com Thurski columnist Larry "Ski" Smulczenski - ski@prodigy.net critic: Harold Kroll - HARBONS@aol.com scholarship coordinator - Marcus Turner maturner@indy.rr.com fact checker: Warner Talso index manager: Ed Beaman webmaster & technical advisor -- Doug Bell - (Wiz): doug@papermoneyworld.net 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.