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MPC GRAM
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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics

Series 003 - Number 630       Thursday - 23 MAY 2002
___________________
__281 days to Fest IV__


FEATURED ARTICLE

POW Camps
by Larry Smulczenski
      
       In response to my request for information on POW camps, Tom Koch of Seattle sent me a very interesting newspaper article published this year in the Seattle Times.  This article had to do with a riot that occurred at Fort Lawton, Washington between black American soldiers and Italian internees.  It featured the case of a black American,  Samuel Snow of Leesburg Florida who was involved in the riot.  Sam received his draft notice at the age of 19 and saw this as a chance to get ahead.  He became an Army dockworker, and was shipped to Fort Lawton in Seattle.
   
       When Italy surrendered in 1943, Italian prisoners weren't allowed to return home, but if they chose to  swear allegiance to the U.S., their lot in life improved dramatically. They wore blue armbands and came and went pretty much as the pleased.  They went to ballgames and took trips to Mount Rainier.  They courted local girls who found them exotic and charming.  Many were invited into the homes of local families for Sunday dinner. 
   
       The preferential treatment of Italians on the base created tensions with both white and black enlisted men.  A day before the riot, a group of white soldiers shoved some Italians for crowding them at the post's market.  Black servicemen accustomed to segregated quarters and white commanding officers, bristled that former enemies enjoyed freedoms they could only imagine.  The Italian soldiers were given the run of the camp, welcomed in the markets and mess halls.  Off base, the Italians went into establishments that legally excluded blacks.  The black troops complained about being assigned the worst jobs around the fort. 
   
       On the evening of August 14, 1944, Snow was in his barracks, putting his name on his uniform.  On another floor, a group of men played craps while others milled around.  The black troops were being shipped out the next day, and rumor had it that the men were going to haul equipment across mountains leading to the invasion of Japan.  Around 11 p.m., four black soldiers walked by the camp entrance, passing three Italians along the way.  Words were exchanged and one of the soldiers stepped toward the Italians.  An Italian prisoner threw a punch leveling the soldier.  His buddies carried him, unconscious, back to the barracks.  Witnesses said a black corporal blew a whistle and hundreds of men tumbled from their barracks and headed to the Italian area for revenge.  Some of the soldiers tore down a wooden fence along the way and took picket posts as weapons.  They hurled rocks at the Italian barracks and chased internees under buildings and into the woods.  Four white officers and 20 Italians were injured as black soldiers swarmed through the Italian area.  The next day, the body of an Italian Private was discovered hanging from a cable on the fort obstacle course. 
   
       After the corporal's whistle, Snow says he came out of his barracks to see what was going on and followed the crowd to the Italian area.  He was knocked unconscious, probably by a thrown rock, and woke up in the hospital.  He says he never intended to harm anyone, and he never saw what hit him, but he signed a statement admitting that he was "fixing for a fight".  After a short investigation, 40 men were charged with rioting, three others who allegedly directed the attack were charged with murder.
   
       Leon Jaworski, of Watergate fame, was the prosecutor.  In the end, 28 defendants were convicted of rioting.  Two of the three men charged with murder were convicted of manslaughter, while the third was convicted of rioting.  Sentences ranged from one to 15 years.  Samuel Snow served a year in the stockade picking up garbage and cigarette butts around Fort Lawton, finally dishonorably discharged and sent home to Leesburg.  Because of the dishonorable discharge he was ineligible for the GI Bill and he couldn't pay for an education or training.  He landed a job as a janitor at a Methodist church and worked there for more than two decades although he never attended services there because blacks were not allowed as parishioners.  With the help of his congressman, Snow got his discharge upgraded so that could receive health benefits and other benefits.  He proudly notes that he has been married for 52 years and has put his two children through college.  He owns orange groves in Leesburg and some clapboard rental homes, which he plans to pass on to his children.  Sam Snow is the only remaining survivor of the 43 soldiers court-martialed for the 1943 riot at Fort Lawton, Washington. 
   
       We currently know of no POW or Internment camp chits that were issued at Fort Lawton.  It seems highly probable that they were with the number of internees and the freedom that they enjoyed mentioned in this article.  Maybe one will be uncovered in the future just like the White Sulphur Springs chit that we talked about last week.

DID YOU KNOW-- That on this date in 1941, the British cruiser Suffolk sighted the German battleship Bismarck. The entire British Atlantic fleet was mobilized to chase the German ship.  The Bismarck was eventually caught and sunk.

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BOOK REVIEW


The Engraver's Line by Gene Hessler

100 Copies Only--NLG Award Winning Book with signed engravings


       One hundred numbered copies of The Engraver's Line have been prepared by the author. This original version of the NLG award-winning book, and a supplement, includes five engraved insertions, four signed by the engravers. The engravers represented differ from those who signed their work in the sold-out special edition when this book was first published.
    
       One of the signatures, on a sheet with postage stamps attached that he engraved, is that of Edward R. Felver, the engraver of The Bouquet and the B52A Bomber ($20 MPC backs, Schwan 908 & 918).
     In addition, and while supply lasts, those who purchase any edition, regular or special, will receive an additional sheet of engravings created at American Bank Note Company. These will be mailed separately  and can be sent only to an address in the U.S.

The author will be at the BNR Press table at the Memphis International Paper Money Show to sign books.

       As line engraving is being replaced by mechanical and computer-imaging methods, The Engraver's Line pays homage to artists from an era that has all but disappeared. This encyclopedia of paper money and postage stamp art and biographies was first released in 1993, including a special edition with signed engravings. Recently, different engravers suggested that the author prepare a second special edition. The result, 100 copies of the original edition with signed engravings for those who appreciate the art of security engraving.
    
       The Engraver's Line, with 444 pages and over 500 illustrations, is the first major composite listing of designers and engravers of bank notes and postage stamps.
    
       Some of the most beautiful bank notes were designed and engraved by major American artists like F.O.C. Darley, Asher B. Durand, Walter Shirlaw and Kenyon Cox. However, their paper money art is seldom mentioned in art studies even though these designs were seen and handled by more people than those who saw the work of these artists in art galleries and museums.

       What some have said about The Engraver's Line:

"(The Engraver's Line) will become a standard reference like Mr. Hessler's other works." Barbara Mueller, The Essay Proof Journal.

"It has been a valuable addition to our reference collection because it is unique.  It includes biographies of artists, illustrators, engravers and printers that are not found in any other reference source." S. Frechette, Art Division of the St. Louis Public Library

"This comprehensive work on engraving is essential for anyone studying the history of engraving…. Numerous illustrations make clear the painstaking detail involved in each engraving. I found the book to be comprehensive and well-researched." A.J. Horton, Manager Art and Music Dept., Cincinnati Public Library

Special edition with engravings $145; regular edition $85. For each book, add $5 for postage and insurance. Send check or money order to: Gene Hessler, PO Box 31144, Cincinnati, OH 45231. For a copy of the supplement only, send $5. Outside the U.S. add $15 (check on a U.S. bank or instrument payable in U.S. funds) for postage and registration.

Requests for a specific numbered copy will be honored, if possible, but cannot be guaranteed. Specify if you wish the book to be signed by the author and to whom.

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MAIL CALL


In response to Jim Downeys' letter in Gram 629:

I'm sure many people have replied with the answer by now but I'll respond just in case. I assume Libya was like other MPC countries (my personal experience was in Korea) and no US currency was in use EXCEPT for one cent pieces. The persons cashing the check would have gotten a 50 cent and 25 cent MPC and a good old US one cent copper coin.
John Watta

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *


The MPC GRAM has been moved to a different server and I need feed back on the performance of the new server. There have been many gram subscribers that haven’t received the gram for some odd reason. I would like to point those gram subscribers to the web site where you can receive back issueswww.papermoneyworld.net/grams/index.html
Doug

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EDITORIAL


I highly recommend the above book to MPC Collectors, as there is quite alot of info contained about the various vignettes on MPC Notes. I have to admit, after MPC Catalog and WW2 remembered, I found it a necessity to purchase it.

Doug is trying out a new server for the Gram... If you are having any problems, please contact Doug direct at:

mpc@sirinet.net
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2002

ANA Seminar:   29 June to 5 July
W.W. II numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002
Session I
(Saturday, 29 June through Friday, 5 July, 2002)
Session II
(Sunday, 7 July through Thursday, 11 July, 2002)
general events will return

WESPMEX:   27 - 28 July
Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 175 Dealers
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY

WESPMEX:   11 - 13 October
Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 100 Dealers
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY

WESPMEX:   29 November - 1 December
Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 160 Dealers
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY

2003

CPMX 9:   20 - 23 February,
MPC Fest IV:   28 Feb - 2 March, Port Clinton, OH
Fest Registrants: Doug Bell,  Joe Boling,  Guido Crapanzano,  Dick Freyser,  Philip M. Goldstein,  Gary Hicks,  Harold Kroll, 
Jack Lippincot,  Kevin Maloy,  Leo May$$,  Fred Schwan,  David Seelye,  Nick Shrier,  Larry Smulczenski,  Warner Talso,
Marcus Turner,  Tom Warburton

$$ = Paid          Running total: 17



ANA:   19-22 March, Charlotte, NC

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SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

FILING IS CLOSED FOR 2002 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Donations now being accepted for 2003 scholarships.


For further information, please contact:


Military Numismatists
c/o Marcus Turner
8103 East US Highway 36
Suite 163
Avon, IN 46123

maturner@indy.rr.com

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HOT CONTACT LIST - DEALER & RESOURCE 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, or furnish information dedicated to this field. They have supported the new Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates with their advertising.

They deserve your support and patronage!

Name                                                       phone                    fax / cell                          email
Allens                                                     (614) 882-3937       (614) 882-0662               info@allens.com
American Coins & Collectibles          (800) 865-3562
American Numismatic Ass'n               (800) 367-9723                                               ana@money.org
Guy Araby                                             (562) 945-7891      (310) 508-0018                guyaraby@earthlink.net

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
Mike Cummings                                    (863) 603-9899       (863) 603-9880            
   mpccoin@hotmail.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

Larry Gibbs                                            (308) 635-7900                                               oth@prairieweb.com
Philip M. Goldstein                               (845) 254-MPC1 [6721]                                iwantmympc@aol.com  or  MPC Website
Great Lakes Bank Note Company      (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
Peter Huntoon                                       Smithsonian Research
                                peter.huntoon@att.net
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      (305) 720-0659                LeoMayEnt@aol.com or Wide World of Banknotes
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       (419) 732-6683               FredSchwan@yahoo.com
David Seelye                                         (585) 594-1987       (585) 594-2311               coinman@rochester.rr.com
Richie Self                                              (318) 868-9077
R. M. Smythe                                         (800) 622-1880       (212) 908-4047               www.smytheonline.com

Mel Steinberg & Son                           (415) 453-9750       (415) 457-4432               melsteinberg@mindspring.com
Military Trader                                      (800) 334-7165
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


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POST / BASE EXCHANGE   (PX/BX/NEX)


Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale, purchase or trade 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. In all cases confirm your order via email first.

FOR SALE SECTION:
For Sale ads will run for a period of up to 5 issues, or until sold.


Series 541 $5         front: vf+ / back: vf                                                            $2250
SN F02031284F      PN 4

Series 541 $10       xf / xf                                                                                 $1250
SN F11420626F      PN 28

Series 591 $5         f / f - with hole in center from folding                                    $400
SN G01590625G           PN 49

Series 591 $10       unc - with 1/8" tear top dead center -                                  $3000
SN G02225825G           PN 29
cannot be seen when in holder - sharp square corners, the unc in Lyn Knights auction sold for 6k+, this is an affordable alternative                 
                                                                                                      
Series 611  $5        vf+ / vf+                                                                             $1300
SN H02336122H   PN 43

Series 611 $10       xf+ / xf+ gorgeous note. 3 light folds, but looks au               $450
SN 04598956H      PN 25

scans available upon request!
reply to Phil:
  iwantmympc@aol.com


Series 471   1 Dollar                       F                                                     14.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       VF                                                  29.50
Series 471   1 Dollar                       VF-EF                                            40.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       EF                                                   85.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       AU                                                 150.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       CH. UNC       bent corner else    175.00
Series 471   5 Dollars                      F                                                    675.00
Series 471   5 Dollars                      VF                                                 1250.00
Series 471   5 Dollars                      EF                                                  2500.00
Series 471  10 Dollars                     EF                                                  600.00
Series 471  10 Dollars                     AU                                                1000.00
Series 471  10 Dollars                     UNC                                              2250.00

contact David Seelye at coinman@rochester.rr.com

(626)


Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates - 4th Edition
by Fred Schwan

Standard Edition (400 pages!)                                                               $  50
Collectors’s Edition (432 pages!)                                                          $  95
Researcher's 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 Street
Port Clinton, OH   43452

or PayPal using email:
fredschwan@yahoo.com


WANTED SECTION:
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 as a reply.
Wanted listings will run for a period of 1 month.


WANTED - Fancy Series 641 fractional notes - any condition. (5/18)



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MPC CATALOG CORRECTIONS & ENHANCEMENTS


Page 18, Bottom - Users of Military Payment Certificates
Check marks were omitted from production copies of books. Please check off the following:
Australia:           641, 661, 681, 692
Canada:            461 through and including 591
Korea:              641, 661, 681, 692
New Zealand:   641, 661, 681, 692
Thailand:           641, 661, 681, 692
United States:    All
(date listed: 02 APRIL 2002)

Page 201, Bottom Right - Very last sentence on this page
Two serial numbers listed for the second printing of
Series 472 .50 cent notes.  The first serial number listed is obviously in error as a nine digit number: C040351392C   
Correct Serial Number is: C04035139C
D Freyser (date listed 10 April 2002)

Page 207, #833/4  - Series 481 .25 4th Printing  (table listing serial number breakdowns)  line 5
Start Number is incorrect. It appears as:
(start) D14784001D   (end) D14784000D
Correct start number should be: D09408001D
PK6 (date listed: 03 APRIL 2002)

Page 214, #855/r2 - Series 541 $1 Replacements,
Ending serial number is incorrect
Correct number is F1112000
(date listed: 02 APRIL 2002)

Page 220, #884/2r - Series 641 .50 Replacements

On page 284, it is broken down into 2 printings. That's correct, BUT, on page 220 he lists only (1) printing reported. It should "list" both first and second printings. 
Guy Araby (date listed 04 APRIL 2002)

Page 287, Series 661 Series Summary, 25 cent note: the "list" shows "#CU as 10(7) . It should read, 8(7). As only 8 are known in CU. Just recount P.289. 
Guy Araby (date listed 08 APRIL 2002)

Page 398, Series #541 $10 on  "UNC." price is $2500, on P.214 the UNC. price is $3500. Also the rest of the prices don't match all the way to "VG" on this issue. They should be the same price.
Guy Araby (date listed 08 APRIL 2002)

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MPC Gram Staff:


Publisher:                                               Fred Schwan -                              MPCGram@yahoo.com

Editor:                                                     Philip M. Goldstein -                   IWANTMYMPC@aol.com
Subscription Manager:                        Doug Bell -                                   doug@papermoneyworld.net
Tuesday Columnist :                            Joe Boling -                                   JoeBoling@aol.com
Thurski Columnist:                               Larry "Ski" Smulczenski -           skifla@prodigy.net
Friday Columnist:                                 Fred Schwan -                               MPCGram@yahoo.com
Critic:                                                      Harold Kroll -                                HARBONS@aol.com
Distribution Manager:                         Brad Peacock -                              bp22@swbell.net

Scholarship Coordinator:                    Marcus Turner -                           maturner@indy.rr.com
Index & Back Issue Manager:            Ed Beaman -                                  ebeaman@sprynet.com
    
Webmaster & Technical Advisors:   Doug Bell "Wiz" -                        doug@papermoneyworld.net
                                                                 Russ Walsh -                                russ.walsh@gte.net
Fact Checker:                                         Warner Talso -                            
Calendar Coordinator:                          John & Nancy Wilson -

The Boss:                                               Judy Schwan -