From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 706 Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 12:43 PM ============================================== MPC GRAM ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 003 - Number 706- Monday 20 Aug 2002 Whose initials are in the Ed White vignette? By Joe Boling In gram 699 Jay Garrison reported that Ken Barr was offering a souvenir card bearing an engraving of the Ed White spacewalk that appears on the series 681 fractionals. In gram 700, Bill McNease reported that the card was listed by Ken at $150, not $5. However, before I received gram 700, I had ordered the card, asking Ken to send it for $5 plus his customary shipping and handling charge. He responded in a day or two that the card was on its way, and that shipping was being provided gratis to gramsters. Today the card arrived, with its $5 invoice, which I had already paid by mail. So, at least one was available for $5; I don't know how many more there may be. The engraving is exactly the one that is on the 681 notes. Remember that Fred and I learned at the Bureau that MPC designs were first engraved, then separated into multicolor lithographic elements for production. This card seems to be made from the plate that was converted for use on the 681 backs. The only significant difference I can find is the addition (on the MPC) of a wedge of color to the lens of the camera in White's hand. (As on the NASA web site, the engraving is upside down in relation to its orientation on the MPC.) The other engraving on the card is one of the Wright Flyer airborne at Kitty Hawk. While inspecting the Ed White engraving and comparing it to the MPC backs, I found what appear to be initials in the sea below White, just to the right of the baton or rod that he is carrying. The most conspicuous is the letter V; to its left is a less-clear letter A. On the MPC, in lithographed form, the V is still quite visible, the A less so. Fred and Larry, who at the bureau had the initials AV? AV being a near-SWIM, it reads the same no matter which way the vignette is oriented (but as shown on the souvenir card, the A appears to be the stronger letter). Fred (via Gene Hessler) identifies the engraver of this vignette as Edward R. Felver; I wonder if he had a daughter named Victoria or Alice? Inspection of two other vignettes engraved by Felver (in their MPC-lithographed forms--681 fractional face and 692 $5 face) does not reveal any further use of these (or other) initials. The only mention of signed vignettes in MPC-IV is the reference to the initials MPC in the Chief Ouray vignette. Has anyone else found any evidence of signed vignettes? Did anyone at the Bureau ever sign his work? What about all those vignettes borrowed from 19th century sources? Were any of those brought in from private banknote companies? Get out your loupes, folks, and start searching. ============================================== Editorial ============================================== Carlson Chamliss is visiting here at headquarters. He came to do some publishing business, and, indeed, we did some. However, I must admit that with all of the scholarly intent, we digressed into a swap meet! I showed him mine, he showed me his, and some deals were made. I think that there is something in the nature of collectors. It is hard to get together without creating some deals! I love it! Fred ============================================== Mail Call ============================================== Dear Editor The story on the destruction of Series 691 and 701 is sad and incredible. Did Robert Unger take a picture of the boxes, pallets, or the actual "act of destruction?" I would love to view one. Best regards, Trung T. Nguyen Of course we also have the TGIF day. (Everyone knows that one) The FO day (can be combined with G (golf day) and the all important TGIGMO day (Thank God I got my orders day). Bill McNease Dear Beloved and Respected Editor: Recall the discussion about the POW Camp at Fort Stanton, NM, and it's proximity to the Trinity Site when the first nuclear device was detonated. There was a question about safety considerations. Last night I had a long conversation with Ben Benjamin, a gentleman who was an Army technician at Trinity Site. He was one of the construction party that spent the year preceding the test building the site and the year afterwards tearing it down. He knew nothing of the POW camp. Their primary safety concern was the spread of contamination. There was a test event of 100 tons of TNT for instrument calibration on 7 May 1945. This was seeded with radioactive isotopes. No particular problem arose due to the spread of airborne radioactivity. For the Trinity test, the only specific related safety measure was the stationing of 2 or 3 people in each of the nearby towns with instructions to go to the authorities and explain the cover story (an ammunition dump blew up) in the event there was some catastrophic event. Probably more detail than you wanted to know. Warner ================================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS ================================================ 2002 Dallas Aug 21-24 National paper money and historical artifacts show at the Sheraton Grand hotel at DFW Airport. An auction will be held Friday and Saturday nights. MPC Barbeque 24 August 1 pm, in conjunction with above. RSVP is not absolutely necessary, but desirable. Confirmed attendees are: Doug Bell and Karen, Harold Kroll, David Seelye, Bruce Potter, John Cheney, and Amanda Sheheen, and Joel Shafer. For questions or reservations contact Doug Bell at doug@papermoneyworld.net. Hong Kong Coin Auction, August 29, 2002 & Hong Kong International Coin Convention, August 30-31, 2002, Holiday Inn Golden Mile, 50 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Auction sponsored by Baldwin's Auctions Ltd.; Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co. Ltd.; Ronald J. Gillio Auctions; and Monetarium (S) Pte. Ltd. Bourse information from Ronald J. Gillio, 1003 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Telephone 805-962-3197 & Fax 805-962-6659 or Margaret Ang/Kathy Chu in Hong Kong at 852-2311-1699 or email at tcoinshk@netvigator.com. London Paper Money Fair, September 1, 2002, The Bonnington Hotel, 92 Southhampton Row, London WC1, England, Pam West, P.O. Box 257, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9WW, Telephone/Fax 44-208-641-3224 or email PamWestBritNotes@Compuserve.com. Czech International Symposium on Paper Money, September 12, 2002 & 5th Collectors' Fair of Philately, Numismatics and Telephone Cards, September 13, 2002, IBNS Czech Chapter, Evzen Sknouril (President), Vaclacke nam 17, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic, Telephone 420-2-2400-9273 or Fax 420-2-2400-9278 or email ibnscz@volny.cz. Strasburg Currency & Stock & Bond Show, September 12-15, 2002, Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center, 2300 Lincoln Highway East (US-30), Lancaster, PA 17602, Kevin Foley, P.O. Box 573, Milwaukee, WI 53201, Telephone 414-421-3484 or Fax 414-423-0343. Central States Fall Show (& Greater Cincinnati Numismatic Exposition), September 20-22, 2002, Sharonville Convention Center, I-75, Exit 15, North Cincinnati, OH, Paul Padget, Telephone 513-821-2143. 5-6 October at the Trade Union Congress hall, two blocks from the British Museum. On 4 October there will be an IBSS (Int'l Bond and Share Society) meeting at the Victory Services Club (Marble Arch), which will include lot viewing for their October mail bid sale (the sale will include Japanese WWII bonds, and undoubtedly other items of interest to gramsters). There are usually auctions by Spink's and by Phillips Son and Neale that week St. Louis paper money show 21-24 November POW Conference 5- 8 October Muscatine Holiday Inn, Muscatine, IA has blocked out rooms for Sunday and Monday nights, and offers a special rate for those and Saturday night at $75 per room Confirmed participants: Feller, Smulczenski, Schwan 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 FUN Florida United Numismatists, Orlando, Jan 2003 CPMX 9: 20 - 23 February, Chicago, IL 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$$, Fred Schwan, David Seelye, Nick Shrier, Larry Smulczenski, Warner Talso, Marcus Turner, Tom Warburton, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Tom Koch, Nancy and John Wilson $$ = Paid Running total: 22 ANA:21-23 March 2003, March, Charlotte, NC ================================================== Subscription information: You can enter an email address to receive the gram by using the link below. Use this to change your address (add the new one), add a friend or enemy. http://www.papermoneyworld.net/WebMailList/Default.asp =================================================== 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 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 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 =================================================== 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. From the Phil Goldstein Collection Series 681 5 Cents A. UNC $7.50 10 Cents A. UNC $8.50 25 Cents A. UNC $16.50 50 Cents Choice UNC $22.50 $1.00 Choice UNC $22.50 $5.00 A. UNC $55.00 $10.00 EF $95.00 $20.00 1st Print 2-pin holes VF $45.00 $20.00 2nd Print 2-pin holes EF $90.00 Series 692 5 Cents GEM UNC $14.50 10 Cents GEM UNC $14.50 25 Cents EF $10.00 50 Cents GEM UNC $37.50 $1.00 GEM UNC $85.00 $5.00 2 pin holes VF $75.00 $10.00 NO pin holes VF $175.00 $20.00 1st Print ink Gr, ph VF $30.00 $20.00 2nd Print 2 pin holes EF $75.00 price includes domestic insured delivery confirm coinman@rochester.rr.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) WANTED - Philippine Guerrila Money (5/26) Wanted: War and other bonds issued by the US government, will purchase or trade. =================================================== 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) =================================================== 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:vacant 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 ===== 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. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search Thousands of New Jobs http://www.hotjobs.com