From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 707 (corrected copy, trash earlier) Date: Thursday, August 22, 2002 8:56 AM ============================================== MPC GRAM ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 003 - Number 707- Thurski 24 Aug 2002 A Trip Down Memory Lane By Larry “Ski” Smulczesnki Last week I mentioned going back and looking at a copy of a Bank Note Reporter that was twenty-five years old. It brought back some interesting memories and in some cases information that I had forgot or didn't know. Twenty-five years ago my interests were not as encompassing as they are today, and I frequently glossed over articles or did not digest information that I had only a passing interest in. Anyway, it was an interesting trip down memory lane and something came to mind as a result of it. I still subscribe to and read Linn's Stamp News even though I have little, if any, interest in stamps. There are occasionally interesting articles in that paper that provide valuable information for the events and time period for which the notes we are collecting were issued. Linn's also does a weekly review of their newspaper that was printed fifty years ago including events and the price dealers were selling items at. I always find this little feature interesting as it takes me back to my high school days and brings back more memories. If only I had the foresight to buy up some of those mentioned items at those prices, I'd be in tall cotton today. But then again, who had the money to buy collectables at that time. After all, it cost over a dollar to take a girl to the movies and have an ice cream soda or a cherry coke afterwards. Our heritage in banknote literature is not as rich or encompassing as the stamp-collecting hobby, but the Bank Note Reporter does go back some 29 years. Since I am always looking for a subject to write about, I thought I might follow Linn's lead and review the Bank Note Reporter of twenty-five years ago during one of my weekly columns each month. I think you will find some of the information from these aged relics of the past to be of interest. The August 1977 issue headlined Grover Criswell assuming the presidency of ANA. You might remember that I wrote last week that Grover founded the Bank Note Reporter in 1973 and sold it to Austin Sheheen in 1976 because of his ever increasing responsibilities with ANA. Criswell was the author of several books on Confederate currency and bonds. Right below that lead story on the front page was a featured article by Fred Schwan about the E.A. Wright Bank Note Company. This article eventually evolved into a monograph by our editor entitled "The Paper Money of the E.A. Wright Bank Note Company." The article tells the story of the immigration to New York City of Ernest A. Wright in about 1871 and the establishment in Philadelphia of a securities printing firm known as E.A. Wright Bank Note Engraver. His son, E.A. Wright II was born in 1880 and joined his fathers firm in 1898. In 1907, the company was incorporated as E.A. Wright Bank Note Company. Business was good for the firm as it produced significant numbers of stock certificates and other fiscal paper. E.A. Sr. died in 1912, but saw the birth of two grandsons, E.A. III and Thomas P. Both joined the company in the late 1920's. The two youngsters expanded the companies' diploma and commencement program printing business making it one of the most important aspects of the companies' business. Yet, there were no banknotes for this Bank Note company. This changed in 1941, when French officials contacted the company about printing paper money for five French colonies--French Guiana, French West Africa, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Morocco. In all, 21 different notes were printed for the colonies although there are numerous signature, date, and other varieties. All of these notes are WWII military notes and are all listed in WWII Remembered. In its 92 year history, these were the only actual banknotes printed by the company although they were well done, beautiful notes. If you decide to collect them, I hope you have real deep pockets. Most are scarce and high priced. The company was sold to Josten's (a class-ring manufacturer) in 1964 mainly because of the diploma and commencement program business. The security printing business remained as E. A. Wright Company. A year later, Josten's sold the security printer to Thomas de la Rue who did business as Federated Bank Note Company. de la Rue eventually sold out to Security Columbian Bank Note Company. By the way, there are also an E.A. IV and E.A. V. Since this article was written 25 years ago, I wonder if there is an E.A. VI or even E.A. VII by now? Page 3 of the paper has and article that announces an auction by paper money dealer Bill Kiszely at the Long Beach Coin and Stamp Expo. The auction included "A" and "B" yen specimen books. I wonder who got them and at what price? Most of you will not believe this next item, but pages 6 and 7 feature a full two page ad by Fred Schwan featuring military notes for sale. Didn't know Fred advertised, did you? BUT, can you imagine Fred selling a 641 5c replacement in fine condition for $3? It books at over three figures today. Or how about a 661, 5c replacement for $2? Would you believe $300 today? I'll bet you would jump at a 692 10c or 25c replacement for $3.25. In all, there were 28 replacements ranging in price from $2 to $195. I haven't checked all the prices, but I doubt if you could purchase any of them for less than 10 times the listed price and some for 100x. Fred featured a complete set of 681's uncirculated for $55. or take two for $100. Please don't go running for your check books! Page 10 featured an ad by C.M. Niel Nielsen wanting 10 peso Philippine guerrilla notes from Mindanao with about 300 specific serial numbers. I remember this project of Niel's. He had a large number of Mindanao counterfeits and he was attempting to match the counterfeit with the real note having the same serial number. That's really looking for a needle in a haystack, but he was successful in finding some of them and had a fabulous exhibit at one of the Memphis shows featuring these notes. Nielsen also authored a great article entitled "Financing the Guerrilla Movements in Mindanao." Some of this information is included in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money Volume One, but not in its entirety. It's unfortunate that this info never made it to book form, because it makes great reading for the collector interested in these notes. For those of you who asked, the computer is not back yet, but I got a call today and hopefully by next week we will be up and running. ============================================== Editorial ============================================== Larry came up with a great idea for a monthly column. While it is a great idea, I want to point out a negative. It is an idea that any of the rest of you could have thought of an implemented! Larry has always led by example, so you can use his example and find some new twist. I was sure that Larry was going to end the E. A. Wright story with his personal encounter with a great collection of the notes. [Larry, see there is another story idea. I will supplement that story (when you tell it) with a story of my own about the Wright notes.)] Finally, can you imagine 50 years from now when Meoldy Turner is editor of the Gram, Nikkie Goldstein might do a daily review of what was in the Gram 50 years earlier . Each month Nikkie will do a flash back to Ski’s flash back to the BNR. Fred ============================================== Mail Call ============================================== Dear Gram: Just a quick note to tell you how very much I'm enjoying each issue of MPC Gram. There's terrific writing as well as unique information available every week. Just as the title states, "Covering the Entire World of Military Numismatics," I've been learning all kinds of things about this area of collecting that you won't find anywhere else. I just read Joe Boling's column about the initials in the Ed White vignette (MPC Gram 706) and it reminds me that good research, like good writing, requires an inquiring mind and Joe certainly fills that bill. Larry Smulczenski's column about his research into the story behind photos of detainees at Fort Stanton camp (MPC Gram 675) is another example of great writing. Larry took some bare bones facts and fleshed them out into a fascinating story. As in any area of study the more information the deeper the understanding, is there a possibility for a glossary of terms related to military life? Sometimes there are references to practices or procedures that non-military folks like me don't really have a clue about nor can we infer from the context of the story. Maybe a brief definition can be included in the story when appropriate or a reference to a printed or electronic source of information could be included. Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work. Michele Orzano Michele, Thanks a bunch for writing. I suspect that one of our surfers will find you a great site for military terminology (aka jargon). If someone can do that, we can provably find a spot to put the link on a permanent basis. Failing that, we might be able to work more directly on your suggestion. I will keep your idea in mind and try to put some explanations in context in the future, but it is not easy to recognize the words needing such clarification. We will certainly welecome a teaser from you now and then asking about a term or a group. Thanks for your thoughts. We would be pleased to see you at Fest IV. Sidney is not outside the “pass limits.” Editor Editor, Well, you've resurrected the old template that omits the IBNS from the 5-6 October show announcement. How do you do that? Joe Dear Joe, It is a skill! Editor Dear Editor, The original proof of Ouray at the BEP has "F. Noyes" in the portrait. This was altered and replaced with "MPC." Gene Hessler ================================================== 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, Sam Feeback, 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 IBNS Congress 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. Selections from the Phil Goldstein Collection Series 611 sleeper series 5 Cents GEM UNC $39.00 10 Cents GEM UNC $47.50 25 Cents GEM UNC $235.00 50 Cents GEM UNC $250.00 $1.00 EF $20.00 Series 661 5 Cents A. UNC $5.00 10 Cents GEM UNC $9.50 25 Cents GEM UNC $25.00 50 Cents GEM UNC $22.50 $1.00 GEM UNC $19.00 $5.00 GEM UNC $26.00 $20.00 ink 74 VF $35.00 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