Kolbe & Fanning
Auction 164 27 Aug 2022
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Scarce Early Coin & Stamp Periodical
Trifet, F. [publisher]. THE AMERICAN STAMP MERCURY AND NUMISMATIST. Volumes I and II (Boston, 1867-1869), complete. 8vo [24 by 15 and 23 by 18 cm], both volumes in original publisher's maroon cloth; upper covers decorated and lettered in gilt; sides paneled in blind; all page edges gilt. 92 + (4), 112 pages; text figures; "Time Postal Label" sample affixed to page 27, as issued. Fine, in the original envelopes in which they were stored. Bourne 1865-22. Special Hardbound Editions. Ex Hiram Deats estate (not so identified). Scarce. While both volumes are gilt-lettered "The American Stamp Mercury and Numismatist," it was not until over half way through Volume II that the publication's name was actually changed to reflect this broadened interest. Under the headline "Our New Name," the publishers wrote that to inquiries "of why it was not a Numismatic as well as a Timbrophilic paper, we always answered that two magazines on the former subject were enough. That we were mistaken, our Numismatic friends will at once see, for though there are two Magazines published in this country devoted to the collecting of coins, the editor of one [American Journal of Numismatics] is so learned, and the articles of the magazine so profound, that it will never be a popular magazine, though it should be read by every collector who takes an interest in his collection. The editor of the other [Mason's Coin and Stamp Collectors' Magazine] has the misfortune to lack what his brother has too much of, viz: that much needed, but seldom found, article, common sense. We have often wondered whether the Timbrophilic or the Numismatic articles in its columns were the least correct, but have not been able to solve this problem. Seeing the above state of things, we have determined to establish a Magazine that will be popular, or, in other words, one that can be understood by, and teach something to, everyone that reads it. To do this, we have enlarged the MERCURY, and will hereafter publish indiscriminately the best available articles on stamps and coins." Writings of numismatic interest in subsequent issues include two articles by "Nemo;" proceedings of the New England Numismatic and Archeological Society; a report on the "Mackensie" sale; a request from S.S. Crosby: "Being engaged in studying, for the purpose of publication, the varieties of the Colonial coinage, I wish to ask (for) impressions in copper or tin foil of any fine or rare specimens"; an article on Shell-Money by R.E.C. Stearns; "The Massachusetts Coinage" by H.E.W. [Harlow E. Woodward, son of W. Elliot Woodward]; poems entitled "The Old Coin" and "The 'Bungtown'"; etc. The inclusion of numismatics apparently did little to increase circulation and the publication reverted to philatelic content only after July 1870, undoubtedly much to the satisfaction of Ebenezer Locke Mason. We have encountered the first volume bound in green cloth before. These bound volumes are how the publication is most frequently encountered now, and they may have been produced in the late 19th or even early 20th century by Hiram Deats. Ex M. Bourne Library.
(Estimate: $200)
Trifet, F. [publisher]. THE AMERICAN STAMP MERCURY AND NUMISMATIST. Volumes I and II (Boston, 1867-1869), complete. 8vo [24 by 15 and 23 by 18 cm], both volumes in original publisher's maroon cloth; upper covers decorated and lettered in gilt; sides paneled in blind; all page edges gilt. 92 + (4), 112 pages; text figures; "Time Postal Label" sample affixed to page 27, as issued. Fine, in the original envelopes in which they were stored. Bourne 1865-22. Special Hardbound Editions. Ex Hiram Deats estate (not so identified). Scarce. While both volumes are gilt-lettered "The American Stamp Mercury and Numismatist," it was not until over half way through Volume II that the publication's name was actually changed to reflect this broadened interest. Under the headline "Our New Name," the publishers wrote that to inquiries "of why it was not a Numismatic as well as a Timbrophilic paper, we always answered that two magazines on the former subject were enough. That we were mistaken, our Numismatic friends will at once see, for though there are two Magazines published in this country devoted to the collecting of coins, the editor of one [American Journal of Numismatics] is so learned, and the articles of the magazine so profound, that it will never be a popular magazine, though it should be read by every collector who takes an interest in his collection. The editor of the other [Mason's Coin and Stamp Collectors' Magazine] has the misfortune to lack what his brother has too much of, viz: that much needed, but seldom found, article, common sense. We have often wondered whether the Timbrophilic or the Numismatic articles in its columns were the least correct, but have not been able to solve this problem. Seeing the above state of things, we have determined to establish a Magazine that will be popular, or, in other words, one that can be understood by, and teach something to, everyone that reads it. To do this, we have enlarged the MERCURY, and will hereafter publish indiscriminately the best available articles on stamps and coins." Writings of numismatic interest in subsequent issues include two articles by "Nemo;" proceedings of the New England Numismatic and Archeological Society; a report on the "Mackensie" sale; a request from S.S. Crosby: "Being engaged in studying, for the purpose of publication, the varieties of the Colonial coinage, I wish to ask (for) impressions in copper or tin foil of any fine or rare specimens"; an article on Shell-Money by R.E.C. Stearns; "The Massachusetts Coinage" by H.E.W. [Harlow E. Woodward, son of W. Elliot Woodward]; poems entitled "The Old Coin" and "The 'Bungtown'"; etc. The inclusion of numismatics apparently did little to increase circulation and the publication reverted to philatelic content only after July 1870, undoubtedly much to the satisfaction of Ebenezer Locke Mason. We have encountered the first volume bound in green cloth before. These bound volumes are how the publication is most frequently encountered now, and they may have been produced in the late 19th or even early 20th century by Hiram Deats. Ex M. Bourne Library.
(Estimate: $200)