Peter Zollner, chairman of the ArGe Bayern, pays the author the highest respect, for he has not only managed in just a few years to exploit the ‘perceived 100 sources of the ancestors’, but also to sift through the findings of the last 20 years of third parties and integrate them into this book. Zollner expresses great appreciation for Cargnel’s own research in the field of ‘printing and editions’. In view of these words of praise and a 5.5-page outline, one feels compelled to check and verify them – and ultimately feels confirmed in what the connoisseur’s words contained.
In the first part, the author focuses on postal history, leading from the pre-stamp period to the first stamps (23 pages). In the second part (almost 80 pages), he imparts general knowledge on quality criteria, terminology and valuations, followed by the ‘high art of the art’ with the treatment in the stamp part (176 pages). Each of the square issues of MiNo. 1-13 (1849-1862) is covered on an average of 13 pages! And this in a way and to an extent that leaves no questions unanswered. It begins with the issues of 1849, followed by those of 1850 and 1862.
Even though this manual already contains a wealth of information on valuations, Cargnel and Zollner felt it was important to delve deeper into the subject and provide important guidance in a separate valuation section (this one in DIN A5 format with 64 pages). Both together are probably the best that is available on this topic today. Absolutely professionally designed and laid out by Dietmar Schmitz, who has made the work a feast for the eyes. Everything fits together here!
Summary: main volume in A4 format, 304 pages, in colour, hardback, additional evaluation volume in A5 format, 64 pages, paperback. Both volumes together are available for 60 euros plus postage from the chairman of the Bavarian branch, Peter Zollner. See: www.bayern-arge.de
Translated with DeepL (www.deepl.com)
