(pcp/wm) If a philatelist with a collection of semi-classical editions of a country achieves three Grand Gold rankings at exhibitions (here in 2010 in Buenos Aires, 2016 in Cordoba and 2018 at the FIP exhibition in Israel), this collection must be so
It’s not surprising that this collection belongs to Pablo Reim, currently one of the most important philatelists in South America, because his other collections on pre-philately of Argentina or Bolivia, on classical and semiclassical editions of Brazil, on Corrientes etc. are almost legendary. Knowing that various national printing houses and also some foreign ones – especially the American Bank Note Company – were involved with various printing orders. Whoever reads the corresponding chapter of the Kohl Handbook will get an impression of the complexity of the “material”. The very well understandable and lavishly illustrated introduction to P. Reim’s collection is a real help. Even more the in English described collection itself.
In ten “chapters” Reim aboards the subject, beginning with the “First Treaty” up to the sixth printing order (1883). Included are the “Provisories” of 1877 and 1882, necessary because postage changes resulted in a lack of stamps. Some values were overprinted in Argentina. Reim follows a for him typical chronology. The stamps, their essays and/or proofs are at the beginning of each new issue. This is followed by the presentation of some of the largest known units in unused and used condition. Thereafter stamp uses of each value level on letter follow – from single frankings to multiple and mixed frankings. They are explained with postage rates and overviews. Even mixed frankings (e.g. with the preceding Rivadavia issues) or bisected stamps are among the rarities that can be seen in this book in high quality and in large numbers. The variety seems inexhaustible, but hints such as “only three letters known” quickly make it clear to the reader that the material shown is anything but everyday commodity.
The collection is perfect, an optical “delicacy” that can only be enjoyed. This book is to be recommended to anyone interested in these issues, even if he cannot call comparable material his own.
Format 33 x 25 cm, 174 pages, in colour, hardcover, 69 Euro. Contact: Heinrich Köhler Auktionshaus GmbH & Co. KG, Wilhelmstr. 48, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany, e-mail: info@heinrich-koehler.de, www.heinrich-koehler.de
