Some News and Views. . .

   As you can see, this sale marks another milestone for us here at Vance Auctions. Our very first sale was published 52 years ago in November 1972. Sale #1 offered 348 lots and the entire auction was printed on one page. Today, our 371st catalogue fills 108 pages with 7,111 lots.

   Many thanks to all of the bidders who have helped make our business a success over the years.

   In August, my sons Chris and Scott represented Vance Auctions at the Great American Stamp Show which was held in Hartford, Connecticut. This show is sponsored by the American Philatelic Society and has become the largest stamp show in North America.

   Chris and Scott brought back very positive reports of the show. They enjoyed meeting many of our bidders from all parts of the country and abroad. In addition to selling, they acquired some very interesting material that will be offered in our future sales.

   While the internet provides a wonderful marketplace, it is always nice to meet other dealers and collectors face to face.

   As a youth, I enjoyed being a member of our
local Boy Scout troop. I particularly enjoyed
earning merit badges including my collector’s
badge for stamp collecting.

   The Boy Scout movement can trace its roots back to the Boer War. Lord Baden-Powell commanded the tiny British garrison at Mafeking when it was under siege. The key roles played by some brave young scouts inspired him to start the Boy Scouts in 1908.

   Scouting stamps and souvenir sheets have always been very popular with collectors. This auction has some interesting lots of Boy Scout postcards including some very early types. Please see the Postcard section between Lots 6932 and 6960.

   Sale #371 has excellent sections of Canada, United States, Germany, Great Britain, Cyprus, Newfoundland and French Colonies. There are also hundreds of fine lots of covers, postal history and postcards including a nice section of Ballon Monté covers, German postcards and Canada Semi-Official Airmail covers. For those looking for larger lots, collections, box lots and stocks, there are hundreds of lots to choose from. We hope that
you will find just what you are looking for.