A major discovery of a new pattern of double line watermark has been reported in the August issue of The United States Specialist. The previously-documented pattern illustrated in current catalogs (Figure 1) has the letter group “USPS” appearing in a “backward-stepping” manner in successive rows. The newly-discovered pattern is a “forward stepping” pattern of the letter group (Figure 2). This discovery comes more than 100 years after the first use of paper with the forward-stepping pattern.

The discovery of the new pattern will affect Scott catalog listings of 1902-08 Second Bureau Issue definitives, the 1908-1910 Third Bureau (Washington–Franklin head ) issues, early twentieth century commemoratives (e.g., Lincoln Memorial issue, Alaska-Pacific-Yukon Exposition issue, and possibly others), Special Delivery, Postage Due, and a number of other “back of the book” issues on the double line watermark paper.

The discovery was announced in an article by Larry S. Weiss and Gerald Nylander, students of the Washington-Franklin head issues. An article by these authors exploring why it took more than 100 years to recognize the new pattern will be published in the Specialist for September. Weiss will explore the Scott and Durland catalog effects of the discovery in the October issue. A later issue will present the story of how the discovery occurred.

Collectors of U.S. stamps interested in reading these articles and a diverse set of other interesting others can consider membership in The United States Stamp Society by visiting the society website at www.usstamps.org or by writing the Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 6634, Katy, TX 77491-6634.

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Here are the United States Stamp Society medal winners that have been reported from recent shows:

The following shows have not sent results, so if you have won the USSS Award at one of these
shows and would like to be acknowledged here, please let me know.

• Ropex (Rochester, NY)
• Manpex (CT)

Show Awards Chairs, please note:
USSS AWARDS PROGRAM

The USSS Gold Statue of Freedom Medal is sent automatically to all APS World Series of Philately shows.

The USSS Silver President’s Award medal is available upon request to all local and regional shows.

For more information, or to request an award, please contact me by e-mail or write to P.O. Box 690042, Houston, TX 77269-0042.

—Denise Stotts, Awards Committee

A major expense for the United States Stamp Society is postage.  Each year the official business of the USSS requires approximately $2,000 in postage.

Discount postage usually sells for 75% of face value.  Any member who wishes to make a contribution of discount postage will receive a tax deductible contribution for the full face value of the postage plus mailing costs (including insurance).

Please mail discount postage to the Treasurer for distribution, or drop it off at any show where the USSS has a Society table.  A receipt indicating the amount of your tax-deductible, charitable contribution will be sent for all contributions in excess of $5.

— David Sugar, Treasurer
20 North Wacker Dr., Suite 2250
Chicago, IL 60606