Zeppelin Exchange May Be a Good Move

Question: I have a used set of Graf Zeppelins (Scott Numbers C13-15) with faults. The high value has substantial thins, the middle value has paper remnants attached. But the centering of all three stamps is good, and they are very nice in appearance.

I would like to swap these for used copies in similar condition of Scott Numbers 1 and 2. Are these comparable in value to the Zeppelins? The catalogue prices seem similar but the Zeppelins seem to be “out of favor” right now.--V.P.

Answer: The current catalogue value of the Graf Zeppelin set issued by the U.S. Post Office in 1930 is $1,600 in used condition. For the first two U.S. stamps (Numbers 1 and 2) issued in 1847, the total catalogue price is $2,650 canceled.

As I see it, the prices are not comparable. The Zeppelins are indeed worth less, and the swap would seem to be in your favor based on catalogue value alone.

But some collectors might not appreciate the 1847 U.S. issues, while the Zeppelins probably have better publicity and recognition among beginning collectors, thus making them easier to sell. On the other hand, serious students of classic U.S. philately tend to like the 1847 stamps better than anything produced in the 20th Century, so the 1847 issues would have a wide market among collectors with knowledge and money to spend.

I will be hard to find a good swap. Make sure the defects are similar or of equally detracting value, something that may be difficult to judge. If you really want my opinion, I would trade the whole Zeppelin set for one nice undamaged No. 1 canceled.

Q: I have a singed air letter, sent from England to Miami, Fla., in 1954 on which is the following: “Salvaged Mail, Aircraft Crash, Prestwick 25-12-54.”

I believe all people on board were killed. It was a Boeing Stratocruiser. Is this letter worth anything?--M.B.L.

A: Perhaps $10 or $20, which is an average price range for “routine” crash covers. This crash took place in Great Britain, which makes it less desirable to American collectors and therefore slightly reduces its market value in this country.

Q: My set of St. Lucia commemoratives shows King George VI, has 17 values from one-half pence to 1 pound and is in unhinged mint condition. What is it worth?--T.J.

A: About $44 current catalogue value for this 1938-48 dated set. St. Lucia is an independent British Commonwealth island in the West Indies. Estimated population is 126,800.

Q: I am interested in collecting Olympic stamps from various countries. How do I begin?--E.B.

A: Many stamp shops have mint sets of commemoratives of the world honoring the Olympics. If there is a stamp dealer in your neighborhood, try buying some Olympics issues there.

The Society of Olympic Collectors is based in Great Britain but has more than 250 members worldwide. Membership includes subscription to a 48-page quarterly journal called the Torch Bearer, and a mail auction three times a year.

For more information or a membership application write to the Society’s American representative, enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope: Glenn A. Estus, S.O.C., P.O. Box 451, Westport, N.Y. 12993.

Barry Krause, a member of several national stamp-collecting organizations, cannot answer mail personally but will respond to philatelic questions of general interest in this column. Do not telephone. Write to Your Stamps, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.