10 Feb 26 – Zoom – Philatelic Database Digitisation
Philatelic Database Digitisation: Pre-stamp Mark Identification Made Easier
by Ian Gibson-Smith FRPSL
In this Zoom meeting on 10th February, Ian Gibson-Smith FRPSL explained how having a philatelic database of digitised images is making the identification of early pre-stamp marks on items of postal history easier.
The history and artistry of British stamps fascinates Ian Gibson-Smith. Introduced to collecting by a relative, Ian began learning British history by studying his first stamp album that contained short stories about the stamp images. Ian emigrated from Durham, England to the United States with his family in 1973. Though he identifies himself as American now, memories of childhood years spent in England still shape his philatelic interests, despite his collecting interests having expanded a little over the years, embracing Australia, Belgium, Canada, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, and the United States.
This talk will is a detailed look at how using digitisation of postal marks is making the task of identifying those seen on items of pre-stamp postal history much easier. This subject brings together Ian’s knowledge around the use of computer technology with his philatelic interests and enjoyment of history.
To visit the sites mentioned in the talk please go to U.S. Philatelic Classics Society and Hong Kong China Overprints
