Postal Stationery South African Republic 1869-1900 (Philately of Southern Africa)

The South African Republic ceased to exist with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging when it surrendered to the British Empire at the conclusion of the Boer War in 1902. That was over 115 years ago. Many collectors are not aware of the philatelic history of this area. Fortunately for us, South African Republic philately is alive and an active collecting area. And Tim Bartshe, South African Republic specialist extraordinaire, knows more than most about this challenging subject.This five-frame exhibit presents the postal stationery issued by the government of the South African Republic, particularly as it relates to the population explosion in the late 1880s and 1890s due to the discovery of gold. Tens of thousands rushed to the new El Dorado known as ‘The Witwatersrand’ outside of Johannesburg. The treatment begins with the first item produced, a primitive envelope with a pre-stamped cancel of Potchefstroom.After the conclusion of the First Anglo-Boer War in 1881, the Second Republic was formed and began contracting with Enschedé for production of stamps and various stationery items beginning in 1885. The exhibit carries through chronologically the production and release of these items. The balance is as it should be; based upon the amount of material extant and time of use within the various rate periods. The exhibit ends with the final cards issued by the government in retreat along the rail line to the eastTim has selected the most difficult uses based on destinations, auxiliary markings, and up-ratings. The envelop productions are extremely difficult to find and as used are great rarities. The archival material represents some of the only examples in private hands. The exhibit reflects over 35 years of study, research, and constant searching for outstanding philatelic material, and Tim has acquired the material for the complete development of the story.Tim’s expertise in exhibiting is reflected in his successes with grand awards in each of seven exhibiting categories: Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Thematic, First Day Cover, Display, and Picture Postcard, as well as International Large Gold medals. His exhibiting success is matched by judging successes with having judged at over 80 national shows, including every national US World Series of Philately shows and the Canadian national stamp show. With his combination of judging acumen and mastery of exhibit techniques, his exhibits are a treat for all students of South African philately and philatelic exhibiting.The Plan for the exhibit:Envelopes: Provisional and Davis printings 1869-1873 Postal Cards 1885-1900 a. Vurtheim 1885 NZASM notification cards 1891, 1893 Shaft Issue 1894 Disselboom Issues 1895-96 NZASM notification cards 1896, 1897 Reply-paid Postal Cards 1896 Wrappers 1898 Registration Envelops 1898 Proclamation/Machadodorp cards 1900 Letter Sheet Epilogue Read more