Mission Statement

I decided to create this page after I was asked if I photoshopped autographs off Gateway covers. Yes I do.  My purpose for the blog is first for my enjoyment. I like to visually see the various cachets produced for stamp issues, and I like to know what events have been commemorated philatelically.

Many of the covers are from my collection, others are found on the web, on eBay, auction sites and the too few education sites available.  I like to know the background information on the creation of a cover, not necessarily the value.  Value means different tinges to different collectors. To me it's not what it's worth, but what it means to me.

Such as the Darryl Strawberry rubber stamp signature. I had sent this cover to Strawberry in care of the NY Mets for a hopeful signature, but instead received the rubber stamp. I do not mind as it does add another dimension to the cover.

This is why I also like to add a National Park or MLB passport stamp to a cover, to commemorate my travels to a site, expand my experience

If I received an autograph in person, I will leave it on the cover, because I know it's real. If I find a cover on the internet I will clean it up for the purpose of presentation, including removing the address, signatures, general cleaning for a better appearance.

I am not qualified to authenticate an autograph and I do not want to give the impression that because I post it, I am providing authentication. If I can not adequately remove the autograph as it will affect the overall appearance of the cachet or postmark, I will leave it.

Whenever possible I will give credit where I can. Sometimes an image stays on the internet but the original posting is no longer available. My hopes is to provide information to the collector.

Enjoy!