The Essay-Proof Society has been defunct for several years. Many collectors thought that the demise would diminish the interest in collecting U.S. essays and proofs. Quite the contrary, this area of the hobby is alive and well. This year alone it will represent a third of our business.

Earlier this year clients Peter Schwartz and Ralph Zerbonia launched "Essay-Proof Collectors Online" at www.essayproof.net. It is fast becoming a electronic replacement for the old Essay-Proof Society. You will find many great articles on the subject at their site.

The first catalog on essays was written and published in 1911 by Edward Mason. His work was followed by a work in 1941 by Dr. Clarence Brazer entitled, "Essays for U.S. Postage Stamps". Brazer's work still stands as the definitive work on the subject to this day. In 1977, Quarterman Publications reprinted the Brazer work and included the addenda that he published in the "The American Philatelist" during the mid-1940's.

Brazer published two other monographs, "Historical Catalog of the U.S. Stamp Essays and Proofs: 1847 Issue" and a similar publication on the Trans-Mississippi Issue. In addition he published price lists throughout the 1940's through 1956.

In 1974, George Turner wrote "Essays and Proofs of United States Internal Revenue Stamps". We now know that this work was based on the Morton Dean Joyce collection. Also in that year Fred Schueren wrote "The U.S. 1869 Issue: An Essay-Proof History".

Some of the best sources for additional information on essays and proofs are the various U.S. monographs such as Don Evans' 1c 1861-67 Issue book or Willard's work on the 2c Red-Brown of 1883-87.

However, nothing can replace a complete run of the "Essay-Proof Journal" for an all encompassing look at the subject. It is loaded with articles about designers, engravers, the bank note companies and of course specialized articles on various issues.

Essays and proofs augment many grand award winning collections. They are the perfect way to augment your collection as well. You'll find their study fascinating and will give you a better understanding of the development of the stamps that you collect.