You will find full color images of all of the postal history, essays & proofs and fancy cancels illustrated in this newsletter on our website: www.jameslee.com. We believe that this feature will be of added benefit to our clients. Of course, any item that you purchase and are not 100% satisfied with may be returned within 7 days of receipt for a full refund.

In early December, I made my annual trek to Detroit for the Firby Rarities of Philatelic Literature auction. Despite a small floor, the combination of a strong book and a large number of agents bids resulted in few bargains. Several U.S. handbooks brought more than my retail prices with a few lots selling at over 3 times our price. I went to Detroit expecting to fill my van and came back with room for my lots and several passengers.

Here are some comparison examples of prices realized from this sale:

Arfken Postage Due Book 316.25 175.00

White's Paper & Gums 287.50 195.00

American Phil. Congress Vol.22 80.50 35.00

Don't panic, I'm not going to raise my prices. My guess as to what this all means is that I have to do a better job of getting my message out to interested literature buyers or buy a copy of Chuck's mailing list.

Many of you have spoken on the phone or met my wife Susan at shows. During the first five years of business she was heavily involved in the day to day operations. About two years ago she decided to forge ahead on a new career path that would provide her with new challenges. This past May she completed her paralegal certification with honors at Harper College in Palatine.

While in school, she volunteered at the District 3 court house in Rolling Meadows. Susan spent two days a week writing orders of protection for domestic violence cases. Upon graduation, she sought out and received a full time position in the clerk of the circuit courts office. Today her responsibilities include preparing civil and criminal appeals for the court and serving as a domestic violence advocate.

I'm thrilled that Susan is doing something she truly loves and to which she is committed. Meanwhile, I'm looking for someone to take her place in the office.