The January Matthew Bennett Harbor Auction contained the Chicago and Illinois material from the Seymour B. Stiss Collection that Sy consigned to the Bennett firm. We were fortunate to purchase many of the large lots from the sale. Some of the pearls from those lots can be found on the pagers of this edition of "Philately".

In an effort to promote the societies that coincide with our interests and specialties we will from time to time provide them with space in our newsletter mailing envelope. I n most cases we bear all of the cost associated with the insert. We believe it is important to expose our readers to the many great educational opportunities that our hobby provides.

One of the inserts in this issue is a membership application for the U.S. Cancellation Club. A first time annual membership is just $17.00. For your money you will receive the club's outstanding 16 page quarterly journal that covers nothing but cancels. In addition the club has a circulating library, one on one advisory service, annual seminar and meeting at a major stamp show. If you join and don't feel like you got your money's worth the first year, I will refund the cost of your dues

The second insert is the advertising flyer for the 1851 Book that is being produced by the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society and will be available just before Washington 2006. The edition is going to be limited to the number of books ordered by March 1st plus just a few additional copies. The prepublication price is very attractive and saves you about $45.00 off the list price. After March 1st you will have to pay $125.00 for this book. We will stock this book at the $125.00 price and will only make it available at Washington 2006. Order from the Society now and save!

We are publishing the new edition of Larry's work. This edition will be 420 pages and in full color and will include a dust jacket. In addition to hundreds of new listings the pricing has been completely updated. When the first edition of 500 copies was printed by the Collectors Club of Chicago in 1999 it sold out quickly. It is our intention to keep this book in print for about two years. By increasing the size of the print run we were able to add color. Watch for our pre-publication offer in you mail box. We expect delivery in mid-April. Dealer inquiries for wholesale quantities are welcome.

There will also be a book signing at our booth (No. 2124) at Washington 2006 on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th from 1 - 3 PM.

Less than four months and counting until the philatelic flood gates open in Washington, DC. When I read through my Pacific '97 files at the end of last year I had forgotten how much there would be to do. The preparation punch list for this show is about four pages long and there is at least one task to be completed each day.

There is still time to consign material for the show. We are also ready to make outright purchases of collections. You can call us toll-free today (877/696-8403) to discuss which option would be best for you.

The next issue of our newsletter will be the Washington 2006 edition and will be in the mail in early May. We have held back some very significant material for this issue to insure that it would be a blockbuster.