-
Genre:Caribbean Culture, Caribbean History
-
Hardcover:Yes
-
Language:English
Overview
‘The Stamp Cancelling Machine Slogan Postmarks of Trinidad and Tobago 1923 – 2023’ by Jazad N. Ali, is the latest publication by the The Philatelic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (PSTT), fittingly in the centenary year of stamp cancelling machines in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2022, the PSTT celebrated 80 years of collecting, documenting and archiving the history of Trinidad and Tobago through stamps.
Jazad N. Ali is a life member and former Vice President of the PSTT. In 1997, the author, together with Ronald G. Wike, formulated the ALI & WIKE numbering system and rarity scale for slogan postmarks. Their book ‘Machine Cancellations of Trinidad & Tobago 1923 – 1997’ (published by the PSTT in 1997) is accepted by philatelists as the benchmark for referencing Trinidad and Tobago slogans. The publication won five silver medals at International Stamp Shows in the USA, Germany, China, Austria and the UK.
‘The Stamp Cancelling Machine Slogan Postmarks of Trinidad and Tobago 1923 – 2023’ has been the author’s labour of love over the last twenty-six years. This book covers the slogan postmarks used by the Postal Services of Trinidad and Tobago from 1923 to 30 June 1999, and the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST) from 1 July 1999 to present. This publication is fully illustrated with over 680 photographs.
It includes a brief history of the development of the postal system in Trinidad and Tobago from the 1840s to present. In addition, it explores the experimental and trial stamp cancelling machines used in the UK and the USA leading up to the modern high-speed machines. For stamp collectors, background information and technical details on each slogan cancel are included. Groundbreaking research on the machine settings, leading to variations in slogan strikes, is presented using actual photographs of the cancelling mechanisms from the stamp cancelling machines at the Post Offices in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, schematics from the Pitney Bowes service manuals are referenced.
The first recorded use of a machine to cancel mail was at the G.P.O., Port of Spain on 26 June 1923, using a wavy lines cancel. Later, in October, the first slogan (advertising the British Empire Exhibition of 1924) was introduced. Since then, well over one hundred slogan cancellations were used on the machines, many of them providing snapshots of the social history of Trinidad and Tobago. The history of each slogan can be of interest not only to philatelic scholars, but to social historians as well as the casual reader who may be happy just to see a ‘national lottery ticket’ or an old postcard.
BOOK DETAILS
- Hardcover: Yes
- Publisher: NA
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 978-976-8291-394
- Dimensions: NA
PREVIEW
Kumar Ramlal –
The Stamp Cancelling Machine Slogan Postmarks of Trinidad and Tobago 1923 – 2023 by Mr. Jazad N. Ali is a book which gives the reader very detailed facts about the development of the Postal System of Trinidad and Tobago. His explanation of every Slogan Postmark and Stamp Cancellation in this book is incredibly informative.
He also gives the reader a brief History of every Slogan Postmark. Reading some of these Slogan Postmarks will certainly take you on a trip down memory lane.
Mr.Ali’s research and detailed explanation about these Cancelling Machines, when they were working properly and when they were not working properly is really amazing.
The printing and appearance of this book is of top quality. To the casual reader, this book is very interesting and informative. I think that this book should have a place in every School and Library in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kumar Ramlal.
Retired School Farm Attendant.
Ramberran Ramjattan –
I admire the patience of Jazad Ali for 40 years to collect cancel stamps and to write a book and dedicate it to his parents. Your parents will be pleased in heaven.
Best regards.
Ramberran
Nigel Mohammed –
THE STAMP CANCELLING MACHINE SLOGAN POSTMARKS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 1923 – 2023
This is the authoritative book for Trinidad & Tobago’s Slogan cancellations, and it absolutely delivers! It has a broad appeal beyond philately, diving into many aspects of our history. So, if you love our history, you will be in for a treat. It is one that every philatelist and historian will appreciate. The Stamp Cancelling Machine Slogan Postmarks of Trinidad and Tobago (TSCMSPTT) deserves a place with cherished Trinidad and Tobago history books and will compliment other books written by the likes of Gerrard Besson, Angelo Bissessrarsingh, Bridget Brereton, Michael Anthony, and Anthony De Verteuil. It will make a wonderful addition to your book collection.
When Jazad Ali (Jazz) wrote the precursor to this in 1997, this was the book he had in mind. Now 26 years later comes this second edition and it is like a fine wine; it took time to mature and develop. It had too because it is written with greater knowledge and more in-depth analyses. This 332-page Sloganapedia has already exceeded our expectations. It is filled with an abundance of information and is the go-to reference for slogan cancels.
The physical appearance, print quality, and dimensions of the book is best in class. Another appeal it has is the vast amount of non-philatelic material and information snapshots of times gone by. This offers the reader a moment to pause, reflect, and even rejuvenate a distant memory. I love the manner in which he used a plethora of photos, postcards, advertisements, important events, and a QSL card to demonstrate its connections to slogans. This gives so much context and is brilliantly done.
As a collector you will appreciate the wealth of knowledge the author has. The depth and details covered by Jazz in his methodology, categorizations, and explanations on all aspects of the materials presented is astounding. Jazz walks the reader from the birth of the Trinidad slogan cancel during colonial times and illustrates how the slogans evolved over time. Every aspect of the slogan cancels, and town dies have been covered. From the origins of the slogan cancelling machines first used in Trinidad and Tobago, to how the machine actually works. He delves into the mechanisms and operations of these machines with illustrations and explanations. He discusses what happens when they were not properly set or operated, and the resulting errors they produced. These anomalies add another layer of appeal to a specialist collector. A keen eye is often needed to discern the not so obvious flaws and errors. But for the most part the errors reveal themselves making them readily evident. Studying these must have caused him a lot of eye strain!
If you’re familiar with philatelic literature, you will recognize that the visual appeal is class leading in every aspect, it will not bore you! The material content is compelling and captivating. He even highlights the famed Lady Mcleod of the 1840’s to Governor Lord Harris of the 1850’s who brought the Postal system to Trinidad and Tobago. What makes this book even more special is that every slogan is illustrated with an actual-colored example. His lifelong research and work have now joined the other important books written by philatelists specializing in Trinidad and Tobago such as John Marriott, Reuben Ramkissoon, Michael Medlicott, Joe Chin Aleong, Ron Wike, Peter Ford, and Edward Barrow.
TSCMSPTT is a time capsule of information, wonderfully presented for today’s scholars. Everything you ever wanted to know is comprehensively captured and illustrated. It is a collector’s bible, and this book is worthy of a prominent place in every library. Look no more slogan collectors, your search stops here!
Sincerely,
Nigel Mohammed
Member of:
PSTT, APS, CCC, and WIPSG
Ihsan Khayri Atiba. B.A(hons)M.A Cultural Studies –
Having limited knowledge of the history of stamps and slogans, this text drew me in immediately with the author/designer’s mastery of layout and design composition. The deliberate and timely pacing of vibrant imagery helped to keep me alert during what could be very dense historical and cultural content. I will be using this text for reference in Secondary School Visual Arts classes and I am confident that this can be a valuable addition to the library of reference texts for the Cultural Studies M.A program at the University of the West Indies.
Umadai Sandy –
This book fits the slogan : ‘”Beauty, Brain and Perfection.”
The author offers detailed facts, supporting documents, ‘clear’ tables and mind- blowing photographs of the stamps, slogans, postal cards and
even newspaper clippings and glass slides.
The explanation on each slogan/ stamp, and the machine mechanism are all outstanding and groundbreaking. So much history is presented in such a precise and concise manner.. One can even learn about Princess Elizabeth ‘s wedding cake to Angostura Bitters, and the history of many aspects of Trinidad and Tobago.
Jazad’s eyes and presentation skills, the display of information are sharp and acute. He has a true and rare talent. I am in awe. This book is an eye opener for people of all ages ( well 8 yrs up) and interest, not only the philatelists.
Fits for 5 stars and can surely. stimulate your interest.
Aaron Ken D’Abreau –
This comprehensive work not only offers a captivating overview of the postal system’s history but delves into the intriguing world of experimental and trial stamp cancelling machines used throughout history. Ali’s meticulous attention to detail, accompanied by actual photographs and references to service manuals, ensures that readers gain a profound understanding of the subject matter. Beyond being a valuable reference for philatelists, this book provides a remarkable window into the social and cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago. With its insightful content, rich illustrations, and remarkable coverage, “The Stamp Cancelling Machine Slogan Postmarks of Trinidad and Tobago 1923 – 2023” is an invaluable addition to the literature on Caribbean culture and history.
Alvin Gonzales –
Wow. A must have for those with a taste for historical bites and for technical philatelic insights…and even those who love history captured in photos and slogans…perfectly put together by an authority on the subject matter. Kudo to Mr. Ali who dedicated a lot to this endeavor. What a masterpiece!