Upcoming Harmer-Schau Auction At APS Show

Rogdcam, I believe the destruction of philatelic material (which is how these 98's are created) is more harmful to the hobby as a whole than are the shady dealers. Ryle will one day be gone and not missed and the hobby will keep on going, but the cut-up classic multiples will never be replaced.

Cut up multiples are not a negative in all collectors eyes. The same cannot be said of Ryle and his kind.

Other than what you guys are saying about one or two lots ,it looks like a nice diverse auction with lots of interesting items for many different collector types . I plan to pick up one or two items thru the Stamp Network .

I respectfully disagree with this premise. I have never heard of someone who has quit the hobby because someone cut up a multiple. But I have seen many emails, messages, and posts where people have left the hobby after getting ripped off.

And while I abhor the breaking up of multiples, the truth is that to a large degree the original multiple information can be retained by good photographs before the mutilation. This is in stark comparison to altered stamps were the change is intentionally hidden.
Don

This is where grading is completely screwed up. Just because it's a "98 jumbo" doesn't give it the eye appeal I look for, and not just because it's contrived. I would prefer the second stamp below for my collection, even if it was a copy that wasnt all that centered.