Duck Stamp Dealer Extraordinaire Bob Dumaine Closed Album

Bob Dumaine passed away at age 85 due to complications from pneumonia. For those not familiar with him, the following is from his ASDA page:

"Let's set the record straight right off the bat: No philatelist and/or dealer has done more to popularize, publicize and elevate the integrity of the world of duck stamp collecting than Robert Dumaine. The name of this longtime dealer from Houston, Texas, is virtually synonymous with this specialized field in philately. His Sam Houston Duck Company has a worldwide following among not only the philatelic community, but also among duck hunting and duck conservation enthusiasts everywhere.

At an early age, he developed an appreciation for wetlands and wildlife and recognized the importance of preserving the homes of our "fowl" friends.

For over 30 years, Mr. Dumaine has specialized in the buying and selling of stamps—especially duck stamps, prints, and related material. During that time, he has become a recognized leader and expert in duck stamps, and owns and operates a retail stamp and wildlife store in Houston. The firm conducts regular auctions, and he is a licensed and bonded auctioneer in the State of Texas.

Bob functions as an unofficial advisor to many state waterfowl programs, and is frequently consulted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Federal Duck Stamp Office.

He is co-author of The Duck Stamp Story, which has been widely praised as the most complete work on the history of the duck stamp program, and the stamps themselves. The book achieved a Gold Medal for literature at the American Philatelic Society's 2001 Annual Exhibition. In addition, the Specialized Duck Stamp Catalogue, published by Sam Houston Duck Company, has been praised for setting the industry standard for duck stamp information and prices, and has won many awards over the years.

In addition to writing the special Duck Stamp column for Linn's Stamp News for 14 years, Bob's writings have appeared in numerous other stamp collecting periodicals.

Bob is the founder of the National Duck Stamp Collectors Society and has been active in many other philatelic organizations. He assists the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., in research and preparation of material for the duck stamp gallery and also served on the American Stamp Dealers Association Board of Directors for six years. — RN."

Not so long ago in my mind, I found myself as one of the younger dealers who started in the business as the greats like Herman Hearst, Jacques Minkus, H. E. Harris and others were in their twighlight. After college I applied to a number of them for work in the business. The most consistent response I got was " you do not want too be a dealer. " So I ended up for 15 years working as a Fed, and dealing on the side. In the late '80s and 90s I came to know a group of dealers not too much older than myself who were more willing to accommodate younger dealers, provide relevant advice and mentoring. Dumaine was one such guy who was free with advice, and tolerantly patient, as long as you did not compete directly with him, and sent him leads on duck stamp collections first, lol. RIP Bob.

This is very sad news - I used to buy duck stamps from Sam Houston for many years until a family sprouted out of me. I never knew Bob personally but I was a member of NDSCS since its start and I even bought and read the Duck Stamp Story book.

I do not collect "ducks" but it is hard for a collector of my age (up there) not to have been affected by his giant presence in our hobby. My condolences to his family.

If no one objects, I would like to post a few duck images of my own. There doesn't seem to be a good or recent thread to cover these.

Here is a License with a low serial number for starters. Enjoy.

Same State, different hunter

This 1935 is worth showing both sides....



Peter Brady !!!


The limit is 10 squirrels a day. How many you already ate, boy?