Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Classic Stamp Collecting" U.S. 1868" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. In 1837, retired schoolteacher Rowland Hill proposed a prepaid penny-per-half-ounce rate for all letters, no matter what distance they traveled. The postmaster general was initially appalled by this wild, visionary and extravagant proposal, but it was adopted in 1839. Stamps and postage-paid envelopes such as those now in use were issued in 1840. Their form has changed little since. Collectors appeared immediately, soon followed by the first stamp catalogues. Today, the enormous numbers of stamp collectors, and stamps to be collected, have made the pursuit a highly organized one. Catalogues describe almost every stamp available and give current prices for each issue. Since the early 1920's, the first day of issue of every stamp has been an occasion for philatelic celebration in the United States, and since 1937 ceremonies have included the use of a special postmark. Image Size: 11.25 x 18 in. Overall Size: 18.25 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B12203) See More