Introduction to Part One of the Dr. Alfred S. Martin Collection

THE NAME OF DR. ALFRED S. MARTIN AND THE EXTENT OF HIS
collecting achievement have been known only to a small group of dealers and First Day Cover enthusiasts during the past 25 years. With this two-part offering of Dr. Martin’s extraordinary collection, his star is certain to become part of the constellation of distinguished American philatelists who are recognized for their knowledge and taste.

Dr. Martin’s collection is really two collections. His passion for First Day Covers led Dr. Martin to make the bold move to acquire the Patricia and Edward Siskin collection more than 20 years ago. This masterstroke occurred  outside of the public sale forum. At the time only a few dealers and collectors were aware that something “big” had taken place. The scale of this transaction dwarfed any previous sale of First Day Covers and gave Dr. Martin the solid foundation on which to build what may ultimately become recognized as the greatest collection of its kind ever formed.

Along with his interest in First Days, Dr. Martin developed a fascination with United States postal history in general. Rather than specialize in one particular issue or subject, Dr. Martin chose to build a panoramic array of covers, ranging from 18th Century transatlantic ship letters to 20th Century transatlantic flight covers. This aspect of the Martin collection creates a sale in which there is virtually “something for everyone.”

The dual nature of Dr. Martin’s collection has created the need for a dual-marketing strategy, bringing together two widely-recognized auction firms for this history-making sale. The Siegel firm is pleased and honored to be working with the firm of James T. McCusker Inc., specialists in United States First Day Covers. Although the Siegel firm has sold many great First Day Covers and EDU’s over our 75-year history, the experience of working with
Jim McCusker and the Martin collection has been an education in the rarity, artistry and subtle nuances of First Day Covers and the market.

The Siegel firm has taken responsibility for presenting Part One and holding the auction at our galleries. The McCusker firm has described Part Two (the FDC and EDU portion) and will conduct its special Live Interactive Bidding (for Part Two only) before the public auction takes place at the Siegel galleries. Our strengths and resources will be combined to create one of the most significant United States Postal History sales ever held. We hope that everyone—bidders, buyers and the seller—will benefit from this unprecedented collaboration.

For clients who have done business with either the Siegel or the McCusker firm, there may be some question about whom to call or contact with inquiries and bids. It is quite simple: if you are accustomed to dealing with one of us, please continue to do so. If you have no preference and wish to go directly to the firm responsible for the sale part that interests you, please feel welcome to contact either one of us.

                                                                                                —SCOTT R. TREPEL

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