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

The Dr. Alfred S. Martin Collection represents the single MOST comprehensive offering of U.S. First Day Covers, Earliest Documented Usages, Collections and Postal History to be offered publicly.

Dr. Martin amassed one of the most highly-regarded philatelic collections in just a 25-year period. Coincidentally, he began collecting at approximately the same time
I began my business. We grew together in the field, and I was privileged to have been one of the few dealers to meet and work with Dr. Martin. His sophisticated taste and keen eye enabled me to place many premium items with him privately. Many are seen here for the first time for all to enjoy.

Due to the breadth of Dr. Martin’s collection, it is being offered in two distinct sections. This catalogue, the second of two, will focus on First Day Covers, EDU’s, and Collections, while Part One in a separate catalogue features Dr. Martin’s Postal History collection, as described by Siegel Auction Galleries.

I am honored to be able to work with Scott R. Trepel, President of Siegel Auction Galleries. Our firms have joined forces to produce two separate auction catalogues in a combined sale event that will create enhanced awareness of the Martin collection. Siegel Auction Galleries is a leading worldwide philatelic auction house, and, in partnering with them, we look forward to offering unprecedented exposure for this remarkable property.

While I am responsible for describing this catalogue, the actual floor auction will take place at the Siegel firm’s galleries in New York City, preceded by an on-line auction featuring our exclusive Live Interactive Bidding functionality at  www.jamesmccusker.com. Shortly before the auction goes live, on-line bidding will end and then the sale will open to the floor. For more information, please refer to page 3 in this catalogue.

The Martin sale will break many long-standing records within the hobby and afford even the most advanced collectors an unparalleled opportunity to acquire items that in many cases have not been offered in decades — or at all — in any public arena.

Within these pages are so many premium items that after careful study it is impossible for me to single out any one item or section. Whether they are classic commemoratives — highlighted by the Burger set of six Columbians — or the finest group of Kansas-Nebraska Predates we have ever seen, these examples only begin to tell the story. And let us not overlook the simply phenomenal collections section or the most extensive Dorothy Knapp collection ever assembled.

I realize that there may be some questions due to this collaboration. If you generally are used to dealing with either me or the Siegel firm, then please continue to do so. I will be happy to handle your bids or inquiries. Also, I will be in attendance at Siegel Auction Galleries on the day of the auction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate in calling me at 800-852-0076.

—JAMES T. McCUSKER

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