The Response to the 2004 Findings by Patrick Culhane May 2006 In May 2004 the Expert Committee of the Royal Philatelic Society London provided to me and Vincent and Carol Arrigo a summary of the rationale for its findings associated with the Grinnell Hawaiian Missionary Stamps. I developed, with input from Vince and Carol, a response addressing points made in the Committee’s communication. In deference to the Committee’s stated intent to publish its complete findings in detail, this work has not before been made public. Some of the Grinnells are being exhibited by Mystic Stamp Company at the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition. There will be considerable interest in the conclusions of the Expert Committee. It has been nearly two years since the Committee’s opinion was provided, and the final publication of the findings will reportedly coincide with the Washington event. The owners have not yet seen the Committee’s detailed work. However, in light of the upcoming exhibition it is now appropriate to publish the response made to those key points raised in 2004 by the Committee. The following is adapted from that response. Edits have been made in tone, formatting, and in some cases images used. Citations have also been added. No doubt the analyses provided will be improved on by further work in each area over time with the participation of interested experts. My intent – and difficult task – is to provide the relevant response content without assuming the responsibility of presenting the Committee’s views. I have stated since the opinion was rendered that the Committee should fully voice its own rationale. I quite reluctantly summarize what has been heard only so that the reaction of the owners can be recorded and understood. My hope is that this both informs and encourages future study by interested philatelists and technical specialists. Printing Finding: That the Grinnells were set from loose type and the methodology was the same as for the Honolulu Postage issue, with one value being printed and the form being loosened to insert the next value. Response: We are pleased by the finding that the Grinnells were set from loose type, with methodology the same as used for the Honolulu Postage issue. This is of course consistent with authenticity. 2
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