The new motorcycle stamp catalogue
An updated reference book for motorcycle stamps

It has been six years since the MFN published an overview containing all known stamps related to our theme: The Motorcycle. So it was time for a new booklet to be published.

Nowadays you can also view and download the updated pages of all countries on the website, but not all members use a computer to keep track of such things. Incidentally, the plan is to keep updating the catalog on the website with the help and expertise of Madelèn, our webmaster's wife, with the new issues known to us.

Six years ago, the paper version was already about the maximum number of pages that still fit in an (affordable) book. With all the news of recent years added, this maximum had already been reached. So we had to look for a more compact way of classification in order to stay within the desired number of pages.

I have asked several members which information from the reference book they use. This showed that only a few used the explanation of the number of stamps and blocks in a series. It also turned out that the description of the stamps is only sporadically consulted, also because it often contains no other information than that stated on the stamp itself. For most it is sufficient to find the issuing country and the date of issue, and have the possibility to show a picture of the desired stamp on fairs and exchange days. So that's what we took as starting point.

The use of the ring binder as a binding was not considered positive by everyone, but most find this binding preferable over a wire or glue-bound book. This because with a ring binder the book can be completely turned double, while with a bound or glued version the pages turn back again.

To make optimal use of the space on an A5 page, we divided it into two columns (following the example of Nico's postal stationery catalogue). The countries are of course arranged alphabetically, and the issues are classified in chronological order.

A dividing line is placed after each reported issue (=====+=====), and if an issue continues on the next column/page, this is indicated by 10 arrows (>>>>>>>>>>). After the last stamp of a country to be reported, there is a continuous horizontal line.
Many members liked the clarifying images, and where space permits, they have been added.

The images show the stamps and blocks as they were issued. If the stamp and the block/sheet are separate from each other, it means that they were both separately available.

If a stamp has only been sold in a block/sheet, only the block/sheet is shown.

Often an extra image of, for example, the stamp comes from behind the block. This is to better show the image. Sometimes an enlargement of the motorcycle comes from behind the stamp to show more details.

Due to the more compact presentation of the images and description, the new catalog has been reduced to half the number of pages. From almost 500 in the previous version to 242 in the new version. In this way we can now at least continue a number of years.

But now: What is that thing going to cost??? And how can it be ordered???
Again a request from the members was to issue it in color. That is possible, but is of course much more expensive than a black and white catalogue. When ordered in advance, the color catalog costs € 17.50. I can then stipulate a volume discount which makes this price possible. Later orders will be much more expensive and can then increase to € 35.00.
A black and white copy costs about € 12.50 when ordered in advance, and if you want one after the joint order, it will cost up to € 20.00. Please mind that the costs for shipping from the printer to me and then from me to you come on top of this.

It is most advantageous if you order the catalog from me before April 11, 2023, and indicate in which version, color or black and white, it should be. I can then take it to the club meeting in Harmelen (April 22). If you don't come to Harmelen, I will send it to you or you can pick it up at my house by appointment. Sending costs (€ 5.00 within Netherlands) are then extra. For orders from abroad please contact me for shipping costs.

So if you are interested, let me know before April 11th.

Hans de Kloet

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