By Patricia A. Kaufmann

This is a small selection of the many articles written by Trish Kaufmann on her favorite subject.

The Confederate Stamp Primer Online is a basic guide for those who don't have access to classic philatelic literature on the subject or for those who do, but would like a quick online reference. You may view just the section in which you are interested or read it systematically from one page to the next. This primer deals only with stamps and not the vast area of postal history covered by The Rebel Post. Of particular note is the section called "Trouble Spots" which deals with common problems encountered between stamp types and details on forgeries encountered.

The Rebel Post
Collecting the Confederate Era

An overview of collecting the Confederate era, this article first appeared in Scott's Monthly Stamp Journal in April 1976, describing the the postal history that began when a handful of Southern states first seceded from the Union until the last shots of the War were fired. It is a fascinating look at the Confederate postal system which clearly demonstrates why specialists are so passionate about this area of collecting. For a more in depth article on the stamps of the Confederacy, see the "Confederate Stamp Primer Online".

William Weaver, Buffalo Forge and Paid Slave Labor
New Earliest Known Usage for Richmond Print - July 25, 1862

This article appeared in The Confederate Philatelist in the January-March 2005 issue. Some additional photos have been added to the on-line version for those not as well versed in Confederate postal history or just for the pleasure of those who are. It is a perfect example of why this period of history intrigues us. Initially intended to be written as a simple report of a new earliest known usage of the "Richmond Print", it evolved into a fascinating look at the people and history behind the correspondence, effectively putting the "history" into postal history.

The Madison, Florida Postmaster Provisionals
Anatomy of a Postal History Research Project

Due to the revolutionary nature of the material presented, this article appeared in both The American Philatelist and The Confederate Philatelist at the same time in February 2000 by joint cooperation of the editorial teams. The research resulted in the addition of a completely new section in the Scott Catalogues which immediately precedes the Confederate section.

The Confederate Post is a monthly column I began writing with the January 2007 issue of this very special publication. It is a general interest column on Confederates. With their permission, I am archiving the Confederate column on this website as PDF files. I invite you to check out the ASDA's slick full color 72-page monthly publication, which is chock full of general philatelic articles and the latest news with an emphasis on the human side of philately. This is not just a magazine for dealers. There is a wealth of collector related information on a wide variety of subjects. It's a professional magazine that has been sorely needed in the hobby for years and bears the distinctive touch of Editor Randy Neil. Check out the publication website for subscriptions and other information at www.americanstampdealer.com/ Check back here for the monthly update/archive of Confederate articles.

Can't open these files? They are in PDF format and viewable with free software - Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have this, you can download it for free here.

May 2008 - Confederate Stamps as Battlefield Souvenirs
April 2008 - "First Word" - Randy Neil editorial featuring Trish Kaufmann
April 2008 - Dr. Edward G. Porcher - a victim of "the end of the medical Middle Ages"
March 2008 - Six Degrees of Separation - Dibble, Kohn, and Kaufmann
February 2008 - Wonderful Confederate Valentines!
January 2008 - Rediscovered Family History - Stephen A. Corker, POW
November-December 2007 - COMING: The new Confederate States Catalog in 2010
October 2007 - After Union mail service ended...a fascinating correspondence.
September 2007 - Contradictions of Research - Dr. S. S. Herrick
July-August 2007 - The Calhoun Legacy
June 2007 - "Hetty likes them that way: gilt edged with stars!"
May 2007 - Confederate letter with a military address and a sad statistic
April 2007 - A Mysterious Confederate Cipher Cover
March 2007 - Ordinary looking cover...to the lady who "danced herself to death"?
February 2007 - A Confederate Gem: The largest known block of CSA #8
January 2007 - Specialize in Confederates?

Noteworthy Kaufmann News

To a Confederate Stamp - wonderful ode written and published in July 1893 - really gives one pause.

For more on-line information on collecting Confederates, see these sites:

Confederate Stamp Alliance A non-political organization dedicated to fraternity, research, and cooperation among collectors of Confederate stamps and postal history. An application for membership is available from or may be downloaded by clicking on CSA application.(PDF file) The CSA also maintains a respected expertizing service which determines the authenticity of Confederate stamps and covers, an important mission of the Alliance.

.....Can't open the PDF file? PDF format is viewable with free software - Adobe Acrobat Reader.
.... If you don't have this, you can download it for free here.

Confederate States Catalog and Handbook In October 2006, the Confederate Stamp Alliance announced acquisition of the rights to the New Dietz Confederate States Catalog and Handbook, last published in 1986. The 21st century edition of the Confederate States Catalog and Handbook is long overdue and will no doubt be in much demand by collectors, serious students and dealers. The new catalog will take advantage of all of the marvelous changes in technology that have occurred in the past two decades, including the strong likelihood of a full color catalog. The publication goal is 2010, in attempt to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Confederate Stamp Alliance. The Alliance 75th anniversary celebration will be held in Richmond, Virginia, in conjunction with the APS StampShow in August 2010.