The History of Stamp Collecting 13, Edward Pemberton

Inspired by a series of articles by K. Kouwenberg that appeared in the monthly magazine Philatelie in the late 1970s, Rob Smit describes the history of stamp collecting anew in biweekly installments. This is part 13, Edward Pemberton. Edward Loines Pemberton is a name that pops up everywhere in the early days of stamp collecting. In the previous installment, you could already read that he was involved in the first stamp magazine, among other things. Who was Edward Pemberton and what was his significance for philately? Edward was born on December 10, 1844, in the United States. He was orphaned at a young age and was subsequently raised by an uncle and aunt in England. Together with his cousins, he collected stamps from an early age and requested exchange material via advertisement in the previously mentioned 'Boy's Own Magazine'. In 1862, he became a stamp dealer. In 1863, he briefly collaborated with J. Wood of Hartlepool, and from 1871 he traded under the name James R. Grant & Co. However, his importance to philately lies primarily in his philatelic studies and publications. His contributions can be found in all philatelic journals between 1862 and 1878. He was a connoisseur of the Australian 'Sydney Views', of which he had purchased large quantities in 1868 from the dealers Young & Stockall of Liverpool.

His most famous work is the 'Stamp Collector's Handbook' pictured above.

Another work of importance is 'Forged stamps, how to detect them', published in 1863. It was the first booklet on forged stamps. Thornton Lewes is mentioned as co-author. Lewes was a son of the famous English writer George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans 1819-1880). Pictured above on a 13.5p Europa stamp from 1980.

Furthermore, he is primarily known for his 'The Philatelic Journal'. Click on the image to read. Pemberton had poor health, which caused him difficulties with his work on The Philatelic Journal as early as 1871. He died after a long illness on December 12, 1878. From Pemberton's estate is 'The Philatelic Record', published by 'Sefi, Pemberton and Comp.' The Pemberton in this firm was Percival Loines Pemberton, a son of Edward who was also known as a philatelist and stamp dealer. In 1956, the Sefi-Pemberton company was acquired by Robson Lowe London. To be continued on October 15.  

Published so far:

1. Introduction and start

2. The first collectors

3. The first catalogueOscar Berger Levrault is the first to provide an overview.

4. Alfred Potiquet, The first commercially published catalogue.

5. Booming 1862, The most turbulent year in philatelic history.

6. Edard de Laplante, the first to live exclusively from the stamp trade.

7. Natalis RondotThe first true philatelic literature appeared in a family magazine.

8. Henri Justin Lallier, Publisher of the first stamp album.

9. Frederick W. Booty, The first catalogue in English.

10. Mount Brown, A successful English catalogue.

11. Dr John Edward Gray, Inventor of the postage stamp, the very first collector, or merely a good cataloguer?

12. The first stamp magazineFirst a failed attempt, but then a sheet of stamps after all.