History of Stamp Collecting 33, A Theft in 1865

Inspired by a series of articles by K. Kouwenberg that appeared in the monthly magazine Philatelie in the late 1970s, Rob Smit rewrites the history of stamp collecting in biweekly installments. This is part 33, A Theft in 1865.   In The Stamp Collector’s Magazine 1865 On page 28, we encounter the following report: On February 4, 1865, Alexander Dodd, aged 15, appeared before the court in Liverpool. He was accused of stealing stamps worth 500 pounds from the shop of Young and Stockall, at that time one of England's most important stamp dealers. One of the partners, Mr. Young, called as a witness, stated that a book of stamps worth approximately 500 pounds was missing. He last saw this book on a lectern a short distance from the counter. The suspect occasionally visited his shop to buy stamps, but never spent more than about thirty cents. Detective Laycock stated that he had arrested and searched Alexander Dodd, after which 'two books' full of stamps emerged from his pockets, as well as a key. Many more stamps were found in his house, including stamps that Young also recognized as his own but had not previously missed. The suspect confessed to the theft and stated that, after stripping the stamps from it, he had thrown the stolen book away in the botanical garden. A gentleman acting on behalf of the suspect stated that he had known the Dodd family for twenty years as respectable people, and the boy since birth. The boy is employed by a Greek merchant, where he is highly valued and where he can remain in service. Mr. Young subsequently stated that he had no desire for further prosecution of the boy. He has recovered all his possessions and is of the opinion that the defendant had not the faintest understanding of the value of what he had stolen. He could have started a stamp shop with it. He succumbed to a sudden impulse, possibly exacerbated by the fact that the valuable book may have been lying there somewhat carelessly within reach. Finally, the judge considers it a difficult case, but the suspect has stolen; he cannot simply let him go. The suspect, who wept bitterly during the hearing, was sentenced to one month of hard labour.  

To be continued on July 21.

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. 13. Edward Pemberton, Active philatelist with descendants in philately. 14. Dr. C.W. Viner, Father of English philately. 15. Jean Baptiste Moens, The greatest trader of all time. 16. Moens' publishing house, of great importance in the early days of philately. 17. Germany in 1862, The slow start of an important philatelic country. 18. The Netherlands in 1862, The first Dutch catalogue and album. 19. The Netherlands in 1864, PH Witkamp 20. The origins of Schaubek 21. The competition breaks out, free stamps with magazines. 22. Crafting with stamps. 23. The Polka Stamp., postage stamps as a source of inspiration for music 24. Alexander Baillieu., stamps as a gold mine? 25. Cunning, deceit, and abundance., postal administrations discover collectors. 26. The Fat Elbe from Dresden, mistaken identity with a prominent figure. 27. Arthur Maury, a name that lives on to this day. 28. Pierre Mahé, idiosyncratic traders with extensive philatelic knowledge. 29. Swarming mania, Collecting stamps that aren't actually stamps. 30. William P. Brown, The first American stamp dealer 31. Philately instead of Timbology, The origin of the word Philately 32. Collectors' associations, Successful associations increase knowledge.