The PostBeeld museum (2), the Senf brothers

In the PostBeeld store in Haarlem, a reconstructed 19th-century stamp shop stands right by the entrance. The shop's display windows house a collection of old philatelic literature and everyday objects. It is Rob Smit's private collection. In a series of articles, Rob occasionally brings out a museum piece and talks about it. Naturally, you can view the originals at PostBeeld.

The Senf brothers.

Last time we told you about the pioneer dealer Lallier. Other stamp dealers from the early days whom we will encounter in this series of articles include JB Moens, Stanley Gibbons, and Arthur Maury. This time, the Senf brothers from Leipzig. Richard Senf started a stamp shop in Leipzig in 1872, at the age of seventeen, and soon began publishing philatelic publications. In 1874, his brother Louis took over the stamp trade and publishing house. In 1880, Richard returned to the company and took charge of the publishing division. Louis turned his attention to the stamp trade and started, among other things, a department for stamp assaying. Richard was a true researcher and a skilled compiler. An illustrated catalogue has been published annually since 1892. This world catalogue is the best of its time. Many variations are already included. I possess only a facsimile of the first edition. My oldest original copy dates from 1905. That this catalog was indeed a success is evident from the preserved circulation figures; 1892: 16000, 1893: 21000, 1894: 25000, 1895: 25000, 1896: 25000, 1897: 25000, 1898: 25000, 1899: 23000, 1900: 20000, 1901: 20000, 1902/03: 18000, 1904/05: 22000, 1905: 25000, 1906: 28000, 1907: 27000, 1908: 32500, 1909: 31000, 1910: 30000, 1911: 33000, 1912: 36000 In addition to the annually published world catalogue, a magazine was published: the “Illustrierte Briefmarken-Journal”, appearing twice a month. As well as various other philatelic publications, storage systems, and aids. One of these is a philatelic manual shown here, containing much practical information for stamp collectors.