Out this year is “Norwegian Classics” by Georg Størmer. Norwegian Classics features 100 rare, precious and beautiful philatelic objects from Norway’s first three stamp issues: Norway Number One, Skilling Oscar (#2-5) and Coat of Arms II (#6-10).

The origin of the book dates back to 2019 when Georg gave a presentation entitled “Norway 1855-1868: The First Three Issues” to the Royal Philatelic Society London. The booklet that was distributed for that event is included as a bonus feature inside the book and is, in my opinion, itself as interesting and informative as the book itself.

Georg Størmer is one of the giants of Norwegian philately with an impressive collection, including many of the objects featured in this book. His non-philatelic career spans an impressive resume including Finance Director of Norsk Hydro, one of Norway’s largest public companies, and Vice Chairman of the Oslo Stock Exchange.

The subtitle of the book is “A selection of the 100 most important items in private hands”. The featured selection includes objects owned by the author, Tom Komnæs, Klaas Bierman, and others. In fact, several of the most valuable objects of Norway No. 1 were included in Klaas Bierman’s exhibit dedicated to this issue that was shown at NORDIA in June (see separate review in this issue).

Featured objects include mint and used multiples as well as multiples on covers. Some examples of mixed franking are also included. Each object is cataloged as Størmer001, Størmer 002, etc. This had me confused as first. Did all these belong to the author? Had they inadvertently forgotten to remove the file name instructions for the printer? Not so. As Jonas Hällström explained when the book was presented at NORDIA, the idea is to give each of these classic objects distinct “catalog” numbers for future reference. I.e. when referencing the Norway No. 1 “Trondheim” 39-block, it will from now on be referred to as Størmer007 (somewhat appropriate for an object whose origins are as mysterious as James Bond).

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the book to this reviewer is the fairly comprehensive inclusion of provenance. As much as it is available, the book shows when the individual objects were sold, at what auction and what name sale for what price. To me, this is fascinating insights in that it allows a deeper analysis of the evolution of prices on the individual items. Overall, the 20th century experienced significant appreciation in value. Most prices peaked between 1990 and 2005 with prices somewhat coming down again in more recent years.

When asked the reason why these 100 objects were chosen, Størmer explained:

“I could have easily chosen many other objects. Some of these exist in multiple similar versions and I could have easily gone with a different version. I chose the ones I believe are the most interesting. I also want to encourage others to disagree with my choices. Part of my goal for this book is to start a discussion.”

For me, this book serves as great inspiration to some of the amazing Norwegian classic objects that are out there. One can only dream of perhaps seeing and winning one or two of these at a future auction.

My only complaint about the book is that each of these objects likely have way more stories to tell than what the author shares. Most objects are described in a short paragraph when their story likely could occupy an entire page or more. The aforementioned bonus booklet goes deeper on some of these objects, but reading the book left me hungry for more information. And that, according to Mr. Hällström was part of the objective for this book: That it would lead the reader to want to dig deeper and to open up a discussion.

Norwegian Classics, Georg Størmer, Nordisk Filateli, 2024, Hardcover, 140 pages, 195×270 mm, SEK 600.00, English.

The post Norwegian Philatelist Georg Størmer Presents Norwegian Classics appeared first on Gellein Stamp Co..

The editorial staff from the most recent editions have returned for the 2024 edition. Big thanks to Tore Berg, President of OFK, Erik Olafsen of Germeten and Oslo Frimerke and Myntauksjoner, and Kjell Åge Johansen, OFK Librarian and so much more, for putting together this latest edition.

The NK numbering system is for me the most logical way to organize Norway stamps. The catalogue continues to go in-depth on types for the classic stamps (and remains without equals when it comes to identifying the “20 mm series” from 1886-1893). The Posthorn Identification key, included in every edition, is an indispensable tool for identifying the many similar looking Posthorn issues between 1872 and 1929.

While a large portion of the catalogue is in Norwegian, a substantial number of introductions and explanations are also translated into English, making the majority of the content easy to understand for non-native speakers.

As with past catalogues, there are usually specialty articles unique to each edition. The 2024 edition includes one specialty article. It is a well-researched documentation by Øivind Rojahn Karlsen of the 19-20 mm manual date postmarks used between 1944 and 1956. It is a well illustrated article and includes scarcity ratings. Two previously published articles return from the 2014 edition: In-depth coverage of watermark positions and margin dates on 1896-1937 issues.

As usual the latest edition contains all new Norway stamps issued since the 2022 edition, covering all stamps issued through the end of 2023. There are price updates where applicable. Overall, the collectors market remains strong, especially on the high-end of classic stamps, and this is reflected in the prices. I also love the index to past speciality articles included in the back.

Mr. Berg, Olafsen, and Johansen has again delivered another edition of Norgeskatalogen that they can be proud of and that will be a welcome addition to the libraries of Norway collectors domestically and abroad.

The Norgeskatalogen 2024 can be ordered directly from the OFK website. Get your copy today at  https://www.oslofilatelistklubb.no/bestill-norgeskatalogen/

The post Norgeskatalogen 2024 -The 71st Edition is Here and It Doesn’t Disappoint appeared first on Gellein Stamp Co..