Dear Sir,

I enjoyed the series of articles very much regarding marginal markings in The U.S. Specialist.

I was a little surprised at how little attention was given to collecting habits, particularly in the last article with pane position diagrams, probably only because I’m looking for more guidance or a consensus. I’ve perceived that many plate block collectors now opt to collect a plate block that encompasses the pane position diagram, but this wasn’t mentioned in the brief paragraph regarding collecting habits [January, 2008, p. 30]. Any comments or suggestions for further information?

Sincerely,
Jim Isaacson

The Author Responds

Dear Sir,

I’m glad Jim is enjoying the series.  I’ve been considering his comment on the pane position diagrams.  I really can’t add anything to what was in the article.  That’s probably because I don’t know anyone who collects pane position diagrams!!  Additionally, there is very little in the literature about pane position diagrams and what is there does not address the way they are collected.  If anyone can provide information on how pane position diagrams are collected, please contact Jim Isaacson and Doug D’Avino.

Sincerely,
Doug D’Avino

Re: Cottrell Press

Dear Sir,

In the December, 2007 issue of The United States Specialist, the authors of "A Categorization of Marginal Markings: Plate Number Types, Part IV" listed the Cottrell press, with a plate size of 384 subjects, in Table 1 as a source of Plate Number Coils (PNC).  Alan Thomson has made us aware that this entry is in error.

Alan reports that "Press logs do not support the contention that any PNC was ever printed on the Cottrell press with a plate width of 16 images.  All Cottrell coil printings with a number on the stamp were printed from plates that were 18 x 24 (approximately 20 issues)."

Our thanks to Alan for the corrected information.  We regret the error.

Sincerely,
Hal Collins and Doug D’Avino