New Columnist
MPCGram is pleased to announce a new column on military paper items that will appear in the Gram beginning with this issue. The column will appear two or three times a month. Doug is a long-time collector of MPC and many other aspects of military money. We proposed "Doug's Droppings" as the column title. Doug laughed at the idea as was appropriate. That title may not stick. In any event we are excited to have Doug as a regular columnist!
Doug's Droppings -- Chits in the Occupation
by Doug Bell
I was very pleased to purchase some chits and other items that were used in Japan during the occupation period. There are many interesting aspects to the group. The strip of 10 chits is obviously of interest. Is that a full page from a chit book? I have never seen a booklet cover for this issue. I asked Fred. He said that he had not seen a cover or such a large group. It is very interesting that according to the instructions on the back that the chits had to be spent on the day of purchase. How did that work?
It is particularly interesting that the group included the ration card and other items that are shown below. These remind me of the ration and other cards that are issued at the Fest.
I will take this group with me to the Fest if you want to see it in person. I would be pleased to hear from you if you have any varieties of these chits: MPCWizzard@yahoo.com.
Unusual War Savings Stamp
by Bill Myers
War savings stamps have been used for postage on envelopes and have been canceled. They are scarce and sought after. I acquired this envelope with War Savings Stamp on it that has been cancelled but it was not used as postage. It has "CANCELED FOR VICTORY" stamped on it. The stamp cannot be redeemed and essentially is a 10 cents donation to the war effort. I have not found any background about canceling the War Savings Stamp. I do not know if it was stamped by the post office or was done by another group to support the war effort.
Editorial
I hope that this Gram appears in the inbox of many Gramsters who have not been receiving their Grams. I have a reason for this hope. We have been working on this problem for many months. It was mostly a process of two steps forward and one backward and sometimes two forward and three back.
During this time, Doug and Dave (Schwan) tried to help me, but we were not able to solve it. Today we spent a lot of time getting everything fixed with MailChimp. It was all way over my head. If you have not been receiving your Gram, but received this one, please send us a report (fredschwan@yahoo.com is best).
We are excited to introduce Doug's column in this issue. We developed the idea for the column because Doug has been sending me scans for discussion. Eventually, it occurred to us that we should include all of you in the discussions.
Next week we plan on publishing the duty assignments for the Fest. If you have not yet registered for the Fest, please do it now (Kim at 419 732 7322).
Mail Call
The MPCGram welcomes letters from readers. Letters should be relevant to military numismatics. Letters may be edited. Senders must be known to the Gram and names (actual or "fictional") will be used.
Dear Editor,
I am sorry that I cannot attend the Fest this year, but I have a good excuse. I will be attending the graduation of my grandson from Marine Corps basic training.
— Tamara (received by telephone)
Dear Tamara,
I must agree that you have a great excuse. Indeed, it is the best that I have heard. Congratulations to you and your new Marine. Please congratulate and thank him for us. We would be pleased to have some photos from the graduation.
— Editor
Training Schedule (calendar)
2025
- ANA National Money Show, Feb 27-1 March 2025
- MPC Fest 2025 dates--4-6 April (call Kim at 419 732 7322)
- GNA Show, 11-13 April
- Michigan State NS--April 10-12
- ANA World's Fair of Money -- 19-23 Aug, Oklahoma City
Please help us fill in the dates for the events listed and give us any additional events that might conflict. Thank you very much.
Resources
MPCFest Sponsors
Joe and Louise Boling, Steve and Ray Feller, Dave Frank, Al Glaser, Dave Hunsicker, Brett Irick, Harold Kroll, Mike Marcil, Bill Myers and Warner Talso.
MPCFest is possible because of the generous support of its sponsors.
Gram Exchange
Do you have something for sale (or trade)? Are you looking for something for your collection? You can offer items here in the Gram or list specific items that you need.
FOR SALE
Send your text and images (!) to the editor for inclusion in the Gram Exchange. Please send the images in jpeg format with each image in a separate file.
List your items for sale here for FREE
WANTED
Vichy France - 1 Franc Bon de Solidarite Back: "Comite Central" - without "...Departement de la Seine..."
depending on which catalog you use it may listed as:
- Schwan/Boling 232 d
- Campbell 2323 d - Variety 4
- Kleiber 1F Type C
Send offers with image of back of note to maturnerindy@gmail.com Marcus Turner