Reviews
Norgeskatalogen 2004, 56th edition, approximately 6 x 8½ inches, perfect bound, soft covers, 448 pages, published by Oslo Filatelistklubb, Oslo 2003, $55 from Jay Smith & Associates, Box 650, Snow Camp NC 27349.
Another edition of this highly esteemed catalog that is a must for Norway collectors. The stamps are depicted in color throughout. Although the listings are in Norwegian, the introductory text and the special information inserts on such topics as perforation, printing, paper types, and many other subjects are in English as well.
For the specialist there are discussions of forged cancellations, cataloging of the Posthorn issues, town cancels on early issues, and rate tables among others. For the back of the book enthusiast there are listings of booklet panes, franking labels, coil stamps and officials.
Each year several special articles are incorporated that do not appear again. This year’s edition has a chapter on international reply coupons, and another on Olav Haraldsson (995-1030) and his depiction on Norwegian stamps. Unfortunately, these two articles appear in Norwegian only.
What makes this country catalog especially useful are the tools presented such as the symbols and abbreviations used, explanation of terms, the Norwegian/German/English vocabulary, and a two-page bibliography for the student of Norwegian philately. Highly recommended.