Edward Haven Mason of Boston, Massachusetts, was the first philatelist

Philately

Philately is the study of stamps and postal history and other related items. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting, which does not necessarily involve the study of stamps. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps...

 to study, and to write on, proofs

Die proof (philately)

In philately a Die Proof is a printed image pulled directly from the master die for an engraved stamp.As a stamp is engraved it is necessary to check progress and a series of proofs are printed or 'pulled' from the die. These are known as progressive or contemporary die proofs.Progressive proofs...

 and essays

Essay (philately)

In philately, an essay is a design for a proposed stamp submitted to the postal authorities for consideration but not used, or used after alterations have been made. By contrast, a proof is a trial printing of an accepted stamp....

 of United States postage stamps and postal stationery.

Collecting interests

Mason specialized in collecting and studying proofs and essays related to United States postal history, and wrote extensively on the subject. His books include: Essays for United States Postage Stamps, published in 1911, The Proofs and Essays for U.S. Envelopes, also in 1911, and More Essays for United States Postage Stamps, in 1912.

Mason’s listings of proofs and essays were the basis for their listing in Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue of Stamps.

Publication restraints

At the time Mason performed his studies and wrote, it was illegal in the United States to publish illustrations of United States postage stamp material. As a result, his works have no illustrations.

Honors and awards

Edward Mason was named to the American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame

American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame

The American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame award honors deceased philatelists who have contributed significantly to the field of national and/or international philately.-History:...

 in 1949.

Legacy

Only ten copies of Mason’s books, with photographs interleaved by the New England Stamp Company, were especially printed. Copies of these interleaved books are located at the Collectors Club of New York

Collectors Club of New York

The Collectors Club of New York, often referred to as the Collectors Club, is a private club and philatelic society in New York City. Founded in 1896, it is one of the oldest existing philatelic societies in the United States...

 and at the Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...

, in the library of the National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum

The National Postal Museum, located opposite Union Station in Washington, D.C., USA, was established through joint agreement between the United States Postal Service and the Smithsonian Institution and opened in 1993. The museum is located across the street from Union Station, in the building that...

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Personal life

Mason was the son of United States Attorney David H. Mason

David H. Mason

David Haven Mason was an American attorney and Republican politician from Newton, Massachusetts, who served on the Massachusetts Board of Education, in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and later as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts from 1870 until his death in...

 and the brother of attorney and football coach Frank A. Mason

Frank A. Mason

Frank Atlee Mason was an American attorney who also served as the first full-time football coach at Harvard University.-Early life:...

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