Richard Schäfer: Jean de Sperati. Rubens of philatelic forgers 1884-1957

In his latest work, the author of excellent books, well known among the philatelic public, examines the work of Jean de Sperati. Schäfer has managed to acquire the family estate of Sperati and has thus been able to include many previously unknown facts, photographs and reproductions in the book. In the first nine chapters, the author focuses on the private life of this gifted forger and then on the development of his work.

In the second part of the book, entitled Sperati's Technique, which also has 9 chapters, he describes and explains in detail the techniques and production procedures he used to produce imitations of world philatelic rarities. Whether it is the forgery of stamps, the production of printing plates or the inks and paper used. His printing processes are also described.

The third part of the book, entitled Sperati's Marketing, provides readers not only with examples of Sperati's price lists and offer cards that he sent to those interested in his creations at the time, but also with samples of his business correspondence. Perhaps the most important chapter, however, is Chapter 4, where the author presents, on more than 150 pages, all the imitations of Swiss stamps Sperati produced!

The book is bound, format 21 x 28 cm, 275 pages, high quality paper and a truly stunning number of colour reproductions. Published by Corinphila-Auktionen Zurich 2023, ISBN 978-3-938538-43-2. Selling price is CHF 125,-, you can order it from: Corinphila Auktionen AG, Wiesenstraße 8, 8008 Zürich, Schweiz, E-mail: info@corinphila.ch, www.corinphila.com

You can also read about Sperati's work and a more comprehensive review of this book in the main article in the current issue of MERKUR REVUE magazine. Subscriptions can be ordered at: redakce@merkur-revue.eu, or by mail to Philatelie KLIM, Merkur, Veselá 37, 602 00 Brno 2.

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