Hi Don ----- I did take some of my covers to a local stamp show -- I have some very nice, carefully prepared combination covers (e.g., with all of the then available space stamps, Christmas stamps, etc., as well as other tie-ins) -- and couldn't find a dealer who would even look at them. I have checked out the FDC auctions on eBay and some of them are selling, but the interest is definitely lacking compared to chip auctions.

I personally think that a large part of the problem with stamp and cover collecting is also exactly what Don Anthony was talking about -- the post office got greedy, started issuing a ton of commemorative stamps and ruined the hobby for collectors. I guess they still sell a lot of them and make a lot of money, but it certainly took the fun out of it for me. (That was BEFORE the same kind of proliferation killed my interest in baseball cards.)

----- jim o\-S