Czeslaw Slania Master Engraver

Boxing and More

Ray Petersen has generously sent in his latest production, about Czeslaw Slania. In keeping with this month’s sports theme for the bulletin, a large set of “world champion” boxer portraits are the key part. Slania was prominent as one of the most prolific artist engravers of postage stamps, but it is less known that he produced poster stamps. It seems he did this for his own enjoyment more than for monetary income.

The stamps shown are modern era, produced from the late 1950’s until about 2000, but that doesn’t mean they are very common.  The boxer stamps seem to be the easiest to find, seen on ebay in singles or set, but many of the others are quite rare and rarely seen.

— TM