About Negev Holyland Auctions

I began collecting stamps at age 10.  Though I started with US stamps, I soon added Israel as my sister lived there.

My specialization is the Postal Stationery of Israel.   I also collect LUNDY ISLAND and FRANCE & COLONIES.

I started dealing in 1997.    I named the business BUTTON STAMP COMPANY.   Thomas Paine, the author of COMMON SENSE lived in Bordentown, NJ.  This was the only place where he bought property.   There is a statue of him in town.  On the base is this:  I would rather see my horse BUTTON grazing in the fields of Bordentown that all the pomp and show of Europe.   As I joke, you now know you are dealing with the southern end of north-bound horse.

At the Israel International show in 1998, I heard that Michael Bale wanted to sell out.   One thing led to another, and in July 1999, I bought the NEGEV HOLYLAND AUCTIONS from him.  Despite popular belief I did not purchase the "BALE" ISRAEL and PALESTINE Stamp Catalogues. These were sold to Chariot Global Marketing Inc. of Israel in 1998.

NEGEV HOLYLAND STAMPS was formed in 1978 from the previous Holy Land business known as "MICHAEL H. BALE", which stared in business in the mid-1950. Fifty-four auctions were held under the BALE name. An additional fifty were held under the NEGEV HOLYLAND name. Between 1978 and 1999 the company successfully traded in Holy Land philatelic material, specializing in Postal Bid Auctions held two or three times per year. The company also dealt with Wants lists and occasionally took part in major Exhibitions and also made frequent trips to ISRAEL and the U.S.A., both buying and selling.

Mail Bid auctions are held two or three times a year. NET PRICE SALES are held every other year. I also attend selected philatelic shows in the United States. The table name may be listed as BUTTON STAMP COMPANY/NEGEV HOLYLAND AUCTIONS. Holyland material may not be brought to every show.

I make every effort to visit Israel every other year.   However, I usually will not bring material with me nor take material back.

WANT LISTS are welcomed. However, please note that most items are reserved for the auctions.

Client service and integrity are the most important parts of this business. I strive to deal with all clients, both vendors and buyers, fairly and honestly.    If a problem arises, I will endeavour to find a mutually aggregable solution.

If you have material that you would like to place in a future auction and/or Net Price Sale please contact me. Reduced vendor commissions rates may be available. On occasion, I will purchase the material outright.

I ask all clients to be patient.    Though I am retired (40 years programming mainframe computers), I am quite busy.  

From April thru December I work at SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE.  My days and hours vary according to the needs of the park.  Sorry, no free tickets.

I am also involved in a regional opera company.  Please see www.bohemeopera.org.   Our performances are in the early spring and early fall.  As production time nears, the opera takes more and more time.  I usually am a supernumerary in the spring performance.  I may be able to get you discounted tickets.