Computers on stamps. Erik Schuessler; Raymond Schuessler.

The first stamp depicting a computer was issued 20 years ago by Israel; two years later East Germany issued the second Since then, computer stamps have proliferated all over the world--at a rate almost equal to that at which computers themselves have come into our lives.

In a recent article, Gibbons Stamp Mouthly noted. "With the computer revolution seemingly destined to haven an even greater impact on our lives than the industrial revolution had on earlier generations, a thematic collection of computer stamps seems to have a promising future."

As the number of computer stamps issued increases, computer enthusiasts are taking up the hobby and finding that collecting stamps that feature their favorite machines is a satisfying way to combine several interests. Many even use their computers to help in the acquisition and cataloging of their collections.

Recently, the American Philatelic Society (APS) sanctioned a new group for those interested in using computers in philately. The goals are to set and publish standards regarding storage of philatelic data, and to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas regarding the use of computer in philately. An initial survey showed that many collectors were intereted in such a group interests ranged from serious philatelists doing research in postal history to novice collectors who simply wanted an easy method to maintain a want list.

For more information, contact the APS Computer Group chairman, Martin D. Richardson, 7130 Claybeck Dr., Dayton, OH 45424. Sources of Information

The Mathematical Study Unit of Philately has released a checklist of more than 200 computer stamps. Their journal, Philamath, covers the computer topic regularly. To obtain the checklist, write to Larry Dodson, 3624 W. Frier Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85021.

Another source is an eight-page list of computer stamps complied by Robert V. Boos, 34 Santa Barbara Dr., Plain-view, NY 11803 ($0.54 postage in the U.S., $2.40 for overseas airmail).

The Scott Catalog of Stamps (available at most libraries) lists and/or illustrates all the stamps ever issued along with their official numbers and current values. The most up-to-date information on pricing and availability can be found in stamp newspapers like Linn's Stamp Weekly.