Remembering My Philatelic Friends Who Have Passed: William R. Weiss
William (Bill) R. Weiss, Jr. was one of the greats in the philatelic world, a dedicated expert whose influence in stamp authentication and postal history research left a lasting mark on the hobby. My experiences with Bill go back to my time working for Gary Posner Inc., when I frequently found myself making late-night trips to his house to drop off stamps for examination and expertization. These late-night visits often turned into wonderful discussions as we worked through last-minute certificates that needed to go out the next day. Bill operated with an impressive commitment to efficiency, maintaining a 24-hour turnaround policy whenever possible.
A highly regarded expert for both APS and PSE, Bill was known not only for his knowledge but for his generosity in helping others. He played a key role in introducing me to many of the right people in the philatelic world, something I will always appreciate. His expertise spanned a remarkable range, but he was particularly known for his work in postal history, Civil War covers, and the foreign mail cancellations of New York City. His contributions to philatelic literature, including authoring several books and numerous articles, solidified his reputation as one of the foremost authorities in the field.
One of my fondest memories of Bill was an early morning visit when I arrived before his workday had truly begun. I caught him during his morning coffee, and rather than diving straight into work, we sat down for an extended break. We talked about stamps at length, losing track of time as we enjoyed the peaceful morning. A herd of deer wandered across his backyard, a regular sight he mentioned but one I had never witnessed before. In a rare moment of pause from his usual fast-paced schedule, Bill and I simply sat back, sipping our coffee and watching the deer, sharing one of those quiet, meaningful moments that only happen when you're in the right place at the right time.
Bill's stamp career was extraordinary. He was a dedicated professional who helped elevate the standards of authentication and expertization. His work in Weiss Expertizing Services, as well as his contributions to PSE and APS, left a lasting impact on the field. He was a fixture in the world of philatelic exhibitions and conferences, always willing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm. Many collectors and dealers sought his expertise, trusting his judgment when it came to evaluating rare and valuable stamps.
From his early days of running Weiss Philatelics and Weiss Auctions to his later years of refining expertization standards, Bill's influence remains evident in the stamp world today. He was always kind to me, even when I was just beginning my career in my late 20s, and I enjoyed every conversation we had until his passing in 2015. His passion for philately and his commitment to excellence will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
