Clifton A. (Clifton Armstrong) Howes

Born in Reading, Massachusetts, on June 10, 1872, Clifton Armstrong Howes became one of the best-known American philatelists of his era. He was especially associated with Boston and earned a reputation as an expert, writer, and editor whose work focused on stamps, postal stationery, and postal history.

He is best remembered for major studies of Canadian philately, including Canada: Its Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery and The Stamp Designs of Eastern Asia. Beyond his books, he also played an important role in organized stamp collecting in the United States, serving as president of the American Philatelic Society from 1915 to 1917. In 1921, he signed the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, and he was later inducted into the APS Hall of Fame.

Howes died on February 6, 1936. His work remains of interest not just to collectors, but to readers who enjoy careful historical writing about how everyday objects can open a window onto trade, design, communication, and national identity.