Edward Haven Mason

Edward Haven Mason (June 8, 1849 – March 21, 1917), of Boston, Massachusetts, was the first philatelist to study, and to write on, proofs and essays of United States postage stamps and postal stationery.

Collecting interests Mason specialized in collecting and studying proofs and essays related to United States postal history and wrote extensively on the subject. His books include: Essays for United States Postage Stamps, published in 1911; The Proofs and Essays for the U.S. Envelopes, also in 1911, and More Essays for United States Postage Stamps, in 1912.

Mason's listings of proofs and essays were the basis for their listing in Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue of Stamps.

Publication restraints At the time Mason performed his studies and wrote, it was illegal in the United States to publish illustrations of United States postage stamp material. As a result, his works have no illustrations.

He married Lelia Sylvina Nickerson on February 1, 1877, and they had three children.