Supplement or Not? The October 1917 Insert.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Supplement or Not?  The October 1917 Insert.

While perusing my October 1917 "Flags Number" of the National Geographic Magazine I noticed an insert.  Completely folded, it measures 5.5 " by 4".  Unfolded once it becomes an 8" by 5.5" four-page letter to the membership from Gilbert Grosvenor.  You can see the outer fold across the front page below.

Obviously this is neither a map nor a pictorial, but should I consider this item a supplement or merely an advertisement insert?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Here is the full letter:

Yours in Collecting,

Tom Wilson

[Melvin L. De Vilbiss]

Tom,

This is a beautiful little find, congratulations - and thank you for sharing.

Roger Nathan lists this in his chapter, PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, on page 144, first item under 1917.

He describes exactly what you have here.

Once again I am astounded with the detail and enumeration of NGS artifacts the great masters provided us.

Enjoy!

Mel

[George Thomas Wilson]

Promotional Material it is !!!  It sounds better than Ad Insert anyway.

Thanks for the response, Mel.  I knew Nathan had that section, with the "Specimens in Miniature" items and such but didn't think to check for this pamphlet.  It amazes me as well, as to the shear volume of ephemera Roger has documented in such detail in his one little book.

Tom

[Jeffry Persons]

Tom,

This is an excellent find!  This was not a magazine insert though; it was mailed to the membership along with a brochure that is noted in the last paragraph of what you posted.  The "booklet" that was enclosed is a 4 1/4" x 6",16 page black and white with a picture of a young Far Eastern girl dressed in an elaborate costume and headdress (see attachment).  I have two examples of both of these documents that were sent to members together.  The brochure with the girl was also reprinted in 1918, but the only difference being that it is a green photogravure.

[Jeffry Persons]

Tom,

I didn't get to finish my thought, but it is amazing how many of these types of items can be found stuffed inside old magazines.  I have found many, many brochures etc. over the years and I always page through old magazines looking for these types of treasures. Do you think there is any interest in the promotional brochures.  I must have a thousand or more.?

Jeff

[George Thomas Wilson]

Thanks so much for the Info, Jeff  You've answered my few remaining questions about this item.

I'm sure there is an interest in the brochures.  Many people collect all things NatGeo.  I myself have a "Specimen in Miniature"  from 1920.

Your collection, from the little I've heard about it, is quite impressive.

[Scott T. Shier]

I'll have to check my promotional material to see if I have this . . .