Meet PTS Member: Richard Frajola

We checked in with PTS Member, Richard Frajola of Richard Frajola LLC to ask him some questions (nice ones, we promise!) so you can get to know him, his extensive background, and the specialised expertise he provides to collectors worldwide.

Tell us about your philatelic journey (so far...)

My professional involvement in philately spans nearly six decades, beginning back in 1968. Over the years, I have worked with several prominent auction houses, including serving as a consultant to Sotheby's, before running my own independent auction house, Richard C. Frajola, Inc., from 1980 until 1995. Since 1995, I have transitioned into serving as a dedicated consultant to various private collectors and auction houses across the United States. I am deeply honored to have been recognized by Linn's Stamp News (March 2022 special issue) as one of their "Most Influential Philatelists" for my impact on the hobby over the past couple of decades. My daughter, Joana Kleinsorge, has been working closely with me and will hopefully find her niche in philately.

Richard Frajola was named one of the Most Influential Philatelists by Linn's Stamp News in 2022.

What is your area of specialisation? 

I specialize as an author and historian focusing on worldwide postal history up to 1876, with a broader academic and research interest in stamp and mail systems leading up to 1934.

What is your favorite thing about the stamp trade? 

Without a doubt, it is the people I have met along the way.

Connecting with fellow collectors and researchers has been a privilege, whether through my online platforms—such as my chat board PhilaMercury.com, my main website rfrajola.com, or my dedicated site on the famous forger Jean de Sperati (www.Sperati.org)—or in person at my Taos Philatelic Rendezvous events, which I have hosted annually since 2004.

Information on Sperati's technique by Richard Frajola

What is your proudest stamp-related moment? 

That would have to be receiving the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) Lord Crawford award in recognition of my 2016 book, Mails of the Western Expansion. (link to free pdf files of all my books here: https://www.rfrajola.com/books.htm)

What have you learned about dealing stamps over the years? 

Through decades of experience, one major lesson stands out: the top 10% of your clients account for 90% of the profit. If you can manage it, it is often best to downsize and focus your energy entirely on dealing with that top 10%.

If you could do one thing to boost the trade or hobby, what would it be? 

I would make all philatelic information entirely free online, while simultaneously ensuring fresh material is available to satiate the new demand it generates. To truly inspire a collector to expand into a new area, you need both accessible, accurate information and the physical material right there to study and acquire.

Why did you join the PTS? 

Joining the Philatelic Traders Society provides a wonderful gateway to reach clients in the UK who are generally not as active within the American markets.

---

Did you see this beautiful set of five philatelic allegorical watercolor panels by Alois Ludwig offered by Richard? More information is available here: Items For Sale By Frajola

Price available on request.

This is a unique surviving example of a decorative philatelic art commission incorporating genuine classic era rarities, executed by an identifiable and documented artist over a five-year span (1898–1902).

---

Richard's contact details:

Richard C. Frajola

P.O. Box 2679

Ranchos De Taos, NM   87557

email: coversrfrajola@icloud.com

phone: (575) 751-7607