Benjamin Wishnietsky was a retired textile chemist and had been a collector of United States, Greek, and Confederate philatelic material for his entire adult life.
Publications
He was the author of Confederate Patriotic Covers and Their Usages (1991), the editor of the Confederate States of America Stampless Cover Catalog (1980), and the editor of the American Stampless Cover Catalog: The Standard Reference Catalog of American Postal History (1978). He has written more than 100 articles for the Confederate Philatelist, most of them in his column "Unusual Confederates." All of his books, several of his "Unusual Confederates" columns, and his Confederate States of America, 1861-1865 exhibit, published by U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, Inc., are available through the American Philatelic Research Library.
Benjamin Wishnietsky authored one book, edited two books and wrote many articles. The books he authored and edited are listed below:
- Authored Confederate Patriotic Covers and Their Usages (1991)
- Edited Confederate States of America Stampless Cover Catalog (1980)
- Edited American Stampless Cover Catalog: The Standard Reference Catalog of American Postal History (1978).
Philatelic activities
He was accredited as an American Philatelic Society judge in 1972 and served for many years. He was named a judge emeritus when he retired. He has won many philatelic awards, most notably the Grand Award at VAPEX in 1975, the Confederate Stamp Alliance trophy in 1975, the NOPEX Reserve Grand Award in 1977, the FLOREX Grand Award (Puerto Rico) in 1980, and the August Dietz Award from the Confederate Stamp Alliance in 1991. He was a great supporter of the Hollywood Stamp Club in Hollywood, Florida and served as editor of their newsletter and on their board of directors for many years. During his tenure as the newsletter editor of the Hollywood Philatelist, the newsletter received American Philatelic Society awards in 1973, 1974, and 1977. In 2012, the American Philatelic Society renamed their Champion of Champions Award the Benjamin and Naomi Wishnietsky Champion of Champions Award in his honor.
Benjamin also demonstrated his commitment to passing on his knowledge to the next generation by functioning as the stamp club advisor at two Broward County high schools.
Personal data
Benjamin Wishnietsky retired to Florida and served on the board of the Hollywood Stamp Club, in Hollywood, Florida and was editor of their newsletter, the Hollywood Philatelist for more than 30 years. Benjamin and his wife Naomi were happily married for 48 years. He passed away in 2013.