The fonds consists of many series of textual records, philatelic records, graphic material and sound recording related to philatelic activities. The textual includes the following series: Acquistions and Transactions, 1910-1993;Collections, 1963-1992; Correspondance, 1960-1991; Manuscript, 1964-1990; Organizations, 1893, 1959-1992; and Research Notes, 1842-1895.
Philatelic material collected by Pratt includes the following series: Postal Stationery, 1873-1947; Essays and Proofs, 1865-1935; Perkins and Bacons Co., 1842-1947; American Bank Note Co., ca. 1968; Revenue Stamps, 1898-1985.
The fonds includes also several photographs (colour and b&w), artworks, prints and one audio cassette.
Pratt, Robert H., 1908-1995 : Col. Robert H. Pratt was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 12, 1908 where he resided until his death in October of 1995. He was survived by his wife Dorothy, two daughters Joanna and Janet, as well as several grandchildren. Mr. Pratt attended the University of Wisconsin, graduated as an electrical engineer in 1929. During the war years, Pratt served in the Army of the United States, entering into the federal service in October of 1940 from the National Guard of Wisconsin and returning to civilian life in March of 1946 with the rank of Colonel. Col. Pratt served in World War II with V Corps and was stationed in England as a divisional liason officer in the G-3 section. Some of his war experiences include landing in Normandy on D-Day and taking part in the liberation of Paris and Luxembourg and the Battle of the Bulge. He finished his military career by being decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross.
Established by Col. Pratt in 1952, Pratt Manufacturing Corporation sold electro-mechanical devices for several corporations in Milwaukee. The company was known internationally for making equipment used in the production of surgical dressings and sterile packaging. The company was sold in 1977, with fifteen patents held by Pratt.
After years spent in the Army and establishing a company, stamps became the chief hobby of Mr. Pratt. He started collecting stamps as a youth beginning with his grandfather's collection, and primarily concentrated on the United States and the German States stamps. Years later, as an adult, Pratt suffered injuries in a car accident, and during convalescence resumed his boyhood hobby of stamp collecting. The postal history of Newfoundland caught Pratt's attention when he began researching Newfoundland stamps. He felt that there were not enough reference materials and became determined to personally research and write about Newfoundland philately. An internationally recognized collector, researcher and postal historian, Pratt participated in many international philatelic events and authored many articles. He is best known for his books "The Pence Issues of Newfoundland, 1857-1866" and "The 19th Century Postal History of Newfoundland". His philatelic collections include postage, revenue stamps, essays and proofs of Newfoundland, Trade Samples, postal covers, St. Pierre and Miquelon. His collections include philatelic items from the Burrus, Caspary, Greene, and Liechtenstein collections, purchased by Pratt when key items became available.
Besides collecting, Mr. Pratt was very involved in the philatelic community and organizations. His success in philately can be seen in the titles he has held in some of these groups. Besides being a fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society of London (1964), and The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) (1978), he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the British North America Philatelic Society (1977-1979). Mr. Pratt was the only American to be a member of the Canadian National Postal Museum Advisory Committee (1974-1982). He was Director of the RPSC (1987-1989), and President of the Essay Proof Society (1989). In 1984, Mr. Pratt was awarded the Alfred F. Liechtenstein memorial medal for years spent in the advancement of all areas of philately.
