R.I.P. - Max Stern AM, legendary Stamp Dealer. 11 Feb, 2016

Post by **GlenStephens** » 12 Feb 2016 10:06

Mr. Max Stern AM ע"ה

Father of Judy Seigel & Ruth Paneth

The Levaya will take place TODAY (Friday 12 February)

At 12:00pm

Melbourne Chevra Kadisha Cemetery

Browns Rd, Springvale

= = = =

I just heard that Max passed away yesterday evening at home from a heart attack, after a fall on Wednesday. He was 94 - only weeks shy of his 95th, and a large Birthday event had been underway for that day, on March 2.

Very sad, one of THE greatest characters ever, in the stamp business globally. Based in Melbourne, in the same Port Philip Arcade location for 60 years, Max dealt extensively all over the globe.

Glen

Global Administrator wrote:
This postcard taken off Rod Perry's site shows Max has been there in same Flinders Lane shops a very lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time.

This postcard is well over a Half Century old.

Another legendary stamp dealer Ken Baker (centre) at his 100th Birthday party, who passed away only last month, a few days short of birthday 104.

Flanked on each side by lifelong close dealer friends Ken Duffy AO (right), and Max Stern AM. And a few stamp dealer 'youngsters' standing at back.

David Benson · Post by **David Benson** » 12 Feb 2016 10:12

Sad news,

I would like to wish his family a long life,

David B.

goof · Post by **goof** » 12 Feb 2016 10:23

Sad news, bought from him over 35 years back, one of the great names in collecting, encouraging generations of collectors throughout the World.

RIP and thoughts with his family

Mick

alltorque · Post by **alltorque** » 12 Feb 2016 10:33

Another Stamp LEGEND passed...

Gone but never to be forgotten..

RIP.

condolences to Family and friends.

fromdownunder · Post by **fromdownunder** » 12 Feb 2016 10:34

This is indeed sad news. We have lost an icon. Kol ha kavod Max.

If there is any upside at all here, it is that he will not be here to see his beloved business demolished and replaced by an underground railway.

Norm

DJCMH · Post by **DJCMH** » 12 Feb 2016 10:43

Wow the passing of a true legend. Australian philately has lost of its most important public figures.

Although one small consolation as fromdownunder notes, he will not have to witness the relocation of his businesses due to the construction projects that exercised eminent domain rights against the property in which they were located.

Peteski76 · Post by **Peteski76** » 12 Feb 2016 10:56

When I first arrived in Australia without a job 7 years ago, I popped into his shop and we got talking.

When I told him that I was looking for work (I was in between meetings with recruitment agencies), he asked what I did, once I told Max that I was an accountant, he immediately went off and found a letter from his accountant, gave me their details and told me to contact them and to tell them that he had given me their details.

I will always remember that gesture as it told me the quality of the man. RIP Max.

fromdownunder · Post by **fromdownunder** » 12 Feb 2016 11:05

See also this thread:

http://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=68715

Norm

dukeprince · Post by **dukeprince** » 12 Feb 2016 11:23

Sad news, RIP Max .

vekenone · Post by **vekenone** » 12 Feb 2016 11:32

A legend, and a true gentleman.

RIP Max Stern

traralgon3844 · Post by **traralgon3844** » 12 Feb 2016 12:04

Very sad news indeed.

I always found Max to be be quite personable, if he saw me in the shop he would always pop out for a chat.

Rest in peace Max.

gharvey5 · Post by **gharvey5** » 12 Feb 2016 12:21

RIP Max Stern

Another one bites the dust...

jaywalker · Post by **jaywalker** » 12 Feb 2016 13:06

Very sad news indeed.

I always found Max to be be quite personable, if he saw me in the shop he would always pop out for a chat.

Rest in peace Max.

I used to travel to Melbourne infrequently, but "Mr Stern" (I never felt comfortable calling him "Max" - he was the statesman of stamp dealers) had a extremely good memory, and, as Traralgon said, would always pop out.

He was always very attentive, and focussed on providing a great customer experience - and polite when berating his staff for not helping me when I was "just looking" - this was always "just looking for something to buy", because there was just so much to look at in his store and store windows.

Whilst I didn't say anything at the time, I recall being horrified at how he one separated a "set of eight singles" from eight "blocks of ten" for me - done perfectly in two "tears" in less than one second (rip / rip).

Max Stern had a horrific background, having to support his family through this stamp dealing in war-torn Europe, but was also extraordinarily lucky. Read his book. There is a competition to win one here:http://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=68715

I did get to see him seven weeks ago, and negotiated a very good price for a very, very large stamp (ex Australia 2013 - that I had had my eye on since Australia 2013). Today's news is very sad, but I'm very glad I got one last opportunity, despite having to depart Canberra at "oh dark hundred" with the stamp widow, and having to drive at "warp factor six" to get there before closing.

Mr Stern will be missed.

One final (semi-cryptic) word about what Mr Stern means to Australian stamp collectors - "Ampol"

David Benson · Post by **David Benson** » 12 Feb 2016 13:42

Just to mention something that most people do not know is that Sydney Philately owed Max a huge applause for what he did in 1970.

During the Executive Committee meetings Max proposed that the Cook Miniature Sheet be overprinted in the margins and that possibly huge financial gain could be made by the Exhibition. He stated that if the Committee did not want to sell the Sheet then he would sell it from his own stand and reap the reward. Of course the Committee were vehemently against it as it was not the " Proper Philatelic " to do and would give Sydney Philately a bad name. After a few meetings they came to their senses and relented. The rest is history, the Exhibition made a huge profit with crowds lined up all around the Town Hall. The profit that was made eventually was a major part of the funds to use as a deposit to purchase Philas House.

David B.

Assistant Treasurer, ANPEX Sydney 1970

p.s. At first I was amongst the group that opposed the idea but was swayed when Max stated that he would sell them on his own stand, imagine the mayhem that would have occurred. Even with careful planning mayhem did occur when someone announced that all voluntary workers could get their sheets from a special booth. Crowd control was non existent for the rest of the day.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » 12 Feb 2016 14:01

Very sad, I was in Melbourne on Wednesday and popped into his store in the morning.

RIP Max

pre_1912_thanks · Post by **pre_1912_thanks** » 12 Feb 2016 14:40

Terrible news. Australian philately has lost a true icon

jrg · Post by **jrg** » 12 Feb 2016 15:00

Very sad news indeed.

I used to buy coins from him in the early 1970s. Although coins were but a pimple on his stamp's elephant, his shop, and Reg Williams (Regal Coins) in the Embank Arcade, were the go-to CBD coin shops at that time.

electric chook · Post by **electric chook** » 12 Feb 2016 15:11

I read the thread heading and felt a definate physical dropping feeling in my throat and chest.

A true legend and a real loss not just to the philatelic world but as a living piece of history.

Condolences to his family.

Frank (Electric Chook)

mikestein · Post by **mikestein** » 12 Feb 2016 15:26

Sad news. I did not expect to be reading this anytime soon.

aethelwulf · Post by **aethelwulf** » 12 Feb 2016 15:37

Never got to visit Australia. Max and his shop sounded like a legendary place to visit.

RIP to another fine gentleman lost.

Raz · Post by **Raz** » 12 Feb 2016 16:02

We are very lucky to have had Max in our time, and very lucky that he wrote a book on his stamp dealings.

R.I.P. Max Stern. A real star.

ZEPHYRUS · Post by **ZEPHYRUS** » 12 Feb 2016 17:01

On reading the thread my heart sank ,it is truly very sad news .

As a young boy (fifty years ago) I was recommended by my head teacher at school (an avid stamp collector) to contact Mr Stern, as he was an honourable man and stamp dealer.

There will "never" be another (Mr.) Max Stern, AM. A true gentleman, a legend and an Australian icon in the stamp world .

My condolences go to his family at this sad time.

R I P Max Stern. AM.

John (Zephyrus)

Tassie_Stamps · Post by **Tassie_Stamps** » 12 Feb 2016 17:47

Rest in Peace, Mr Stern.

It was a pleasure to have met you, known you & done business with you.

This is such a huge loss to everyone who knew Max and thought of him as a friend, he was a very interesting and intelligent gentlemen, and thought of highly by all who knew him.

You only get one Mr Max Stern every lifetime. A true legend & highly respected.

BigSaint · Post by **BigSaint** » 12 Feb 2016 18:10

Sad news RIP Max.

I wonder whether the business will continue on now, particularly as Premier Andrews is compulsorily acquiring the shop for an underground train station.

Brad

Tassie_Stamps · Post by **Tassie_Stamps** » 12 Feb 2016 18:16

BigSaint wrote:I wonder whether the business will continue on now

It will be around for a long time yet, under Sam Seigel's management.

Bort · Post by **Bort** » 12 Feb 2016 18:31

This afternoon I was told that Max Stern passed away yesterday (Thursday 11 Feb). The funeral was today. My friend who told me of Max's passing wrote:

Vale a champion of life .

Yesterday, at age 94, Max Stern went to work, running his internationally renowned philately business. In the afternoon, he attended a wedding ceremony and was in fine spirits. Then went home and died.

Max wasn't actually 94 years old,
Max was 94 years young.

In Europe he survived the Holocaust and Nazi death marches. In Australia he rebuilt a close and devoted family, succeeded in business, wrote books, played soccer until he was over 90, and tirelessly educated thousands about the lessons of the Holocaust.

It was a privilege to have been his friend and to be one of so many who he taught and inspired.

My first post to Stampboards in a long time. *Sigh*

m3006 · Post by **m3006** » 12 Feb 2016 18:36

R.I.P Max.

Such a long life, filled with amazing adventures, extraordinary experiences and a passion for stamps.

It was great to have met you and been served by you at your store.

My condolences to your family and friends.

Michael

pmc · Post by **pmc** » 12 Feb 2016 18:36

Finchley Chris · Post by **Finchley Chris** » 12 Feb 2016 18:56

R.I.P.

Rod Perry · Post by **Rod Perry** » 12 Feb 2016 18:59

A great shock; I was amongst those in the Trade who believed Max would live forever.

And in Philately he will.

My sincere condolences to the family, members of whom I have known for over 50 years.

My April 2016 Stamp News column will be dedicated to my memories of Max.

Rod

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 12 Feb 2016 19:31

RIP Max.

PeeVee · Post by **PeeVee** » 12 Feb 2016 20:26

So sorry to hear this sad news.

Rest In Peace Max, I will treasure the items I purchased from you over the years.

Peter

Post by **gavin-h** » 12 Feb 2016 21:02

Very sad news indeed.

I never had the pleasure, but from what I'd read on Stampboards, I always thought Max was indestructible. Sadly not, but his memory will surely be immortal.

RIP Max Stern.

apptec · Post by **apptec** » 13 Feb 2016 04:51

Mr (Max) Stern-AM,

I will always remember my visits to your astonishing store, and our little chats.

R.I.P. Max

Brummie · Post by **Brummie** » 13 Feb 2016 07:21

Very sad to hear this and my sincere condolences to his family.

Scott#65 · Post by **Scott#65** » 13 Feb 2016 12:45

Hi all. Just wish to advise all Stampboard users that the well known Melbourne stamp dealer, Mr Max Stern, sadly passed away on Thursday, February 11th.

After a day in the office and time with family and friends, he suffered a heart attack at his home. Due to religious requirements, his funeral was on Friday, February 12th.

Love him or hate him, the undisputed doyen of Australian philately will be greatly missed. At present, the business will continue as usual.

Fred Diamond

For the last 30+ years, I have been/and still am, the force behind the MAX STERN & COMPANY New Issues Department

VALE MR MAX STERN - 2.3.1921 - 11.2.2015

joelk · Post by **joelk** » 13 Feb 2016 13:28

The unanimity of the positive tributes here is really impressive.

By all accounts he was a true gentleman and respected by all.

An inspiring (and long) life spent being an icon of the hobby we all love. Amazing.

R.I.P. Max Stern.

wolseley16/60 · Post by **wolseley16/60** » 13 Feb 2016 13:39

R.I.P. Max, I hope the stress of the proposed Metro Rail Tunnel Project did not add to your demise, damn politicians......

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 14 Feb 2016 14:58

I go to Melbourne as little as possible these days but one of the pleasures when I do is a visit to Port Philip Arcade. Lately, I heard the shop was to move. Now, even worse, we have lost the owner.

What always surprised me was how he always seemed to know where everything was. I was in there once and mentioned my interest in Mussolini's Italy postal history.

"I have a card that might interest you", he said and within a minute or two had found a postcard bearing the heads of Mussolini, Hitler and Franco. Another time, I said I was looking for items for a collection for my daughter and based on her name, Charlotte. He came straight back with a miniature sheet from car races in Charlottenburg in 1939.

No wonder the business lasted so well when most others were failing.

R.I.P.

Post by **GlenStephens** » 14 Feb 2016 15:07

Many many collectors and dealers have "Max Stories" and most of them are true, I am sure.

I added a piece on his sad passing to my next "Stamp News" article below, and do hope the government has a change of plan re bulldozing 60 years of history that Max left as his legacy in that location.

http://www.glenstephens.com/snmarch16.html

One story that underscores my comment about his boundless energy and enthusiasm, and being like a coiled steel spring, I'll share here if I may.

A few years back I was in his shop chatting, and made my farewells, saying I wanted to next pop in and see Peter Strich and his wife in their new retail shop, as I did a lot of business with him, and liked them.

They'd been deposed from his wonderful Myer Philatelic vast area store he'd run until then, as I gather that Myer building was sold or whatever.

I asked "where exactly is Peter's new shop Max - can you give me some general directions please?"

He was a busy man in a chain of shops, with staff and customers everywhere, yet he bounded around the counter - grabbed my arm with his urgently barked "COME - COME" command - and dragged me down the lane at back of his shop at usual Max frenetic speed, for a few hundred metres to Peter's then new (and tiny!) little shop buried down some arcade maze. Anyone else would have just given directions, or pointed in the general region i but not Mister Action Man Max!

A small thing, but it does underscore his exuberance and helpfulness and generosity - who else would physically drag a dealer to your competitor's city store!

There will never be another Max Stern.

Glen

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 14 Feb 2016 15:17

I just saw this.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ca-p95pUYAAbT7q.jpg

If you were surprised to hear of his energy you may be more surprised to hear that we have lost our oldest registered football player as well.

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 14 Feb 2016 15:44

jjarmstrong47 wrote:
If you were surprised to hear of his energy you may be more surprised to hear that we have lost our oldest registered football player as well.

No I used to write up his soccer games.

I posted this in 2008 - reporting on Max's big triumph at Beijing 2008 - with this photo of SOME of his army of Chinese booth staff.

https://www.glenstephens.com/snseptember08.html

Where Max gets the energy from I truly do not know. He is 87 years old, and I understand is the oldest registered soccer player in Australia.

"Max still trains twice a week, plays each Sunday, and is an active Committee member of his beloved Maccabi Soccer Club” son-in-law Sam Seigel told me.

Each year a funny little ritual would take place. Max would mail me, and doubtless many other dealers a formal invite to his annual Testimonial match at the Maccabi Soccer Club - in Caulfield where he lived. There a light supper after the game I think it said. It always asked you to "RSVP".

Each year I'd phone wishing him the best for it, and politely asking when my airline tickets would be arriving. And each year he'd reply, try and sell me something, and close with that cheeky soft spoken chuckle and say "Thank you Glen - must go now."

Sam mailed me this from the local paper one year -

Scott#65 · Post by **Scott#65** » 16 Feb 2016 22:48

Just to keep all "Stampboards" members in the know, the Port Philip Arcade is not being demolished as yet.

It seems the Government hasn't got the funds to go ahead with the underground railway line project at present.

Business is as usual for the next few years.

Fred Diamond
MAX STERN & COMPANY New Issues Department

woodster · Post by **woodster** » 16 Feb 2016 23:14

Sad news indeed.

During my trips to Melbourne I always found the time to pay a visit
to his shop and pick up something for my collection. I found Max was
always willing to accommodate a special request and bend over backwards
to assist.

A true gentleman.

RIP

s_c_stamps · Post by **s_c_stamps** » 17 Feb 2016 18:36

I'm usually in Melbourne each January and always pay a visit to Max's shop - RIP Mr Stern.

rmills · Post by **rmills** » 17 Feb 2016 23:07

So sad to read this sad news about Mr Stern. Twin Towns Stamp Club (Inc.) has been indebted to Max Stern for numerous years due to his generous donations which have helped our annual stamp fair.

I hope my recent thank you letter reached him before his passing.

RIP - a true legend.

fromdownunder · Post by **fromdownunder** » 10 Dec 2017 17:39

To keep members up to date, the Max Stern emporium will move to Collins Street after the demolition of the Port Phillip Arcade.

Stamp, coin and currency merchants Max Stern have signed a lease over 341sq m at 271 Collins Street in Melbourne after being displaced by the Metro Rail project works.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/max-stern-ends-up-on ... yw0yo.html

His legacy lives!
Norm

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 10 Dec 2017 17:46

$3000 a week rent for 2 properties sounds cheap to me for CBD.

I was talking to Sam a few weeks back and he indicated they had needed to move to a 'pop up' shop in the interim.

What a NIGHTMARE for them, with all their stock.

Melbourne

Stamp, coin and currency merchants Max Stern have signed a lease over 341sq m at 271 Collins Street after being displaced by the Metro Rail project works. Fitzroys' Jordan Ceppi negotiated the deal over the separate 237sq m 8B and 104sq m 9D spaces within the building at $90,000 per annum net and $65,000 per annum net respectively, both on 4 x 4 x 4 year leases. The business – named after its founder, the late Max Stern AM – was previously located within the Port Phillip Arcade.

BigSaint · Post by **BigSaint** » 10 Dec 2017 17:56

I popped into the pop up shop at 244 Flinders Street last Thursday. Originally they had hoped to be in their new premises by late November.

Works on their new premises & 271 Collins Street next to the Post Office at the rear has not yet started. Expected moving date is now February 2018.

Brad

MJ's pet · Post by **MJ's pet** » 06 Dec 2019 13:52

Max Stern in 1950:

The Age, 6 October 1950, page 9