Page 8 - Gustaf Douglas: Classic Sweden

Prologue

One of the covers Gustaf Douglas didn’t sell in the mid 1970’s is the above combined franking of Circle Type,
from EKSHÄRAD 29.12.1877 to Grimslöf (distance 251 km ≤ 450 km). This is a ”Parcel Letter” with manuscript
weight‐notation “4 Pounds”, insured for 100 Kronor (50 Öre in force from 1.1.1871 until 31.12.1882). The dome‐
stic Parcel rate was 30 Öre per pound in force from 1.1.1877 until 31.12.1879. The Parcel rates at the time being
were calculated based on distance and per Pound: 6 x ”20 Öre on 20 Öre” perforation 14 (a) + 50 Öre (g.) = 170
Öre correct rate. This item has always been considered as one of the philatelically most important items from
the period. (Displayed in frame 25)

Stockholm School of Economics and I “flunked” six(!) times. My application to HBS was
Harvard Business School mailed and to my happy surprise I was accepted.
Out of school and military service there was a bit too In so many ways HBS (1962‐1964) changed my whole
much of freedom – politics, stamp collecting and life and I found this to be a turning point – the best
some economic ups and downs. There were some lots teachers, the best students and the ”case method” was
of dealings in shares and a lesson of how to avoid my cup of tea. In the summer Elisabeth and I were
bankruptcy at an early stage. I went to the ”Stockholm married and we went back for the second year.
School of Economics” to prepare for a career in Elisabeth worked as a receptionist in a structural steel
business. After the first year I got more and more into company, thereby partly supporting me. We built our
politics. The theories of business and econometrics life together.
did not ignite any enthusiasm. Quite naturally I
continued some stamp collecting. But I had identified
a new way into business – the Harvard Business
School.
The family thought I should rather finish in
Stockholm and forget the Harvard dreams. But a visit
to the USA in 1958 gave a lot of inspiration and
encouragement.
I worked hard to finish the Stockholm studies but Gustaf married to Elisabeth
failed in one crucial exame – price theory – which in the summer of 1963.