50 Years of Australian Christmas Stamps
[Originally published in Stamp News Australasia, December 2007. Republished by kind permission of the author.] Each year since 1957 Australia has issued Christmas stamps to facilitate the mailing of greeting cards to inland addresses, sometimes at a reduced postage rate. In ...
Sunday, October 19th, 2008
A Lepidopterist’s Delight in West Africa: Butterfly and Moth Stamps of Gabon
This little hunt for butterflies in West Africa requires neither net nor mosquito repellent, so forget your pith helmet and take a relaxing look at the beautiful and exotic stamp issues of Gabon. Please note that all the stamps shown are ...
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010
Botswana: 10th Anniversary of Independence (1976)
The five Independence stamps, issued September 30, 1976, are sand grained, sand being the name of the texture and they are, quite probably, the first stamps with a texture since the United States of America issued stamps with an embossed ...
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
France: The Marshal Pétain Issues (1941)
The 1 franc issue pictured is one of four recess-printed stamps issued in 1941 with the portrait of Marshal Pétain as head of state. The Third Republic came to an end on 10 July 1940. The inscription ‘Republique Française’ (French Republic) ...
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
George Washington Bicentennial Stamp Series (1935)
Following the Presidential theme, here is a stamp profile first published in Stamps (August, 1935) and written by Ralph A. Kimble. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...World Philatelic Exhibition, Washington 2006The U.S. Newspaper Stamp (1892)The First U.S. Stamp ...
Friday, November 7th, 2008
Germany Federal Republic: 50 Years Women’s Suffrage (1969)
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Weimar Republic the Deutsche Bundespost issued a commemorative postage souvenir sheet to mark the introduction of franchise and eligibility for German women. The block bears the inscription “50 ...
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
Madagascar: Definitive series (1930-1944)
The definitive series of 1930-1944 was unusual, as French colonial sets went, in that four of its designs were typographed, while the fifth was recess-printed. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Le Style francais
Monday, June 30th, 2008
Mauritius: 22nd Commonwealth Conference (1976)
The designs of the two vertical stamps give the effect of overlapping circles. John Waddington’s Studio prepared the designs and the printing was carried out by the House of Questa in lithography. The R1 value (sg 510, scott 427) features the ...
Sunday, May 4th, 2008
Mexico: 12 centavos stamp (1868)
After the withdrawal of the French, the republicans overthrew the erstwhile empire. Stamps of the first republican series were introduced overprinted “Mexico” in gothic script. A new Hidalgo series, lithographed in Mexico City, was issued in September, 1868. The stamps ...
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008
Mexico: 25 centavos stamp (1874)
Different designs were used for each of a series of five stamps, recess-printed by the American Banknote Company, and released in 1874. A 4c. denomination was added in 1880. With this series the distinct overprints become more complex, usually including a district ...
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
Netherlands: XVIth Olympic Games Issue (1956)
Holland’s philatelic contribution to the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games comprises five brightly-coloured stamps. Four of them have a different sports motif – sailing, sprinting, hockey and water-polo. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Postal Service Savings Bank Contained Stamp ...
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
Portugal: World’s First Cork Stamp (2007)
On Wednesday 26th December 2007, the world's first stamp made entirely from cork was issued in Portugal. Designed by the Portuguese engraver Joao Machado, it is made from wafer-thin "paper cork", a thickness of just 0.35mm, and is ...
Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
Spain: First Floating Trade Fair Stamp (1956)
This interesting stamp (SG 1254/Scott 848) was issued 1956. The ship, CIUDAD DE TOLEDO, with a tonnage of 10, 123, was used to transport Spain’s first floating Trade Fair of national products around the world, was built by the Cia Euskalduna ...
Saturday, May 10th, 2008
St. Helena: Stamp Centenary (1956)
This profile originally appeared in Gibbons Stamp Monthly (February 1956) The original St. Helena sixpenny stamp, printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. in 1856, bore a completely new and rather austere head of Queen Victoria, probably engraved by Humphrys. The same ...
Sunday, October 19th, 2008
Stamps of Bulgaria: Means of Transport Issue (1965)
This multicoloured 13 st. issue commemorated the International Conference of Transportation, Dock and Fishery Workers in Sofia was issued April 30, 1965. It showed plane, train, ship and whale. Designed by Stefan Kantschev and photogravure printed. If you enjoyed this article, you ...
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Stamps of France: The First Issues (1849)
The French ‘Penny Black’ made its début on New Year’s Day 1849. Although French postal administration closely observed the working of Uniform Penny Postage in Britain and the efficacy of adhesive stamps, eight years passed before the necessary legislation passed. If ...
Sunday, June 1st, 2008
Stamps of Greece: The First Olympic Stamps (1896)
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in April 1896, and Greece issued a series of twelve stamps to mark the occasion. The designs, by Professor Gillieron, were based on ancient Greek art and architecture connected with the ...
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Stamps of Hong Kong (China): Panda Issue (July 1st 2008)
Hong Kong recently issued a set of stamps featuring a pair of Giant Panda cubs. The promotional material reads: "Le Le and Ying Ying, a pair of giant panda cubs, arrived in Hong Kong in 2007 as a gift from ...
Sunday, August 3rd, 2008
Stamps of Iceland: 25th Anniversary of the Republic of Iceland (1969)
[caption id="attachment_4630" align="aligncenter" width="198" caption="Iceland 1969 100k stamp"][/caption] There were two values (25 Krone and 100 Krone) of this commemorative issue celebrating the 50ty Anniversary of the Republic of Iceland, depicting the Icelandic flag and rising sun emblem issued June 17, ...
Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Stamps of Israel: Golda Meir Memorial Issue (1981)
This 2.60 Shekel stamp featured a portrait of the well-known Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir (1898-1978). It was designed by M. Krup and multicoloured photogravure printed by the Government Printer. Perf. 14x13, with tab. [caption id="attachment_4647" align="alignleft" width="178" caption="Israel 1981 2.60s stamp"][/caption] If ...
Friday, April 10th, 2009
Stamps of Israel: The First Issues (1948)
The first stamps of Israel were inscribed in Hebrew ‘Doar Ivri’ (Hebrew Post) and featured coins issued by the Jewish authorities at the time of the first and second Jewish revolts against the Romans, or in the reign of the ...
Monday, May 26th, 2008
Stamps of Italy: Hitler and Mussolini Issues (1941)
These stamps celebrated Italo-German Friendship and were designed by C. Mezzana and A. Pesci and featured the profiles of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Mussolini and the Vatican: Is Peace at Hand between ...
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
Stamps of Italy: The First Fascist Issues (1923)
A series of six stamps celebrating the assumption of power by the Fascists. The fascist emblem, the ancient Roman fasces or axe and rods, depicted on the highest denomination stamp (5 lire), was featured on many Italian stamps from 1923-1944. If you ...
Thursday, June 12th, 2008
Stamps of Italy: The First Issues (1862)
The first stamps of the united kingdom of Italy consisted of the series of Sardinia with perforations added. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Stamps of Nova Scotia: The First Issues (1851-7)Italy: Dante Centenary Stamps 1921Stamps of Austria: The ...
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
Stamps of Latvia: The First Issues (1918)
Issued from December 1918, the wheat-ears and sunrise emblem for this series was designed by Ansis Zuhrul and lithographed by A. Schnackenburg of Riga. Shortage of paper led to surprising materials being used. At first the stamps were printed on ...
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
Stamps of Liechtenstein: Pope Pius XII Mourning Issue (1959)
This issue, released on 15 April 1959 was designed by M. Frommelt and printed by Courvoisier from a photo. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Who’s Who on the Stamps of Ecuador: Charles Darwin Issue (1936)Who’s Who on ...
Friday, October 10th, 2008
Stamps of Liechtenstein: Third Philatelic Exhibition (1938)
This souvenir sheet was issued on July 30, 1938 for the Third Philatelic Exhibition of Liechtenstein celebrated the Birth Centenary of the composer Josef Rheinberger. [caption id="attachment_4150" align="aligncenter" width="223" caption="1938 Liechtenstein Souvenir Sheet featureing Josef Rheinberger"][/caption] It was designed by L. Hesshaimer ...
Friday, March 20th, 2009
Stamps of Malagasy Republic: Aquarium Fish series (1994)
Illustrated are some of the stamps and the very handsome miniature sheet, featuring a splendid Goldfish, in the series devoted to Aquarium Fish. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...“Year of the Dog” on StampsCats on StampsTopical Stamp Collecting
Monday, July 14th, 2008
Stamps of Modena: The First Issues (1852)
The Duchy of Modena introduced adhesive stamps in June 1852 (pictured above). If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Stamps of the Philippines: The First Issues (1854-74)Stamps of Denmark: The First Issues (1851)Stamps of Moheli: The First Issues (1906-1912)
Friday, June 13th, 2008
Stamps of Monaco: 150th Birth Anniversary of Jules Verne (1978)
There were eight fascinating designs by Pierre Forget, printed in gravure, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of the author, Jules Verne and his works: If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Cats on StampsThe Stamps of BrecqhouHamlet’s Elsinore
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
Stamps of Montenegro: Constitution Issue (1905)
Prince Nikita, who governed Montenegro, as if were his private estate, was forced to grant a constitution in 1905. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Montenegro – The 1910 Coronation IssueCetinje, Montenegro Via Suez From Mackay, Qld: 1894 PostcardNyassa ...
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Stamps of Netherlands Antilles: Sports Issues (1985)
This colourful series from Netherlands Antilles, issued on March 27, 1985, featured football (soccer) players. They were designed by Edwin Ayubi and printed by Joh. Enschedé & Zonen. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Stamps of Nova Scotia: The ...
Monday, July 28th, 2008
Stamps of Nigeria: International Anti-Apartheid Year (1979)
This 18k. multicoloured stamp issued on December 10, 1979 celebrated the International Apartheid Year. It was designed by A. O. Onwudimegwu and offset printed by Nigerian Printing Co. Perf 14. [caption id="attachment_4690" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="1979 Nigeria stamp celebrating the international year ...
Monday, April 20th, 2009
Stamps of Norway: 1989 Christmas Issue
The subject of the 1989 Christmas stamps of Norway was Christmas tree decorations. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Norway, Sweden & Denmark Map (Lincoln Stamp Album 1899)World’s Oldest Stamp Design – Norway’s Posthorn Stamp Still Going StrongNorway: Polar ...
Saturday, December 13th, 2008
Stamps of Poland (German Occupation): Hitler’s 55th Birthday (1944)
These three blocks show the three issues commemorating Hitler’s 55th birthday. They were issued on April 20, 1944, for use in Poland, whilst still under German occupation. These stamps are inscribed "Generalgouvernement". If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...King ...
Friday, August 1st, 2008
Stamps of Romagna: The First Issues (1859)
Adhesive stamps were not introduced in Romagna until September 1859, when a series from ½ to 20 bajocchi were issued. The stamps were typographed by Volpi and del Sassi of Bologna from electroypes by Amoretti Brothers. These stamps were suppressed in February ...
Friday, June 13th, 2008
Stamps of Romania: Stockholmia Stamp Exhibition Souvenir Sheet (1974)
This multicoloured 10 lei Souvenir Sheet (Scott 2512) for the Stockholmia Stamp Exhibition was issued September 10, 1974. It was designed by Coteanu Rodica and photogravure printed at the Romanian Stamp Printing Office. If you enjoyed this article, you might also ...
Sunday, November 30th, 2008
Stamps of Russia: Birth Centenary of Nikolai Bauman (1973)
This stamp was issued by Soviet Russia (USSR) on March 20, 1973 and celebrates the birth of Nikolai E. Bauman, a professional Russian revolutionary of the Bolshevik party. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...WWI – Belgium Armoured Car ...
Sunday, October 12th, 2008
Stamps of Russia: Launching of Cosmic Rocket (Sputnik) Issue (1960)
This 40 kopeks orange-red and violet-blue stamp issued on June 17, 1960 commemorated the launching of Cosmic Rocket Spacecraft 1 “Vostok”. It was designed by I.L. Levin from a photo. Perf 12 x 12 ½. [caption id="attachment_4141" align="aligncenter" width="221" caption="Russia 1960 40k ...
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Stamps of Senegal: Interpol 50th Anniversary Issue (1973)
[caption id="attachment_4637" align="aligncenter" width="269" caption="Senegal 1973 75fr stamp"][/caption] This 50 Fr. stamp, issued October 6, 1973, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Interpol and showed the Headquarters Building at Saint-Cloud in France. It was designed and engraved by Lacaque and recess printed at ...
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
Stamps of Sri Lanka: Opening of Parliament Building Complex (1982)
This multicoloured 50c. stamp was issued on 29 April, 1982 to celebrate the opening of the Parliament Building Complex at Sri Jayawardanapura, Kotte. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...“Year of the Dog” on StampsCats on StampsItaly: Dante Centenary ...
Thursday, January 15th, 2009
Stamps of Thailand (Siam): The First Issues (1883)
Thailand’s first postage stamps appeared in August 1883, Waterlow and Sons recess-printing printing different designs and using different colours to denote the values: solot (½ att), att, sio (2 atts), sik (4 atts) and salung (6 atts). If you enjoyed this ...
Thursday, June 26th, 2008
Stamps of Thailand: UNICEF Issue (1964)
The seventeenth anniversary of UNICEF was marked by 50 satangs and 2 baht stamps, issued in January 1964. The stamps reproduced the mother and child emblem of UNICEF and were designed and printed in photogravure by the Japanese Government Printing Bureau, ...
Thursday, June 12th, 2008
Stamps of the Falkland Islands: 90th Anniversary of the Camber Railway (2005)
The Camber railway was a single line of 24-inch gauge approximately 3½ miles in length and was built during 1915 and 1916. It remained in use until the late 1920s. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...The Postmarks of ...
Friday, January 9th, 2009
Stamps of the Gold Coast 1952-1954
This article was taken from "Gibbons Stamp Monthly" (October, 1956). It contains some interesting material concerning the early issues of the Elizabethan reign and the printers and designs of these issues. It should be of interest to all of our ...
Friday, June 20th, 2008
Stamps of the Netherlands: De Stijl Issue (1983)
On June 21 1983 the Netherlands PTT issued two special stamps featuring "De Stijl" (The Style). The stamps were designed by Prof. Wim Crouwel of Amsterdam. Values and designs were: 50 cents. The painting "Composition 1922" by Piet Mondrian (private collection) on ...
Saturday, November 22nd, 2008
Stamps of the U.S.: 1983 “Inventors” Issue
This block of four stamps honors the contributions of American inventors Charles Steinmetz, Edwin Armstrong, Nikola Tesia and Philo T. Farnsworth. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Who’s Who on the Stamps of Ecuador: Charles Darwin Issue (1936)Who’s Who ...
Sunday, September 14th, 2008
Stamps of Tunisia: Pictorial issues (1926)
A pictorial series had been issued in 1906, with small designs for the low values and double-sized designs for the higher values. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Stamps of Austria: The First Issues (1850)Stamps of Denmark: The First ...
Friday, June 13th, 2008
Stamps of Tunisia: Pictorial Series (1931-1941)
The same designs as the 1926 series were retained for a series recess-printed by the Institut de Gravure and released in January 1931. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Surcharged Stamps of the Australian CommonwealthStamps of Moheli: The First ...
Friday, October 24th, 2008
Stamps of Turkey: Cyprus Peace Operation Issue (1974)
This multicoloured 250 kurush stamp (Scott 1982) featured the Dove of Peace carrying a Turkish flag in its beak over a map of Cyprus. Issued on August 26, 1974 it was designed by Prof. Namik Bayik and offset printed by Tarik ...
Monday, November 17th, 2008
Stamps of U.S.A.: 1973 Christmas Issue
The design of the 1973 Christmas stamps by Dolli Tingle, which features a whimsical old-fashioned Christmas tree, was the first U.S. stamp ever designed in needlepoint. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...Christmas AngelsWho’s Who on the Stamps ...
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Stamps of Vatican City: Papal Issues (1933)
These stamps engraved by E.Frederici and F. Schimbock and recess printed were issued on May 31, 1933. The 5 cent. lake depicts the Papal Arms, Tiara and Keys, the 10c. black and sepia, 12½c. black and green, 20c. black and orange, ...
Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Stamps of Venezuela: The First Issues (1859-1865)
Adhesive stamps were adopted by Venezuela in 1859. The first issue, with the coat of arms, being lithographed by an unidentified American printer. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...The Stamps of Venezuela: Escuelas 1871-79 (1925)Stamps of Denmark: The ...
Friday, June 6th, 2008
Tibet: Dull and Shiny Stamps of 1912-14
Richard A. Turton This article by EA Smythies FRPSL, was originally published in GSM (October 1956). Tibet is coming under a great deal of scrutiny currently and material relating to the stamps of Tibet should be of much interest. If you enjoyed ...
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
US: Colombian Exposition Issue (1893)
The Columbian Issue, sometimes simply called the Columbians, is a set of 16 highly prized stamps issued by the United States to commemorate the World Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893. They were the first commemorative stamps issued by ...
Saturday, February 16th, 2008
US: Connecticut Tercentenary Stamp (1935)
This stamp profile regarding the design of the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary stamp and other related information, was originally published in the U.S. philatelic magazine Stamps (April 6, 1935): April 26, 1935, has been set as the first day of sale for ...
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008
West Africa: Fernando Po (1869)
[Here is a curious little article, concerning the West African country of Fernando Po, which I discovered in a very early journal, The Stamp Collector’s Magazine (May 1, 1869). It is republished, with little correction, retaining its Victorian style.] Shades of ...
Monday, March 17th, 2008
West Germany: Thomas Mann Commemoration Stamp (1955)
The German insurance clerk, who became a Nobel Prize winner, Thomas Mann, celebrated author and novelist, was born in Lübeck on June 6, 1855. No related posts.
Sunday, May 11th, 2008
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