Stamp Collection,my hobby & dream

Mail Delivered 7-Days a Week Prior to 1912

2009-03-18T06:47:00.002-07:00

The Washington Post reports, "In testimony before a Senate subcommittee Wednesday, Postmaster General John 'Jack' Potter said the post office may be forced to cut back to five-day delivery for the first time in the agency's history, citing rising costs and an ongoing decline in mail made worse by the global recession. The potential move, which would have to be approved by Congress and postal officials, could mean the elimination of mail on either Saturdays or Tuesdays, the system's slowest days, postal officials said."

Washington Post reporter Dan Eggen writes, "For much of its early history, the post office delivered mail seven days a week, including twice-a-day stops in some cities. The switch to six-day service came in 1912, when the agency eliminated Sunday delivery due to objections from Christian groups."

Shown above, 1912 Parcel Post stamp showing delivery vehicle.

For more on this story along with a video, click here.

First African American on U.S. Stamp

2009-03-18T06:47:00.001-07:00

For Black History Month, the National Postal Museum has selected the 1940 Booker T, Washington stamp as its "Object of the Month."

The 10-cent stamp was the first stamp to honor an African-American. As part of the Famous Americans Series, Booker T. Washington(1856-1915)was honored as an educator.

In 1888, Washington was appointed as the first leader of the Tuskegee Institute, a teachers' college for blacks. By the time died in November, 1915, the Tuskegee Institute had an endowment of $1,945,000, a staff of almost 200, and a student population of 2000.

According to the museum's Web site, "In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, responding to numerous petitions from African-American supporters, recognized the timeliness of such a stamp and directed that Washington be considered for this important stamp series."

It goes on to say, "Enthusiasm for the Booker T. Washington stamp and its momentous significance for the African-American population prompted two official second day of issue ceremonies, events unprecedented in philatelic history—one in New York City and the other in Philadelphia."

Critics of the stamp said that the stamp should have been the regular first class rate of 3-cents so that more people would have seen it.

Booker T. Washington honored once again in 1956, the centennial of his birth, with first class rate stamp. Shown here, the stamp’s vignette features an image of a cabin similar to the one in which he was born.

To learn more about the Booker T. Washington stamp, click here.

Tom Hanks Spends a Fortune on Postage

2009-03-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Times of India reports that, "Tom Hanks is so obsessed with his secret collection of typewriters that he doesn’t mind giving up a fortune to ship them from all corners of the world."

According to the paper, the Oscar winning actor has more than 100 manual, portable typewriters from the 1930s until they stopped making them.

Apparently Hanks’ hobby has also cost him a small fortune in postage. In the article Hanks is qouted as saying, "I bought a 5 dollars typewriter from Australia that cost me 85 dollar to ship."

No word if he uses stamps to mail the packages.

Shown above, a 2001 miniature sheet from Kyrgyzstan featuring Tom Hanks.

Tamper-proof Stamps

2009-03-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

The UK's Mirror reports, "Tamper-proof stamps are to be issued to thwart fraudsters who peel off or soak old ones to reuse them."

According to an article by David Collins, "The new security Machin stamps have two sticky panels that tear if they're peeled off, and are printed on special paper with the words Royal Mail repeated - similar to security features used on bank notes to stop forgeries."

To read the entire article, click here.

The Pleasures of Stamp Collecting

2009-03-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

An article that originally appeared in the New Zealand Stamp Collector, the official journal of the Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand, was posted on the Philatelic Database Web site.

It deals with the pleasures of stamp collecting.

According to the author, D. J. Jarvis, "The Royal Philatelic Society was privileged recently to hear an interesting talk on stamp collecting as an investment. The speaker made the point that the acquisition of rare stamps, necessarily in perfect condition, solely for investment as a hedge against inflation is a joyless occupation from a collecting point of view - this notwithstanding its soundness as a financial policy.

"For most collectors the pleasures of seeing their treasures increase in value is tinged with chagrin as they see others which they covet being priced beyond their means."

To read the entire article, click here.

Shown above, The 1856 one-cent "Black on Magenta" of British Guiana which is regarded by many as the rarest stamp in the world.

On Collecting

2009-03-18T06:42:00.001-07:00

An article by Tibor Fischer in Britain's Telegraph about French President Nicolas Sarkzy, who took up stamp collecting to relax, also has some thoughts on collecting in general.

Fischer writes, "Collecting is not about relaxing. Gardening is about relaxing. Painting is about relaxing. Listening to a Haydn string quartet is relaxing. Swapping lewd stories with your friends is relaxing."

He goes on to say, "Collecting is about more and more. Collecting is about stamping ruthlessly on the throats of your fellow collectors. Collecting is worrying constantly about the size and quality of your collection. Collecting is about waking up in the middle of the night with a scheme for acquisition. Collecting is about getting ahead. Being Number One. Collecting never ends.

"Collectors, in my experience – at least, serious collectors – are usually people who have a lot of time on their hands and who have little responsibility in their employment, hence the collection to provide a boost, indeed, salvation to their lives."

In defense of stamps, he does point out, "As many money-launderers and smugglers know, stamps are wonderful things. It's embarrassing to be sussed at an airport with an attaché case full of money, but no one's going to spot the 20 stamps in your wallet that are worth just as much."

To read the entire article, click here.

Maple Leafs' Coach Becomes Accidental Stamp Collector

2009-03-18T06:41:00.001-07:00

Canada's National Post Web site reports Corey Hirsch, the goaltending coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has become a stamp collector of sorts because of one particular Swedish stamp.

Shown here, the 1995 stamp (SC #2114) features a young Peter Forsberg clinching the gold medal for Sweden at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics as the goaltender fails to stop him.

The goaltender pictured on the stamp is Hirsch. The 36-year-old father of three is quoted as saying, "I think I have about 10 of those stamps."

Hirsh says he can accept getting beaten by Forsberg. But being collected by philatelists all over the world is another matter.

To read the entire article, click here.

Women's History Month Exhibits

2009-03-18T06:38:00.002-07:00

March is Women's History month and the National Postal Museum is celebrating with a new online exhibit - Women on Stamps: Part I.

According to a write up in the Postmark, the museum's electronic newsletter, "Since 1893, when the image of a woman first appeared on a US postage stamp, the United States has honored women for their many achievements. In fact, over 200 stamps represent women-from politicians and social activists to educators and artists to businesswomen and performers."

Women on Stamps: Part I is the first in a series of four featured collections to highlight the accomplishments of these women.

Subsequent Women on Stamps featured collections will discuss the 'pioneers' in aviation, business and science and feature influential women in literature, art and film.

There is also new feature in the museum's online resources section, "Women in the U.S. Postal System." Written by Abbey Teller and Christina Park, members of the museum's 2008 intern class, it features a history of female postal workers as well as a series of oral histories from recent and current employees.

Shown above, the first U.S. stamp honoring a woman - Queen Isabella of Spain.

To visit the Women on Stamps: Part I online exhibit, click here.

To visit Women in the U.S. Postal Service, click here.

‘Perfect’ Penny Black Sold at Auction

2009-03-18T06:38:00.001-07:00

A “perfect example” of the world’s first postage stamp – a mint penny black – sold at auction for more than £20,000.

"The lot, which went under the hammer at Sotheby’s auction house in London, was expected to sell for between £10,000 and £12,000. The stamp, which dates back to 1840, fetched £20,625 – one of the highest prices achieved at auction for a single penny black," according to UK's Press and Journal.

To read more, click here.

Lions, Leopards, Unicorns & Dragons

2009-03-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Alison Bean of the British Postal Museum & Archive writes to say they have a new blog that focuses on postal history and stamps.

On the blog is a write-up about the Lions, Leopards, Unicorns & Dragons: The first “Regional” stamps exhibit which is closing April 4. The exhibition follows the creation and development - from original artwork and unadopted designs, through to the final issues - of Britain’s first regional stamps.

The stamps were issued in August and September 1958 although the idea for regional stamps had first been discussed shortly after the end of the Second World War. While the main feature on the stamps was still the portrait of the Queen by Dorothy Wilding, heraldic and floral emblems were used to distinguish stamps for the different regions.

Shown above, Scottish "Regional" stamp which shows Her Majesty framed by a pair of Crowned and Collared Unicorns (a heraldic beast unique to Scotland) supporting banners showing the Rampant Lion of Scotland and the Flag of St Andrew.

For more information, click here.

Special Offer for Round-Up Readers

2009-03-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

Amy Burnett of the Wine of the Month Club, Inc. writes to say when Round-Up readers sign up on a special page on the company's website, https://secure.wineofthemonthclub.com/offer15/. And you reference my name, Don Schilling, she will give you a special introductory offer to become a member.

You will get your first shipment for only $9.95 instead of $19.95. A savings of $10! Plus you will receive two free wine glasses. Amy says you can also call her at 1-800-949-9463 to take advantage of this offer.

And to make this even more special, she wants to offer BOTH of us A CASE OF WINE to spilt between US!

Amy says, "And I can do this at absolutely no charge. No charge for the wine. No charge for the shipping. And no tax. Let’s just call it a thank you. But you must act before March 31st.”

Well, thank you Amy!

Living in California, I'm particular about my wine. However, I am continually impressed with the quality and value of the low priced wines the club sends out each month. AND being a member makes it SO easy to have a good variety of reds and wines on hand when guests drop by. Try it, you'll like it.

Sorry, no one under 21 is eligible.

In the meantime, click here to check out Sarah Perell-Minetti's Web site Grapes and Wine on Stamps.

Kahului Railroad Stamps

2009-03-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Post Office in Paradise Web site showcases Hawaiian postal history from the years before Hawaii became a part of the United States.

The site features a huge collection of colorful stamps, cover letters to foreign countries, pre-postal mail, soldier mail, missionary stamps, engraved stamps, postal cards.

There is also interesting Hawaiian Postal Service ephemera from before 1900 including a page about the little known Kahului Railroad stamps - none of which are listed in the Scott Catalogue.

According to the site in 1876, Hawaii's emerging sugar industry was booming. On Maui, several significant plantations were located on the isthmus and getting sugar to the port at Kahului was sometimes difficult.

The local postmaster constructed a narrow gauge railroad connecting the port to the major plantations. The train began service in 1879 and carried the mail free.

Later in 1894, the railroad decided to print a set of stamps for use on packages and freight. They turned to the American Bank Note Company which produced six seldom seen stamps.

Shown above, the $1 Kahului Railroad stamp.

To learn more, click here.

Scottish Stamp Collection Gets Trashed

2009-03-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

UK's Sunday Mail reports trash men in Scotland allegedly dumped a stamp collector's collection supposedly worth millions.

Reporter Marion Scott quotes collector Jim Ford as saying he left thousands of rare stamps to dry outside his flat after they were soaked by water from a burst pipe. He claims his collection included 840 Penny Blacks, dozens of Penny Blues and 36 Washington Pinks.

But an expert doubts it.

Founder of the Scottish Philatelic Trade Association, Robert Murray, said: "I'd be extremely surprised to discover a previously unknown collection worth several millions of pounds turning up in Scotland.

Shown above, the 1986 EUROPA stamp from Denmark which featured a garbage collector.

To read the entire article, click here.

Don't Believe Everything You Read in The Papers

2009-03-18T06:33:00.002-07:00

In response to yesterday's post, Scottish Stamp Collection Gets Trashed, Jim Ford, the person who lost his stamp collection, e-mailed me with the following information and comments...

"Don’t believe everything you read in the papers!

"The collection was/is possibly worth more than that on paper (sorry for the pun) as a catalogue value, as an actual value as I try to tell everybody the only way you would have an exact value would be sell them and see how much you got.

"The stamps were not outside to dry after a burst pipe! They were at the front door whist the house was being repaired after the heating engineers did not cap any pipes and the house flooded.

"Robert Murray was also misquoted, but then again it was a private collection that he had supplied stamps towards from his Edinburgh Shop. He just did not know who he was supplying to.

"The collection was mostly Commonwealth 1840 - 1948, Amongst it was several full mint sets including Variants.

"The honour of most of the collection has to go to my grandfather and uncle who collected it for over 90 years.

"The jewel of the Collection was actually American. A set of letters that covered the whole American civil war, initially 2 friends - then boyfriend/girlfriend - then the engagement and the arrangement of the wedding, all of the letters were complete, he telling her of his desire to fight in the war, going off to fight , describing battles. Her telling him the local gossip.

"Included in some of the letters from her were stamps for him to reply, hence the Washington Pinks. But a letter sent from a Union Soldier, to a New York Address with a CSA stamp on it, a novel twist.

"Some of the Letters from the collection still exist, mostly female gossip to Miss Hattie Simmons, Motville N.Y though one sheet of paper that I actually have not read is embossed with the Whitehouse, dated March 26th 1870.

"The local authority admitted in writing that they removed the stamps and the other items of furniture, it’s their insurance company that are claiming they only removed Rubbish."

Thanks Jim. Good luck with your claim.

Shown above, a 1868 Washington Pink with B-grill which was sold at auction last year for $1,035,000. Only four 3-cent stamps with this type are known to exist.

To read the orignal article in the Glasgow Sunday Mail, click here.

Stamps Cancelled

2009-03-18T06:33:00.001-07:00

Jay Bigalke of Linn's Stamp News reports in the March 23rd editon that three United States stamp issues, originally planned for release in 2009, have been pulled from the current year's stamp program because of the economic downturn.

According to Jay, USPS spokesperson Roy Betts told Linn's that the 44c Edward Hopper and the holiday 44c Angel with Lute stamps have been shelved along with the fourth set of 10 stamps in the Flags of Our Nation commemorative coil series.

The Edward Hopper stamp, shown above, part of the American Treasures series, was orignally scheduled to be issued Aug. 6 at the American Philatelic Society Stampshow in Pittsburgh, PA.

Now the third set of the Flags of Our Nation coils will take its place having been moved back from a June release date.

The Associated Press is also reporting this story. Click here to read.

FRANCE - French Birds souvenir sheet

2009-03-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Purple-throated Carib

Mascarene Paradise-flycatcher

Channel-billed Toucan

Blue-headed Hummingbird

A nice French birds sheet, issued on March 24, 2003.

INDONESIAN - Indonesian Birds Stamps

2009-03-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Aryat Ambon

Enggang danto

Caladi Kuning

Baligoh Puitih

Indonesian Birds Stamps on 1992.

ST. TOME PRINICIPE - Birds Sheet

2009-03-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

St. Tome Principe Birds souvenir sheet.

BIRDS - Rhampastos Toco Stamps

2009-03-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

Poland 1972

Cuba 1989

Brazil 1983

Argentina 1967

HUNGARY - Hungarian Birds Stamps

2009-03-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hungarian Birds Stamps.

VIET NAM - Vietnamese Birds Stamps

2009-03-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

North Viet Nam birds stamps.

ROC - Taiwan Platalea Minor Birds Issue

2009-03-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Platalea minor

Platalea minor

Platalea minor

Platalea minor

Taiwan Platalea Minor Birds issue on 2004.

PHILIPPINES - Philippines Birds Stamps

2009-03-18T04:31:00.001-07:00

Philippine Eared Nightjar

Red-breasted Pitta

Steere's Pitta

Mindoro Imperial Pigeon

Brown tir babbler

Merril's Fruit Dove

Philippines Birds stamps

IRAN - Iranian Birds Stamps

2009-03-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

Iran birds stamps on 1966.

UK - British Birds Stamps

2009-03-18T04:29:00.004-07:00

Blackbird

Robin

Blue Tit

Black-headed Gull

British birds stamps.

NEW ZELAND - New Zealand Kiwi Stamp

2009-03-18T04:29:00.003-07:00

New Zealand Kiwi stamp.

ROC - Taiwan Coral Reef Fishes

2009-03-18T04:29:00.001-07:00

Taiwan coral reef fishes sheetlet, autographed by stamps painter Mr. Cheng Elang on July 14, 2006 at Taipei Postal Museum.

UKRAINE - Dunai Biosphere Reserve

2009-03-18T04:28:00.001-07:00

Spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia

Greylag Goose, Anser anser

Great White Egret, Egretta alba

Phalacrocorax pygmaeus

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor

Ukranian Dunai Biosphere Reserve Birds souvenir sheet, issued on October 26, 2004.

CHINA - Gold and Silver Wares Issues

2009-03-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

Poland Issue

China Issue
China FDC

China-Poland joint issue on topic of gold and silver wares, issued on June 20, 2006.

THAILAND - Rose Stamps

2009-03-18T04:26:00.001-07:00

Siamese Rose stamps.

USA - CANADA Joint Issue Souvenir Sheet

2009-03-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

Canadian Issue

American Issue

American - Canada Joint Issue souvenir sheet in commemorate for the Washington 2006 stampsex, the ship stamps was issued on May 28, 2006.

Albert Einstein and Relativity Theory

2009-03-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

Taiwan Albert Einstein maxicard.

Taiwan Albert Einstein maxicard.

Portuguese Albert Einstein Cover.

Mexican Albert Einstein souvenir card.

Taiwan Albert Einstein maxicard.

French Albert Einstein issue on 2005.

Taiwan Albert Einstein maxicard.

Taiwan Albert Einstein maxicard.

Taiwan Albert Eintein stamp on Romanian souvenir cover.

Taiwan Albert Einstein stamp sheet.

Romanian Albert Einstein issue on March 15, 1999.

Israeli Albert Einstein issue on January 3, 1956.

Germany Albert Einstein issue on April 14, 2004.

Taiwan Albert Einstein issue on July 1, 2005.

USA - American Birds Issue

2009-03-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

American birds stamps, issued on 1998.

UNESCO - World Heritage Sites Stamps-2

2009-03-18T04:21:00.002-07:00

American NY Statue of Liberty

UNESCO - World Heritage Sites Stamps

2009-03-18T04:21:00.001-07:00

1963 Taj Mahal

1967 International Tourist Year

2004 Taj Mahal

Indian Taj Mahal

ROC - Taiwan Fireflies Stamps

2009-03-18T04:20:00.001-07:00

Taiwan Fireflies stamps, issued on May 25, 2006.

SWITZERLAND - Orchids Issue

2009-03-18T04:19:00.001-07:00

Switzerland - Singapore joint issue, Orchids Sheet.

HUNGARY - UEFA Budapest Congress 2006

2009-03-18T04:18:00.003-07:00

Hungary (Specimen issue)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 250 years

2009-03-18T04:18:00.001-07:00

Poland (February 15, 2006)

Austria (January 27, 2006)

Belgium (January 23, 2006)

Romania (January 27, 2006)

2006 Torino Winter Olympic Issues

2009-03-18T04:16:00.002-07:00

Czech Republic (Gold medal overprinted issue, March 15, 2006)

Czech Republic (February 8, 2006)

Poland (February 7, 2006)

Slovakia (February 3, 2006)

Romania (February 1, 2006)

Belarus (January 16, 2006)

Estonia (January 18, 2006)

SWEDEN - Folklore and Mythology FDC

2009-03-18T04:16:00.001-07:00

Mythical Forest Beings Issue

INDIA - Kottayam District Stampex Cover

2009-03-18T04:14:00.002-07:00

India Kottayam District Philatelic Display souvenir cover.

ROC - Taiwan Kaohsiung Stampex 2005

2009-03-18T04:14:00.001-07:00

The first Taiwan bronze medalist on 1968 Mexico Olympic.

CK Yang, the Taiwan first silver medalist on 1964 Rome Olympic.

The unofficial souvenir sheets in commemorate the Kaohsiung Stampex 2005.

CHINA - Yungang Grottoes FDCs

2009-03-18T04:13:00.000-07:00

Yungang Grottoes souvenir sheet

China Yungang Grottoes Issue, April 13, 2006.

RUSSIA - DUCKS maxicards

2009-03-18T04:12:00.002-07:00

Russian (former Soviet Union) Ducks maxicards.

INDONESIA - Aceh Islam Mosque

2009-03-18T04:12:00.001-07:00

Indonesian Aceh Islam Mosque.

ROC - Taipei Postal Museum Maxicard

2009-03-18T04:11:00.002-07:00

Taipei Postal Museum building.

Postal Museum pictorial cancellation.

Taipei Postal Museum entrance ticket, cancelled with postal museum date postmark and pictorial cancellation.

Taipei postal museum date postmark.

KOREA - Dinosaur World Expo 2006

2009-03-18T04:11:00.001-07:00

Self-adhesive souvenir sheet.

United Arab Emirates - Wild Animal Issue

2009-03-18T04:10:00.001-07:00

United Arab Emirates wild animals issue.

ANDORRA - 2006 Turin Olympic Issue

2009-03-18T04:09:00.001-07:00

Andorra 2006 Turin Olympic Issue

HUNGARY - 2006 Turin Olympic Issue

2009-03-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

Hungary 2006 Turin Olympic Issue

THAILAND - Royal Barge Issues

2009-03-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Thailand Royal Barge 1997 Issue

Thailand Royal Barge 1996 Issue

CHINA - Yunan Bamboo House Maxicard

2009-03-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

Yunan traditional bamboo house in south China.

Philippines Year of Dog 2006 Maxicard

2009-03-18T04:04:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Darwin from Philippines

From Port Vila, Vanuatu

2009-03-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

Postmarked from Port Vila, Vanuatu on January 27, 2006

WHO official stamps

2009-03-18T04:02:00.002-07:00

WHO - World Health Organization official stamps

TAIWAN - Harry Potter (2004 Issue)

2009-03-18T04:02:00.001-07:00

Taiwan Harry Potter souvenir sheets (2004 Issue)

TAIWAN - Harry Potter (2005 Issue)

2009-03-18T04:01:00.002-07:00

Taiwan Harry Potter souvenir sheets
issued on November 18, 2005

PHILIPPINES - Lighthouses Issue

2009-03-18T04:01:00.001-07:00

Philippines Lighthouses Issue

CZECH - BIRDS sheet

2009-03-18T04:00:00.002-07:00

Czech 2004 Birds sheet

TAIWAN - Birds sheet

2009-03-18T04:00:00.001-07:00

Taiwan Birds sheet

FRANCE - French Fine Art stamp

2009-03-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

postmarked on February 23, 2006

Francoise Pompon

CANADA - Canadian Bear

2009-03-18T03:58:00.000-07:00

Canadian Bear

CUBA - Birds stamps

2009-03-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Cuban Birds stamps (1970 Issue)

TAIWAN - Birds Issues

2009-03-18T03:54:00.002-07:00

Taiwan Birds Issue

UKRAINA - Birds Issue

2009-03-18T03:54:00.001-07:00

UKRAINA Birds sheet

ESTONIA - LATVIA Joint Issue

2009-03-18T03:53:00.001-07:00

Latvia Issue

Estonia Issue

Estonia and Lativia Joint Issue

MALAGASY - Bird Issue

2009-03-18T03:52:00.004-07:00

Malagasy 1988 Bird sheet

NORTH KOREA - Bird issue

2009-03-18T03:52:00.003-07:00

North Korea Bird sheet (1992)

ST. TOME PRINCIPE - Bird Issue

2009-03-18T03:52:00.001-07:00

St. Tome Principe Bird sheet

GREENLAND - Birds issue

2009-03-18T03:51:00.001-07:00

GREENLAND Birds Issue

POLAND - Bird Issue

2009-03-18T03:50:00.002-07:00

POLAND Bird Issue

IRAN - Birds Issue

2009-03-18T03:50:00.001-07:00

IRAN Birds Issue

USA - Birds Issue

2009-03-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

USA Birds Issue

TURKEY ~ Turkish Ataturk Cover

2009-03-18T03:42:00.000-07:00

Ataturk stamp, issued on May 19, 2006.

Turkish Ataturk cover, posted on February 19, 2009 from Izmir to Taipei.

Butterflies of Honkong--Hongkong

2009-03-13T02:43:00.000-07:00

"Hong Kong Butterflies II" is a direct sequel to the "Hong Kong Butterflies" issued in 1979. With their exquisitely delicate wings and graceful flight, these fascinating butterflies evoke our admiration and reinforce our commitment to nature conservation.
Depicting the adults perching on their host plants (caterpillar food plants), the set of five stamps captures the beauty of butterflies from different families.

Faunis eumeus - $1.40 A member of the Amathusiidae family, Faunis eumeus has dark brown wings. A wide light brown band runs across its dorsal forewing, and its ventral wing is dotted with a string of white spots which resemble shining pearls. Its large blue eyes contrast sharply with its yellow head. Used to flying close to the ground, Faunis eumeus is seen to inhabit moist and shady areas. Smilax china is one of its larval food plants.

Prioneris philonome - $1.80 Prioneris philonome belongs to the Pieridae family. Its dorsal wings are chalk white while the ventral hindwings are yellow. Both have well-defined black veins. The butterfly’s common name originates from the red spot at the base of its hindwing. The male of this species flies fast and displays hilltopping behaviour. The leaves of Capparidaceae plants are its larval food plants.

Polyura nepenthes - $2.40 Polyura nepenthes belongs to the Nymphalidae family. Relatively large in size, its wings are white with black patches on the dorsal forewings and suffused black margins on the hindwings. Two brownish-yellow bands run across its ventral wing with two wing tails on its hindwing. Polyura nepenthes has a straight flight. Ventilago leiocarpa and Archidendron lucidum are its larval food plants.

Tajuria maculata - $3.00Tajuria maculata is a small sized butterfly from the Lycaenidae family. Its ventral wings are white with black leopard like spot pattern. There is metallic lustre on its dorsal wings. This butterfly has tails on its hindwings which are easily mistaken for antennae so that it has a better chance to escape from its predators. Tajuria maculata usually engages in erratic flight with high flapping frequency. Taxillus chinensis is one of its larval food plants.

Acraea issoria - $5.00Acraea issoria is a slow-flying butterfly of the Acraeidae family. First discovered in Hong Kong in 2002, it is the only local Acraeidae species recorded. Predominantly yellowish orange in colour, its wings are suffused with black lines and blackish brown sawtooth marks along the outer margins. The contour of the forewing is relatively straight while it is rounder for the hindwing. Strongly territorial, Acraea issoria is often found patrolling in the same areas. Boehmeria is one of its larval food plants.

'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin--Australia

2009-03-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Australian environmentalist and star television "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin has been commemorated on a stamp a year after his death, Australia Post said Monday.

Irwin, killed by a stingray while filming on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, had spent years performing death-defying feats with dangerous animals, gaining international celebrity as he raised the profile of wildlife preservation.

The stamp, which pictures Irwin with his daughter Bindi, son Bob and a snake, went on sale on Monday.

The stamp was launched jointly with the magazine New Idea, and features a commemorative cover issued by the publication after Irwin's death.

New Idea earlier produced a souvenir stamp featuring Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. In a subsequent poll to choose another celebrity for a set of stamps, the public overwhelmingly chose Irwin.

Proceeds from the sale of the 50 cent (46 US cent) stamp will go to Irwin's conservation charity, Wildlife Warriors.

Bicentennial of Louis Braille’s Birth - Korea

2009-03-13T02:29:00.001-07:00

Name: Bicentennial of Louis Braille’s Birth
Date of Issue: 2 January, 2009
Denominations:250 won

The Braille characters used by blind people across the world were created by Louis Braille of France. January 4, 2009 is a meaningful day that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille.

The Braille points comprise the 6 dots that are the most beautiful in the world. His name Braille is now referred to mean raised letters. On the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, a new stamp is issued to commemorate his great achievements. The stamp features Louis Braille, the phrase meaning “the world seen by hands” and the image of the raised letters that expresses this phrase.

29th Olympiad - Beijing 2008 - Bangladesh

2009-03-13T02:28:00.001-07:00

Date of Issue: 7/6/2008
Denomination: Tk. 25, 20, 15, 10

International Year of Astronomy 2009 - Korea

2009-03-13T02:27:00.000-07:00

Name: International Year of Astronomy 2009
Date of Issue: 15 January, 2009
Denominations:250 won, 250 won

Countless stars embellish the night sky. Stars are the sources of mysterious and amazing legends. Depicted in our imagination, the moon has been where the rabbit mills, but the universe is now revealing its secrets one by one, as mankind’s scientific technology inexorably advances.

Commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s observation of the night sky through a telescope, the UN declared the year 2009 as the “International Year of Astronomy. In commemoration of the “International Year of Astronomy 2009,”a new stamp featuring the mysterious look of the universe is issued. Introduced are: the Planetary Nebula NGC 3132 which looks like a planet but is actually composed of clouds of gases and dust created by the explosion of a star’s unstable outer layer; and the Whirlpool Galaxy M51 composed of hundreds of billions of stars and interstellar matter.

Charles Darwin-Bicentenary of Birth - GB

2009-03-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

Name: Charles Darwin-Bicentenary of Birth
Date of Issue: 12 February, 2009
Denominations:
1st class - Charles Darwin;
48p - Zoology (Marine Iguana);
50p - Ornithology (Galapagos Finches);
56p Geology (Pacific Atoll);
72p - Botany (Bee Orchid);
81p Anthropology (Orang-utan).

The birth centenary of Comrade Bo Yibo - China

2009-03-13T02:22:00.002-07:00

Name: The birth centenary of Comrade Bo Yibo
Date of Issue: 15 January, 2009
Denominations:1.20 Yaun

Year of the Ox - Hongkong

2009-03-13T02:22:00.001-07:00

Name: Year of the Ox
Date of Issue: 17 January, 2009
Denominations: $1.40, $2.40, $3, $5

The hard working ox is the hero in the tenth issue of the third Lunar New Year series issued by Hongkong Post. This set of stamps vividly captures the expressions and physical forms of 4 different breeds of oxen.

Gold and Silver Stamp of Rat/Ox - Hongkong

2009-03-13T02:17:00.000-07:00

Name: Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals – Rat/Ox
Date of Issue: 17 January 2009
Denominations:$50, $50

Say farewell to the “Year of the Rat” and welcome the "Year of the Ox"! Embossed and hot-foiled with genuine 22K and 24K gold as well as 99.9% silver.

Robert Burns 250th Anniversary - GB

2009-03-13T02:16:00.003-07:00

Name: Robert Burns 250th Anniversary
Date of Issue: 22 January, 2009
Denominations:1st, 2nd, 1st, 50, 81, 1st

Robert Burns, one of the world's greatest poets, and Scotland's national bard, was born 250 years ago into a farming family at Alloway in Ayrshire in 1759.

The brilliance Burns displayed as a child did not reach a wider public until 1786, when at the age of 27, "Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" was published. Considered to be one of the greatest poetical collections ever written, it gained appeal not solely with Edinburgh society, but also with those from the same tough background as himself.

Unique Birds of Malaysia

2009-03-13T02:16:00.001-07:00

Name: Unique Birds of Malaysia
Date of Issue: 21 January 2009
Denominations:30 sen, 50 sen (2 designs), Miniature sheet - RM5

30 sen (left): Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense)

50 sen (middle): Malaysian Whistling Thrush (Myophonus robinsoni)

50 sen (right): Milky Stork (Mycteria cineria)

RM5: Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus)

Plain-pouched Hornbill (Aceros subruficollis)

Giant Panda - Taiwan

2009-03-13T02:15:00.002-07:00

Name: Giant Panda
Date of Issue: 20 January 2009
Denominations:Tuan Tuan at NT$5.00, Yuan Yuan NT$9.00, miniature sheet NT$25.00.

The stamp featureing Tuan Tuan is denominated at NT$5.00 while Yuan Yuan is denominated at NT$9.00. The miniature sheet is denominated at NT$25.00.

The giant panda is a charming and adorable animal. It has a face of a cat and a chubby body of a bear. At birth, it weighs only 50 to 160 grams and its body appears reddish, bare and shiny. It is reared by the mother alone. It will become independent from its mother when it reaches 18 months. A grown-up panda is stout. It is about 160 to 180 centimeters in height when standing up straight, and it weighs about 80 to 125 kilograms. The fur around its eyes and on its ears, limbs, chest and back is black, and the fur on the rest of its body is white. The black and white of its coat provides a stark contrast. It has thick skin and fur, and is not afraid of the cold. Bamboo is the giant panda’s main food source. It uses its sixth toe on its paws to grasp poles of bamboo. Currently, wild populations of pandas exist only in China—in the Sichuan Basin of Sichuan Province and the Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi Province. As a result of various factors, a low fertility rate, excessive hunting, destruction of habitat, and the lowering of genetic diversity, the wild population has rapidly dwindled. Yet, with growing consciousness about conservation and the concerted efforts of many, it is currently well protected.

Chinese Year of the Ox 2009 - Ireland

2009-03-13T02:15:00.001-07:00

Name: Chinese Year of the Ox 2009
Date of Issue: 23 January 2009
Denominations: 82c

The ox is much admired in Chinese culture for the uncomplaining pains it takes with daily work. Those born under its watch are expected to demonstrate similar strength of character!

However, there are also five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal and water - associated with each year.

To be born in the year of the Yin Earth Ox is considered fortunate. The Earth element is associated with power, wisdom and patience. The qualifier Yin suggests femininity, which helpfully mitigates the tough single-mindedness for which Earth-sign people are noted.

Henry VIII - Gibraltar

2009-03-13T02:14:00.004-07:00

Name: Henry VIII
Date of Issue: January 2009
Denominations:10p, 10p, 42p, 42p, 44p, 44p, 51p, 51p

Henry VIII (1491 - 1547) was King of England and Lord of Ireland, later King of Ireland and claimant to the Kingdom of France, from 21 April 1509 until his death. Henry was the second monarch of the House of Tudor, succeeding his father, Henry VII.
Henry VIII was a significant figure in the history of the English monarchy. Although in the first years of his reign he energetically suppressed the Protestant reformation of the church, a movement having roots with the martyr John Wycliffe of the 14th century, he is more popularly known for his political struggles with Rome.

Travel Landscapes - Japan

2009-03-13T02:14:00.003-07:00

Name: Travel Landscapes
Date of Issue: 2 February, 2009
Denominations:80 Yen x 10

Champions of World Motorsport - New Zealand

2009-03-13T02:14:00.001-07:00

Name: Champions of World Motorsport
Date of Issue: 4 February 2009
Denominations: 50c , $1.00 , $1.50, $2.00, $2.50.

Kiwis are known for their adventurousness, so it’s no surprise that we’ve produced some of the world’s fastest racing car drivers and motorcyclists. Motorsport has been part of our lifeblood since cars first arrived on our shores, with fans turning out in their thousands to watch – spellbound by the vehicles, the speed and the battle for glory.

Ceremonial Objects - Taiwan

2009-03-13T02:13:00.000-07:00

Name: Ceremonial Objects
Date of Issue: 10 February 2009
Denominations:

1.Gift Basket (NT$5.00): During folk festivals, ceremonies and celebrations, all kinds of delectable treats were put in gift baskets that were offered to friends and relatives.

2.Wooden Carrying Box (NT$5.00): Wooden carrying boxes were used to carry betrothal gifts from the groom’s family and the presents from the bride’s family given in turn to the groom’s family. The boxes were essential ceremonial objects for betrothals.

3.Bridal Sedan Chair (NT$12.00): Most of the bridal sedan chairs were painted mostly red, and decorated with paintings or embroideries of flowers, birds, and human figures.

4.Candle Sticks (NT$12.00): A pair of candle sticks - along with an incense burner and a pair of vases - was an essential item for an altar, whether at a temple or household ancestral shrine. Burning candles conveyed people’s respect for the gods.

Joint Issue Vatican-Gibraltar

2009-03-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

Name: Joint Issue Vatican-Gibraltar
Date of Issue: 10 February, 2009
Denominations:61p X 4, €0.85 X 4

his truly historic joint stamp issue between Gibraltar and Vatican City commemorates the 700 years of devotion to our Lady of Europe on the Rock. The set is composed of two sheetlets with four stamps depicting the priceless, hand-carved ancient statue that resides in the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe at Europa Point, the most southern area of the Rock, looking out to the Straits of Gibraltar and the continent of Africa.
Gibraltar was under Moorish occupancy when the Spaniards recaptured the Rock in 1462. They converted a small mosque into a Christian shrine in honour of Our Lady as Patroness of Europe, with devout intention of consecrating to God, through Mary, the whole continent, from a place of prayer and worship at its southernmost point. The Spaniards built a large chapel at right angles to the mosque’s east wall and the whole area became the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe.
A statue of the Virgin and Child was installed in this shrine. The statue is only two feet in height, carved in wood and polychromed in royal red, blue and gold. The Virgin was seated in a simple chair, with the Child Jesus on her lap. Both were crowned and the Virgin held a sceptre in her right hand with three flowers denoting Love, Truth and Justice. The shrine prospered in fame and popularity, for well over two centuries until the British captured the Rock in 1704. The shrine was stripped of all its valuables by the marines and the statue of the Virgin and Child was mutilated and flung onto the rocks below.
Being made of wood it floated out to sea and its pieces were found by a fisherman, who took them to father Juan Romero de Figueroa, the priest in charge at the Cathedral. This priest took the pieces of the statue to Algeciras for safekeeping. It remained in Algeciras until May 1864, when Bishop Scandella, with the help of Pope Pius IX, received permission to recover the image to Gibraltar. On the day it was brought back the army lined the route of the procession from Waterport to the Franciscan Convent, opposite the present Government House. A copy of the statue was left in Algeciras.
During the First Vatican Council, Bishop Scandella succeeded in winning the Pope’s enthusiastic interest for the shrine of Our Lady of Europe and he offered to help build a temporary chapel. This was completed by May 1866. It stood in what is now Mount Alvernia, (the old people’s home), in St Bernard’s Road. The Pope donated the marble for the altar. The front piece of the altar depicted the coat of arms of Pope Pius IX and Bishop Scandella’s, together with a monogram of Our Lady. During the war in 1939 the image was transferred to the Cathedral for safekeeping.
Meanwhile the shrine had been used as an army storehouse for oil and packing cases. There are records that in 1928 it was used as a library for the garrison stationed in Gibraltar. In 1939 during the Second World War it again became a store. By 1959 the military authorities had no use for the building and they decided to demolish it. However it was saved from demolition and was declared an ancient monument and so preserved. From then on the Church authorities worked to promote devotion to Our Lady of Europe and so prepare the way for installing the statue again at the shrine.

Indian Stamps

2009-03-13T02:05:00.000-07:00

=> In India, stamps were first introduced in Calcutta Post Office in January 1774, when Warren Hastings allowed carnage of mail of private individuals on payment of fee through the East India Company's postal network. Small copper tickets or tokens valued at Annas 2 (1/8th of a Rupee) were generally the medium for payment of postage. Single letters up to 2-1/2 tolas (29gms) weight were charged at the rate of Annas 2 for every 100 miles (160kms). These copper tickets were reported to have been withdrawn by the Government on 14 September, 1784.

=> Sir Rowland Hill (1795-1879) introduced the Penny Postage stamps in England on 6 May, 1840. The first postage stamps issued in India were in 1852 in the Province of Sind under the Bombay Presidency. Sir Bartle Frere, then Chief Commissioner of Sind, was asked by the Bombay Government to undertake the upkeep of the postal services of the province and also to popularise it among the public. He was a great admirer of Sir Rowland Hill and his Penny Postage Scheme. With the help of Edward Lees Coffery, then Postmaster of Karachi, Sir Bartle issued the first postage stamps on 1 July, 1852. They were embossed pieces of paper with a circular design in red, white or blue, `Scinde Dawks', as they were known, were of the denomination of 1/2 Anna. The number of stamps per sheet was probably 64, 8 rows of 8 stamps. However, the exact number is not known. They were used in the Province of Sind as well as on the Karachi-Bombay route. Though these, embossed stamps were recalled in September 1854, but the order was not apparently carried out till June 1866.

=> After 13 years of the use of postage stamps in England, the Government decided to extend their use in India. In 1853, the first design was prepared in the Mint at Calcutta and the stamps were struck under the guidance and supervision of Captain (later on General) Sir Henry Thuillier, then Deputy Surveyor General of India at Calcutta. The stamps were issued in July 1854.

=> The printing of stamps in the Calcutta Mint ceased in November 1855. Thereafter they were printed at London by Thomas De La Rue & Company. The India Security Press was set up at Nasik in Maharashtra State in 1925 and the postage stamps have been printed at Nasik since then. The stamps are today printed by photogravure process. The stamps of the British period generally carry the effigy of the regnant King or Queen. India was the first country in the Commonwealth to issue airmail stamps. In 1929, a set of six airmail stamps was issued showing a De Havilland aircraft along with the King's portrait. The inaugurations of the new capital city of New Delhi, Silver Jubilee of the reign of King George V, victory in the Second World War were commemorated with the issue of pictorial stamps.

=> India attained independence on 15 August, 1947. Thereafter Indian P&T Department embarked on a broad based policy relating to the issue of stamps. The first stamp, after Independence, was issued on 21 November, 1947 in the denomination of 3-1/2 Annas, depicting the National Flag.

=> Since then, India has been issuing definitive as well as commemorative stamps. Six definitive series on themes relevant to the country's heritage and progress in various fields have been brought out. The Seventh Definitive Series on the theme of "Science and Technology" has commenced from 1986.

=> Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru occupy place of pride on Indian stamps. The first set of 4 stamps paying homage to the Mahatma was issued on 15 August, 1948 and were printed by the Swiss firm, Heliss Courvoisier S.A. Commemorative stamps have been issued in honour of the Presidents of India, Prime Ministers, eminent Indian from the annals of India's stuggle for freedom as well as from the fields of literature, art, culture, education, etc. Many foreigners of international eminence have also been honoured through Indian stamps.

=> Special stamps highlighting India's cultural heritage, fauna and flora and various other aspects of national life have been issued from time to time. India postage stamps, during more than a century-old history, have carved a secure niche for themselves in the world of philately.

What makes Philately a special hobby

2009-03-13T02:04:00.000-07:00

=> Philately is a delightful hobby that sharpens and satisfies your aesthetic tastes. While expanding your knowledge of and interaction with the world you live in, you get to know interesting details of politics, history , prominent personalities, national and international events, geography, flora and fauna, agriculture, science, monuments, soldiers, warriors, scientists, arms and ammunition, modes of transport etc. This process of learning becomes more delightful through visuals and brief write-ups. In addition, philately cultivates a meticulous and focused attention to detail. It also helps you to make friends across boundaries and age limits.

=> The coining of the word "philately" in its French form has been circumstantially attributed to Georges Herpin. It is formed from the Greek words philos (friend) and ateleia (exempt from charge, or "franked").

=> A specialty of stamp collecting is that this hobby is the most democratic of all the hobbies. Nation, language, age, sex & color do not constitute any barrier to stamp collecting. Stamp collectors all over the world feel a sort of brother hood towards each other. Stamp collectors of a country do not feel any animosity towards those countries with which their country is not on good terms.

=> It is believed that stamp-collecting hobby has started since 1841. King George V, Duke of Windsor, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, King Carol of Rumania, King Farouk of Egypt,President Roosevelt, Maharaja Jiyaji Rao of Sindhia of Gwalior, Nawab of Bhawalpur, General K.M.Cariyappa, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi etc. were some of the great & enthusiastic stamp collectors.

Stamp History

2009-03-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

=> Postage stamps were first introduced in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in May 1840 as part of the postal reforms promoted by Rowland Hill. With its introduction the postage fee was now to be paid by the sender and not the recipient as heretofore, though sending mail prepaid was not a requirement. The first postage stamp, the Penny Black, and two days later, the Two pence blue, with an engraving of the young Queen Victoria, were an immediate success though refinements, like perforations were instituted with later issues.

=> Other countries followed suit by introducing their own postage stamps; the Canton of Zürich in Switzerland issued the Zurich 4 and 6 rappen and Brazil issued the Bull’s Eyes stamps in the 1843. In 1845 some postmasters in the USA issued their own stamps but the first officially issued stamps came in 1847. A few other countries issued stamps in the late 1840s, but many more started in the 1850s and by the 1860s most countries of the world had issued postage stamps.

Origin of Species - GB

2009-03-13T02:01:00.000-07:00

Name: Origin of Species
Date of Issue: 12 February, 2009
Denominations:
1st class - Flightless Cormorant
1st class - Giant Tortoise and Cactus Finch
81p - Marine Iguana
81p - Floreana Mockingbird

Silver Jubilee of the Reign of His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan

2009-03-13T02:00:00.002-07:00

Name: Silver Jubilee of the Reign of His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan
Date of Issue: 3 February 2009
Denominations:30 sen, 50 sen, RM1

Postal Life Insurance 125th Anniversary

2009-03-13T02:00:00.001-07:00

Name: Postal Life Insurance 125th Anniversary
Date of Issue: 11 February 2009
Denominations: 500p

Gegege no Kitaro - Japan

2009-03-13T01:59:00.002-07:00

Name: Gegege no Kitaro
Date of Issue: 23 February, 2009
Denominations:80 Yen x 10

A daily GEGEGEHAUSU
GEGEGEHAUSU
control beam
Dance wildly prison fire
specter of a villain
bad monster 2
of a monster who Yokocho
Yokocho monster idle 2
a group of people
his friends