Deutsche Post President Barack Obama's Visit to Germany - 2013

DEUTSCHE POST on 18 June 2013 issued a First Day Cover stamp to mark the visit ("Deutschland Besuch") of U.S. President Barack Obama to Germany. His visit corresponded with the 50th anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy's visit to West Germany and West Berlin on 18 June 1963. This stamp depicted Barack Obama with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The special cancellation postmark from Berlin featured the Brandenburg Gate with the flags of Germany and the United States. The postcard was gold-foil embossed, including Obama's signature and the Brandenburg Gate. The serial number on this card indicated it was No. 232,214,999 in the print run.

United States Postal Service JFK Birth Anniversary and Assassinated Presidents

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE on 29 May 1964 issued a First Day Cover birthday anniversary stamp in memoriam of John F. Kennedy who was one of four assassinated U.S. presidents, the others being Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield and William McKinley. This rather unique cover featured all four presidents and were cancelled with a Boston postmark in 1964. The 6¢ James Garfield and 7¢ William McKinley were printed initially from 1922-1925, Regular Issue Series; whereas the 4¢ Lincoln – Liberty Series was issued in 1954.

Pos Malaysia ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’ 2024

POS MALAYSIA on 17 September 2024 issued a First Day Cover stamp commemorating Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia), which embraced the theme ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’. 

This theme highlighted Malaysia MADANI as the foundation of national prosperity and progress through its six core values. Jiwa Merdeka symbolises the freedom of Malaysians from any negative elements and fostering patriotism and the love for the country through thinking, social and economic  integration, and subsequently forming a strong, harmonious, and progressive unity among the people, reflecting cohesion in an advanced and united nation.

The theme was brought to life in the collection designed by Malaysian creative brand Loka Made. The design captured Malaysia's rich multicultural identity through beautiful illustrations of its diverse communities, all set against the backdrop of the nation's iconic landmarks. Additionally, the theme further emphasised  the inclusion of the Malay proverb "Seikat bagai sirih, serumpun bagai serai" on the stamps.

A standout feature of the Hari Malaysia 2024 collection was the use of invisible ink on the stamps, revealing hidden designs under UV light.

Source: Pos Malaysia 

Pos Malaysia Traditional Malay Weapons - Series II Minature Sheet

POS MALAYSIA issued on 19 March 1994 a Minature Sheet entitled "Traditional Malay Weapons - Series II"

Poste Republique Francaise "Metiers D'Art"

POSTE REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE on 6 May 1954 issued a set of five First Day Cover stamps entitled "Metiers D'Art" which was dedicated to the luxury items made in France, e.g. tapestry, publishing and bookbinding, porcelain and crystal, jewelry and goldsmithing, flowers and perfumes. Pierre Gandon designed the stamps, whereas Jules Piel engraved this commemorative set.

Pierre Gandon won the Grand Prix de l'Art philatélique four times during his career, which included:

« Haute couture parisienne » (Paris high sewing), drawn by Gandon, engraved by Jules Piel, France, 1953.

« La jeune fille de Bora Bora » (The Girl of Bora Bora), Drawn and Engraved by Gandon, French Polynesia, 1955.

« Les joueurs de cartes » (Card Players), painting by Paul Cézanne, France, 1961. This stamp was part of the first series of paintings that the French Post issued.

« La Dame à la licorne » (The Lady and the Unicorn), medieval tapestry, France, 1964.

La Poste France 900th birth anniversary of Pierre Abélard

LA POSTE FRANCE on 25 June 1979 issued a First Day Cover stamp commemorating the 900th birth  anniversary of theologian, philosopher poet and composer Pierre Abélard. The stamp was rendered in a Middle Age style and featured Abelard and his wife Héloïse d'Argenteuil. It was drawn and engraved by Cécile Guillame. Three million stamps were printed.

In philosophy, Pierre Abélard (1079-1142) is celebrated for his logical solution to the problem of universals via nominalism and conceptualism and his pioneering of intent in ethics. Often referred to as the "Descartes of the twelfth century", he is considered a forerunner of Rousseau, Kant, and Spinoza. He is sometimes credited as a chief forerunner of modern empiricism.

In history and popular culture, he is best known for his passionate and tragic love affair, and intense philosophical exchange, with his brilliant student and eventual wife, Héloïse d'Argenteuil. He was a defender of women and of their education. After having sent Héloïse to a convent in Brittany to protect her from her abusive uncle who did not want her to pursue this forbidden love, he was castrated by men sent by the uncle. Still considering herself as his spouse even though both retired to monasteries after this event, Héloïse publicly defended him when his doctrine was condemned by Pope Innocent II and Abelard considered a heretic. Among these opinions, Abelard professed the innocence of a woman who commits a sin out of love. Today Abelard and Heloise's bodies are interred at Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

In Catholic theology, he is best known for his development of the concept of limbo, and his introduction of the moral influence theory of atonement. He is considered (alongside Augustine of Hippo) to be the most significant forerunner of the modern self-reflective autobiographer. He paved the way and set the tone for later epistolary novels and celebrity tell-alls with his publicly distributed letter, "The History of My Calamities", and public correspondence.

In law, Abelard stressed that, because the subjective intention determines the moral value of human action, the legal consequence of an action is related to the person who commits it and not merely to the action. With this doctrine, Abelard created in the Middle Ages the idea of the individual subject central to modern law. This eventually gave to School of Notre-Dame de Paris (later the University of Paris) a recognition for its expertise in the area of Law (and later led to the creation of a Faculty of Law of Paris).

Source: Wikipedia 

USPS Maya Angelou

USPS on 7 April 2016 issued a First Day Cover stamping honouring Maya Angelou (1928-2014). This 49¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate was first released at Warner Theater, Washington, D.C. Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products printed it using  an Offset method with microprinting in sheets of 96 in 8 panes of 12. Perforation was Serpentine Die Cut 11 Self-Adhesive. A total of 40,000,004 stamps were printed.

Maya Angelou's portrait for the stamp was taken from Atlanta artist Ross Rossin’s large 48” x 48” oil on canvas painting, which is part of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s collection.  Upon seeing the 2013 portrait, Angelou exclaimed, “This is exactly how I see myself and exactly how I wish to be remembered.”  The stamp pane has a popular Angelou quote: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.

Shortly before its issue, the stamp stirred some controversy as the quote it includes was originally published in a book of poetry by Joan Walsh Anglund.  Angelou was widely credited for the quote, and while she may not have originally wrote it, she did say it in an interview. 

By her mid-twenties, Angelou was performing in touring musicals and plays and had released her first music album, "Miss Calypso'.  She spent much of her 30s abroad, learning the languages of the countries she visited, teaching, and writing. 

In 1969, Angelou made literary history.  The initial installment of her memoirs, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", became the first best-selling nonfiction work by an African-American woman.  From there, Angelou went on to author numerous inspirational books, poems, and essays.  She never attended college but was awarded more than 50 honorary doctoral degrees and taught as a professor at Wake Forest University for 25 years.  In 2010 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Poet, actor, author, teacher, and activist, Angelou became an influential voice of the 20th century.  She was known for her timeless wisdom and is remembered for her numerous contributions to American culture.  Despite her many talents and accomplishments, Maya Angelou wished to be remembered simply as a “good human being.”

Source: Mystic Stamps

USPS Cover Stamps

USPS cover stamps affixed to this envelope include Women's Soccer, XX Olympics in Munich 1972, Peace Bridge, Navajo jewelry, Apollo 8 earth view from the moon and yachting. 

USPS Cover Stamps

 

USPS Cover stamps depicted on this enveloped show mostly politicians and statesmen: Senator Everett Dirkson, Benjamin Franklin, Charles E. Bohlen. Whitey Moore Young and Ship Building in Maine.

USPS Cover Stamps

USPS coover stamps on this envelope show classical music conductor Toscanini and scouting (e.g. YMCA Youth Camping, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Campe Fire) related stamps, all of these are block sets.

USPS Cover Stamps

 

USPS cover stamps shown on this envelope include John Foster Dulles, Abraham Lincoln, Boys Clubs of America Movement, Wisconsin's Workman's Compensation Law and Dungeons & Dragons.

Jordan Tax and Definitive Stamps - 1940s

JORDAN’S First Postal Tax Set was declared on 22 July 1946, the Arab League passed a law that allowed Jordan to issue a postal tax stamp set. The stamps became available to the public on 31 May 1947. The purpose of Jordan’s 1947 postal tax stamps was to raise money to create a welfare fund to help and support the Palestinians in Palestine.

These were the low denomination stamps with the value between 1 mil and 5 mils. The stamps were issued in four different colours; viz. blue for 1 mil, red for 2 mils, green for 3 mils and deep red for 5 mils.

The stamps depict the Al Aqsa Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in the centre with king’s name on the top and the top and name of the place at the bottoms flanked by denomination in Roman and Arabic script.

In 1927, Jordan’s first postal stamp was issued bearing the image of His Majesty King Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein, the great-grandfather of the current King  Abdullah II.

This cover from Jordan features these stamps.

Thailand Post 50th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th Anniversary of Accession to the Throne

THAILAND POST on 9 June 1996 issued a set of five First Day Cover stamps commemorating the 50th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne (second series). Each multicoloured stamps had a 3 Baht face value. The designer was Mr. Thaveeporn Thongkhambaih. The printer was Helio Courvoisier SA, Switzerland.

Ceremonial set included:

- The Royal Ablutions Ceremony

- The Pouring of the Libation

- The Grand Audience

- The Royal Progress by Land

- The Audience from the Balcony

Thailand Post 150th Birth Anniversary of H.R.H. Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse

THAILAND POST on 11 January 2009 issued a set of four First Day Cover stamps marking the 150 birth anniversary of H.R.H. Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse, who was the founder of the Thai post office and brother of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. Each stamp carried a 3 Baht face value. The stamp designer was Mrs. Veena Chantanatat (Thailand Post Company Limited).  Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand printed 15,000 multicolored pieces. A special Royal Siam Post Office cancellation was affixed to each stamp and originated from Bangkok, Thailand.

Field Marshal Somdet Phra Raja Pitula Boromphongsabhimuk Chaofa, Bhanurangsiswangwong Krom Phraya Bhanuphandhuwongworadej (1859-1928) was a younger brother  of H.M. King Chulalongkorn. With the help of his brothers, the Prince wrote news about the court and had it published in a daily newspaper under the English name, "Court", and the Thai name, "Khao Rajakarn". The newspaper bore his portrait and was delivered to members of the royal family. He also had documents and letters affixed to the same kind of stamp delivered to these members. This practice was similar to the postal service in other countries. For this reason, the King had confidence in this brother and appointed him to the position of Director with the responsibility of founding the Department of Posts on 2 July 1881. It was opened to the public on 4 August 1883.

Poste Monaco Birth of Princess Caroline

POSTE MONACO on 11 May 1957 issued a series of First Day Cover stamps commemorating the birth of Princess Caroline on 23 January 1957. This particular postcard is one of many printed and circulated in 1957, some with definitive stamps of Princess Grace Kelly in various colours and denominations. I happen to like this postcard with the effigy of Princess Grace, its stamps and special postmark. The engraving is minute and extensive. A recess printing method was used.

Ross Dependency New Zealand Antarctic Expedition - 1957

ROSS DEPENDENCY first stamps were issued on 11 January 1957, in conjunction with the New Zealand Antarctic Expedition, led by Sir Edmund Hillary (part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition). 

The stamps were for use by members of the expedition but also helped support New Zealand's claim to sovereignty over the Dependency.

The two higher value stamps in the set were included for use by the British members of the party in sending letters back to the United Kingdom. It had been an Antarctic expedition custom that Post Offices be opened as soon as a base site on the ice was chosen, but finding a location for the site of Scott Base proved difficult. 

Once a decision had been made to locate the base at Pram Point on Ross Island, no time was lost in opening a tent post office. Sir Edmund Hillary had been appointed postmaster on 23 November 1956, he in turn had appointed AS Helm as assistant postmaster to attend all postal matters during the first summer Scott Base was open.

Four stamps, in the denominations 3d, 4d, 8d, and 1s 6d, were first issued. When New Zealand adopted a decimal currency in 1967, the stamps were reissued in denominations of 2c, 3c, 7c, and 15c.

The 3d value depicted the ship Erebus with a background design depicting Mt Erebus on Ross Island, and pack ice. The vessel of 370 tons, was built during the Napoleonic Wars and had been specially strengthened for work in the ice. It was the flagship of Sir James Clark Ross, who, in 1841, discovered the volcanic mountain and named it after the vessel. The Dependency takes its name from this well-known explorer.

The 4d value featured portraits of Robert Falcon Scott, leader of the ill-fated 1910-12 British Antarctic Expedition and Ernest Henry Shackleton, leader of the 1914-16 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, with a map of the Ross Dependency as background. Every possible photograph of the two leaders was balloted before the final selection was made.

The 8d Included a map of the Antarctic region, with the Ross Dependency shown prominently in relation to New Zealand. The stamp proved difficult to produce as in order to bring both New Zealand and the Dependency within the scope of one stamp, the former had to be foreshortened. The stamp included the boundaries of the Ross Dependency, 160'E and 150'W longitude and 60'S latitude. Shown on the map are the Ross Dependency, New Zealand, Chatham Islands, Campbell Island, Ross Sea, Cape Adare, McMurdo Sound and the Antarctic Circle.

The 6d Showed a portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. James Berry's drawing was similar to what he prepared for the New Zealand 'Official' series, but with the Queen facing left instead of right.

Technical details about the stamps. 

- Stamps designed by:

3d: EM Taylor; 4d: LC Mitchell; 8d: MR Smith; 1s6d: J Berry

- Printer and process: Thomas De La Rue, England; Recess printed - Intaglio

- Stamp size: 3d and 4d: 40mm x 25mm;  8d: 25mm x 40mm; 1s 6d: 25mm x 28mm

Sheet size: 120 stamps per sheet

- Perforation gauge: 3d, 4d and 8d: 14; 1s 6d: 13

- Paper type: Wiggins Teape 'Royal Cypher', multiple NZ and star watermark.

The Massey Ferguson tractors (shown in the cachet) were used by Hillary at the Pole by the US for some years. The TAE sno-cats were left at Scott Base and used there afterwards.

Source: New Zealand Post

Denmark assorted cover stamps

DENMARK assorted cover stamps

Stamps shown in 1st row (left to right):

- Admiral Butterfly issued in 1993

- Bredsten Church issued in 1990

- Danish Law issued in 1983

- Endangered Flowers issued in 1990

- Nature Reserves & Parks issued in 1999

- Children's Office issued in 1981

- Preservation of Danish Natural  Amenities and Ancient Monuments(Water Mill) issued in 1962

Stamps shown in 2nd row (left to right):

- Nudist Beach issued in Denmark 1991

- 300th Birthday Anniversary of J.S. Bach (Partita No. 2 in C minor) issued in 1985

- 400th Anniversary of the Establishment of the National Archives issued in 1982

- Danish Street Scene by Eckersberg issued in 1983

- First Polar Flight of DC-7 in 1957