USPS 350 Anniversary of New Sweden Colony

 

USPS issued on 29 March 1977 a First Day Cover stamp commemorating the 350th anniversary of the New Sweden colony or Nya Sverige Minnet (New Sweden Memory). It was part of a joint issue with Sweden and Finland to honour the founding of the colony in Delaware. 

The stamp depicted European settlers negotiating with Native Americans, along with a map of New Sweden and the ships Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip.

This stamp became obsolete after just five days because the international airmail rate increased from 44 cents to 45 cents. 

US Postal Service also issued a 3 cent stamp in 1938. 

Sverige 300th Anniversary of the New Sweden

SVERIGE (Sweden) issued on 8 April 1938 a set of First Day Cover stamps commemorating the 300th anniversary of the New Sweden colony or Nya Sverige Minnet (New Sweden Memory). It featured a specialized  blue ship postmark and first issued in Stockholme.

This particular cover included a set of stamps, including the 5 öre, 15 öre, 20 öre, 30 öre, and 60 öre denominations, all cancelled with a special blue "Stockholm Delaware 1638-1938" postmark.

NEW SWEDEN (Nya Sverige) was a colony of the Swedish Empire between 1638 and 1655 along the lower reaches of the Delaware River in what is now Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Established during the Thirty Years' War when Sweden was a great power, New Sweden was part of the Swedish efforts to colonize the Americas.

From 1638-1655, this forgotten Swedish settlement extended across the Delaware Valley. In addition to being the smallest, least-populated and shortest-lived European colony in the US, it was also the most clandestine.

Despite lasting just 17 years, New Sweden would play a pivotal role in forging the nation's culture to come. New Swedish settlers introduced the most iconic of American frontier buildings: the log cabin. They also brought Lutheran Christianity to the New World, led one of the earliest civilian uprisings in the US colonies and left their mark on two future US cities.

Österrreich Post Martyrs of World War II

 

ÖSTERRREICH POST issued on 3 November 1977 a First Day Cover (FDC)  commemorating martyrs of World War II. The cover featured a 2.50 Austrian Schilling stamp showing a figure holding the Austrian flag and pushing away a barbed wire fence, postmarked in Vienna. It included a special cachet design titled "Zu Ehren der Opfer für die Freiheit Österreichs" (In Honour of the Victims for the Freedom of Austria). 

Pos Malaysia Setem Ku - 2026

POS MALAYSIA  printed and issued this "Setem Ku" (personalised stamp sheet) of my family, which is applicable for use on any  letter or card posted in Malaysia.

SRI LANKA Department Of Posts "Rock & Temple Paintings of Sri Lanka" - 1973

PHILATELIC BUREAU OF THE SRI LANKA DEPARTMENT OF POSTS issued in 1973 a set of First Day Cover stamps commemorating the "Rock & Temple Paintings of Sri Lanka". The stamps depicted ancient frescoes from Sigiriya, dating back to the 5th century. Postmark originated from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Postalari 600th Anniversary of the Turkish Army

 

TÜRKIYE CUMHURIYETI POSTALARI (Postal Service of the Republic of Turkey) issued on 28 June 1963 a set of stamps commemorating the 600th anniversary of the Turkish Army (Kara Ordusunun 600. Yılı). The stamps depicted the Ottoman-era janissary origins of the force. The set shown here includes  50 Kuruş  and 100 Kuruş denominations.

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Postalari Ataturk and Republic of Turkey Anniversaries 1963

TÜRKIYE CUMHURIYETI POSTALARI (Postal Service of the Republic of Turkey) in 1963 issued stamps commemorating the 25th anniversary of Atatürk's death, whereas the stamp on the right specifically marks the 40th anniversary of the Republic. Both stamps feature portraits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. They were printed by Tifdruk, Istanbul.

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Postalari 600th anniversary of the Conquest of Edirne

 

TÜRKIYE CUMHURIYETI POSTALARI (Postal Service of the Republic of Turkey) issued in 1963 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the conquest of Edirne. The stamps represented historical landmarks and figures, including the Üç Şerefeli Mosque, Sultan Murad I, and the Meriç Bridge. They were printed in Istanbul by APA Ofset Basımevi.

THE CONQUEST OF ADRIANOPLE (MODERN-DAY EDIRNE) was a crucial milestone in the Ottoman expansion into the Balkans during the 14th century. This period was characterised by rapid Turkish territorial gains following the seizure of Gallipoli in 1354. The capture of Gallipoli provided the Ottomans with a strategic foothold in Europe, facilitating their advance into Thrace and beyond.

India Post 200th Anniversary of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka

INDIA POST on 30 December 2023 issued a First Day Cover  commemorating the 200th anniversary of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka. The cover featured a stamp and postmark illustrating the theme of agriculture and tea estate workers, specifically depicting the history of labourers brought to work on Sri Lankan tea plantations. The stamp had a face value denomination of 500 paisa (or 5 rupees). 

INDIAN ORIGIN TAMILS (IOT) of Sri Lanka are Tamil people of Indian origin, also known as Malayaga Tamilar, who predominantly descended from workers sent from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in the 19th & 20th centuries to work in coffee, tea and rubber plantations. They were instrumental in the development of the plantation sector. These Tamil-speaking people mostly lived in the central highlands, also known as the Malayagam or Hill country.

The first group of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) arrived in Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon, in 1823 as labourers to work in coffee and then tea, rubber, and cocoa plantations in the hilly regions of Sri Lanka. Later in the 1900s, substantial numbers of Tamils from India also came to settle in Ceylon as financial entrepreneurs and grocers. They were the trading community of IOT, which was not part of the plantation economy and who had come to Ceylon since then.

After the British takeover of the administration of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) in the early 19th Century, they involved themselves in various activities, including economic enterprises such as plantation and agriculture.

The Indian Origin Tamils were put through immense hardship during the British rule in India and Sri Lanka. During the 1830s, Indian Origin Tamils working in coffee estates were not provided with wages. Instead, they were asked to trade coffee beans gathered by them for commodities from shops. Only after 100 years of immigration to Sri Lanka did the Indian Origin Tamils’ hardships become known to the international community.

Source: Philately Sri Lanka -- https://philately.lk/bulletin-200-years-of-indian-origin-tamils-in-sri-lanka/

Falkland Islands Dependencies Trans-Antarctic Expedition

FALKLAND ISLANDS DEPENDENCIES issued on 3 January 1958 a set of four of four stamps commemorating the Trans-Antarctic Expedition or TAE (1955–1958) in conjunction with the "International Geophysical Year Expedition".

The cover featured Falkland Islands Dependencies stamps overprinted for the expedition, depicting historic polar exploration ships:

1d: Trepassey (1945–47)

2½d: Penola (1934–37)

3d: Discovery II (1929–31)

6d: Discovery (1925–27)

The stamps were cancelled with two circular "International Geophysical Year Expedition" marks dated 3 JAN 1958. This is a significant date, as it was during the height of the expedition. It also marks the historic date New Zealand, led by (Sir) Edmund Hillary, reached the South Pole.

A large circular cachet at the bottom reads "Royal Society Base ★ Halley Bay ★", indicating the mail originated from the research station established for the International Geophysical Year.

THE TRANS ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION (TAE) aimed to complete the first crossing of Antarctica and carry out science work. It was also known as the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. This expedition aimed to finish the first overland crossing of the Antarctic Continent. This crossing was a freezing 3,473 km journey from the Weddell Sea, via the South Pole, to McMurdo Sound. 

It was timed to take place at the same time as the International Geophysical Year (IGY), which was a science programme where scientists from many countries worked together on science projects between 1957 and 1958.

Edmund Hillary was asked to join this British expedition. Hillary’s job was to set up a series of food and fuel stashes from the Ross Sea to the South Pole, to help the expedition’s crossing from the other side.

The TAE was made up of two teams:

- The Crossing Party, led by British explorer, Dr Vivian Fuchs;

- The Ross Sea Party, led by New Zealand explorer, Edmund Hillary.

The Ross Sea Party was to support the Crossing Party’s expedition by: building a base on Ross Island; placing food and fuel along the route; and finding a vehicle route from the Polar Plateau through the western mountains and back to Ross Island.

Hillary was not supposed to travel as far as the South Pole, but when he had finished placing fuel and food he saw the chance to beat the British and he and four of his team carried on, reaching the Pole 16 days before the Crossing Party.

French Cover of stamps from 1980s

Stamps on French cover:

- 1989 design entitled "Soierie de Lyon" (Lyon Silk) highlights the historic silk industry of Lyon during the 18th century (XVIIIe SIÈCLE).

- 1990 French Red Cross postage stamp features "Faïences de Quimper" to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the traditional pottery from Quimper, France.

- 1987 French "Liberty" design stamp set alongside a vignette for the Philexfrance '89 world philatelic exhibition.It was designed and engraved by Pierre Gandon and features a logo for the Paris exhibition held in July 1989.

- 1987 French postage stamp showing the town hall and Saint-Sauveur Abbey in Redon, Ille-et-Vilaine.

- 1983 French postage stamp commemorates the writer Marie-Henri Beyle, known as Stendhal(1783-1842).

- 1982 "Marionnettes" (Puppets)  depicts various types of puppets, including string, rod, and sheath puppets, representing Charleville-Mézières as a puppet arts hub.

- 1983  commemorative issue honouring Pierre Mendès France (1907-1982), a prominent 20th-century French politician who served as President of the Council of Ministers.  It was designed and engraved by Marie Noëlle Goffin.

Republic of Indonesia R.A. Kartini 100th Birth Anniversary

This is a 1979 postage stamp from the Republic of Indonesia, featuring a portrait of R.A. Kartini. The stamp commemorates the 100th anniversary of her birth (1879-1979).

Raden Adjeng Kartini was a prominent Indonesian advocate for women's rights and education in the early 20th century.

She was declared a National Hero of Indonesia in 1964, and her birthday is celebrated as Kartini Day.

Belgi Post Cover

Stamps from BELGI POST:

- 1971 stamp celebrating the automation of the telephone network.

-  1990 stamp of a soldier from the Royal Guard of Gerpinnes created by artists Désiré Roegiest, Roger Wittewrongel, and Paul Huybrechts.

- Belgian 100 Franc banknote from the 1978–1996 series.

- 1992 stamp featuring a Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is titled "Hirondelle de cheminée" in French and "Boerenzwaluw" in Dutch.

- 1990 stamp features the Iris florentina to commemorate the Ghent Flower Festival.

- 1967 Nature Conservation series, feature  the "Hautes Fagnes" (High Fens) and Westhoek Nature Reserves.The stamps depicted woodland scenes and native flora, specifically referencing Lysimachia europaea (Wood Loosestrife) and the downy birch (Betula pubescens).

- Portrait of Belgian King Baudouin

Republica Di San Marino Poste 700th Birth Anniversary of Dante Alighieri

REPUBLICA DI SAN MARINO POSTE (Republic of San Marino) issued on 20 November 1965 a set of four stamps celebrating the 700th anniversary of the birth of Dante Alighieri (1265–1965). 

The illustrations on the stamps are adapted from the famous woodcuts and engravings by French artist Gustave Doré, who famously illustrated Dante's epic poem, The Divine Comedy.

The stamps:

- 30 Lira (Brown) - An eagle soaring above rocky landscape was inspired by purgatorial allegories.

- 40 Lira (Green-Grey) - Profile portrait of a laureate Dante Alighieri portrays the classical Italian poet iconography.

- 90 Lira (Red-Orange) - Dante being guided along a stormy boat passage represents a scene from the Inferno.

- 140 Lira (Blue) - A group of souls or figures draped in white gowns depicts a scene from the Paradiso.

Vatican Post Safeguarding of the Monuments of Nubia

VATICAN POST issued on 10 March 1964 a First Day Cover commemorating the international effort to save the monuments of Nubia (Ancient Egypt) from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam, hence the theme  "Incepta Nubiae Monumentis Tutandis" (The Safeguarding of the Monuments of Nubia.

 Four denominations were issued (L. 10, L. 20, L. 70, and L. 200) depicting Nubian temples and religious art. 

The cachet on the left side shows a Christian painting of St. Peter from the Temple of Wadi es-Sebua, alongside Egyptian hieroglyphics and figures, representing the blending of cultures. The bottom center features a map of the Nile river, highlighting the Aswan Dam, Shellal, and Abu Simbel.

Johore Sultan Ibrahim and Sultana 1935

JOHORE (Malaya/Straits Settlements) in 1935 issued two stamps:  a single stamp, featuring the profiles of Sultan Sir Ibrahim of Johore and Lady Helen Ibrahim Sultana, commemorated their 5th anniversary of marriage; the second stamp, blue in colour, depicted Sultan Ibrahim of Johore. Both 8-cent postage and revenue stamps  were produced by Waterlow and Sons using a recess printing method. And both stamps are written Jawi (Arabic/Malay script) and Romanised script in English.

Interestingly, the stamp of the Sultan and Sultana is very similar to some British colonial stamps that featured King George VI and Queen Mary in the 1930s. It is also, to my knowledge, the only Malaya/Straits Settlements stamps to show both Sultan and Sultana.

Greece "Gods of the Winds" - 1943

GREECE on 15 September 1943 (during Nazi Germany occupation) issued a set of six  "Gods of the Winds" (Winds Set II) airmail postage stamps depicting the Anemoi (ancient Greek wind gods), based on the reliefs from the famous Tower of the Winds in Athens.

The individual stamps:

-10 Drachmai (ΔΡΧ. 10) Red Apeliotes (ΑΦΗΛΙΩΤΗΣ) East Wind

- 25 Drachmai (ΔΡΧ. 25) Green Zephyrus (ΖΕΦΥΡΟΣ) West Wind

- 50 Drachmai (ΔΡΧ. 50) Purple Kaikias (ΚΑΙΚΙΑΣ) Northeast Wind

- 100 Drachmai (ΔΡΧ. 100) Grey/Green Boreas (ΒΟΡΕΑΣ) North Wind

- 200 Drachmai (ΔΡΧ. 200) Brown/Red Eurus (ΕΥΡΟΣ) Southeast Wind

- 400 Drachmai (ΔΡΧ. 400) Blue/Grey - Skiron (ΣΚΙΡΩΝ) Northwest Wind

Afrique Équatoriale Française "France Libre" - 1941

AFRIQUE ÉQUATORIALE FRANÇAISE (French Equatorial Africa) issued a set of stamps  in 1941 under the banner of "France Libre" or Free France. Designed during World War II these  stamps were more than mere postal tools they served as a proud declaration of loyalty to General Charles de Gaulle and the Free French movement. 

After the fall of France in 1940 some overseas colonies including those in Central Africa rejected the Vichy regime and aligned themselves with Free France. 

Each  stamp in the set featured a phoenix rising from flames a mythological bird symbolising rebirth and immortality. This powerful imagery reflected Free France resolve to rise again after the Nazi occupation. Flanking the phoenix were two key symbols of the resistance the Cross of Lorraine used by Free French forces and the RF (République Française) affirming allegiance to the true French Republic. 

Issued from territories such as Gabon Chad Middle Congo and Oubangui Chari (now Central African Republic) these stamps symbolised the loyalty of French Equatorial Africa to Free France. They hold historical value not only for their aesthetics but also for their place in the global story of World War II. 

Though each stamp shares a common design a phoenix surrounded by flames flanked by the Cross of Lorraine and the RF they are printed in six different color palettes and denominations. This is more than a design choice it reflected the layered role each stamp played. Each stamp although part of a unified series stood with its own distinct tone and postal purpose, mirroring the multifaceted efforts of Free France military diplomatic and moral.

USPS Cover

In 1974, USPS issued a 10-cent postage stamp depicting "The Lovely Reader" painting by Jean-Étienne Liotard. It was part of a "Famous Works of Art" series released by the USPS. The stamp was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union. The painting originally dates from 1746.

US Postal Service stamps from the 1995 Great Lakes Lighthouses series.The strip features five different lighthouses, each with a denomination of 32 cents.Identified lighthouses in the pane include Split Rock (Lake Superior), St. Joseph (Lake Michigan), Spectacle Reef (Lake Huron), Marblehead (Lake Erie), and Thirty Mile Point (Lake Ontario). The stamps were painted by artist Howard Koslow.

French Equatorial Africa Airmail 1947-1953

FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA (Afrique Équatoriale Française or AEF), a federation of French colonial territories in Central Africa, issued these airmail stamps  between 1947 and 1953 and belong to a series featuring landscape and wildlife themes, often including an DC-3 to denote their "Poste Aérienne" (Air Mail) status.

The set included the following denominations and designs:

- 50F - Red/Brown - Airplane over palm trees and a village

- 100F - Greenish/Grey - Airplane over a baobab tree and coastal huts

- 200F - Blue - Airplane over a dense tropical forest with local figures

- 500F - Dark Green - Anhingas (water birds) near a riverbank

 Many stamps in this era, including the 50F and 100F versions for other French colonies like Guadeloupe, were designed and engraved by the renowned French artist Albert Decaris.

Republique Tunisienne Postes Carthaginian General Hannibal Barca

REPUBLIQUE TUNISIENNE POSTES issued on 14 November 1995 a 180 LSd  (Tunisian milim) stamp commemorating Carthaginian General Hannibal Barca. It was engraved/designed by Czeslaw Slania (E) | Hatem El Mekki. The printer was Joh. Enschedé, using a recess printing method on phosphorescent paper. Total print run was 510,000. 

Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa Defense of Con Co Island

VIỆT NAM DÂN CHỦ CỘNG HÒA (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) in 1965 issued a stamp commemorating the Defense of Con Co Island during the Vietnam War. It depicted Vietnamese soldiers defending the island against American naval and air forces. The artwork was  credited to Khanh Lac. The stamp had a face value of 12 xu.

Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa Rice Harvest 1966

VIỆT NAM DÂN CHỦ CỘNG HÒA (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) issued a stamp to mark tye successful 1966 rice harvest in North Vietnam. The stamp featured farmers harvesting rice, highlighting the agricultural achievements of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This stamp was part of a series focusing on "Bumper Crops" and rural development during that period. Denomination was 12 xu.

Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa 20th anniversary of the August Revolution

VIỆT NAM DÂN CHỦ CỘNG HÒA (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) issued  on 19 August 1965 a two-stamp set to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the August Revolution   (1945–1965).

They featured identical artwork by designers Công Độ and Trần Lương, depicting a group of people and soldiers in a revolutionary scene.

The stamps:

6 xu (blue/grey design).

12 xu (red/brown design).

Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa "Victories in Dry Season Campaign" 1965-1966

VIỆT NAM DÂN CHỦ CỘNG HÒA (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) issued in 1966 a series of four stamps (partial set shown here) to commemorate  the "Victories in Dry Season Campaign". The caption reads "Chiến thắng mùa khô của quân và dân miền Nam 1965-1966;" it translates to "Victory in the dry season of the army and people in the South 1965-1966".

These stamps were designed by the artist Nguyễn Hiệp and used as propaganda to boost morale and highlight successes during the Vietnam War. 

 Red stamp - 18 xu denomination - depicts a woman guerrilla fighter with a rifle, set against a background of ongoing battle or military preparation.

Purple/Pink stamp - 12 xu denomination - is from the same series.

Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa First Five-Year Plan (1961–1965)

VIỆT NAM DÂN CHỦ CỘNG HÒA (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) issued in 1965 a set of stamps to commemorate the Completion of the First Five-Year Plan (1961–1965).

The stamps were designed by artists Lê Toàn and Kim Điệp. Each stamp has a face value of 12 xu and features social realist imagery typical of propaganda art from that era.

- Red stamp (left) depicts a female industrial worker, specifically a weaver at a textile mill, representing industrial progress.

- Blue stamp (right) showcases a group of people, including a young man and woman, in front of a modern building and agricultural scene, highlighting social and cultural development.

Seminole Indians 1935 an Benjamin Franklin Stamp 1922

SEMINOLE INDIANS in Florida, a community known as the "Unconquered People" for their fierce resistance to U.S. relocation efforts in the 19th century, are depicted in this early 20th century postcard.

This postcard is dated 1935. The picture, however, was likely taken in the 1910s or 1920s.This specific postcard was part of a series often published by companies like Curt Teich.

These images were popular souvenirs from Florida tourist attractions like Musa Isle or Ross Allen’s in Silver Springs, where the tribe found new sources of income as their traditional hunting grounds in the Everglades were drained.

As shown here, the clothing featured horizontal stripes, a hallmark of Seminole style that emerged more fully by 1920.

 Women typically wore floor-length ruffled skirts and long-sleeved blouses with short capes that covered the shoulders.

 Men wore "long shirts" or tunics, which were standard attire. Some include "built-in" belts that would later evolve into the iconic "Seminole jacket".

The green UNITED STATES 1-cent postage stamp of Benjamin Franklin on this postcard was issued from 1922 till 1929.

Shanghai Surcharged Airmail - 1948

 

SHANGHAI SURCHARGED AIRMAIL stamps, issued by the Republic of China from 1946 till 1948, were implemented due to severe national currency fluctuations at the time. These issues overprinted existing air mail stamps in red or black to meet soaring postal rates, often creating high-value stamps. 

These stamps were primarily printed by the Dah Yeh Printing Press in Shanghai. During the transition period in 1949, "Air Mail" was overprinted on revenue stamps, and non-denominated green plane stamps.These featured either horizontal overprints (Peiping/Hong Kong prints) or vertical overprints (Shanghai prints).

Shown here:

- Green and blue stamps feature a Junker F-13 aircraft flying over the Great Wall of China. They were surcharged with $50,000 over original value.

 - Blue stamp depicting an airplane flying over the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing. It was overprinted with a value of $10,000.

KUT King George VI 1938

KENYA, UGANDA, AND TANGANYIKA  issued in 1938 this 20 cent stamp depicting a portrait of King George VI surrounded by two crowned cranes.

Siam First Airmail - 1925

SIAM AIR MAIL  (Thailand formerly known as Siam) issued between January and April 1925 the Garuda series. The stamps were Thailand's first airmail stamps and featured the mythological bird-like creature that is the national emblem of Thailand.

Each stamp has a different colour and denomination (face value in Satang):

- 2 Satang - Orange-brown

- 3 Satang - Red-brown or purple

- 5 Satang - Green

- 15 Satang - Rose-carmine or dark red

- 25 Satang - Dark blue

- 50 Satang - Orange and black

The series was released during the reign of King Rama VI. Some stamps from this era may feature overprints for special occasions, such as the "Siam Kingdom Exhibition" (Siam Rath Museum) in 1926.

Thailand 400th anniversary of the birth of King Naresuan the Great - 1955

THAILAND issued around 1955 a series of stamps to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of King Naresuan the Great.

The stamps depicted King Naresuan riding a war elephant, celebrating his historical role in Thai history.

Denominations shown here: 

- 25 satang

- 2 baht

- 3 baht

Kelantan (Malaysia) First State stamps - 1911

KELANTAN, one of the unfederated Malay states, issued a set of Postage & Revenue stamps in 1911. These stamps featured the Kelantan Coat of Arms, which included in it's design two spears and two daggers (kris), topped by a crescent and star. The text "Kelantan Postage & Revenue" and the denominations were printed in English, with Jawi script at the top.

Denominations Shown:

1c: Black/Grey-olive

3c: Red

4c: Black and red

5c: Green and red on yellow paper

10c: Black and mauve

Before 1909, Kelantan was under Siamese (Thai) suzerainty and used Thai stamps. After the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, it became a British protectorate. Until these dedicated stamps were printed in 1911, stamps from the Federated Malay States were used in the territory.

Iraq League of Nations Mandate Issue - 1923

IRAQ in 1923 issued a set of definitive postage stamps referred to as the "Pictorial" or the League of Nations mandate issue. It was the first definitive series released for Iraq, after the Ottoman Empire ceased. 

The set was designed by Florence Edith Cheesman and printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.

The collection included several distinct designs and denominations:

- 1/2 Anna (Olive Green) Kadhimiya Mosque

- 1 Anna (Brown) Guffas (traditional braided round boats) on the Tigris River

-  1 ½ Annas (Red) Assyrian winged figure, often described as a winged cherub holding a situla

- 2 Annas (Orange) "Winged Bull" from a Babylonian wall sculpture (a Lamassu)

- 3 Annas (Blue) Arch of Ctesiphon (Taq-i Kisra), a famous ancient ruin in Iraq

- 4 Annas (Grey) A member of the Dulaim Camel Corps carrying a tribal standard

- 6 Annas (Green/Blue) Kadhimain Mosque (the Golden Shia Mosque) in Baghdad.

Indo-Chine "Cambodian Girl" and "Annamite Girl" - 1907

INDO-CHINE (Republique Francaise) issued between 1907 and 1923 a series of definitive stamps depicting Indo-Chinese women. This 18-stamp set was classic in design, and somewhat defined Indo-China.

Among the set were the "Cambodian Girl" and "Annamite Girl" design, created by designer Jules-Jacques Puyplat and engraved by G. Johannet (whose name does not appear on the stamps). The set was based on real photos. It was issued in various denominations and colours. And, in later issues, the font and denominations are spelt out.

Many of these designs were used for decades and frequently received overprints or surcharges to accommodate changing postal rates or use in various French Colonial post offices in China, such as Hoi-Hao, Canton, and Mongtzeu.

"Annamite Girl" shown here:

- 1c (Greenish-Black/Olive)

- 2c (Brown/Buff)

- 4c (Blue), a common value from the 1907 series.

- 5c (Green), another standard value from the initial 1907 release.

- 10c (Red/Rose)

- 15c (Violet): Often found with later surcharges for different postal rates.

- 20c (Purple/Lavender)

"The Cambodian Woman" shown here:

- 1c (Greenish-Black/Olive)

- 2c (Brown/Buff)

- 4c (Blue)

- 5c (Green), 

- 10c 

- 20c (Purple/Lavender)

- 50c (Red/Rose)

Indo-Chine Native Women - 1907

INDO-CHINE (Republique Francaise) issued in 1907 an attractive and artistic set of five stamps depicting native women from the colonies of France in South East Asia.

- The 75 French centime stamp depicted a woman from Cambodia in a modeling pose facing back on the background of a dense forest of the country.

- The 1 Franc stamp showed an Annamite woman along with a child. In the background, a coconut tree and traditional house can be seen.

- The 2 Franc stamp consisted of a Hmong woman standing in a banana plantation. 

- The 5 Franc stamp represented a housewife from Laos draped in traditional costume.

- The highest denominated stamp of 10 Franc (not shown here) depicted a woman from Tonkin in northern Vietnam, collecting coconuts.

The set was created by designer Jules-Jacques Puyplat and engraved by G. Johannet (whose name does not appear on the stamps). 

The 75c. stamp, showing a Khmer Woman, was based on this photo.