Postes Gabon Fang Woman Surtax Stamps - 1932

POSTES GABON on 1 January 1932  issued 11 surtax (postage due) stamps depicting a Fang Woman. Seven of those stamps are represented here  Printers were Hélio-Vaugirard, Paris, using a Photogravure method. Perforation 13 x 13½.

Hellenic Post 150th Death Anniversary of Lord Byron

HELLENIC POST  on 4 April 1974 issued a series of First Day Cover stamps dedicated to Philhellene Lord Byron. The stamps  commemorated the 150th anniversary of his death. In Greece, Byron is considered a hero in the Greek War of Independence, for which he paid the ultimate price -- he lost his life fighting in the cause of freedom for Greece. One stamp depicts Lord Byron in Souliot costume, the other portrays him addressing soldiers. The cachet shows the house in Missolunghi, where during the Battle of Missolunghi, Byron died.

Byron has been honoured many times in Greek postage stamps as well as in Albania, Armenia, Hungary, Monaco, and Russia, but to my knowledge never in the country of his birth; only a line from one of his poems in the Royal Mail British Romantic Poets series was issued in 2020. Although Byron is recognised as one of the literary greats, if not the greatest, Romantic poet in English literature, he was in the Victorian era controversial due to his many par amours and illegitimate children. Even today, to some extent, he remains controversial.

His only legitimate offspring, Augusta Ada Lovelace neé Byron (Countess Lovelace), was a mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation.  

The uniform worn by Byron in the stamp is of Souliote origin. The Souliotes were an Orthodox Christian Albanian tribal community in the area of Souli in Epirus from the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century, and who by their participation in the Greek War of Independence came to identify with the Greek nation. They successfully resisted Ottoman rule for many years. At the height of their power, in the second half of the 18th century, the Souliote confederacy is estimated to have consisted of up to 4,500 inhabitants. After the revolution, they migrated to and settled in newly independent Greece, and assimilated into the Greek populace.

Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron) was the son of English Royal Navy captain, John Byron (Captain John "Mad Jack" Byron), and of his second wife, the Scottish aristocrat Catherine Gordon (Catherine Gordon). As an aristocrat on his mother's side, he was a descendant of King Edward III of England. At the age of ten, in May 1798,  Byron inherited from his grandfather's brother, William Byron, the title of Lord, as well as his very large property in Nottinghamshire. He spoke with a Scottish accent most of his life, owing to his early years and schooling there. He received a Master's degree from Trinity College, Cambridge. Later he traveled extensively across Europe to places such as Italy, where he lived for seven years in Venice, Ravenna, and Pisa after he was forced to flee England.  Byron joined the Greek War of Independence fighting the Ottoman Empire and died leading a campaign during that war. He died in 1824 at the age of 36 from a fever contracted after the first and second sieges of Missolonghi.

Source: Wikipedia

Pos Indonesia Visit Indonesia Year 1961

POS INDONESIA on 15 May 1961 issued a series of three First Day Cover stamps dedicated to Visit Indonesia Year 1961. A photogravure method was used. Postmark cancellation originated from Bandung.

Pos Indonesia Tourism in Bali 1969

POS INDONESIA on 1 July 1969 issued a series of three First Day Cover stamps dedicated to Tourism in Bali. A photogravure method was used. Postmark cancellation originated from Bandung.  The cachet on this envelope featured a Balinese woman in traditional costume.

Pos Indonesia "Indonesian Art & Culture"

 

POS INDONESIA 27 December 1996 issued a series of four First Day Cover stamps dedicated to "Indonesian Art & Culture", chiefly regional dances in Indonesia. A photogravure method was used. Postmark cancellation originated from Bandung.  The cachet on this envelope featured a Timorese dancer in traditional costume.

Stamps shown include:

150 - Tari Baksa Kembang Kalimantan Selatan

300 - Tari Ngarojeng DKI Jakarta

  700 - Tari Rampai DI Aceh

1000 - Tari Boituka Timor Timur

 

Pos Indonesia Visit Indonesia Year 1991

POS INDONESIA on 1 January 1991 issued a series of First Day Cover stamps to mark "Visit Indonesia Year 1991". There were four stamps in total released; two featured the same image, only the denomination was different. All of the images featured dancers in their traditional dress from three regions of Indonesia. A photogravure method was used. Postmark cancellation originated from Jakarta. The cachet depicts a Balinese landmark and dancers.

Pos Indonesia Tahun Pariwisata Internasional 1967

POS INDONESIA in 1967 issued a First Day Cover stamp to mark "Tahun Pariwisata Internasional 1967 (Tourism Passport to Peace Tourism Year 1967)". The colourful stamp depicted a Balinese woman in traditional dress and temple landmark. Shown here is an uncancelled stamp and mini souvenir sheet.

Cook Islands Artwork by Gauguin

COOK ISLANDS on 24 October 1967 issued a series of First Day Cover stamps dedicated to six artworks painted by French Post-Impressionist artist Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin (7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903). Shown here are two FDCs and a mini souvenir sheet.

The artworks included:
  1c - La Orana Maria
  3c - Riders on the Beach
  5c - Still Life with Flowers
  8c - Whispered Words
15c - Maternity
20c - Why are You Angry?

 

Unappreciated until after his death, Gauguin is now recognised for his experimental use of colour and synthetist style that were distinct from Impressionism. Toward the end of his life, he spent ten years in French Polynesia. The paintings from this time portrayed his idealistic view of the people and landscapes from that region.

Ukraine Post Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Aggression

UKRPOSHTA (UKRAINE POST) has issued three different versions of a stamp based on the illustration rendered from this post card. It refers to an incident early in the Ukraine-Russian War when the Russian warship “Moskva” (“Moscow”) approached Snake Island (Zmiinyi Island, Ukraine) and demanded Ukrainian border guards surrender. To this ultimatum, the Ukrainian soldiers (who were small in number and did not have the opportunity to escape or hide) suggested that the Russian warship go f*** itself. Afterwards, the phrase became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against  Russian aggression.

 Ultimately the missile cruiser Moskva -- the Russian Navy flagship of the Black Sea Fleet -- was sunk on 14 April 2022, following a strike on 13 April 2022 in the area of Snake Island, by two missiles from the Ukrainian coastal missile system RK-360MTs “Neptune”.

Subsequently, Ukraine issued different stamp versions, among them being these stamps. Shown here are two different covers with the stamps, as well as a non-stamped post card of a Cossack couple.

 

Olesya Oleksandrivna Vakulenko is the artist. She was born on 30 June 1989 in Kharkiv. In 2012, she graduated from the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, majoring in "Artistic Fabric Modeling". Member of the National Union of Masters of Folk Art of Ukraine. she works in the genres of Ukrainian decorative painting, book and easel graphics, embroidery, batik, clothing painting, and graphic design.

Ukraine Post Tractor & Tank stamp with 'W' Denomination.

UKRPOSHTA (UKRAINE POST) issued on  28 July 2022 issued a special First Day Cover "Good evening, we are from Ukraine!" Tractor & Tank stamp with 'W' denomination. Another stamp of the same design was released earlier with the letter 'M' denomination, which apparently is rare and highly valued amongst collectors. Postmark   cancellation on this FDC stamp originated from Kiev.

About the stamp:Greetings: "Good evening, we are from Ukraine!" became an iconic phrase in 2022 after the Russian military invaded Ukraine. Today, journalists, officials and military personnel start their broadcasts with this phrase; it sounds in musical.

The very phrase "Good evening, we are from Ukraine!" was chosen by Ukrainians, from among 5 topics presented and put to the vote to decide on the next postage stamp from Ukraine. The open competition for the best sketch based on the phrase "Good evening, we are from Ukraine!", involved the submission of 1,500 works. The drawing by Anastasia Bondares was the undisputed winner, after 900,000 respondents had voted.

According to author of the postal edition. Anastasia Bondareta, her drawing is about the fact that every Ukrainian, by virtue of his/her own capabilities, does everything that depends on him/her to bring our Victory closer.

Source: Ukrposhta

USPS Aviation Stamps

 

USPS issued aviation classics like the P-38 Lightning and P-47 Thunderbolt at two different times. 

The P-38 Lightning, 32 cent First Class stamp was released on 19 July 1997. First day postmark originated from  Dayton, Ohio. Venturers at J.W. Fergusson and Sons, Richmond, Virginia printed a total of 161,000,000, using a Photogravure method.

The P-47 Thunderbolt, 37 cent First Class stamp was released on 29 July 2005. It was one of many  aircraft highlighted in the American Advances in Aviation series. First day postmark originated from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd printed a total of 110,000,0000, using a Lithographed method.

This maxim card features an illustration of the P-38 Lightning, but the special postmark used is from the American Advances in Aviation. 

About the P-38 Lightening 

When the US Army Air Corps issued specifications for a high-altitude interceptor in 1937, Lockheed was already aware of the qualities demanded: speed, ceiling, and firepower combined with the ability to carry enough fuel for superior range were essential.  Built to meet these requirements, Lockheed’s P-38 Lightning became one of the most feared and respected aircraft to fly in the Axis skies.  Its firepower was lethal and its long range allowed it to accompany bombers to Berlin and beyond.

The Lightning entered service in 1941 and was deployed in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific during 1942.  Throughout the war it gained steadily in performance, demonstrating remarkable versatility.  Although it achieved its ultimate effectiveness as an escort, the P-38 was also used extensively as a ground-attack aircraft, as well as during night raids, photograph reconnaissance missions, and to drop smokescreen layers.

It was this combination of power and versatility that gained the P-38 a formidable reputation among the Japanese and Germans, who dubbed it the “fork-tailed devil.”  In fact, the Lightning ended the war with more Japanese aircraft to its credit than any other type.  And it was the only American fighter built before WWII to still be in production on VJ Day.  

About the P-47 Thunderbolt

Republic Aviation built the P-47 Thunderbolt during World War II as a high-altitude escort fighter. Carrying three external fuel tanks allowed P-47s to accompany U.S. Army Air Force (AAF) bombers far into German territory and to travel the vast distances of Pacific Ocean operations. In a sustained dive, no other aircraft could stay with it.

In addition, Thunderbolts frequently attacked ground targets like tanks, airfields, and trains while returning from escort duty. Fast and heavily armed, the P-47 became the chief Allied low-altitude fighter-bomber.

The P-47 was the largest single-engine aircraft built during World War II. It was nicknamed the Juggernaut, or “Jug,” because of its huge size. Its sturdy construction and air-cooled radial engine enabled the Jug to sustain severe battle damage and keep flying. The rugged Thunderbolt protected the pilot in all but a nose-first crash.

The AAF acquired the P-47 in greater numbers than any other fighter. By the end of the war, more than 15,600 Thunderbolts had been built. During the war, P-47s were active in almost every theater of operations and in the forces of several Allied nations. Thunderbolts served with Air National Guard units until 1955.

New Zealand Post Anzac Commemoratives - 2014

NEW ZEALAND POST on 2 April 2014 issued Anzac stamps depicting six WWII-era posters produced during the war. Between 1939 and 1945 New Zealand produced hundreds of thousands of posters, window stickers and cards in support of its involvement in World War II. The purpose of these posters was to raise funds, recruit New Zealanders and give advice and information about the war. They helped to create a war-like atmosphere at home and keep people focused on the war effort.

In addition to the stamps, a  First Day Cover was also produced, on which all six stamps were displayed. To the left of the stamps was another ‘Protect New Zealand’ poster which was designed to raise funds for New Zealand’s war effort and appealed to New Zealanders' sense of patriotism.

The stamps were designed by New Zealand Post Ltd, New Zealand. Printer was Southern Colour Print Ltd who used an offset lithography printing method. The number of colours involved a four process colours plus Synseal spot overgloss Stamp size and format was 35mm x 46mm.

70c – Duty Calls the Youth of New Zealand.

This poster was an invitation to young New Zealanders to join the Air Training Corps, founded in 1941 to ensure there were enough future recruits to fill the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) ranks. Boys aged between 16 and a half and 18 years were eligible to join. The corps reached its peak strength of 9,244 in May 1944.

70c – Help Farm for Victory.

Also known as the Women’s Land Army, the Women’s Land Service was established in 1940 to meet the shortage of male farming labour caused by conscription in New Zealand. By 1944, more than 2,000 women had joined, all of them employed on farms. This small 'posterette' encouraged young women to 'Help Farm For Victory'.

$1.40 – The Air Force Needs Men!

The pilot in this invitation to join the RNZAF is a self-portrait of the artist, Claude Wade. The heroic theme of the poster tapped into values of patriotism and loyalty. Many New Zealanders answered the call of the RNZAF, with more than 40,000 men and women serving in the war.

$1.90 – Navy Week.

New Zealand’s naval force, which from 1 October 1941 became the Royal New Zealand Navy, grew substantially during the course of the war. This poster is an emotionally charged call for New Zealanders to give money to the war effort through loans - 'New Zealand expects that everyone this week will invest in the 3rd Liberty Loan'.

$2.40 – Army Week.

New Zealanders lent their money to the government to be repaid after the war, known as 'Liberty Loans'. Nearly half of New Zealand's war spending was covered by internal borrowing, so New Zealand had no outstanding overseas debt after the war. Posters like this tried appealing to New Zealanders' sense of patriotism and sacrifice.

$2.90 – Taringa Whakarongo!

The war effort included appeals made in Māori to ensure all citizens were informed and persuaded. Such posters were rare, as government messages were usually delivered orally on the marae. This poster asks for funds for weapons for the war effort, with one line of the text translating to “without weapons we shall perish”

Source: New Zealand Post

New Zealand Peace Issue - 1946

NEW ZEALAND, following the end of World War II, issued a set of 11 stamps to mark the end of the war. These stamps were released as a First Day Cover on 1 April 1946. The postmark for this FDC originated in Lower Hutt (a city in the Wellington area), New Zealand. The designs for this issue were all prepared by James Berry of Wellington. They project a variety of subjects: Victory, Peaceful Government, Tributes, and Memorials.

'Tribute to the People of Britain' - 1½d

This stamp is different in that the idea of Victory is included in the design.The view is of St. Paul's Cathedral in London with the British flag, the 'Union Jack' in the background. The stamp pays tribute to the people of Britain who stood up to the forces of Nazi Germany.

'Faith in Constitutional Government' - 1d        

'In Peace, long may they Reign' - 2d

These two stamps depict aspects of peaceful government. In the 1d value, the New Zealand Houses of Parliament is shown with King George VI in the insert.

The 2d shows the Royal Family - His Majesty King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in a frame representing the Royal Crown.

'Tribute to the Air Force' - 3d   

                    'Tribute to the Army' - 4d

 'Tribute to the Navy and the Mercantile Navy' - 5d

'Tribute to Workers on the Home Front' - 6d

These four stamps pay tribute to different groups of people involved in the war effort. In a war such as World War II, all parts of New Zealand society were helping and contributing towards a common goal.

3d - Depicts the Badge of the Royal New Zealand Air Force surrounded by some of the aircraft flown by New Zealand pilots. New Zealand airmen in large numbers flew with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. They were also found in many other areas of conflict too. 4d - Shows the New Zealand Army Badge with two scenes where the army was involved, fighting in the deserts of North Africa and helping on farms to provide food. New Zealand soldiers saw action in North Africa, Italy and in the Pacific against the Japanese. 5d - Highlights the Navy Badge. In the background on the left is the H.M.N.Z.S. Achilles which took part in the battle of the River Plate where the German pocket battleship Graf Spee was cornered and destroyed.  On the right is the Dominion Monarch one of the many ships carrying troops and produce from New Zealand to England. 6d - Shows the New Zealand Coat of Arms. The scenes behind show two of the many tasks performed by people back in New Zealand working in vital industries and on farms. In many cases, these tasks, normally the role of men, were taken over by women.

'The Service and Devotion of Youth in the Nation's Cause' - 8d

'Remembrance' - 1/shilling

These two stamps are the memorial stamps to remember the many people who lost their lives during the war. 8d - The stained glass window of the Wellington College Memorial Hall features a knight holding a banner depicting the Cross of St George.

1/- (1 shilling) - The National Memorial, Wellington.

'Peace and Tranquillity' - ½d                                      

              

 'A Spirit of Thankfulness' - 9d

Finally, there are two stamps showing the peace which the whole country was looking forward to.

½d - Lake Matheson with the two peaks, Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, in the background. The idea is a beautiful scene in a time of peace. 9d - The Chapel window, Waiho Gorge, with the Franz Joseph Glacier in the background.

Source: Virtual New Zealand Stamps