stamp collector_vol_

MAY 2022 Volume 4, Issue 5 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk STAMP SPECIAL REPORT New stamps support Ukraine BETTER The history of joint issues PANAMA CANAL An introduction to PRICE GUIDE: Gibraltar’s A classic set in detail REVENUE STAMPS British Empire issues

ATTENTION OWNERS OF LARGE/ VALUABLE COLLECTIONS – from / respond to: Andrew McGavin Are You THINKING of SELLING? This is How The Stamp Trade Works Philatelic Expert Lets You into his Selling Secrets so you can benefit from a totally different (and New) Selling Experience 1►wIf oYrokus,wpalnetasteo learn how the stamp trade 2►liTchsrteaemypeaarusctlaiotnesr, Iatwteonnddienrgemd yhofiwrstspoumbe- question back – because my answer would have been read on… When I was entirely different (and I don’t treat it as a problem) – I seek to satisfy more collector clients than any 15, I did. I wondered if there was some secret bidders seemed to buy everything, paying the other stamp auction source of supply? So, I bought my 1st stamp highest price? It didn’t occur to me that they This is the reason why my company has such massive advertising. This is the reason why we mixture, (wholesale I thought), broke it into 50 were probably Auction Bidding Agents, paid spend up to 8% of turnover – up to £200,000 per annum in marketing costs. (Most dealers don’t even smaller units, advertised it in Stamp Magazine by absent (dealer) bidders to represent them. I sell £200K per annum). ‘Classifieds’, and waited for the orders to roll wondered why two collectors sitting side by side in… I’m still waiting, 51 years later !... muttered to each other “he’s a dealer” as if ✗ ✗ ✗Wrong Offer Wrong Price Wrong Place that justified him paying the highest price… ✔ H(naïve seller) = me but I was only 15 at the time! …but did it really? What was the real reason? 5►Wvolhveydistthheat?StBaemcaupseM, aasrktheet,wiomrldperre-- How could a Dealer pay a higher price than a Col- ceptibly Changed, and incrementally – Massively lector? It doesn’t make sense, does it? Collectors are So, although few will tell you this, it’s clearly customers. Customers usually pay the highest price, evident that the problem for most Sellers of Stamps today is no longer absent stock – but unless… for a Collector, this was… absent collectors in the place they choose to sell their stamps in. Simply put, other ✗Wrong Presentation ✗Wrong Place Dealers, Auctions, Stamp Fairs have not invested in ✗therefore Wrong Price marketing to have a strong Customer-core. To be fair, this is not true of all – but it is true of most 3►EFmaspti-rfeocrowlalercdtio4n8, years later  to a British – so that a former competitor had 800 bidders lot #1 in an Internation- in a recent auction. In my most recent 18,933 lot UPA 80th Auction we had 1,893 different bidders al Stamp Auction – Estimated at £3,000, but from 51 different countries, 95% of whom were Collectors. Some other well-advertised auctions we were the highest bidder at £21,000 – YES only have 200 bidders (a high percentage of whom are dealers – so that, essentially they are Dealer- ANDREW PROMOTING PHILATELY ON – some 7×higher. Including Buyer’s Premium in dominated auctions) – so that when you sell through THE ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW ITV them – you’re paying up to 18% (including VAT) the extraordinary sum of £4,788 we actually seller’s commission and the buyer is paying up to About The Author ► Andrew found his 25% and more in Buyer’s Premium, credit card fees, Father’s stamps at the age of 10. A year later at paid GBP£25,788= upon a £3,000 estimate… on-line bidding fee, delivery and insurance etc… Senior School he immediately joined the School AND all of that so that your stamps may be Stamp Club. He ‘specialised’(!) in British, but soon however, we broke it down into sets, singles, sold, wait for it – TO DEALERS (and some was interested in Queen Victoria which he could collectors), but Dealers, that naturally must make not afford. The 2nd to last boy wearing short mini-collections etc. We made a profit. Some a profit to survive… trousers in his school year, he religiously bought Post Office New Issues on Tuesdays with his might say it found its price. Others may say: pocket money. He soon found that he enjoyed swapping / trading stamps as much as collecting ✗ ✗Wrong Estimate Wrong Presentation them. Aged 19, eschewing University he quickly ✗ ✗Wrong Structure Wrong Protection of Price found a philatelic career in London, leading to creating his own companies in stamps. Andrew – Lucky for the seller that 2 well-heeled bidders saw has authored many internationally published Stamp the potential value that day or it could have been ‘Tips’ articles, appearing on Local Radio and National given away… the seller could easily have lost out TV promoting Philately with Alan Titchmarsh. couldn’t he? or she? Andrew’s area of expertise is unusual – in so far as his grounding in collecting and wide philatelic So, by un-peeling the layers of obfuscation, knowledge has given him a deep understanding hopefully we can all agree: of Philately. He has studied Philately for the past 51 years, in combination with Commerce and The Secret is Simple – 6►–NoEwxa,mlept’lse:exYoamurinsetatmhep cost implications Marketing Expertise, enabling him to create it’s ALL ABOUT : TIMING collection sells in synergies in ‘lifetime’ interlinked Stamp Selling Systems, selling unit-priced stamps through to Plus the 3 Philatelic ‘P’s – public auction for £800. Upon a 25% buyer’s handling collections & Rarities up to £700,000 each. Today Andrew is fortunate to be co-owner with his ✔ ✔ ✔Presentation Place and Price premium, the dealer pays £1,000 and it could Wife, of Universal Philatelic Auctions (aka UPA) – the Largest No Buyer’s Premium Reducing-Estimate be more. He breaks it into £2,000+ selling price System Stamp Auction in the World, creating records selling stamps to (much lower and he’ll go out of business). The 2,261 different bidders from 54 different countries ‘in his 4►Urenmdeemrsbtearndtihneg the problem… I always auction charges you a seller’s commission of international auctions. car trade had their own Andrew stopped collecting up to 18% (VAT included) upon the £800 sale stamps aged 18 reasoning that his enjoyment of stamps little ‘bible’ – Glass’s Guide. I’ve no idea, I’ve not price. This is GBP£144. Therefore you receive would be in handling them and selling them… He even looked – in this internet-dominated world, approaching £656 – which is approximately 33% loves working in stamps aenacdhlopohkilastfeolricw‘TdaOarydPtRToFEIPRQSEUOEEFSBTTOHMOEYKTLERTADE’ it may even have disappeared. Well, there was of the dealer’s £2,000+/- retail selling price - an insider Stamp Trade publication for Stamp BUT… now that we have identified the Dealers called “The Stamp Wholesaler”. There problem… was nothing that special about it – and you Isn’t the Solution Staring us Right in The Face ? would not have learnt much or found massively reduced prices by subscribing then – BUT – it was a forum, a paper focal point, a last ‘bastion’ 7►DWehaylersP: aSyellanto Auction to Sell to Collectors instead? in this on-line transparent world that we inhab- it… whereby dealers (and auctioneers) can try In our example with buyer’s premium, sellers commission, lotting fees, extra credit card and communicate with each other. I published charges, VAT and even insurance - you’re already being charged in different ways up to 40% of the my own articles there… More recently in print, I discussed the outcome of my 10 years’ simple research, asking dealers and selling price to sell, possibly or probably, to the wrong person. auctioneers ‘what is your biggest problem?’ To a man, (why are we almost all men), they re- Why not direct that 40% cost you’re paying to plied – “my biggest problem is stock, if I can get more of the right stock I can sell it easily” sell to Collectors instead? Sounds good, so why Strange that, nobody ever asked me the same hasn’t this been done before ?

8►TSorumtehtiims, eist Has been done before… in specific areas. Some Collectors will not wish to the ‘old’ ways are the best WE CAN use time and systems to leverage price, others will SAFELY ways aren’t they? But in today’s enthusiasm to COLLECT want to agree a specific price and know that they YOUR obscure the obvious so that money may be tak- STAMPS are paid precisely this amount. No client is treated NOW en, almost surreptitiously, in numerous different like a number and no client is forced like a square ways, (without us apparently noticing until we peg into a round hole. M see the cheque in our pocket) – the transparent ‘seller pays’ has been deliberately ‘obscured’ – 15► OK, What Do I Do Next? so much so that, amazingly, the latest 2017 European Auction Selling Legislation just in- a). You contact UPA to discuss with Andrew or a troduced – now requires auctions that charge highly-qualified Auction Valuer/Describer what ‘buyer’s premiums’ to warn the buyer in you have to dispose of and your options bearing advance. Just imagine going into the petrol in mind your specific interests / requirements station, and being warned that the price you’re b). If you wish, get a 2nd opinion, but investigate paying to put fuel in you tank is not the real what type of auction / dealer you are dealing price, you have to pay a premium! Obviously, with. Is it a Dealer’s auction with relatively few there would be an uproar… collectors? Can you see where / how the Dealer 9►HanodwseclalntoyoCuoclluetctoorust the middleman sells? If you can’t easily see any pricelists or high instead? Well, I quality selling catalogues – that Dealer may sell can think of two ways. 1). DIY - Do It Your- your stamps to other dealers… self selling on eBay. That may be fine for lower c). Finally you ask U P A to collect your stamps, grade material – but, would you risk auctioning insure in transit for an estimated replacement CBS relatively unprotected rare material on eBay ? retail value… We don’t and we’re professionals, so we should know what we’re doing. Or 2). Cut out the extra 16►What Happens then?A member of my Team telephones/e-mails you to confirm middle-man. Use my company UPA, which reaches collectors instead. Here’s how it Contact UPA: 01451 861 111 safe receipt. ‘Overnight’ valuations, unless simple, works: Continuing from our previous Example: UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL: are rare. Valuing stamp collections that have taken The auction sold your stamps to a dealer for Dear Folk at UPA, tens of years to create takes time. Depending upon £1,000 – but You received circa £656 I’ve dealt with the public for 37 + years, and your priorities / timescale I, or an experienced as both a consumer, and a businessman, I UPA sells them to collectors for you for up to have created huge numbers of orders from member of my Team will contact you to discuss all over the world from a complete range of £2,000 – even after 40% commission you receive up suppliers from all aspects of our daily lives. your requirements and the options available to to £1,200. Up to £544 more. Now that’s amazing, But I don’t believe I have ever encountered you for the sale of your collection. Provided only such sensitivity, such kind thought, such isn’t it? G understanding as I have with you in our that you feel well-informed and comfortable do initial meeting, our subsequent successful 10►Sounds Good Andrew, but Can You transaction, and now this. we agree strategy TD ‘Deliver’? Obviously, nothing is as simple as that, and as we auction stamps to collectors I recall well the item you highlight, and 17►How Strong is the Stamp and Cover some collections may ‘break’ to the example realise that this one item has such colossal Market? Everybody knows that the £2,000+/- but the stamps may be sold for more personal value, I could never part with it. strongest areas are GB and British Empire. Post- or less – especially as we reserve all lots at 20% Independence / QEII material sells but if hinged below, (Estimate £2,000 = £1,600 reserve) and It has been an absolute pleasure dealing at considerable discount. Mint hinged material not everything sells first or even 2nd time so with yourself, and I am more than willing for pre 1952 is regarded as the industry ‘norm’ and prices may come down… Naturally, it’s not that you to use this e-mail as commendation to therefore desirable – but genuine never-hinged straightforward for a dealer either – he may sell at others who may be thinking of disposing of commands a premium. Europe sells but at reduced a discount to ‘move’ stock OR, like many dealers their collection. levels, Americas is good, as generally is Asia but he may be sitting on the same unsold stamps, that the ‘heat’ has come off China which is still good – you see time and time again, in dealer’s stocks years Many, many thanks for a memorable and Russia which can still be good. East Europe is later and still at the same unattractive prices… experience, and I will try to emulate your weaker. Overall, Rarities throughout can command So, I think it is more reasonable for you to expect thought and care in my own business sphere. their own price levels and real Postal History has up to 36% to 50% more, indirectly or directly via good demand. my Collector’s Secret Weapon: Universal Philatelic Auctions, which moves material more Yours sincerely 18►What Should I Do Next? quickly, by incrementally reducing estimate (and D. E. B. Bath, UK Discuss your collection reserve) price in a structured selling system… with U P A. Contact Andrew or 11► Q.❱ What is the Collector’s an experienced member of his ‘Secret Weapon’? Team now… BC LA.❱ It’s called the Unique This Unique Philatelic Selling System Formula is the 19►Guarantee: I want You to be absolutely UPA Reducing Estimate Sure So If You’re not sure we’ll transport reason why we are the largest stamp auction in the System... UK today with more than 2,250 different regular and return your stamps for FREE up to £200 in This is a rather long explanation, I don’t want to bore you, but 20 years ago, when my wife and I set bidders. E actual shipping cost at our expense. It sounds up Universal Philatelic Auctions I detected that the stamp trade’s biggest problem then was not what In Hindsight Dealers warned me 20 years ago generous (and it is), but it’s far less than the cost sold – but what didn’t sell… So, because I didn’t want to try to keep on offering the same either that my idea wouldn’t work. 20 years later I think of driving 100+ miles each way and 3 to 6 hours in unsaleable or overpriced stock I created the unique UPA Reducing Estimate (and reserve) Selling System. I’ve proven that it does. (Reader: Please Request a your home valuing your stamps U Simply put, if a lot doesn’t sell in the 1st auction we reduce the estimate (and reserve) by 11% and unlike complimentary UPA catalogue – using the contact other dealers and auctions WE TELL YOU – ‘US’ = once unsold. If unsold after the following auction details further below) 20►dMoyaDboeuttbelre Cast Iron Guarantee: We can we reduce by a further 12% and WE TELL YOU job valuing your stamps in our ‘US2’, if unsold after a 3rd UPA auction we reduce 13►OK, Cut to the Chase Andrew, what’s by a further 13% and WE TELL YOU ‘US3’ and the offer? All of my Selling Systems are office than in your home. If you don’t agree I’ll pay so on till the lot finds its price, is sold or virtually based upon selling to Collectors Globally, so you an extra £50 for you to pay somebody trusted ✔given away... that 95% of stamps sold by UPA are sold directly to to open the boxes and put your albums back, in the 12►Any Scientist will tell you that combinations of ingredients can produce Collectors. If you wish to benefit by up to 50% or same place, on the shelf they came from. U U powerful results. So we created the unique combination of my UPA Reducing Estimate System, more, depending upon your circumstance and type 21►Act NOW: Contact Andrew  or an married (in stone), with UPA’s fair ‘NO BUYER’S experienced member of his Team using Premium’ policy, PLUS each lot carries my total ‘no of material, by cutting out the middleman – then quibble’ guarantee – this formula is the reason why within the span of 4 auctions (one year)… 90%- this offer may be for you. Generally ‘time’ is the the on-line selling form at our website, by fax, 95% of lots broken from a collection have sold. enemy in our lives, and for most dealers not being telephone or by mail. We’ll work harder for you able to sell stock. Now is the time to let ‘time’ do not to regret the decision to sell all or part of your the ‘heavy-lifting’ and consider making ‘time’ work collection… CB for you, so that at UPA you can make time your friend. I A 14►AND the SMALL PRINT?  Some lots Andrew McGavin, Philatelic Expert, are too small in value for us to offer this Author, Managing Director system. Other lots may not be suited to selling Universal Philatelic Auctions UPA in this manner (e.g. surplus mint British decimal stamps best used for postage) – especially if the market is heavily compromised by stock overhang UNIVERSAL PHILATELIC AUCTIONS SC 05/22 4 The Old Coalyard, West End, Northleach, Glos. GL54 3HE UK Tel: 01451 861111 • Fax: 01451 861297 www.upastampauctions.co.uk • [email protected]

STAMP MAY 2022 Contents COLLECTOR 6 56 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk 6 STAMP UPDATE 40 MUSEUM OF PHILATELY Published by Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, Conflict in Ukraine reflected on stamps. We examine a notable rarity from the Bourne, PE10 9PH Covid Heroes stamps revealed. ABPS Belgian Congo. Plus, the life of PUBLISHING Congress Medal. Plus, latest new stamps exiled philatelist King Carol II Publisher: Matt Hill 16 GB STAMPS 44 DAY OF THE STAMP EDITORIAL The romance of the FA Cup is celebrated Inspired by his recent look at France’s Editor: Matt Hill [email protected] with a new set from Royal Mail. ‘Journée duTimbre’ stamps, Ed Fletcher Contributors: David Bailey, Christer Plus, your chance to win the stamps! discovers similarly attractive designs Brünstrom, Ed Fletcher, David Gwynn, Paula Hammond, Devlan Kruck, Stuart 18 MARKET INSIGHT from Belgium, Italy and Germany Leigh, Eva Mealing, Richard Stenlake, Richard Zimmerman. The latest auctions and internet sales, our 50 CELEBRATED SETS ADVERTISING regular ‘Stamp Detective’ column, and In this month’s exploration of classic Mark Dean your price guide to stamps of Gibraltar stamps to add to your album, David Bailey [email protected] Tel: 07503 707023 28 COLLECTORS’ CORNER features three sets celebrating two things: the opening of the Panama Canal and the Kay Cotterrilll [email protected] Our popular section brings together Panama Pacific Exhibition in San Francisco Tel: 01778 395065 special collecting guides to postcards, 54 STAMP STORY PRODUCTION Post & Go, Cinderellas, and FDCs. Plus, Senior designer: Nathan Ward test your knowledge in our latest quiz The story of a stamp’s designer often adds [email protected] Designers: Rajneet Gill, 33 JOINT STAMP ISSUES colour to the background of a stamp, as Jackie Grainger, Mary Ward is the case with this intriguing design from [email protected] With the world reeling from the crisis the Middle East, created in part by one SUBSCRIPTIONS in Ukraine, it is worth reminding ourselves ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ [email protected] Tel: 01778 392030 that countries often come together for 56 REVENUE STAMPS good. International cooperation can be PRINTED BY seen in many guises, not least stamps, We take a look at the variety of QEII Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH with hundreds of ‘joint issues’ being revenue stamps held in the British Library DISTRIBUTION BY released over the years, as our in-depth Philatelic Collections Warners Group Publications plc guide reveals West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH PROMOTE YOUR Disclaimer STAMPBUSINESS TO OVER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every care 40,000 COLLECTORS! COLLECTOR is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions, but will immediately investigate any written complaints. Copyright No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the publisher. Œ;%62)67+6394 49&0-'%8-32740' Showcase your latest stock to thousands Mark Dean 07503 707023 of collectors with Stamp Collector and the allaboutstamps.co.uk website. We have a [email protected] range of packages available to meet your needs and budget. Just call Mark or Kay Cotterill 01778 395065 Kay today to discuss options: [email protected]

33 Welcome BETTER TOGETHER: JOINT STAMPS GIVE US HOPE 59 THEMATICS This month’s guide to joint stamp issues highlights As the worldwide travel industry how countries around the world have come recovers after the pandemic and together to celebrate mutual achievements, mark attempts to negotiate the challenges common anniversaries, and highlight cooperation of conflict in Ukraine, we look at and friendship that crosses cultures, borders and tourist promotional stamps. time-zones. It’s a fascinating theme for a collection Plus, E is for ‘ears’ on stamps! and has an added poignancy as we witness the horrific events unfolding in Ukraine (here’s hoping the news has got 66 POSTAL HISTORY better after going to print). Sticking with the ‘joint’ theme, I’m delighted that we’ve teamed up with In this month’s guide to an intriguing our sister title to bring you the latest copy of Coin Collector with this postal history item, we examine a issue. If you haven’t seen it before, Coin Collector was launched in 2018 cover from a most prolific collector and has become one of the world’s favourite numismatic publications. of postmarks. Plus, our postal history It’s published four times a year and has the same accessible, engaging travels continue as review material approach as this mag – the editor is especially good! I really hope you from Westmoreland enjoy both magazines, and don’t miss our special offers (see below, and pages 48 and 64) to subscribe to one, or both, magazines. 70 CLASSIFIED ADS Finally, a note of disappointment from a long-suffering supporter of Tottenham Hotspur (don’t hold it against me). The new FA Cup stamp Buy, sell and swap your stamps! showing Coventry City’s Keith Houchen heading the ball past Spurs goalie Ray Clemence gave me a pang of unwelcome nostalgia. That 73 THE CHRONICLES dramatic 1987 FA Cup Final took place on my twelfth birthday and every OF NOELLA BRAY present I received that day related to the match (I still have the Wembley 1987 scarf). I’d just about got over the fact that Spurs failed to deliver the Our Victorian fiction series continues present I hoped for that year… thanks for the reminder Royal Mail! 74 ADVERTISER INDEX Matt Hill, Editor Keep in touch. Share your views, stamps and Your A to Z guide to advertisers thoughts with us: [email protected] featured in this issue. ADD TO YOUR TRY COIN COLLECTOR FOR JUST £2! ALBUM, SUPPORT THE TRADE, AND BE SURE TO MENTION STAMP COLLECTOR! We hope you enjoy your copy of WIN! HG WELLS £2 COIN COVER • SCARCITY INDEX Coin Collector magazine. 59 COIN FOUNDONEYET? If you don’t collect coins, then please PLATINUM pass the issue on to a colleague COLLECTORISSUE FIFTEEN JUBILEE 50p who does, but if you do dabble in IN DETAIL SUMMER 2022 numismatics, we’re giving you the ALLABOUTCOINS.CO.UK chance to subscribe to Coin Collector for just £2 for your first two issues – EDWARD 15> that’s a saving of 75% compared to VIII’S the price in the shops (and, of course, PENNY includes free UK delivery). WHY THE 1937 COIN IS WORTH Give the team a call today on 01778 392030 to claim the offer, THOUSANDS or visit the website at: EXPERT INSIGHT www.allaboutcoins.co.uk What the West Norfolk Have you yet to subscribe to Stamp Hoard tells us about Collector? Then why not join both our history magazines? See the offer on page 64. INDIA’S COIN PRICE GUIDE Coin composition HERITAGE explained HOW MUCH TO PAY FOR FROM MUGHAL MASTERPIECES GEORGE III SHILLINGS Banknotes, medals, and much more TO MODERN DESIGNS PLUS: £2 COIN CHECKLIST MAY 2022

STAMP Quick Links UPDATE Page 8 Covid Heroes stamps Page 9 Postcode exhibition opens Page 10 ABPS Congress Medal STAMPS REFLECT CONFLICT IN UKRAINE The conflict in Ukraine has affected millions of people, and the response to the war-torn country. Firstly Latvia issued a block of three stamps, to the humanitarian crisis has prompted a response from around the and ‘a special explanatory coupon’, in response to the Russian invasion of world, including from post offices and stamp collecting communities. Ukraine, with half of the proceeds from sales going to the charity fund Ziedot.lv programme in support of Ukraine. The stamp block features the The most striking philatelic addition to the unfolding tragedy is the national flags of Ukraine and Latvia, Ukraine’s Independence Monument launch of a stamp design competition by Ukrposhta, the Ukraine postal in Kiev and Latvia’s Freedom Monument in Riga as well as inscriptions in service, which invited Ukrainians to design a stamp showing the defiance Ukrainian and Latvian saying ‘We Are with You!’ and ‘Glory to Ukraine!’ against the Russians, with the hope that the challenge will ‘relieve the psychological stress of war’. Estonia and Poland quickly followed suit. Estonia’s simple ‘Glory to Ukraine!’ design shows a dove against a background of the Ukraine flag; The competition asked Ukrainians to create a postage stamp design a postcard with a similar design will be given for free with all purchases for a forthcoming issue with the unsubtle title ‘Russian warship, go f*** of the stamp. Poland’s ‘We Are with You!’ stamp shows a handshake with yourself ’, a translation of the welcome Ukrainian defenders gave when the hands painted in the national colours of the two countries. soldiers aboard a Russian warship attacked Snake Island in February. The competition proved popular, attracting entries from both Ukraine and Meanwhile, internet auction sites delcampe.net and ebay have suspended around the world, and the postal service has claimed participation in the all sales and purchases from Russia and Belarus. A statement from competition ‘has become a real art therapy for many in these difficult delcampe.net said: ‘In concrete terms, the following actions have been times for our country.’ taken: suspension of the account of users based in Russia and Belarus; cancellation of sales and purchases made by these users; commission fees Ukrposhta posted the top twenty entries on their facebook page and on cancelled sales will not be accounted for; ratings will been turned into asked the public to vote for their favourite, all whilst the attack on the neutral feedback for all transactions affected by these measures.’ country continued. The winner of the competition was Ukrainian artist Boris Groh, whose design shows a soldier on the island making a well The eBay statement explained: ‘Due to the troubling events in known gesture towards a Russian warship with his middle finger. Ukraine, couriers have suspended delivery services to areas of Ukraine and Russia. As a result, eBay has suspended all exports into Ukraine and In another defiant move from Ukrposhta, the postal authority have Russia, including the Global Shipping Programme Service. There are called on the Universal Postal Union to ‘apply sanctions to the Russian currently limited shipping options for sellers to fulfil sales to Ukraine and Post in order to limit propaganda through philately’ and to re-elect Russia, and buyers in Ukraine and Russia may be unable to purchase the head of the World Association for the Development of Philately items on eBay until stable shipping services resume.’ (WADP), which is ‘headed by a representative of the aggressor country.’ They have also withdrawn and destroyed two issues jointly issued In a similar move, the Federation of European Philatelic Associations with Russia and Belarus, namely the se-tenant of three stamps ‘50th (FEPA), the body that oversees philatelic exhibitions across Europe, has Anniversary of the Liberation of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine from the stated that: ‘The Board’s recommendation to its Members is that they Nazi invaders’, put into circulation in 1994, and a postage block ‘1025 should not permit participation from Russia and Belarus of any kind in Years of the Baptism of Kievan Rus’, issued in 2013. their philatelic events for the foreseeable future… The Board regrets deeply that this may disadvantage philatelists in Russia and Belarus, but it is clear Other post offices and philatelic organisations have given their support that FEPA cannot appear in any way to condone the aggressive actions in Ukraine.’ Top: just some of the many entries in Ukraine’s stamp design competition, the winning entry (top left) is set to appear on a future stamp. From left: new stamps from Latvia, Estonia and Poland lend support to Ukraine 6 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

THIS IS JUST A SMALL PART AJH STAMPS LTD Registered Business No: OF OUR 2022 CATALOGUE THE LAURELS 24407076 MANCHESTER ROAD, ACCRINGTON email: [email protected] LTD. Co No. 4110518 Web Page: www. ajhstamps.co.uk LANCS, BB5 2PF Est: 1970 TEL: (01254) 393740 FAX: (01254) 382274 REF T500 REF T501 REF T502 REF T503 FREE GENUINE 1840 Id BLACK WITH EVERY GREAT BRITAIN BOX FILE FREE C. O. G .H TRIANGULAR FREE STOCK FREE GENUINE 1840 2d BLUE CAT £130 WITH EVERY BOOK WITH A SUPERB MIX INC 500 DIFF OFF PAPER, EVERY FOREIGN WITH EVERY GREAT BRITAIN COMMONWEALTH BOX FILE BOX FILE BOX FILE ALSO STAMPS ON & OFF PAPER INC KGVI A SUPERB MIX INC 1,000 DIFFERENT SUPERB MIX OF ON & WILDINGS IDEAL FOR WTM ETC PLUS OFF PAPER USED STC £100+ ALSO & OFF PAPER EARLY INCLUDING ALBUM PAGES, LOOSE CAT £90 TO MODERN 1,000+ STAMPS ON AND OFF PAPER ALBUM PAGES MOST REIGNS, MINT & ALBUM PAGES WITH A GOOD RANGE CAT £900 6 REIGNS. A BAG CONTAINING USED AND FDCs, ITEMS OF NOTE ARE 1841 & MIXED ALBUM PAGES WITH A CAT £375 1d & 2d IMPERF PLUS QV TO 1/- GREEN. OF COUNTRIES, PLUS STAMPS LOOSE ON AND OFF PAPER GOOD MIX OF COUNTRIES & £50+ 500 DIFFERENT GREAT BRITAIN OFF PAPER AND FDC’s. ALSO SINGLE ITEMS 1855 1d & 2d QV TO KEVII WITH VALUES TO 1/-, KGV WITH VALUES TO 2/6 TO SORT, WITH COUNTRIES A TO Z, ALSO AUCTION LEFT OF BAGGED & PRICED ALBUM 1/- 1887 GREEN AND RED KEVII TO 10d, KGV TO PAGES AND AUCTION LEFT OVERS SEAHORSE, KEVIII SET, PLUS KGVI WITH VALUES TO £1 OVERS CONTAINING STAMPS CAT £20+, MAKES THIS A GOOD 5/- SEAHORSE, KGVI TO £1 1939 AND QEII TO £10, WITH STAMPS CAT £20+ AND QEII TO £5 MAKES THIS A GOOD SORT WITH MANY SORT WITH BETTER ITEMS EARLY TO MODERN FOR JUST MAKES THIS CAT £1,500 + BETTER VALUES WITH A CAT PRICE OF £1,000+ FOR JUST £149.50 PLUS £9.50 FOR £89.50 PLUS £9.50 FOR £89.50 PLUS £9.50 FOR £179.50 PLUS £9.50 FOR DELIVERY BY DPD/Registered DELIVERY BY DPD DELIVERY BY DPD/Registered DELIVERY BY DPD/Registered REF T504 REF T603 REF T604 REF T605 REF T606 GREAT BRITAIN BOX FILES FOREIGN SHOE BOX COMMONWEALTH CHANNEL IS, REGIONALS & IOM GREAT BRITAIN SHOE BOX, FREE 1841 IMPERF 1d RED & 2d BLUE BUY REF T500 & T503 AND RECEIVE BOTH CRAMMED WITH ON AND OFF PAPER FOREIGN SHOE BOX SHOE BOX FREE GIFTS, 1840 1d BLACK & 2d BLUE, CAT £130 AND WE WILL REPLACE 500 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. ALL WORLD MIXTURE STATED TO BE CONTAINING ON AND OFF PAPER, CONTAINS STAMPS ON & OFF PAPER, CONTAINING A GOOD MIX OF ALL 6 REIGNS WITH 1,000 DIFFERENT TO MAKE THIS PAIR A MINIMUM OF 1000+ DIFFERENT. ALSO ALBUM UNCHECKED A TO Z EARLY TO DEFINITIVES & COMMEMORATIVES, PLUS FROM 1d REDS TO MODERN INC STAMPS OF BOX FILES A SUPERB SORT & VALUE PAGES, LOOSE STAMPS AUCTION LEFT OVERS MODERN, LOOSE AND ON LEAVES, ALBUM PAGES FDCs ETC, ALSO SOME ON & OFF PAPER, INC SOME EARLY, IDEAL CONTAINING STAMPS CAT £5+ THIS IS A VERY A GOOD MAINLY MODERN MIX, SETS & SINGLES, MINT & USED, A GOOD FOR WATERMARKS, ALSO ALBUM PAGES, FOR MONEY CAT AT £3,500+ AT JUST GOOD CHEAP SORT (NO GREAT BRITAIN) OVER BUT SOME EARLY MIXED IN, BETTER SORT FOR THESE POPULAR COUNTRIES, FDCs, MINT & USED SETS & SINGLES ETC SINGLES, CHEAP LOT, 1000+ STAMPS, FOR JUST £310.00 PLUS £12.00 FOR 4000 SOLD THE LAST 50 YEARS FOR JUST £49.50 PLUS £4 POSTAGE MAINLY USED, FOR JUST DELIVERY BY DPD £49.50 PLUS £4 POSTAGE £49.50 PLUS £4 POSTAGE £49.50 PLUS £4 POSTAGE REF T602 REF T510 WORLD (NO GB) 12KG BOX THE FAMOUS ALL WORLD BOX OF ALL WORLD COLLECTIONS REF T510 WOODEN TEA CHEST OF STAMPS COMMONWEALTH AND FOREIGN (NO GREAT BRITAIN) AND NO STAMPS ON THE FAMOUS YES, THE ULTIMATE SORT WITH OVER 1,000 OF THESE SOLD IN THE PAPER A GOOD MIX OF COUNTRIES ALL WORLD LAST 40 YEARS, A MUST FOR COLLECTOR/DEALER OR ANYONE WHO AND SINGLE COUNTRY COLLECTIONS LIKES A GOOD SORT, INC COLLECTIONS, PACKETS, LOOSE STAMPS IN STOCKBOOKS AND ALBUMS AS WOODEN ON & OFF PAPER, ALSO MIXED COUNTRIES IN VARIOUS BOXES & TEA CHEST STOCKBOOKS OF WORLD ETC A GOOD MIX INC GB, C/W & FOREIGN RECEIVED COULD BE ANYTHING 1,000S OF STAMPS WITH STAMPS CAT £50+ 1,000s OF STAMPS A LOT UNCHECKED ETC WITH A RETAIL VALUE OF £1,300 AND WEIGHING APPROX 30 KILO OF STAMPS (EVERY BOX DIFFERENT) SUPERB LOT £299.50 PLUS £15.00 DELIVERY HAVE YOU TRIED ONE YET FOR BY DPD. £999.00 PLUS £29.00 FOR DELIVERY BY DPD REF T623 REF T624 REF T626 GREAT BRITAIN WOODEN HALF TEA CHEST COMMONWEALTH WOODEN HALF TEA FOREIGN WOODEN HALF TEA CHEST CONTAINING COLLECTIONS, STOCKBOOKS, LOOSE PAGES CHEST STOCKCARDS, BOXES OF ON & OFF PAPER & LOOSE STAMPS, CONTAINING COLLECTIONS, STOCKBOOKS, LOOSE FROM QV TO MODERN INC 1840 1d BLACK, 1d REDS AND A CONTAINING COLLECTIONS, STOCKBOOKS, LOOSE PAGES PAGES & STOCKSHEETS, ALSO BOXES OF UNSORTED GOOD SELECTION OF MINT & USED, ALL REIGNS, PLUS FDCs ETC, MATERIAL, STAMPS LOOSE ON & OFF PAPER , & A GOOD LOT, VERY HIGH CAT, WITH TOP VALUES AND AUCTION & STOCKSHEETS, FROM QV TO MODERN INC CAPE OF SINGLE STAMPS & AUCTION LEFTOVERS CAT £50+ LEFTOVERS CAT £50+ EACH, STATED TO RETAIL £800+ EACH, GOOD HIGH CAT LOT, EARLY TO MODERN, GOOD HOPE TRIANGULAR, ALSO BOXES OF UNSORTED STATED TO RETAIL £800+ MATERIAL, LOOSE STAMPS ON & OFF PAPER, COVERS & AUCTION LEFTOVERS CAT £50+ EACH, SETS & SINGLES, GOOD HIGH CAT LOT, STATED TO RETAIL £800+ £599.50 PLUS £22 £599.50 PLUS £22 £599.50 PLUS £22 FOR DELIVERY BY DPD FOR DELIVERY BY DPD FOR DELIVERY BY DPD REF T627 REF T607 REF T622 ALL WORLD WOODEN HALF TEA CHEST ALL WORLD FUN BOX WORLD (NO GB) MYSTERY IN ½ BOX MIX INC PACKET OF 500 INCLUDING COLLECTIONS OF FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH, CHANNEL DIFFERENT OFF PAPER ISLANDS, IOM & GREAT BRITAIN WITH STOCKBOOKS, COLLECTIONS, INCLUDING LOOSE STAMPS ALBUM PAGES, FIRST DAY COVERS STAMPS ON AND OFF PAPER ON AND OFF PAPER PLUS A PLASTIC ZIP UP BAG OF CHILDREN COLLECTIONS, UNCHECKED WORLD ON & OFF BOXES AND PACKETS OF UNSORTED STOCKBOOKS OF WORLD ETC PAPER AS RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS MATERIAL. AUCTION LEFT-OVERS A GOOD PLUS OTHER BITS, ALBUM PAGES, THE ODD COVER, EVERY BOX IS CHARITY, UNCHECKED WITH 700 GRAMS AND A PACKET OF SORT FROM QV TO MODERN WITH STAMPS DIFFERENT (VIRTUALLY NO GB) 1,000s TO SORT 500 DIFFERENT OFF PAPER CAT £50+ STATED TO RETAIL £400+ £89.50 PLUS £12.00 FOR £24.50 £299.50 PLUS £22.00 DELIVERY BY DPD PLUS £4 POSTAGE FOR DELIVERY BY DPD OUR 'T' NUMBERS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE MONTHLY POSTAL AUCTION ON THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH CLOSING TIME FOR BIDS 5pm WEDNESDAY OF THE AUCTION PLACE YOUR BIDS BY PHONE, POST, FAX OR E-MAIL WRITE OR PHONE ON 01254 393740 OR E-MAIL: [email protected] NOW FOR OUR FREE MONTHLY AUCTION CATALOGUE CONTAINING APPROX 700 LOTS, WITH CARTONS, COLLECTIONS, FOLDER ONE COUNTRY LOTS, PLUS GREAT BRITAIN, COMMONWEALTH SETS AND SINGLE ITEMS, PRICES FROM £24 TO £20,000 PER LOT. NO BUYERS' PREMIUM - AUCTION LEFTOVERS ARE E-MAILED ON THURSDAY FOLLOWING THE AUCTION. WE WILL RING YOU AT A PRE-ARRANGED TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US WITH YOUR LOT NUMBER/S AND YOUR CREDIT CARD DETAILS AND PHONE NO AND WE WILL RING YOU FROM 6.00pm ONWARDS. AUCTION DATES FOR 2022 11th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th Aug, 14th Sept, 12th Oct WRITE PHONE OR FAX FOR OUR MONTHLY WHOLESALE/RETAIL SALE LIST WITH OVER 1,000 ITEMS, INCLUDING COMMONWEALTH A TO Z SINGLE STAMPS AND SETS MINT AND USED ALSO GREAT BRITAIN QV TO MODERN FROM HALF PRICE PLUS GREAT BRITAIN DEFINITIVES, SETS AND SINGLES, MINT AND USED AND 1840 QV TO 1936 G/F/USED, PLUS COLLECTIONS AND BOXES, AND A FURTHER RANGE OF ‘T’ NUMBERS HAVE YOU CLICKED YET? DEALERS YOU We welcome WE BUY PRIVATE COLLECTIONS VISIT OUR ON-LINE AUCTION MANY LOTS STARTING FROM AS LITTLE AS £1 CAN TRUST & DEALER'S ENTIRE STOCK SMALL WITH AUTOMATIC BID UPDATES OVER 50 ORVAST,WITH IMMEDIATE YEARS www.ajhstamps.co.uk EXPERIENCE PAYMENTS. RING NOW scan with your phone www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MJUALY 20202 7

IN BRIEF ‘COVID HEROES’ STAMPS REVEALED The United Nations Postal Administration recently issued a Royal Mail have revealed the winners, and definitive stamp to commemorate the subsequent stamp designs, of their ‘Covid Heroes’ birth anniversary of Wangari Maathai, competition, which challenged young people to a Kenyan social, environmental and design a stamp highlighting the amazing work played political activist and the first African by key workers and others during the pandemic. woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The stamp features a quote in In Spring 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson German: ‘When we plant trees, we and Royal Mail Chief Executive, Simon Thompson plant the seeds of peace and hope’. launched a special stamp design competition. The €0.85 stamp is part of a series A staggering 606,049 entries were submitted from of definitive stamps illustrated by 7,479 schools, helping Royal Mail to secure the engraver Martin Mörck. Guinness World Records title for Largest postage stamp design competition. Royal Mail then selected Royal Mail recently unveailed four 120 regional finalists, from this a special panel special postboxes to celebrate World of judges, including the Prime Minister, picked 24 regional winners, and the final eight winning Book Day’s 25th anniversary. The designs were personally selected by HRH The Prince of Wales, with the finished stamps approved postboxes were adorned in lines from by Her Majesty The Queen. books by authors including Greg James and Chris Smith, Nadiya Hussain, The winners were: Jessica Roberts, Shachow Ali, Raphael Valle Martin, Alfie Craddock, Logan Dara McAnulty and Martin Waddell Pearson, Isabella Grover, Connie Stuart and Ishan Bains, whilst the artwork from all 24 regional finalists with images from the likes of Harry are featured on the presentation pack. The stamps were issued on 23 March. Potter front cover illustrator Jonny Duddle. They are located across the %'ETXEMR8SQWXEQT©IZIRXYEPP] UK in Luton (England), Nannerch, Flintshire (Wales), Dundee (Scotland) You may remember, back at the height of the and Castlewellan (Northern Ireland), pandemic, we started a petition to have a stamp close to places of significance to either issued for Captain Sir Tom Moore, stating that: ‘A the writers or their work. Royal Mail special stamp celebrating his life and his charity also marked World Book Day with a work in 2020 would be a fitting tribute to both special postmark, featuring the 25th him and the many key workers and fundraisers anniversary message. who have come together to help the fight against this horrible virus.’ We wanted the special stamp to Banbury Stamp Society is to host a be a charity (or ‘semi-postal’) issue with a portion major event for stamp collectors in the of the revenue going to a suitable charity, or to the Autumn. Banbury’s event will feature NHS. We didn’t get this, but finally we have our the Midland Philatelic Federation stamp. Let’s hope it serves as a reminder of how we Autumn Convention and Thames can all help others in times of need. Valley Federation annual competitions and a Stamp and Postcard Fair. It will take place on Sunday 23 October at Blessed George Napier School, Springfield Avenue, Banbury, OX16 9JD from 10am to 4pm. There will be approximately twenty stamp dealers taking part. Commenting on plans for the Festival, Chairman Malcolm Moodie said: ‘It will be an event not to be missed for all new and experienced philatelists. There will be some displays by some of the leading collectors in the Midlands and Thames Valley. It will be a great opportunity to meet fellow collectors, buy some new items for your collections and learn more about the hobby.’ For more information contact John Davies on email: davies1890@ btinternet.com; tel: 01295 255831. 8 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

BASEBALL STAMP EXHIBITION LAUNCHED The Smithsonian National Postal Museum’s new exhibition ‘Baseball: Smithsonian, America’s Home Run’ explores America’s national pastime through the participation from the unique lens of stamps and mail. greatest organisations dedicated to the On view from 9 April until 5 January 2025 at the museum in sport of baseball Washington DC, the exhibition features hundreds of U.S. and and support from international stamps commemorating great players and historic moments, businesses and and drawing on original artwork and archival material from the U.S. private collectors Postal Service’s esteemed Postmaster General’s Collection, the exhibition who love the game,’ approaches the story of baseball from a unique, worldwide perspective. said Elliot Gruber, director of the The display of stamps and mail will be complemented by dozens of museum. ‘I would objects loaned by other Smithsonian museums, the National Baseball like to offer special thanks to the lead sponsors of the exhibition – Hall of Fame, law enforcement agencies and renowned private the Washington Nationals Ball Club, Heritage Auctions, Milwaukee Tool, collections that have never before been on public display. the National Postal Museum Society, Ricos Products Co. and Smithsonian- published author Stephen Tsi Chuen Wong who also serves as honorary Of the more than sixty baseball stamps issued by the United advisor to the exhibition, for their generous support.’ States since 1939, the vast majority commemorate individual players. Many of these postal portraits feature specially A special website makes available the stories, themes and historical commissioned artwork designed to mimic the look and feel of artefacts presented in the exhibition. Visit: postalmuseum.si.edu/baseball classic baseball cards and recall players whose achievements on and off the field made them household names. ‘We are proud to have Institution-wide cooperation from the POSTCODE EXHIBITION THE POWER OF AT POSTAL MUSEUM THE POSTCODE A new exhibition at The Postal Postcodes are part of everyday Museum reveals ground-breaking life. They affect everything from technology that revolutionised communications and identity to Britain and the post forever. house prices and care. Postcodes The new temporary exhibition ‘Sorting Britain: The Power of were trialled in Norwich in Postcodes’ runs until 1 January 2023, and delves into the Post 1959, but their story goes Office innovation that revolutionised how post was processed, back further. The exhibition sorted, and delivered and its unintended outcomes for life in explains the early postal districts Britain. of London, Liverpool and Chris Taft, Head of Collections said: ‘There was a great sense Manchester in the 1850s and of national pride at the heart of the drive for innovation at the Post Office. 1860s to the modern coding we The mechanisation of traditional systems, and ultimately the adoption of the know today. postcode system, helped changed the face of Britain forever. Today, the advent of new technology continues to change how we communicate with each other at astonishing speed. Sorting Britain is a Tech pioneers Tommy Flowers, fascinating look into this little-known history, told through the wonderful collections at The Postal Dame Stephanie Shirley CH and Museum.’ Sir Gordon Radley, were some Exhibition highlights include ELSIE, one of the only original 1950s ‘Electronic Letter Sorting of the brilliant minds working at Indicating Equipment’ machines left in existence, which goes on display for the first time in twenty the Post Office Research Station years, as visitors are invited to try their hand at coding post. at Dollis Hill in the 1930s to Visitors to the Museum can also find out about the importance of ‘Poco the Postcode Elephant’, 60s. Their impact is explored in and the array of incredible memorabilia created for it, which helped change the nation’s habits in the new exhibition, from postal the 1980s through a decade-long advertising campaign. The exhibition will consider ‘what does my mechanisation and postcodes postcode say about me?’, as it delves into how postcodes are now used to sort people, as well as post. to inventions like Colossus, Contemporary British artist, Alison Turnbull, has been commissioned to create a response to the the world’s first programmable exhibition’s themes. Alison is known for transforming and reimagining readymade information, electronic computer, and even such as plans, diagrams, blueprints and charts, into vivid abstract paintings. The exhibition will be hearing aids. accompanied by events throughout 2022 at The Postal Museum and online. In 1960, there were around Sorting Britain: The Power of Postcodes, until 1 January 2023. Admission included in the ticket 28 million letters and packages price (£16 online) for The Postal Museum, which is located at 15-20 Phoenix Place, London, passing through the postal WC1X 0DA. Find out more at www.postalmuseum.org system every day. With the help of ELSIE and coded post, an www.allaboutstamps.co.uk operator could sort up to 110 letters a minute, or about 6,000 letters an hour. MAY 2022 9

IN BRIEF ABPS CONGRESS MEDAL AWARDED The price of Jersey stamps went up The 2022 Congress Medal other members since when he has been active recently due to ‘significant challenges’, has been awarded to Michael on the committee. At the same time, he has the cost of sending a local letter is J Roberts of Huddersfield. served on the Council of the Royal Philatelic now 56p, a letter to the UK, IOM Society London and is currently a Regional or other Channel Islands rose to 82p, Mike’s philatelic life Representative and has been the former while letters to Europe and the rest of can be traced back to his Secretary, President and Chairman of the the world now cost £1.20 and £1.75, fourth birthday when he Society for Postal Historians. respectively. Meanwhile, Guernsey started collecting. He joined have increased stamp prices too. The Huddersfield Philatelic Society aged eight, and From grass root societies to International cost of a Bailiwick letter is frozen at four years later was Junior Representative on Exhibitions Mike is very active in all 50p; the price of a UK letter is now that society’s committee. Sixty years later he categories of philately. He was a member of 73p, a letter to Europe is £1, and remains a member having fulfilled a number of the Organising Committee for the London the price of a letter to the Rest of the committee positions in the intervening years. Internationals held in 2010 and 2015 and World is £1.20. Mike has proved there is enthusiasm for is a member of the Core Team for London local societies. As a firm believer in daytime 2020/2022, with responsibility for staffing. New York-based dealers Ideal meetings, he proposed establishing West Riding Stamp Company have announced Stamp Club, acting as contact for many years. As a keen numismatist he has encouraged links the purchase of a 2013 issued Interestingly, the Club does not, by choice, between stamp collectors and coin collectors, US Post Upright Jenny Sheet have elected officers. Similarly, in 2014 he giving philatelic displays to the latter and lecturers from a private collector. Mr. Sam established Cockermouth Stamp Club with on various numismatic topics to the former. He Malamud, President of Ideal Stamp Mike Mapleton. This has grown to twenty local has also written articles for both Stamp Collector Company, said: ‘We are proud to members, plus many more joining its Zoom and sister magazine Coin Collector. be the only stamp company in the events. Through Mike’s enterprise in organising world to have purchased a record two auctions a year, now with 500+ lots per For upwards of twenty years Mike has seven stamp sheets of the famed sale, both clubs have raised their profile within provided advice to executors and family Upright Jenny Sheet. We will the wider philatelic and local communities. members regarding the disposal of philatelic continue to pursue the purchase Not content with just being a member of material and, as a solicitor, has promoted the and acquisition of the remaining various specialist societies he has held office in importance of writing a will which includes sheets and offer the highest paid the West African Study Circle and the Sarawak details of a collection. price to anyone presenting an Specialist’ Society and is currently the secretary authentic sheet.’ The original of Cumbria Postal History Society. He founded A spokesperson for the ABPS said: ‘Mike Inverted Jenny stamp was issued in the Pakistan Study Circle in 2000 with three Roberts was nominated by Cockermouth Stamp 1918, with the image of the Curtiss Club and the Society of Postal Historians and is JN-4 airplane printed upside- a worthy recipient of the ABPS Congress Medal down. According to many it is for 2022.’ likely to be the most famous error in American philately. Only one NEW BOOK ON IRAQ POSTAL HISTORY pane of 100 of the inverted stamps was ever found, making this error The Royal Philatelic Society London has released Fils orange aerogramme. This new edition one of the most prized in philately. the second edition of the book Guide to the also offers expanded sections on the 1954 To commemorate 95 years since Postal Stationery of Iraq by the famed error, in 2013, the US Clayton Rubec and Professor and 1957 unreleased proofs Postal Service released a sheet of Akthem Al-Manaseer. of Faisal II aerogrammes as six stamps each with a value of well as new formula postal $2, depicting the Inverted Jenny According to the Society, stationery from 2019. Airplane. But the USPS also the first 2016 edition has revealed that 100 sheets with the been one of the Royal’s best- A spokesperson for the Curtiss JN-4 plane actually printed selling books, and this second RPSL said: ‘This new book right-side up would be issued. edition has thirty additional is aimed at anyone interested Malamud added: ‘We will continue pages of new material. in Iraqi and Mesopotamian to seek the other upright jenny The new content includes philately. It aims to list all sheets and urge collectors around previously unreported postal stationery used in the world to open their sealed examples of, amongst others, Iraq during the Kingdom of envelopes. We are buyers and have Ottoman postal stationery Iraq and Republic of Iraq always offered the highest prices used in its Iraq vilayets, more periods. Covering the period paid. Likewise, anyone interested British in Occupation and from 1863 to 2021, this in purchasing the Upright Jenny Indian Expeditionary Force second edition summarises Sheet, please contact me directly.’ postcards and envelopes, and new information from many British India sovereign stationery. sources that is additional to 10 MAY 2022 that presented in the first edition.’ The cover of the book shows an image of the unreleased (and probably the rarest Iraqi Find out more about the book and order your copy postal stationery item), the 1933 Faisal I 20 by visiting: www.rpsl.org.uk www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE STAMP ARTWORK NOW AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS The Stamp Collector team are excited to be working with renowned stamp engraver MARTIN MÖRCK Martin MÖrck to offer collectors limited edition, signed prints of some of his most STAMP ARTWORK famous stamp artwork. With more than 900 different stamp designs under his belt, from 28 different postal administrations, Martin is the most productive living stamp designer and engraver in the world, and now collectors can purchase signed prints via the www. allaboutstamps.co.uk website. Prints on offer include artwork for the United Nations stamps showing intricate and beautifully crafted portraits of Mother Theresa, Florence Nightingale, Kofi Annan, and Mahatma Gandhi. The recent portrait of master engraver Czeslaw Slania, used on jointly issued stamps for the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Denmark, and featured on the December 2021 front cover of Stamp Collector, is also available. To find out more about the prints available, visit: www.allaboutstamps.co.uk/store The exclusive, limited edition prints, all of Mother Theresa, limited edition of 100, signed - £50 which are signed by Martin, would make As seen on United Nations $1.80 definitive stamp, a wonderful addition to a collection of the issued August 2021 issued stamps Czeslaw Slania, limited edition of 100, signed - £50 As seen on Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Denmark miniature sheets, issued August 2021 to mark birth centenary of Slania Florence Nightingale, signed - £30 As seen on United Nations €1.35 definitive stamp, issued May 2020 Kofi Annan, signed - £30 As seen on United Nations $1.80 definitive stamp, issued May 2019 Mahatma Gandhi, signed - £30 As seen on United Nations $2.75 definitive stamp, issued October 2019 Mahatma Gandhi ‘God is Truth’, signed - £30 As seen on Principality of Monaco €2.10 stamp, issued October 2019 Available, whilst stocks last, at: www.allaboutstamps.co.uk/store 1st CLASS STAMP NOW 95p Royal Mail have increased the price of a 1st class stamp by 10p to 95p necessary to ensure the one-price-goes-anywhere Universal Service and the price of a 2nd class stamp by 2p to 68p. remains sustainable. The Universal Service Obligation (USO) requires Royal Mail to deliver letters to 31 million home and business addresses An official statement explained: ‘Royal Mail has considered these across the UK six days a week at the same price.’ pricing changes very carefully in light of the long term structural decline in letter usage and rising inflation. Letter volumes have declined by more According to Royal Mail, their stamp prices remain among the best than 60% since their peak in 2004/5, and around 20% since the start of value in Europe compared to other postal operators, with research the pandemic. suggesting that the average price for 1st Class letters (0-100g) across Europe is £1.36. ‘Overall, these changes are broadly in line with inflation and are www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 11

FAROE ISLANDS Mother Nature’s light show Two stamps from the Faroe Islands provide stunning views of the process that creates the aurora borealis, and different wavelengths create Northern lights (Aurora Borealis), beautiful waves of colour that the different colours. light up the night sky and are caused by solar winds and flares. ‘The colours of the aurora depend on which gas is being excited by the The two stamp designs, featuring photographs of the natural electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged. Oxygen emits phenomenon, speak for themselves, yet it is fascinating to either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar colour of the aurora) or a learn how and why the lightshow appears. Faroese writer and red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue or purple light. stamp designer Anker Eli Petersen explains: ‘The solar wind is a stream of charged particles and when these particles hit the ‘Blue, red and purple are also colours that are seen less frequently and earth’s magnetic field, northern or southern lights appear at the tend to appear when solar activity is high. In all cases, the colours are poles, aurora borealis and aurora australis. caused by particles colliding with our atmosphere.’ ‘The fiercer the solar wind, the more powerful the northern Issue date: 28 February 2022, en.stamps.fo lights. They occur at altitudes of 90 to 300 kilometres, when the intensity of the solar winds in the form of charged particles is deflected into the Earth’s magnetosphere, forming a belt around the earth’s magnetic poles. During strong solar activity, fierce solar storms for instance, the northern belt widens and the northern lights can be seen further south. ‘The process itself consists of energy-rich protons and electrons in the solar storms, which smash into atmospheric molecules, increasing their energy states for a moment. ‘The molecules and atoms then release excess energy or recapture displaced electrons which decay to their ground state. It is this emission GUERNSEY Second ‘Heart of the Forest’ stamp released The second stamp in a series created from The final two stamps will be released later this year Post, said: ‘To highlight the work of the Love Paper previously issued Guernsey and Alderney stamps with the souvenir sheet set to released in November campaign, Gail has used Guernsey and Alderney and mini sheets, and depicting elements of stamps and miniature sheets, which she has moulded sustainable forest management, has been released. and shaped to depict elements of sustainable forest management. The result is a series of beautiful three- Guernsey’s ‘Heart of the Forest’ quartet stamp dimensional paper cut images, with the second stamp series has been created by Gail Armstrong, an depicting a butterfly and forest. award-winning paper sculptor and illustrator who produces three-dimensional works of art from ‘With each of the four stamps being priced at flat sheets of paper. The stamp theme takes its £1.00, our quartet series is a great introduction for inspiration from Love Paper, a global campaign those who are new to philately, enabling them to which promotes the sustainable and attractive collect a complete series for an affordable price.’ attributes of print, paper, and paper packaging. Issue date: 21 March 2022, www.guernseystamps.com Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey LUXEMBOURG 100 years of the Motor Union Luxembourg have issued an 80c stamp to mark the centenary of the Motor-Union of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (MUL). According to Post Luxembourg, he MUL plays an important role in the organisation and development of motorcycle sport in all its forms and supports Luxembourg participants in various national and international competitions. In addition to its sporting missions, the association is committed to the safety of motorcyclists on the roads and encourages its members to follow training courses and use appropriate equipment, while advocating respect and caution in relationships with other road users. Issue date: 18 March 2022, www.postphilately.lu 12 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

Selling your stamp collection? Warwick and Warwick have an expanding requirement for world collections, single country collections, single items, covers, proof material and specialised collections. Our customer base is increasing dramatically and we need an ever-larger supply of quality material to keep pace with demand. The market is currently very strong for G.B. and British Commonwealth and the Far East. If you are considering the sale of your collection, now is the time to act. FREE VALUATIONS We will provide a free, professional valuation of your collection, without obligation on your part to proceed. Either we will make you a fair, binding private treaty offer, or we will recommend inclusion of your property in our next public auction. FREE TRANSPORTATION We can arrange insured transportation of your collection to our Warwick offices completely free of charge. If you decline our offer, we ask you to cover the return carriage costs only. FREE VISITS Visits by our valuers are possible anywhere in the country or abroad, in order to assess more valuable collections. Please phone for details. ADVISORY DAYS We have an ongoing programme of advisory days, in all regions of the United Kingdom, where you can meet us and discuss the sale of your collection. Visit our website for further details. EXCELLENT PRICES Because of the strength of our customer base we are in a position to offer prices that we feel sure will exceed your expectations. ACT NOW Telephone or email Patrick Collyer today with details of your property. Auctioneers and Valuers Warwick & Warwick Ltd., Chalon House, Scar Bank, www.warwickandwarwick.com Millers Road, Warwick CV34 5DB England Get the experts on your side! Tel: (01926) 499031 • Fax: (01926) 491906 Email: UFYWNHPHTQQ^[email protected] /warwickauctions @warwickauctions

IN BRIEF JERSEY The U.S. Postal Jersey stamps celebrate the tractor Service has honoured author A set of eight stamps celebrating the tractor feature Featured across the stamps are: a Ferguson T20 and illustrator Shel makes and models of tractor that are currently in (c. 1952) ploughing a field; a Renault 85-12 TX (c. Silverstein with use or have been used historically in Jersey. 1989) towing a boat; a Massey Ferguson 6714s (c. a Forever stamp Stamp artist Martin Mörck said: ‘I have been 2017) planting Jersey Royal seed potatoes; a John featuring artwork creating Jersey stamps for many years now and Deere 6310 (c. 1999) trimming back overgrowth from his book, found this stamp issue exciting; I learned a lot on one of Jersey’s green lanes; a Fordson Model F The Giving Tree. about tractors. The illustrations range from the first (c. 1917) binding; a New Holland T6 (c. 2018) Published in 1964 by Harper & Row, motorised tractor in Jersey to today’s big modern baling hay; a John Deere 5115M (c. 2020) pulling the book is about a friendship between tractors. The colours, models and even the clothing a trailer full of oyster bags; and an International a motherly tree and a boy. As the child of the people had to reflect the story of how these W14 (c.1939) ploughing a field. Jersey scenery grows older, the tree gives him its working vehicles have changed over time.’ can be seen in the background of the stamps, most shade, apples, branches and trunk. The notably the iconic Le Tour du Hoinet on the 82p story ends with the boy, now an old A Norwegian artist and engraver, Martin Mörck stamp and Grouville Bay on the £2.10 stamp. The man, returning to rest against the tree’s has over 40 years of experience in stamp design and eight-stamp issue is the first to feature Jersey’s new stump. www.usps.com engraving, banknote engraving, portrait drawing, 2022 tariffs. illustration and watercolour/acrylic painting. He An Post has unveiled a new booklet is also an avid sailor and shipbuilder and owns his Issue date: 1 April 2022, jerseystamps.com of six stamps celebrating some of own tractor. Ireland’s leading sportswomen. The athletes being honoured on the Irish THE NETHERLANDS Women in Sport stamps are: jockey Rachael Blackmore; Olympic boxing Typically Dutch gold medallists Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor; the Ireland PostNL, the postal authority for The Netherlands, recently Women’s Hockey Team; Paralympics issued the second set in their ‘Typically Dutch’ series, swimmer Ellen Keane; and Sonia which highlights ‘five sports in which the Dutch excel’. O’Sullivan, Ireland’s most successful track and field female athlete, If you’re racking your brain trying to think of Dutch winning sixteen major World, sporting champions, then hockey might just come to mind. European and Olympic medals. The Netherlands male hockey team has won the Hockey anpost.com/womeninsport World Cup three times and been runners-up on four occasions, whilst the women’s team have tasted World Cup The New Zealand Symphony victory an impressive eight times, most recently in 2018). Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) marks its 75th anniversary So it’s no surprise that we see a woman hockey player this year, and New Zealand Post are on the six identical postage stamps which make up the celebrating the milestone, and the sheets. The ‘Typically Dutch – hockey’ issue was designed appointment of Gemma New, the by graphic designer Clair Bedon and creative director first female Principal Conductor, Edwin van Praet from Total Design in Amsterdam. with a miniature sheet of two stamps showing stylised musical Still wondering about the other sports in which instruments. collectables.nzpost.co.nz Holland excel? Stamps featuring skating were published earlier this year (as illustrated), and designs featuring the typically Dutch sports of cycling (4 April), sailing (9 May) and football (15 August) will follow. Issue date: 21 March 2022, www.postnl.nl 14 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

SEE THE LATEST NEW STAMPS AT: WWW.ALLABOUTSTAMPS.CO.UK/STAMP-GUIDES ISLE OF MAN Slovenia have issued a stamp showcasing Ljubljana Castle, one of Sculptor and printmaker Michael Sandle RA the country’s most visited tourist attractions. The €1.46 stamp was designed by Luka Seme and shows the castle fortifications peering over the trees which front the impressive fortress. en.posta.si/home/stamps The Isle of Man Post Office recently issued a set of six stamps The HELVETIA 2022 World Stamp focussing on the major public works by the sculptor and printmaker Exhibition takes place from 18 to Michael Sandle RA. 22 May at the Padiglione Conza fairground and convention centre in Michael was brought up and studied on the Isle of Man before Lugano, and to celebrate Swiss Post embarking on an illustrious career in art and education which now have issued a second miniature sheet spans more than sixty years. He was born in Weymouth in 1936 to mark the event and the 160th but his family relocated to the Isle of Man during his childhood and anniversary of the seated Helvetia, he studied at the Douglas, Isle of Man School of Art 1951-54. He the stamp first issued in 1862, which then studied at the Slade School of Fine Art 1956-59 and worked was the first to bear the lettering as a lithographer in Paris in 1960. He lived in Germany 1973-99, ‘Helvetia’, and also Switzerland’s first becoming Professor of Sculpture at Pforzheim in 1977 and then at perforated stamp. www.post.ch/en Karlsruhe from 1980. The latest additions to Canada Post’s This year is the thirtieth anniversary of the unveiling of the Malta flower series depict the elegant calla. Siege-Bell Memorial 1988-92 in Valletta by Queen Elizabeth II Native to southern Africa, callas which Michael describes as his greatest achievement and for which (Zantedeschia) were used medicinally he was awarded the Henry Herring Memorial by the US National before becoming prized around Sculpture Association. His other most notable work is the impressive the world for their beauty and seven-metre high bronze International Seafarers’ Memorial 2000-01 longevity. Introduced in 2005, the in London. His work is represented in numerous public collections annual flower stamp issue is a best- in the UK, Isle of Man and overseas, including the British Museum, seller and is often used on wedding the Imperial War Museum, the V&A and Tate in London, the stationery, including invitations. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and in museums in stamps are sold in a booklet of ten – Germany, Poland, Japan and Australia. five of both designs – and in a coil of fifty, offering 25 of each design. Issue date: 8 March 2022, iompost.com/Sandle www.canadapost-postescanada.ca AUSTRIA Correos, the Spanish post office, has issued a miniature sheet celebrating It doesn’t hurt at all the produce of La Rioja region. But it’s not wine that is the subject Austria Post have a long track record of issuing unusual of the two stamps, instead we see stamps, and their response to the global pandemic has designs reflecting the delicacies been typically innovative. First we had the coronavirus stamp made of toilet paper, as panic created with the Anguiano Bean and buying gripped many parts of the world; next was the ‘mini FFP2 mask’ stamp which was the Pedroso Nut, respectively. an embroidered, stamp-sized mask; and now we have the sticking plaster design, intended to encourage vaccinations. MAY 2022 15 A statement on the Österreichische Post website explained: ‘The idea for this original miniature sheet resulted from the imponderables of the coronavirus pandemic and was therefore issued on short notice and without an announcement in the issue programme. This plaster-shaped stamp is meant as a hint to increase people’s motivation of getting vaccinated and thereby increasing the vaccination rate. It is made from the material of sensitive skin plasters, has a “dressing pad” and an adhesive strip that can be peeled off – just like a real plaster.’ There have been all manner of stamps helping and reflecting our fight against Covid19, but surely Austria have, once again, taken the lead when it comes to philatelic interpretation. Issue date: 15 March 2022, www.post.at www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

GB STAMPS 150 years of the Emirates FA Cup The FA Cup is perhaps the most historic football competition in the world, and Royal Mail are celebrating the 150th anniversary with a set of six stamps and a miniature sheet of four R oyal Mail’s football- in 2021/22, they shared the same STAMP DETAILS themed stamp set dream: glory. serves as an ‘extended Issue date: 8 March highlights’ package So, let’s forget about the build- Design: The Chase of this long-running up and pundits’ opinions and head Stamp size: 60mm x 30mm competition, though some supporters straight to the glory and goals, as Printer: International will be more pleased with what we kick off our preview. Taking Security Printers is recalled than others. You can’t the events in chronological order, Print process: Lithography please everyone, and the design of we the huge crowd spilling on to Perforations: 14.5 x 14.5 the stamps is obviously intended to the pitch at the 1923 Final (1st Phosphor Bars: as appropriate capture the tradition and romance of Class) – the first to be held at the Gum: PVA the FA Cup, as lower league teams original stadium in Wembley. The play the country’s best sides, and match is today known as ‘The White Miniature Sheet individual heroics are written into the Horse Final’ thanks to the mounted Design: The Chase history books. policemen who attempted to keep Stamp size: 41mm x 30mm the spectators off the playing surface Miniature sheet size: For 150 years, few other sporting and, in particular, one white police 192mm x 74mm events have produced as much horse that was captured on film. An Printer: International joy and heartbreak or as many estimated 300,000 came to watch the Security Printers moments of raw emotion. It is a game, in which Bolton Wanderers Print process: Lithography competition in which amateurs beat West Ham 2-0. Perforations: 14.5 x 14 and semi-professionals can play, Phosphor Bars: as appropriate and the world’s best players run King George V, the keen stamp Gum: PVA out in grounds holding only a few collector, was at that historic final thousand people. Just twelve teams in 1923, and his son King George West Bromwich Albion supporters took part in the inaugural 1871/72 VI attended the final in 1937, along cheering their team on at Wembley edition, and while they might not with Queen Elizabeth. The royal (£1.70). Goals, drama, and skill is have much else in common with the couple are seen presenting the trophy all part of the charm of the Cup, but 729 modern day-sides taking part to Sunderland captain Raich Carter on the £2.55 stamp. Fast forward to 1968, and we see 16 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

GB STAMPS it wouldn’t be anything without the Colchester United rattle, previously including a souvenir gramophone fans; anyone who watched the matches an air-raid rattle, which was taken to record and sleeve from the 1932 played to empty stadiums during the a Fourth Round home match against Final, when Newcastle United beat lockdown would agree. West Brom Arsenal in January 1959. The game Arsenal 2-1. Each side includes a won the final, but it wasn’t easy was drawn 2-2. ‘meet the team’ feature, with the watching for the fans, with Everton centre label in each team’s colours. taking them to extra time before Jeff A replica of the first trophy, known We also see a Leeds United FA Cup Astle scored the winning goal. as the ‘little tin idol’, is seen on our winners’ pennant, which celebrates next stamp. This was used from 1896- United’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal Arsenal have won the FA Cup more 1910 after the original Cup was stolen. in 1972; and a souvenir porcelain than any other team, and so players A new trophy (the design still used replica of The FA Cup trophy, which Charlie George and Frank McLintock today) was introduced in 1911. We was made to commemorate Cardiff are seen parading the trophy on the also see the FA Cup winners’ medal City’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the second 1st class stamp. The 1971 awarded to Bradford City captain 1927 Final. victory against Liverpool marked the Jimmy Speirs in 1911. fourth win for the North London club, The FA’s Director of Pro Game and 2020 saw them lift the familiar Match-day items on the third Relations, Andy Ambler, said: ‘The trophy for the fourteenth time. stamp include Manchester City’s Emirates FA Cup continues to capture distinctive red-and-black striped away the imaginations of both football Staying with North London teams, shirt, from the 1969 Final, when fans and the wider public in its we see Tottenham Hotspur’s 1987 the club beat Leicester City 1-0; the 150th anniversary season. Its historic match against Coventry City on the leather football used in the 1903 moments from the non-league to the second £1.70 stamp. In this classic Final, when Bury beat Derby County very elite create lasting memories, match, it was the Midlands team 6-0; and an ornate gold-wire and silk and we’re delighted that a selection of came out on top after extra time, and badge, as given to The FA stewards at iconic moments are being celebrated we see Keith Houchen heading in that same final in 1903. by these Special Stamps.’ an equaliser, defenders Gary Mabbut and Chris Houghton looking on as Finally we see FA Cup souvenirs, goalkeeper Ray Clemence tries in vain to make a save. WIN THE STAMPS! Finally, we celebrate ‘FA Cup We have presentation packs to give away, courtesy of Royal Mail, in our regular Upsets’ on the £1.55 stamp with competition. For your chance to win just visit the website at www.allaboutstamps. Lincoln City’s historic 1-0 win over co.uk and answer the following question: Burnley in 2017. The goal from defender Sean Raggett saw Lincoln Which team made history by winning the ‘double’ – the FA Cup and become the first non-league side in League – in 1961? 103 years to reach the Quarter Finals. Enter now at: www.allaboutstamps.co.uk/competitions Royal Mail collaborated closely with The FA on the stamp set, and Closing date: 12 May 2022. Winners will be picked at random from all correct entries. this is most clearly seen on the four- Editor’s decision is final. Good luck! stamp miniature sheet, which features a selection of the competition’s artefacts from the National Football Museum, photographed specially for the stamp issue. These stamps use a collage of photographs to showcase memorabilia, starting with a ticket stub from the 1959 Final between Nottingham Forest and Luton Town (Forest won 2-1); rosettes created by fans of Everton (1966) and Preston North End (used in the 1954 and 1964 Finals); and a hand-painted www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 17

MARKET Quick Links INSIGHT Page 20 Stamp detective Page 22 Latest online sales Page 24 Gibraltar price guide AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS PRICES INCLUDE BUYER’S PREMIUM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED THE RARE MISS COLOMBIA BRITISH POST OFFICE IN SIAM Cherrystone Auctions recently offered a horizontal pair of A May 1884 envelope sent from Bangkok to Germany was the 1930 ‘Miss Columbia’ Newfoundland overprints, 50c on 36c highlight of the recent ‘Stamps and Covers of Asia’ sale at Spink. green, which were described as being ‘post office fresh’ and The cover featured an 1883 CA 2c pale rose in combination with ‘well centred’. The lot description noted that only 300 copies a Straits Settlements 1882 8c orange, both neatly tied by fine of the 36c Caribou stamp were surcharged and sales were ‘Bangkok’ circular date stamp (CDS), a red Singapore CDS and restricted to a single stamp to each buyer, hence few pairs are arrival datestamp on the reverse. The cover was described as being known (only 143 unused stamps exist).’ ‘an extremely rare mixed franking with only one other recorded.’ SOLD FOR £10,998 SOLD FOR £16,000 CYCLING CINDERELLA TYPEWRITTEN ICONS The Don Avery Collection of Cinderellas & Local ‘The John Griffith-Jones Collection of The Missionary Typewritten and Typeset Stamps was recently offered at Grosvenor Philatelic Issues of Uganda, 1895-1899’ recently went under the hammer at Robert A Siegel Auctions in London, with some of the material said in the USA. Described as ‘one of the most iconic rarities of Uganda’ an 1895 cover to be ‘little known to most collectors’. Amongst the was the highlight of the non-postal gems was an example of the Lake Lefroy sale. The cover featured Cycle Mail 6d, produced in 1897 to pay for mail to a horizontal se-tenant and from the Western Australian goldfields, which was strip of three 5(c) on offered along with a block of four reproductions of the 10(c) Black provisional stamp produced in the 1980s. stamps, the right stamp with the printed ‘10’ SOLD FOR £2,640 is crossed out and a ‘5’ added by pen, along with the initials ‘EM’ for Reverend Millar. Each stamp was cancelled and tied by diagonal manuscript strokes. The cover was sent to Rev. W.A. Crabtree in Luba’s, Busoga, and the handwritten note ‘1 box sent by canoe’ is seen at the top left. The auction description gave further details of this remarkably rare example of these early stamps. ‘With the exception of the item offered here used by Rev. Millar (presumably at Mengo), nearly all provisionals were done by Rev. Blackledge from the Mission at Ngogwe. The majority of which were to create a 15 cowries stamp as none were printed during the production of the First Issue. Since postage was roughly proportional to distance, we presume there was a need for a 15 cowries rate and hence the production of these manuscript provisionals, as there are two surviving covers with single 15(c) provisionals (ex Hind)… The rarity of these manuscript provisionals cannot be overstated.’ SOLD FOR £53,095 18 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

150 Years of the FA Cup Final 10 mAY 2022 Great FA CUp Moments! jERSEY fOOD & dRINK 24 MAY 2022 6WDPSVPLQLDWXUHVKHHWVDQGVRXYHQLUVKHHWOHWVDUHDOVRDYDLODEOHRQÀUVWGD\\FRYHUV and in presentation packs. Visit the website to see our full range and to order online. W W W . J E R S E Y S TA M P S . C O M Email: [email protected] or call us on +44 (0) 1534 616717 www.facebook.com/jerseystamps @JerseyStamps @JerseyStamps

MARKET INSIGHT RARE PACKET LETTER MARK INVERTED OCCUPATION OVERPRINT The recent ‘Worldwide & Great Britain’ Auktionshaus sale at Cavendish Philatelic Auctions saw a Christoph Gärtner Cape of Good Hope pre-stamp cover attract recently sold this interest. The 1818 cover featured the rare 1914 Marshall oval ‘CAPE OF GOOD HOPE/PACKET- Islands 2s on 2m LETTER’ datestamp and was sent to Imperial Yacht London (Huth & Co) and featured a wax issue with a double seal and London arrival datestamp. The lot British occupation overprint, of one of which is description explained that ‘Perhaps fifteen inverted. The ‘GRI’ overprint on the stamp stands examples of this mark – the only C.G.H. Packet Letter mark – have been recorded; for ‘Georgius Rex Imperator’, referring to King the majority are crossed by filing creases.’ George V. Said to be one of the greatest rarities of the Marshall Islands, with only two copies known, one of SOLD FOR £1,700 which is part of an Australian collection. BILINGUAL SOLD FOR £16,700 RARITY Another GIBRALTAR BISECT intriguing, and The recent Grosvenor sale also included Gibraltar and Morocco very rare, cover Agencies material, including this merchant’s envelope which was sent offered during from Rabat in 1889 bearing a Gibraltar 10c pair and a diagonally Spink’s sale of bisected single. According to the auctioneers, this is the earliest Asia, was this recorded date for a Gibraltar bisected stamp. Santuao 1901 envelope to Ireland, bearing an Imperial China Post (ICP) 10c. tied by pencil stroke and a fine strike of Santuao bilingual CDS, making this the earliest recorded date for this bilingual datestamp. The cover also featured a Hong Kong 10c blue cancelled by the boxed ‘I.P.O.’ tieprint and Hong Kong CDS, the auction catalogue adding: ‘Webb concludes that this tieprint was applied in Foochow (though there are minor differences) as this is a sub office of Foochow (if rather remote).’ SOLD FOR £10,000 SOLD FOR £434 STAMP DETECTIVE Our philatelic private eye spies another stamp set that’s likely to go up in value Affordable inverted centres Postage Due (sometimes referred to as ‘To Pay’) was printed in a different colour and the stamps don’t really need a country name as they sheet had to be fed into the printing press are exclusively intended to be used at post offices twice – this is where the mistake occurred. inside a country. As a result, such stamps can Many of the inverted centre varieties are sometimes be extremely tricky to identify. rarities but that is not the case with the 5c and 10c stamps. In 1870 Italy initiated a long series of postage due stamps with new values and new printings A mounted mint 5c stamp in good all the way to 1925. All in all there are twenty condition is an excellent buy at £5; different stamps of a numeral design and most are a copy recently sold at auction for inexpensive. about £10 which surpassed the rather modest catalogue value. Many collectors Many collectors are searching for the unusual specialise in inverted centre stamps; this and stamps with inverted centres certainly fit this Italian stamp could be a good start to requirement. It seems the quality control at the such a collection. It is also the kind of printers was rather sloppy as no less that fifteen stamp that will undoubtedly see a slow but steady increase in value out of the twenty stamps in the set exist with inverted centres. In this as supplies dry up. case it is the numeral which has been placed upside down. The number 20 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

GUERNSEY STAMPS Available with all issues: AND COLLECTABLES First Day Covers and Presentation Pack New Issues: 21st June 2022 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Set of 6 stamps 73 Europa: Stories & Myths GUERNSEY 79 Collect (Guernsey Witches) Stamps Set of 6 stamps GUERNSEY 52 GUERNSEY £1.35 52 GUERNSEY £1.10 PRE-ORDER 1.35 06.05.22 Full Philatelic Order Guernsey & Alderney stamps online or by tel: +44 (0) 1481 716486 product range email [email protected] 79 available on our Guernsey Stamps @guernseystamps website www.guernseystamps.com www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 21

MARKET INSIGHT LATEST INTERNET SALES Your quick reference guide to recent online sales, in association with delcampe.net Germany, Airmail ‘Südamerika Ceylon, 100 Rs brownish-grey China, Red Gards series 1968 MNH Fahrt’ 1930 MNH (with cert.) KGV MLH SG359 (with cert.) SOLD FOR £1,108 SOLD FOR £1,584 SOLD FOR £1,441 Poland, 5h green Austrian stamp Monaco, 1f black on yellow Prince Congo, sheetlet 1F Elephant 1894/1900 overprinted ‘POCZTA, POLSKA’ Albert I 1891-94 MH (signed & cert.) proof overprint. Waterlow & Sons Ltd 1919 MNH (signed) SOLD FOR £605 SPECIMEN MNH thin paper SOLD FOR £801 SOLD FOR £492 Falkland Islands, 5/- King penguin Italy Lombardy-Venetia 45c blue France, 40c Cérès bright Definitive MH SG136 Austrian province 1850 MH orange (issue of Bordeaux) (with cert.) in block of 4 MNH/MH SOLD FOR £422 with wide ‘4’ on one stamp SOLD FOR £400 SOLD FOR £1,602 USA, 5c brown Jefferson imperf. Japan, postcard  from Tokio 1851-56 used (with cert.) 1929 to Anaheim California by airship Graf Zeppelin ‘First SOLD FOR £267 Round the World Flight’ SOLD FOR £320 22 MAY 2022 Buy and sell on Delcampe, more than 80 million collectables are waiting for you! www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

Court Philatelics Quality supplier of on and off paper mixtures and collections - Price list free on request. We are also interested in buying any of your surplus stamps on or off paper for payment or exchange. Guaranteed full refund if not satisfied. Please E-Mail us if you would like to receive our special offer lists. Postage: UK customers pay no postage. Overseas, please add £4.00 / 1/4 lb, £5.00 / 1/2 lb, £7.00 / 1 lb and £3.00 for all collections ordered. We will use latest Commems including very rare high values! There are no credit card charges and no VAT payable. (½ lb = 225g, 1 lb = 450g) GREAT BRITAIN ON PAPER MIXTURES GB COMMEMS NO XMAS. Wide ranging on paper mix includes h.v’s & modern to 2018 issues. ½ lb £16.00, 1 lb £30.00. GB HIGH VALUE DEFINS. On paper, many from registered & recorded mail so good cancellations, a clean mix. Includes modern security issues which will become very rare with all the gold labels used on mail. ½ lb £18.00, 1 lb £35.00. GB MULTIPLES ISSUES. Try to keep up with the recent multiple issues. Increasing variety, right up to the latest 2018 Harry Potter, Owls, Game of Thrones, 2017 Droids & Aliens, Classic Toys, Landmark Buildings, Songbirds, 2016 Mr Men, Shakespeare Quotes, Star Wars, Comedy Greats, Bridges, 2014 Sustainable Fish, Buckingham Palace etc. Try and complete those difficult sets. ¼ lb £24.00, ½ lb £45.00. GB MODERN COMMEMS NO XMAS ONLY. While Stocks Last! This sells for a small fortune on auction sites as they are so hard to find these days, we can supply very small amounts. Mostly 2012/2019 issues only with the odd high value and multiple issues. Limited range as so modern but very sought after. 2 oz £15.00. GB SPECIAL CHARITY MIX. A well balanced on paper Charity mix covering Defins, Commems, H.Value Commems, H.Value Defins, Pre-decimal, Wildings & Pre QEII. Covers all periods. 1 lb £12.00, 2 lbs £22.00. GB REGIONALS (On paper). A wealth of variety from all four regions, find those elusive band/perf varieties very cheaply. Over 7000 – 8000 stamps/ 2lbs. 1 lb £15.00, 2 lbs £28.00. GB HIGH VALUE COMMEMS. An on paper mixture including very rare recent issues. 2 oz £35.00, 1/4 lb £68.00, 1/2 lb £130.00. GB HIGH VALUE REGIONLAS. An on paper mixture. All four regions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island represented including rare modern issues. 2 oz £18.00, 1/4 lb £35.00. GREAT BRITAIN OFF PAPER MIXTURES GREAT BRITAIN Off paper mixture. The tedious washing of this modern mix has been done for you already by charity supporters! There are over 500 basic machins to collect. One of each in good nick can cost over £1,000.00. We can't guarantee all in there but you'll have great fun sorting, includes commems, h.v commems & defins, worth the price on their own. Guaranteed totally unpicked. At least 10,000 stamps / 1 lb. 1 lb £19.00, 2 lbs £37.00. GREAT BRITAIN OFF PAPER COMMEMS NO XMAS. Previously included Xmas, we can now supply without so the rarer Commems only. Wealth of variety from KGVI to date, includes some high values. Approx 5000 stamps to 1 lb weight. ¼ lb £22.00, ½ lb £42.00, 1 lb £80.00. GREAT BRITAIN OFF PAPER COLLECTIONS GREAT BRITAIN over 1,100 different stamps off paper all in complete sets including many high values from 1972 up to 2018 issues. A very comprehensive collection. List price £250. GREAT BRITAIN. Over 1000 different used stamps loaded with complete sets, Watermark and Phosphor varieties from Queen Victoria to rare 2018 issues, Multiple sets, rare GB H.V Commems. List price £32.00. NEW! We can also supply 2000 different. Very comprehensive including even more very modern 2018 H.V commems. List price £120.00. GB H.V COMMEMS ONLY. Over 300 different GB H.V Commems. Becoming increasingly hard to find which is reflected in the rising catalogue values. A very comprehensive collection including rare 2018 issues. List price £49.00. We can now supply an amazing 700 diff H.V Commems. Very comprehen- sive incl rare 2018 issues. List price £220. GB COMMEMS ONLY. A very nice clean collection including rarer high values, multiple sets and issues up to 2018. 500 different, list price £21.00. 1000 different, list price £99.00. GB complete 1st class sets all used on paper. 2012 Comics £4.00, 2012 A-Z UK complete set Part 1 & 2 £10.00, 2012 Britons of Distinction £4, 2013 Famous Britons £4.00, 2013 Football Heroes £5.00, 2013 Doctor Who £5.00, 2013 Butterfly £4.00, 2013 Dinosaurs £4.00, 2014 Children’s TV £5.00, 2014 Remarkable Lives £5.00, 2014 Buckingham Palace £3, 2014 Sustainable Fish £4.00, 2015 Bridges £5.00, 2015 Comedy Greats £5.00, 2015 Star Wars £5, 2016 Shakespeare Quotes £5, 2016 Mr Men £5, 2017 Songbirds £5, 2017 Landmark Buildings £5, 2017 Classic Toys £5, 2017 Droids & Aliens £5, 2018 Game of Thrones £5, 2018 Owls £5, 2018 Harry Potter £5, Leonardo Da Vinci £5. Buy the lot, 25 complete sets for £113. List price £128. GB Olympics complete set of all 29 Gold Medal winners, individual stamps. Used on paper. £21.00. Post & Go Labels: All 1st class sets of 6 used on paper. Birds 3 £4, Birds 4 £4, Sheep £4, Pigs £4, Cows £4, Freshwater Fish Part 1 £4, Freshwater Fish Part 2 £4.00, Feshwater Fish Part 3 £4.00. Flowers Part 1 £4, Flowers Part 2 £4, Boats £4, Heraldic Beasts £4, Sea Travel £4, History in Motion £4, Ladybirds £4, Mail by Rail £4, Machin Anniversary £4, Mail by Air £4, Mail by Sea £4, Mail by Bike £4. Buy the lot, 20 sets for £70. List price £80. Court Philatelics Dept SCM, P.O Box 6198, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 9XT. TEL: 01296 662420. E-mail: [email protected] PAYMENT: We accept cheque, postal orders or all major credit & debit cards. Paypal payments can be made to [email protected] or you can pay direct into our bank: RBS, A/C no. 10088313, sort code 16-1620. NO MINIMUM ORDER. www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 23

£275 £23 £12 £12 UK eBayer hardhamstamps, from Pulborough, Canadian dealer Christopher Green Ltd from UK eBayers chrisanddaz had this Buy It UK eBayer 1st4Stamps, from Derby had this 1886 1s yellow-brown Bermuda Ottawa, Canada recently offered this 2½d Now (BIN) lot in their recent offerings: a asked £12 plus £1 standard shipping issue overprinted GIBRALTAR, and described bright ultramarine value from the 1886 set Gibraltar 1886 2d brown-purple, describing for this 4d orange-brown & green, as mounted mint, on offer at £275 with free of seven, describing it as in mint hinged it as mounted mint. The price was £12 plus described as MINT with original gum standard shipping condition, with hinge remnant. The price was £1 standard shipping and a couple of hinge remains US $29.99 plus $4.95 international shipping HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR…? Gibraltar’s British Empire stamps In his regular price guide, Ed Fletcher provides a thumbnail sketch of Gibraltar’s history and selects examples of stamps from each of the four reigns. D espite its ‘postage expelled the Moors in the 15th UK eBayer stamp’ size – a century Gibraltar became part hollybankstamps1054 mere two-and-a- of the unified Kingdom of Spain from Leicester recently half square miles until European Christian squabbles offered this Gibraltar in area – Gibraltar embroiled it in an obscure war 1898 QV 6d violet & has played some intermittent but later titled The War of the Spanish red, described as mint dramatic roles in British history. An Succession. At the war’s ending Spain hinged with hinge early tenuous link might be made agreed to a perpetual ceding to Great remains, for a BIN between the British Isles and the Britain of this narrow peninsula on price of £17.50 with Rock of Gibraltar via Phoenician Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast free standard delivery navigators who visited both during under the terms of the 1713 Treaty their lengthy trading voyages more of Utrecht, in return for Britain’s £17.50 than two-and-a-half thousand years acceptance of Philip V as the rightful ago; bartering rare purple dyes and King of Spain. resolution of those who chose to call other exotic Middle Eastern cargoes Gibraltar their home. for Cornish tin ores. Had postage Challenges to the treaty, and stamps been invented in the BC era disputes over its interpretation, For much of the late 18th the Phoenicians would certainly have began within a few months of the century; and for almost all of the used them to aid communication signing, with Spain questioning 19th century; and even throughout with their home city of Carthage in its legality and Britain – with the the first half of the 20th century, North Africa. support of Gibraltarians – resisting unexpected turns in world events Spanish assaults from seaward by played to Gibraltar’s advantage in The Rock gained its Arabic their navy; and ground attacks across political, economic and cultural name, Jebel Tariq (the Mount of the land border from Spanish armies. terms. The Napoleonic Wars Tariq) which evolved to a European Neither sieges, bombardments, increased the importance of the pronunciation as Gibraltar at about blockades, border closures, nor the time William the Conqueror objections on the grounds that Great landed on an English south coast Britain allowed Jews and smugglers foreshore. When the Spanish access to the dock areas shook the 24 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

MARKET INSIGHT £65 £485 £95 Stamp dealer and eBayer, historyman-2 from Rugby, UK Bridger & Kay Ltd, from Bristol recently included Imperium Stamps Ltd, from Tamworth, Staffs included this Gibraltar 1903 King Edward VII green & this 1903 KEVII £1 dull purple & black/red in included in their recent sales stock this 1903 blue 2s, watermark Crown CA, in his recent offerings, their offerings, describing it as mlh. The BIN dull purple & black/blue 8s stamp, described as described the stamp as lightly mounted mint. The BIN price was £485, plus £7 express delivery a mounted mint example. The selling price was price was £65 with free standard delivery £95 plus £2 standard delivery Mediterranean for the British Navy. encouraged increasing numbers of disruptions of the Napoleonic Wars. Gibraltar provided a supply base for British merchants and entrepreneurs Many Genoese who fled the dangers British warships passing through the to seek out new markets in India caused by Napoleon’s annexation of Strait. British mercantile vessels also and the East Indies. To reach them Genoa found safety at the western took advantage of the port during they took the Atlantic route, then end of the Mediterranean. Before voyages to India, either round the through the Strait before crossing the Bonaparte met his Waterloo one Cape, or later through the Suez Mediterranean to Egypt, invariably third of Gibraltarians boasted Canal. Similar military and trade calling at Gibraltar to take advantage Genoese or Italian blood. The advantages accrued during wars in of a safe British harbour. Second World War also brought North America. Gibraltar and its people great The new maritime traffic gave renown for resistance against Britain’s unexpected defeats when Gibraltar a greatly increased role Germany. Little wonder that in two Colonists gave their blood for the as a trading port. At the same referendums Gibraltarians voted liberties Hanoverian mercenary time it became a haven in the overwhelmingly to embrace British oppressors attempted to deny them, western Mediterranean against the freedoms, and to reject Spanish Fascist repression. £14 £17.50 £8 With such large numbers of UK eBayer charlelyl0 from Newcastle Imperium Stamps Ltd, from Tamworth, Staffs US eBayer travelstamps from Mississippi, recently warships, together with trade vessels recently offered this 1903 2d Grey had this 1903 1d dull purple/red, described offered this 1912 GV 6d denomination, described as sailing under a variety of flags, Green & Carmine, describing it as mint; as lightly mounted mint, in their sales stocks mint, own gum, hinged, with a BIN price of US $10.49, arriving and departing Gibraltar’s for £14 plus £1.40 standard delivery. at £17.50 with free economy delivery plus US $2.09 international economy shipping quays, ship letters by the sackful must have loaded and off-loaded in past centuries. Sadly, scarcely any seem to have survived. In 1857 a branch office of the British GPO was formed by amalgamating the British Secretary’s Office, which had handled letters since 1749; and Gibraltar’s packet port services which had existed since 1806. The British GPO branch office ran postal services until Gibraltar received supplies of www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 25

MARKET INSIGHT £7.83 1889 to meet the needs of Spanish speakers and Spanish currency Spanish eBayer collectible11, from Granada, recently offered this GV block of four ½d users in the colony; followed by 1918 stamps with ‘WAR TAX’ overprints, described as MNH and offered at £7.83 plus a twelve-stamp set inscribed with £2.03 international economy delivery Spanish currency values (5 centimos to 5 pesetas) which went on sale in stamps in 1886. Those first adhesives of the design included ½d, 1d, October 1889. Again, the printer were in fact contemporary Bermuda 2d, 2½d, 4d, 6d and 1s values in for all those typographed issues was stamps overprinted ‘GIBRALTAR’. dull green, rose-red, purple-brown, DLR. Seven were reissued in 1898 in Prior to 1886 stamps of Great ultramarine, orange-brown, deep Sterling values (½d to 1s). Britain served Gibraltar’s adhesives lilac, and yellow-brown. All bear needs from 1857 to 1885. Look for young Victoria’s image, and all are Stamps of the new king, Edward VII, postal cancellations that incorporate available at affordable prices. They proved hugely popular around the world; the A26 numeral, or the letter ‘G’ were the typographed work of De La few more so than the 1903 set of ten within oval bars to identify them. Rue & Co. definitives with values from ½d to £1. The frame within which the monarch’s The first set carrying The same stamps surcharged ‘5 head is displayed has a more elaborate ‘GIBRALTAR’ as an integral part CENTIMOS’ were issued in August design than Queen Victoria’s Gibraltar stamps. The elongated higher values (2s, 4s, 8s, £1) have even more eye appeal. A similar set with nine values and an altered watermark and paper, appeared from 1904 to 1 908; with another nine values set, some in different colours and paper, issued in 1906. King George V, followed a very similar stamp issuing path to that of his father. The two major differences came with a ‘WAR TAX’ overprint on the ½d green of 1918; and a recess printed Rock of Gibraltar pictorial in various values issued from 1931 to 1933. In turn, his son, George VI, issued half a dozen pictorials illustrating views around Gibraltar from 1938 to 1951. Our accompanying illustrations are selected from eBay lots and dealers stocks available when we compiled this feature. Check those sources for up-to- the-minute prices and availability. £2.40 £13.50 US eBayer eosteraa from Salinas, California, recently offered this KGV 1931 three half Australian eBayer rlburns1949, from Victoria recently offered this 1938-1951 KGVI 1s pence pictorial depicting The Rock of Gibraltar. It was described as very fine unused value from the pictorial set, describing it as very fine used, and asking AU $24.00 plus AU and offered at US $2.63, with US $2.63 international shipping $5.04 standard international postage 26 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

Two great websites for fine used stamps! www.robstine-stamps.com www.robstineextra.com EUROPE COMMONWEALTH REST OF WORLD Albania Latvia Aden Channel Labuan St Kitts-Nevis Algeria Antigua Islands Leeward Belgian Congo Austria Liechtenstein Ascension Christmas Islands St Lucia Belgium Lithuania Australia Island Malaya Brazil Bulgaria Bahamas Cocos Islands St Vincent Egypt Denmark Luxembourg Bahrain Cook Islands Malta French Colonies Estonia Monaco Barbados Cyprus Mauritius Samoa Honduras Basutoland Dominica Montserrat Italian Colonies Faroes Netherlands Bechuanaland Falklands/ Morocco Sarawak Japan Bermuda Dependencies Agencies Korea North Finland Norway British New Guinea Seychelles Lebanon France Poland Antarctic Fiji New Hebrides Morocco German States Portugal British Guiana Gambia New Zealand Sierra Leone Netherlands Colonies Germany Romania British Ghana Portuguese Colonies German Zones Russia Honduras Gibraltar Nigeria Singapore Somalia West Germany British Levant Gilbert + Ellice Norfolk Island Thailand Ex Italian Gold Coast North Borneo Somalia Tunisia West Berlin San Marino Colonies Great Britain USA British Grenada Northern South Africa Venezuela DDR Greece Spain Solomons Hong Kong Rhodesia Yemen Greenland Sweden British Virgins India + States Nyasaland Southern Hungary Switzerland Brunei Isle of Man Pakistan Rhodesia Vatican Burma Jamaica Papua + Iceland Canada New Guinea South West Ireland Caymans KUT Pitcairn Africa Ceylon Rhodesia Sudan Italy Yugoslavia Kuwait St Helena Swaziland Tonga Trinidad + Tobago Tristan da Cunha Turks + Caicos Zanzibar Trading in stamps since 1982, I have been known Please send me SC especially for fine used European material. Now, my range of Commonwealth stamps is equally strong The Commonwealth Booklet...................... T from QV to QE2. Go to either website to see what I can offer, or fill in the attached coupon to receive The Europe and Worldwide Booklet......... T more information. I am happy to receive further details Robstine Stamps relating to my collecting interests........... T PO Box 129 Name................................................................. Bordon Hants Address ............................................................ GU35 8YD ........................................................................... EXCELLENT QUALITY • PROMPT SERVICE Postcode ..........................................................

COLLECTORS’ CORNER CINDERELLAS International Exhibition of Eastern France In the early 1900s large international exhibitions Six large pavilions had been built in St Mary’s were organised throughout Europe and North Park in Nancy to house the 2,193 exhibitors. There America to showcase new inventions and economic was also an Alsatian village featuring local culture. progress generally, writes Christer Brunström. These huge events attracted millions of visitors eager to The event took place during the height of French learn about the latest novelties. colonial expansion in Africa and the exhibition included a Senegalese village. Eighteen families had The Franco-Prussian war of 1870 had been a been brought to Nancy from Dakar in Senegal and disaster for the French department of Lorraine in the the dubious African village attraction could well east of the country. By 1907 things had more or less have been described as a human zoo. returned to normal and that was what people in the city of Nancy wanted to celebrate by staging a huge Numerous poster stamps were printed to promote international exhibition. the exhibition. At the time, most poster stamp designs advertising exhibitions included a scantily The decision was taken in 1907 and after two years of dressed young lady, symbolising progress, freedom, hard work the International Exhibition of Eastern France or peace, and the stamp shown here is no exception. opened its doors in May 1909. When the exhibition closed in November The stamp was printed in a wide variety of colours. that same year more than 2.1 million people had enjoyed the event. An inexpensive Cinderella with an interesting story. STAMP MISCELLANY The USA’s canine courier The story of a stray dog that wandered into a New York post office Asia and Europe via in 1888 has continued to capture the imagination of Americans ever since, giving them a glimpse into the postal history of the USA and train and steamship, providing a reminder of the importance of communication. mail clerks would He wasn’t a television star like Lassie, Flipper or Gentle Ben, yet Owney the dog is just, if not more, famous. Today he has his own place medals or tags iPhone app, series of books, and cuddly toys, which are often sent from school to school with accompanying messages from students. on his collar noting The 19th-century ‘mail pouch pooch’ has his own stamp too, in the form of a ‘Forever’ value issued by the US Post Office in July 2011, the destination. Before and all thanks to the unassuming dog’s adventures with the USA’s Railway Mail Service. long the dog’s collar The stray dog was discovered some time in 1888 at the Albany was weighed down Post Office, in New York. With an apparent fondness for the smell of the mail bags, the scruffy mutt soon became a regular fixture at the with these mementos, building, and postal workers adopted him as their mascot. Legend tells how Owney travelled with staff as they made their deliveries, and when prompting Postmaster a mail bag fell off a wagon while the post man was busy delivering letters, the loyal dog leaped from his perch on the vehicle and guarded General John The ‘Forever’ stamp was issued in July 2011. In total 60 the bag until his companion returned. Wanamaker to issue the million stamps were printed using the gravure process As news of Owney’s presence within the postal service spread, he began travelling with the mail bags on trains, making his way first unusual staff member across the state, and later across the country, and meeting hundreds of postal workers along the way. With train crashes a common problem at with a special harness on which to display the metal tags, which came in the time – eighty postal workers lost their lives working on mail trains between 1890 and 1900, while more than 2,000 were injured – Owney all shapes and sizes, from horseshoe shapes to engraved coins. According came to be a good luck charm for mail clerks, since the many trains he travelled on all managed to avoid any accidents. to the National Postal Museum, Owney was described in an April 1894 To mark the canine courier’s many journeys, which included trips to issue of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle: ‘Nearly every place he stopped Owney received an additional tag, until now he wears a big bunch. When he jogs along, they jingle like the bells on a junk wagon.’ After continued attention from the Press, Owney became ill-tempered when meeting another journalist in June 1897. The exact circumstances were never properly reported, but the dog was fatally shot, bringing his long career in the postal service to an abrupt and unfortunate end. Mail workers were understandably saddened by the news, and raised funds for Owney to be preserved. He still sits, alongside examples of the many tags he was presented over the years, at the Smithsonian Postal Museum in Washington DC. Meanwhile, the legend of Owney, strengthened further by the issue of a stamp, continues to teach millions of children across America about companionship and the history of the postal service. 28 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

FIRST DAY COVERS Attention! As stamps are miniature works can find official covers for each of art what better to feature on a produced by The Army with first day cover than a miniature special forces postmarks. In model soldier exhibition, addition, look out for the Royal organised by Ensign Miniatures Military Sandhurst Official cover who were based in Boston in or the cover for the Duke of York’s Lincolnshire, writes Brian Austin. Military School in Dover. The cover was produced with As usual the hardest to find Hawkwood covers who were covers are ones not connected based in East London and is with the military theme and with rather nicely certified on the this issue you are looking for reverse as a limited edition of Llangollen International Eisteddfod only 325. A tiny number, in what was a real boom time for stamps. and the Telecom Technology Showcase in London, priced at £175 At the point of writing, we also have the same cover signed by the and £85, respectively. creator of Ensign Model Soldiers, Major Robert Rowe, which again The real ‘star’ postmark for this issue is the ‘Join Territorial Army is certified on the reverse as a limited edition of only forty signed. I 75th Anniversary’ special slogan and if you can find one in good would also suspect that you will be able to find the same cover with condition, expect to pay in excess of £500; or why not look out for various CDS postmarks. the National Army Museum slogan which you should be able to pick up for a more reasonable £20. Each of the five stamps feature a different regiment and you SOCIETY NEWS A meeting of the Great Britain Philatelic Society will be held on 23 From left: Richard Stock April at the Royal Philatelic Society, 15 Abchurch Lane, London EC4N FRPSL, Past President 7BW from 11am. The morning session will consist of a display from of the Society with Peter Ray Simpson FRPSL & Karl Louis FRPSL entitled QV Mixed Franking Cockburn FRPSL, current Covers. The afternoon session, commencing at 2.15pm, will consist of President, and three recent Members’ Displays on the related but expanded theme of Any Reign recipients of awards by the Mixed/Unusual Franking Covers. Visitors are welcome. Full details of the Society: Cheryl Ganz RDP, Great Britain Philatelic Society can be found at www.gbps.org.uk FRPSL, Keith R. Klugman FRPSL, and James P. The South African Collectors’ Society recently held an open meeting, Gough RDP, FRPSL during which a number of interesting displays were presented. The first display was of the archival material ‘Premiers and Presidents’ given by Ian displays from forty of the Society’s overseas members, representing Shapiro. Steve Hannath followed with a superb display of Simonstown eighteen different countries. The displays had been coordinated by Jon from its beginning up to when the naval base ceased to be in British Aitchison FRPSL, Hon Secretary of the Society, with each contributor hands. Chris Oliver began the afternoon with a well-researched and being presented with a certificate and medal by Richard Stock FRPSL, detailed 36-page display on ‘WW2 Airgraphs from South Africa’. Bob Past President of the Society. Richard was President when the exhibition, Hill’s display was of the correspondence of Titus Maleka, an ANC and hence this meeting, were initially scheduled to be held two years supporter during the apartheid years who was incarcerated on Robben ago. The opportunity was also taken of presenting three recent overseas Island. For more details view our website: www.southafricancollector.com recipients of awards by the Society, this being their first opportunity to come to London in the past two years. First was Cheryl Ganz RDP, At the recent Chelmsford and District Philatelic Society meeting, Ray FRPSL, receiving the Lee Medal for the best digital presentation, namely How gave a presentation entitled ‘Irish Ship Letter Mail’, displaying ‘Zeppelin LZ-129 Hindenburg On Board Post Office’. Naturally there numerous examples of envelopes, some of which pre-dated postage was a long period when the Society could not hold normal meetings: stamps, primarily in respect of mail between Waterford in Southern Zoom meetings filled the void, and will continue to be part of the annual Ireland and Milford Haven in Wales for onward journeys to mainland programme. Keith R. Klugman FRPSL received the Tapling Medal for Europe and beyond. The second half of Ray’s display widened his his article in The London Philatelist on ‘Natal: Use of 1857 Embossed presentation to include ship mail from other destinations in Ireland Stamps’. Finally James P. Gough RDP, FRPSL was awarded the Crawford to other ports in the UK, as well as railway letters and parcels. Medal for his work The Postal History of the Universal Postal Union: Ray also showed examples of mail on pioneering Asian routes. For The Postal Card (Worldwide) 1869-1974. Society details contact Dave Everard on tel: 01245 465506: email: [email protected] All but two member societies of the Association of Essex Philatelic Societies have now announced a resumption of meetings, although not Over 300 members and guests visited the home of the Royal Philatelic all have yet published full new programmes. For details of the planned Society London recently for a special meeting to coincide with the programmes across the county, contact: LC Stanway, tel: 01268 522305; London 2022 International Stamp Exhibition. In the frames were e-mail: [email protected] www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 29

POSTCARDS Beauty and the Beast Mermaids are a popular theme with postcard collectors, writes Richard natural feature of a group of Stenlake, although it is the comic cards that are the favourites with artesian springs and has been a predictable jokes, some too rude for a family magazine like this. This major tourist location for over a is an inexpensive topic with cards costing between £1 and £3. At century with various attractions about double that price come the mermaid cards of Aden. Although including trips in glass-bottomed dubbed mermaids these dugongs or sea-cows were hardly oil paintings, boats. In the late 1950s mermaids but were exhibited to tourists who were probably weirded out by it were recruited to entertain the and resolved to leave Aden ASAP. The hapless lady dugong in our visitors to this family-oriented illustration was caught in 1905, stuffed and, bizarrely, adorned with day out, that is if your family was a crucifix. Other dugongs ended up on display in hotels and the local white as, shamefully, the park museum. Today these harmless sea mammals, whose closest relative is was for whites only until 1969. the elephant, are seeing their numbers reduced by pollution, poaching, Coloured folks only were welcome loss of habitat and being caught in trawler nets. at the nearby Paradise Park. The Silver Springs Amusement Park in Florida incorporates the Silver Springs was an obvious film location and several 1930s Tarzan films were shot there as was The Creature from the Black Lagoon. If Betty Frazee, shown here drinking a bottle of Coke underwater, was the creature, you might think several of your birthdays had come at once. She and her photogenic mermaid colleagues were snapped by Bruce Mozert and made into postcards. Betty made about $10 a day and with postage that will now buy you a postcard of her. POST & GO London 2022 International Stamp Exhibition As regular readers will know, February saw done in the past. Jersey chose a fishy flavour the Business Design Centre in Islington under the banner of ‘Harvest of the Sea’. The host the London 2022 International Stamp stamps in the Presentation Pack and on their Exhibition – originally planned as London official First Day Cover have the same special 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, datastring of ‘B2JE22 B002 1969 12’. B002 writes Stuart Leigh. being the kiosk reference, in this case a back office machine. The ‘1969’ is normally the In the past we have seen Post & Go kiosks at session number, but in this case it is the same on such occasions from Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, all strips in packs and on FDCs; coincidentally as well as from Royal Mail, but not this time, as it is the first year of the independent postal Covid travel restrictions disrupted the plans. administration. The last digits are normally the item number, but here the ‘12’ is for the twelfth That’s not to say we have nothing to collect issue of their Post and Go stamps. Conventional from the exhibition. The Postal Museum issued strips are available from the B002 kiosk at the the Machin Head with the overprint ‘The Postal Philatelic Bureau, from the JE02 kiosk at Broad Museum - London 2022’ with date codes of Street Post Office and from the Desktop Kiosk MA13 and later MA14. Unit (DKU) JE03 from the Post Office HQ. At the adjacent Mail Rail attraction their On a similar theme Guernsey went for a set newest kiosk A013 was issuing the Post Office of stamps that celebrates the Island’s delicious Underground Railway stamp having a similar cuisine by depicting a selection of local recipes overprint of ‘Mail Rail – London 2022’, and or popular dishes, under the heading of date codes starting on 19 February of R19YAL ‘Bailiwick Cuisine’. As well as stamps for the and by the time the exhibition finished on 26 presentation packs and first day covers, there are February having MA18 and MA17. strips from the Philatelic Bureau and from their GG02 kiosk with an ‘Envoy House’ overprint. Although Jersey and Guernsey did not have a presence at the show they both issued sets of Post and Go stamps to coincide, as they have 30 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

STAMP QUIZ Test your stamp knowledge with our monthly quiz (answers on page 70) 1 When QEII issued her first GB definitives in 1952, how much did it cost to post the lowest rate letter, weighing up to 2 ounces? And what colour was the stamp? 2 On the GB U.P.U. Anniversary 1s brown stamp of 1949 what were the objects that appeared opposite GVI’s crowned image? 3 Which four Central and South American countries 3 issued Seebeck stamps? 4 Personal Delivery stamps, issued in Czechoslovakia 7 in the 1930s-40s, guaranteed that a letter would be delivered into the hands of the addressee. What shape were the stamps? 5 Which country used cigarette paper 8 In which year did New Zealand introduce for a 1919 stamp issue? Health Stamps? 6 The USA introduced ZIP codes to speed up mail sorting and delivery 98 stand for? railway carriages begun; and in which country? in 1963. What do the letters Z..I..P In which year was on-board sorting of mail in 7What does the word PLATA signify 10 Why did Great Britain use undenominated on Peruvian stamps of the 1880s? stamps in some of its colonies in the 1850s? Read your favourite magazine ADVERTISE HERE! anytime, anywhere! Contact Mark 07503 707023 or email: mark.dean@ warnersgroup.co.uk Subscribe to Stamp Collector digital JOHN LAMONBY https://pocketmags.com/ FINE BRITISH ADHESIVES stamp-and-coin-mart-magazine MY NEW GB LISTS ARE UPLOADED EVERY FORTNIGHT www.johnlamonby.com Tel: 02392378035 ESTABLISHED IN PHILATELY FOR OVER 40 YEARS www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 31

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JOINT ISSUES Better together With the world reeling from the crisis in Ukraine, it is worth reminding ourselves that countries often come together for good. International cooperation can be seen in many guises, not least stamps, with hundreds of ‘joint issues’ being released over the years, as our in-depth guide reveals J oint issues first appeared for those stamps issued by a ruling The first joint issues in the 1950s, with postal nation, such as the many imperial authorities coming together designs issued for (rather than by) Some suggest the first true joint to produce stamps with a particular colonised country. The issues were produced in 1938 to a common design and Kaiser’s Yacht Hohenzollern issues, mark the Balkan Pact (or Balkan purpose; only the country for example, were issued for a number Entente), a treaty which had been name and value being of German colonies, but these are not signed by Greece, Romania, Turkey different. Usually issued on the same strictly joint issues. and Yugoslavia four years earlier to date, these collaborative issues provide maintain the political situation in an intriguing and rewarding theme And then there are common themes, the region. But are these really joint for collectors, marking significant a growing trend that sees many issues? Although they commemorate moments in history and highlighting countries issue stamps on the same the same subject, the stamps are not fluctuating diplomatic relations. topic, but not necessarily with the identical, as every country placed its Of course, as with any philatelic same design. The prime examples of own coat of arms to the left of the sideline, there are grey areas when it this topical approach are the Europa design. Nor were the stamps issued on comes to joint issues. If a common stamps, which were initially of a the same date. Turkey and Yugoslavia design across a number of country’s common design (as detailed below) each issued two stamps on 29 October stamps was instigated by one central but have been issued on a chosen 1937. Greece issued one on 8 February authority, such as the United Nations, theme since 1974. This year the theme 1938, while Romania issued a further then the stamps are not considered is ‘Stories & Myths’ and a wide range two stamps on 10 February 1938. joint issues. The same would go of countries have issued stamps with their own interpretation of the topic. A set planned for 1914, to feature stamps from the United Kingdom, 'Europa' stamps have been issued since the 1950s. Today PostEurop encourage post offices to issue stamps on a common, annual theme, rather than issue identical designs www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 33

United States and the Dominion Right: the Commonwealth to highlight cooperation and the of Canada, and celebrate Anglo- Cable issues from Great creation of the European Coal American peace, could have been Britain, New Zealand and and Steel Community (ECSC). the first. However, the plan was Australia, 1963 Between them, fourteen values were eventually scrapped as the First World issued from Belgium, France, West War made ‘Peace’ a rather insensitive The USA have Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and topic for a stamp set. And besides, the collaborated with a many Luxembourg, the common design set was to include different designs countries, though this of a tower spelling out the word from each country, so once again, this trend has waned recently. ‘EUROPA’ having been created by would not have been a joint issue as The St Lawrence Seaway French artist Daniel Gonzague. we know it today. issue with Canada is The following year eight countries mostly remembered for participated in a similar project, We need to fast forward to the the Canadian error but this time the seventeen stamps 1950s to see countries coming together featured different designs. to create joint issues. In fact, the late The USA and Mexico 1950s, with the fall-out from the marked the 150th In October 1956, the five Nordic Second World War perhaps creating an anniversary of Mexican countries issued a Norden issue with a initial reluctance to collaborate. Independence in 1960 common design showing flying swans. Each country issues a blue and a red In September 1956, six European stamp, and Norden stamps have been nations issued ‘EUROPA’ stamps issued sporadically since then. Another Europa issue followed Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and in 1958, with the design showing a his aircraft. According to the New dove flying above the ‘E’ of EUROPA Zealand Post Stamp Bulletin of 28 (though it seemed that not everyone July 1958, only the New Zealand was happy with this message, with designs were available in the Romanian ‘Cinderella’ designs showing country, however, Tasman Empire a snake creeping around the bottom of Airways Limited did arrange two the ‘E’ and on another propaganda issue commemorative flights from Sydney a crumbling version of the ‘EUROPA’ to Christchurch, and back, with tower from the 1956 stamps). special ‘two-way covers’ featuring both stamps produced for collectors. Then in 1959, the European Conference of Postal and Another international set followed Telecommunications Administrations in 1959, but once again there are (CEPT) was formed. This prompted question marks over whether this more stamps, this time from Austria, was truly a joint issue. Many NATO Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, members issued stamps to mark the Luxembourg, Netherlands, and tenth anniversary of the organisation, Switzerland; the majority featuring the and countries such as Belgium, common artwork of an interlocking Luxembourg and the Netherlands, keychain made of four circles and four issued stamps with a similar design; squares, designed by Germany’s Walter the NATO symbol in the centre of the Brudi, though Switzerland and Turkey design with a circle of text around it, chose to create their own designs. yet the colours and text does vary. The Europa project continued A little later in the same year, apace, and joint issues followed the USA and Canada issued a joint each year until 1973; Great Britain stamp to celebrate the opening of the getting involved in 1960 for the first St. Lawrence Seaway. The network of anniversary celebrations by issuing canals allows ships to travel from the 1s, 6d and 6d stamps showing the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, Conference Emblem. and was opened by the Queen and President Eisenhower in June 1959. Two nations With administration for the seaway working together coming under both Canada and the USA, it seems only right that a joint It was antipodean cousins Australia and New Zealand that were the first two nations to work on a common theme and topic, to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the first Tasman flight. The design of the two 6d stamps, featured the Southern Cross with the portrait of pilot 34 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

JOINT STAMP ISSUES Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveil a joint stamp issue at the Istana in Singapore September 7, 2017 (REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo) stamp was issued. Whilst the USA utilised a recently Avoiding the printing problems The plans for the stamp didn’t installed Giori Press at the Bureau of of their Canadian counterparts, the Engraving and Printing, allowing the USA clearly gained an appetite for take quite as long as the engineering red and blue colours to be printed in joint issues as the 1960s began. In work, but did begin five years before a single pass, the Canadian stamps September 1960, Mexico and the the issue date, culminating in a were passed through a printing press USA celebrated the 150th anniversary design which shows the Canadian twice in order to create the multi- of Mexican Independence with a joint maple leaf and the American eagle coloured design. On this second run, issue, featuring the same design but in interlocking ovals, superimposed a small number of sheets were placed with the expected changes to language upon a map of the Seaway. However, into the press the wrong way round, and value. the production of the stamps wasn’t resulting in an inverted centre, without its problems. Canada’s first major stamp error. The UK’s eventual issues Left: Belgium, the The error was discovered in a As the 1960s continued to swing, Netherlands and Winnipeg post office on 20 August, more countries joined the postal party, Luxembourg joined and it is thought that around 200 though typically the United Kingdom forces in 1964 to inverted stamps exist today. An seemed to be party poopers when the produce a joint issue example of the erroneous stamp idea was first raised. marking twenty would make a welcome addition years of Benelux, to a joint issue collection – sat The Commonwealth Pacific the political union neatly beside the USA stamp and Cable (COMPAC) was an undersea between the two the correct Canadian version – telephone cable system connecting nations. The stamp though the price of the error might Canada with New Zealand and design showed King be a problem; Robert A Siegel Australia, and incorporating the Baudouin of Belgium, Auctions sold an example for $5,000 CANTAT system, which linked Queen Juliana of the (approximately £3,800) in 2021, Canada to the United Kingdom. Netherlands, and whilst a block of six from the bottom According to the stamp history Luxembourg’s Grand corner of the sheet was sold at the produced by The Postal Museum, Duchess Charlotte same auction for over £43,000. Australia first contacted the British Post Office to enquire if Britain Right: two of the stamps from the Norden issue of 1956, which saw stamps from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 35

would be issuing a stamp to mark to produce a joint issue marking Spain and the of Margrethe II of Denmark and the opening of the cable, but there twenty years of Benelux, the political USA marked the Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark. seemed a reluctance from London: union between the two nations. The quadricentennial of the Both countries returned to the ‘On 16 April a cable from Australia stamp design showed King Baudouin settlement of Florida with subject in 1992 to mark the couple’s repeated the question as to whether of Belgium, Queen Juliana of the a joint issue in 1965 silver wedding anniversary, and in the UK would issue a stamp, but Netherlands, and Luxembourg’s 2017 another joint issue marked the reply was that no decision had Grand Duchess Charlotte; the three A joint issue from Great their golden wedding anniversary, been made. A similar question was countries would issue further designs Britain and Australia this time also including a design received from New Zealand. At the to celebrate their agreement in 1969 in 1988 included from the Faroe Islands. same time the British Post Office and 1974. British icons William asked if the Canadian Post Office Shakespeare and John Britain became less conservative was issuing a stamp, learning that The following year, Spain and the Lennon, whilst cricketer over the decades (though the appetite it was not. No country would move USA marked the quadricentennial W.G. Grace, who made for joint issues seems to have gone in until the others did.’ (that’s 400 years) of the settlement his Test debut against recent years), and joint issues have of Florida with a stamp each – it Australia in September marked events and anniversaries Eventually, the decision to is notable, and visually obvious, 1880, also appears including the Bicentenary of issue a stamp for COMPAC was that the two countries used Australia, with the four stamps made, and the Post Office sent different printing methods, Spain featuring images of John Lennon, a telegram to Australia asking to preferring photogravure, the USA WG Grace, and William Shakespeare, receive details of their stamp design. using an engraving. By 1967 the as well as the Queen and an ‘early ‘On 24 September the Director Scandinavian countries had got in on settler’; and the opening of the General of Australia Post sent Mr the act: firstly Sweden and Finland Channel Tunnel in 1994 and the Hind two black and white stamp- celebrated ‘Pioneer works of Finnish centenary of the ‘Entente Cordiale’, size photographs of its approved immigrants to Sweden’, and later both with France. design, the same being used for that year Denmark and Greenland New Zealand with the name and both commemorated the wedding The 2006 joint issue entitled denomination changed,’ the official ‘Animal Tales: Illustrations from files record. ‘It was hoped that no Children’s Literature’ saw a departure objection would be forthcoming from the usual routine, with the if the Australian design was USA and Britain each choosing seven incorporated in the British design: designs, plus an eighth from ‘across the Ron Page, the Assistant Director pond’. So the British set included The General in Melbourne, advised PSD Very Hungry Caterpillar, written by that there was no objection.’ Despite American author Eric Carle (this 68p the final designs sharing common stamp featuring two holes apparently features, the British stamp differed, munched through by the caterpillar, in that the portrait of the Queen a novel addition which is not seen on was incorporated into the artwork; the US version), whilst the Americans so some may not consider the three decided to add Maisy Mouse, the stamps part of a joint set. creation of English author and illustrator Lucy Cousins, to their set. Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg joined forces in 1964 The vast range of stamps issued before, during and after the London 2012 Olympics Games includes a joint issue with China celebrating the handover of the Olympic flag. 36 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

JOINT STAMP ISSUES These designs featured images of the Above: this se-tenant unique National Stadium in Beijing of three stamps (which also recently hosted the marked the 'Fiftieth Winter Olympics), Corner Tower, Anniversary of the Forbidden City, the London Eye, Liberation of Belarus, and the Tower of London. Russia and Ukraine from the Nazi invaders' A vast range of subjects and was put into circulation in 1994. Of course, joint issues from the past Now Ukrposhta is can also signify changing relationships withdrawing the between countries, and even show stamps from sale how some nations have worked and destroying the together to condone, criticise, and joint stamp issue (see even attack another state, something Stamp Update on page which surely goes against the original 6), an unusual example intention of issuing joint stamps. of a joint issue taking on new meaning years One of the many joint issues after its release between Russia and Belarus has ominous undertones when today’s political climate is considered. The ‘Way to Victory’ stamps of 2019 marked ‘75 years since liberation of Belarus from German fascist invaders’ and depict soldiers in action. Yet there are many other joint issues from Belarus that offer less emotive themes, such as Belarus and Kazakhstan set of 2012 featuring hedgehogs. Likewise, Ukraine has issued joint stamps on subjects including the Caspian Seal (with Kazakhstan), Left: a century The USA and GB joint issue celebrating of Anglo-French children's book characters saw an co-operation was innovative approach, with just two celebrated with two common stamp designs, picking out stamps in 2004, one the characters that have become featuring the artwork popular 'across the pond'. It is 'Lace 1 (trial proof) interesting to note that the promotional 1968' by Sir Terry poster for the set does not mention the Frost, the second USA's involvement in the set showcasing 'Coccinelle' by French MAY 2022 37 artist Sonia Delaunay www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

Architecture (China), and Church Royal Mail’s Chris Long (left) tastes life as a French postman in JOINT ISSUE TERMINOLOGY Bells (Moldova). But in 1994 a set Paris with UK postwoman Nancy Bryant, to launch a joint stamp of four stamps, a joint issue between issue with La Poste, marking the centenary of the signing of Twin Issues: Joint issues where the design and Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, the Entente Cordiale in London on 8 April 1904. The Entente release date are the same for each country. marked the fiftieth anniversary of Cordiale stamps went on sale in 2004, to coincide with the start The 1851 three-penny stamps from New the ‘Liberation of Soviet Areas’, the of Queen Elizabeth II’s State Visit to France Brunswick and Nova Scotia are amongst the designs complete with aircraft, tanks, earliest twin issues. soldiers, and the kind of military With thanks to Richard Zimmerman for his maps we have sadly become used to assistance with the article. You can read more Siamese Issues: Twin issues where the stamps are seeing on news broadcasts. Ukraine’s about joint issues on Richard's comprehensive physically linked, either se-tenant (side by side) justified withdrawal of these stamps website: https://philarz.com. Plus, don't miss or on the same mini sheet. A superb example adds a sad footnote to this issue, and our regular joint issues update, starting in next was the 2005 Gibraltar-Isle of Man 200th their call for ‘UPU members to be in month's Stamp Collector, bringing you details of Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar issue. solidarity with Ukraine and not to the very latest joint issues from around the world. produce any joint stamp issues with Omnibus Issues: Large, joint issue series the Russian Post’ is another poignant produced by five or more countries with example of how philately reflects our common territorial or political links. Good ever-changing world. examples are British Commonwealth, Europa or Universal Postal Union stamp issues such as the Today, the joint issue is a regular 2001-02 Year of Dialogue Among Civilisations part of many country’s annual stamp omnibus, which involved around 63 postal schedule, highlighting the willingness administrations. to cooperate with fellow nations, and perhaps also reflecting the popularity Concerted Issues: Joint issues with the same – and therefore increased revenue design but different issue dates, such as this – of these sets, since collectors are 2008-9 Iran-Tajikistan issue. encouraged to buy the stamps from all post offices involved. Parallel Issues: Joint issues with different designs, but the same issue date. Recent Whatever the modern-day reasons examples include the colourful dance-themed for producing joint issues, the trend joint issue from India and Mexico issued in clearly symbolises international December 2010. friendship and cooperation, something which the world needs in Territorial Issues: Joint issues produced by this, so far, very challenging decade. politically dependent countries, including As is so often the case, postage stamps the lovely, 2011 French Antarctic and Austral reflect both our history and our hopes Territories issue. for the future, and surely we can all agree, working together is better. The United Arab Emirates and India released this joint issue of two stamps in February to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their relationship, the fiftieth anniversary of the UAE’s formation and the 75th anniversary of the independence of India. The stamps themselves show national flags and we see governmental buildings in the background of the miniature sheet, a common theme seen on cooperative designs 38 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

JOHN CURTIN LTD. Serious buyer... Every year we travel hundreds of miles throughout the U.K, Europe and Scandinavia, buying stocks, collections and accumulation. And we've been doing this since 1970. What do we buy? We buy virtually anything in stamps and covers, from specialised one country collections to general lots and accumulations, from better quality single items to complete dealer’s stocks. If it’s philatelic, we're interested. Why offer your stamps to us? For FOUR very good reasons: ACCURATE VALUATIONS We have over forty years full time experience as a major buyer in the stamp trade and we buy from all the main UK & Continental auction houses. We make accurate, efficient valuations based on the very latest market values. FAIR VALUATIONS We work on high turnover with low profit margins which means we must buy - and we pay the top market price. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT All our offers are backed by immediate payment. We agree a price and you get paid there and then. It’s that simple. HOME VISITS We travel extensively, which means we can easily arrange to view bulky, valuable collections in your own home. And finally... We buy most of our material from auction, usually at well below our “top price”. Auctioneers typically take between 15-25% from BOTH SIDES! If those people had sold directly to us they would have saved time, been paid more and paid immediately. Think about it - and then give us a ring on 01932 785635 International Stamp Dealers www.jcstamps.co.uk 924254.08 PO Box 31, Sunbury-on-Thames Middlesex TW16 6HS 6th May Royal National Hotel, London 17th - 18th June Stafford Tel: 01932 785635 WK0D\\ 6XWWRQ&ROG¿HOG 6XWWRQ&ROG¿HOG Fax: 01932 770523 (24 hours) WK-XQH /LFK¿HOG QG-XO\\ Royal National Hotel, London email: [email protected] 8th July )RU\\RXUSKLODWHOLFLQVXUDQFHUHTXLUHPHQWV FRQWDFW+::RRG/LPLWHGWKHSUHIHUUHG LQVXUDQFHEURNHUIRUVWDPSFROOHFWRUVDQG GHDOHUV:RUOGZLGH :KHWKHU\\RXUHTXLUHLQVXUDQFHDWKRPHDWD EXVLQHVVSUHPLVHVDWH[KLELWLRQDQGRULQ WUDQVLW JLYHXVDFDOOZHKDYHDUDQJHRI IOH[LEOHLQVXUDQFHSODQVWKDWZHFRQVLGHUDUH VXUHWRRIIHU\\RXWKHFRYHUDJH\\RXQHHG Telephone: + 44 (0)  E-mail:[email protected] Visit us online at www.hwiuk.com (XURSHDQEDVHGFOLHQWVDUHORRNHGDIWHUE\\ +:,(XURSHDEUDQFKRI+:,)UDQFHEDVHG LQWKH8.(PDLOILQHDUW#KZLHXURSHFRP +::RRG/LPLWHGLVDXWKRULVHGDQGUHJXODWHGE\\WKH)LQDQFLDO&RQGXFW$XWKRULW\\)&$  )&$UHJLVWHUQXPEHU)RUFRQILUPDWLRQRIRXUUHJXODWRU\\VWDWXVSOHDVHYLVLWWKH)&$ZHEVLWHZZZIFDRUJXN +:,(XURSHZLWKWKHUHJLVWHUHGDGGUHVVRI/OR\\GV$YHQXH/RQGRQ(&1'4LVWKHWUDGLQJQDPHIRU+:,)UDQFHLQWKH8. &RPSDQ\\5HJLVWUDWLRQ1XPEHU%5 +:,)UDQFHLVUHJLVWHUHGZLWK2ULDVDQGUHJXODWHGLQWKH8.E\\WKH)LQDQFLDO&RQGXFW$XWKRULW\\ILQDQFLDOUHIHUHQFHQXPEHU  WUDQVLWRQO\\FRYHUQRWDYDLODEOHWHUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQVDSSO\\  www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 39

Your expert guide to the world of philately CURATOR’S PICK A happier moment in a sad story There’s no getting away from the fact that the history reflected on stamps can occasionally point us to dark stories of conflict and persecution, but at least Devlan Kruck finds some light in the story behind this rare Belgian Congo cover It’s a sad story if However, five years later, you start digging two British men walked around the history into an auction house in of the Congo Free Brussels and presented State (1885-1908) these two albums for sale. and there aren’t many, if Fortunately, one of the any, happy endings to lift people working at the the gloom of atrocities auctioneers was a Belgium perpetrated in the colony Congo aficionado, who under the personal rule of immediately recognised King Leopold II. It’s easy the surcharged receipt and to forget that two sets of upon further review began stamps were created for to realise that the two use in this Central African albums must be Raymond country which was supposed Keach missing collection. to be a humanitarian and philanthropic project. The In a clever move the reality was far more inhumane and really the state was set up for profit. two auctioneers attending that day managed to get the albums on consignment for inclusion in The first stamps issued in 1886 have the profile of King Leopold their next auction. Once the two British men had left the premises the II but were replaced in 1887 with those with his portrait. The former auctioneer telephoned Raymon Keach to inform him that he’d recognised seemingly has the monarch with grey facial hair, the latter with a the collection, and that it was now in safe hands. They then reported the distinctive black beard. From a philatelic and postal history perspective matter to the Belgian police, who contacted Scotland Yard. A few days there are many intriguing items, both unused and used to collect later two British detectives from London arrived with photos of various from this independent state, and as you might expect some scarce and possible suspects, to which the auctioneers were able to identify the men extraordinarily rare material to decorate a specialist exhibit or collection. that had attended the shop offering the collection for sale. One good news story which does come out of this period, is related to We have no idea what happened with the investigation into the two a unique item in the collection ‘BELGIUM CONGO: Stamps issued men handling the stolen goods – they never returned – but we do between 1886 to 1887’, assembled by Patrick Maselis (RDP, FRPSL). know that once the Court of Justice in Brussels had followed the legal process to ascertain ownership, about six months after the albums had The item in question is an 1886 receipt for an unpaid letter that mysteriously arrived on the desk of the auction house, Raymond Keach arrived in Boma, Congo. The charge for collection was 75c, made up was reunited with his stolen Congo collection. of three of the first issue 1886 Leopold II 25c blue stamps. It’s the only It’s a happy ending to a rotten incident. You could say it’s a happy known example of this type. That’s not the happy news story though, story, in the sad history of the Congo Free State. despite it being philatelically pleasing. The nice bit is that this cover was once in the collection of top Belgium Congo collector and expert The Museum of Raymond Keach (1912 - 2001), who in 1951, with another legendary Philately is a unique Belgium collector, Doris Green (1904 - 1999), formed the Belgian digital platform that Congo Study Circle. captures and preserves award winning collectors, collections and rarities, as well as Keach was a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London, and providing the facility to track provenance and pricing information. served on their expert committee for stamps of the Belgium Congo. He Find out more at: www.museumofphilately.com formed an outstanding collection of this topic, but in the 1990s two of his albums, containing the featured cover and many incredible items were stolen. It was a travesty, but sadly years went by and no news of the albums was forthcoming. 40 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

EXHIBITION NEWS Eminent Philatelists The sixtieth Spanish National Philatelic Exhibition, Exfilna King Carol II 2022, is scheduled to take place in September in the city of Irún, (1893-1953) in the Basque Country, on the border between Spain and France. It’s staggering how little has been written your own image on your home country’s The website of the exhibition was in philatelic terms about a man who postage adhesives. Even if you only collected recently launched, announcing the collected stamps at the highest level and the classic stamps up to 1870, which Carol organising committee, the regional even appeared on stamps, writes Devlan II reportedly did, you’d make an exception commissioners, the regulations Kruck. King Carol II is best remembered for the ones issued during 1930 and 1940 and the application form for the as the King of Romania between 1930 and wouldn’t you? exhibitors. 600 frames are expected to 1940, who abdicated and lived in exile until he participate in the exhibition, in which died. It’s even more surprising that you don’t Notwithstanding his ego, King Carol II held France is this year’s invited country. see much philatelic coverage of this legendary in his collection many of the rarest stamps Exfilna 2022 will take place between collector because he held the famous 1857 from his homeland, including the famous 21 and 25 September and is under Swedish Treskilling Yellow in his collection Moldavia ‘Bulls’. Thanks to the tireless efforts FEPA recognition. Find out more at from 1937 to 1950. of the foremost expert in that field – Fritz the website: exposicionesfesofi.es Heimbüchler – there are extensive records of As you are no doubt aware, this error of the exact items held in Carol II’s possession. The Hunfilex 2022 exhibition recently colour is a one-off, and has on three occasions The trouble is many of them have vanished, took place at the Groupama Arena held the coveted title of the world’s most not seen since the 1950s, such as the ‘1858 27p in Budapest, and featured a FEPA expensive stamp, the third time when it first issue unique tete-beche pair used’. seminar on Open Philately presented was sold by David Feldman SA in 1996 for by renowned exhibitor and juror and 2,880,000 Swiss francs. There are rumours that he put some of his former FEPA Board member, Ms stamps up as collateral to raise funds for a Birthe King. Find out more at the However, King Carol II didn’t pay that for it. property in Mexico, which is where he first website: hunfilex2022.com He purchased it for a not insignificant sum of ensconced after his exile. Sadly it appears that £5,000. It isn’t known what Carol II made on his financial dealings were a tad perforated The Helvetia 2022 stamp exhibition, the Treskilling Yellow when he sold it in 1950 and it is thought these stamps were taken by is held this month (18-22 May), and to philatelist Rene Berlingin. By this time he creditors or maybe even stolen. In fact, there is celebrates the 160th anniversary of was in exile in Portugal having been forced to a fascinating number of tales surrounding our the Sitting Helvetia, the first perforate step down from his kingdom due to mounting former King collector, including one about a Swiss stamp and the first to feature the pressure from the Soviets, Hungarians, group of Moldovia Bull stamps, which were Helvetia symbol, still used today. Bulgarians and the Germans over relinquishing destined for auction in England in 1988 but certain parts of Romanian soil to foreign rule. were stolen at a London airport and have not Exhibition news been seen since. kindly provided by the To set the philatelic scene, though, we need Federation of European to look back further to establish Carol II’s The list of similar incidents is too long for Philatelic Associations philatelic credentials. As a young Prince, he this piece, but as we are musing over Carol (FEPA). Find out developed a reputation for being a playboy II’s philatelic exploits, would you believe more at the website: and apparently it was a standing joke that he he purchased, in 1937, a Bermuda 1856 fepanews.com was never seen without a drink in one hand Perot’s First Issue in red on blue paper, which and a lady on the other. However, and here is mysteriously disappeared on route to him? This acquired sometime in the 1930s, and which for the very fine part, if you read any biographies time, the stamp did resurface, in 1948 in Paris, unknown reasons didn’t resurface officially until about his life, they all comment that his ‘only’ but it all soils the reputation somewhat. the 1980s when it sold for $88,000. serious interest was ‘stamp collecting’. Given that he had the world at his feet that is a huge Not all his prize stamps went AWOL, and King Carol II was a legendary collector endorsement for philately. King Carol II also had the gorgeous 1847 who, if we are honest, left a bit of a watermark Mauritius ‘Post Office’ 1d tied to an envelope on the world and is perhaps best not put What this says about us, the wider group of by a rectangular ‘PAID’, known as the One under the magnifying glass. However, it is stamp collectors who don’t have the same level Penny Ball Invitation Envelope, which he sold fair to say he brought to our hobby a touch of Royal distractions, I’m not sure, but King in 1950, and was later auctioned by David of glamour, a dollop of intrigue, plenty of Carol II certainly added a splash of glamour Feldman SA selling for a whopping 1,610,000 mystery and a castle-full of cash. Oh, for and colourful glitz to the world of stamps at Swiss Francs (around £1.3 million). a King Carol II in philately today! But for the time. As you’d expect he had the resources some reason his contributions to the stamp to buy the rarest stamps and at the time the Another great rarity he possessed was the kingdom have been exiled from the philatelic Treskilling Yellow was a prized acquisition. 1851 Spain 2 reales blue error of colour record, which is why we are putting that However, it must be weird to be genuinely vertical pair, again sold to Berlingin in 1950 straight without further delay and naming interested in stamps and then one day find for an undisclosed sum. He also had a Western King Carol II ‘The Philatelic Exile’. Australia 1855 4d Inverted Swan which he www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 41

HOW MANY OLYMPICS 50pS ARE THERE? WHICH £2 COINS ARE WORTH OVER £10? HOW MANY 50p, 10p AND £2 COINS DO YOU OWN, AND WHICH DO YOU STILL NEED? GET THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS AND MANY MORE WITH ‘COLLECT MODERN COINS’ The full-colour A4 COLLECT INASSOCIATIONWITH publication is both a souvenir of the UK's MODERNYOUR EXPERT commemorative coins GUIDE TO 50P, £2 COINS AND 10P COINS and an essential guide for collectors. Find out how much your coins Complete ayonudrpcroiclleecgtuioidnews ith are worth, the errors and scarce checklists varieties to look out for, and so much more, including… HOW TO VALUE YOUR COINS • Every 50p and £2 coin in detail Mistrikes and myths explained • Complete your collection with LATEST MINTAGE FIGURES checklists & price guides • How to value your coins Every 50p and £2 coin in detail • Mis-strikes & myths explained • Latest mintage figures ALL • Includes space for your notes ABOUT COINS Get your copy today at: www.allaboutcoins.co.uk

PRINZ STAMP ACCESSORIES INTERESTING & UNUSUAL 3 3…RQ8.RUGHUVEHORZ… 2YHU…SRVWIUHH8.RQO\\2YHUVHDV3 3DWFRVW BRITISH COMMONWEALTH IRAN 100’s from 1891 inc 1909 and 1911 sets Many 100s in Crown album 1939-51 all 1958 range to 1990. Unchecked in detail Fu (far harder than mint) inc. Aden 1939 £95.00 set, Barbados both sets, Jamaica, K.U.T. to £1, Straits to $5 etc. Lots of useful mid values, very useful Indian states etc. IRELAND High cat value £425.00 Many 100’s from O’Prints on G.B to AUSTRALIA 1/=, 5/=, 1922 set, most of the better Few 1000s from Roos to 2/=, Heads to 1940’s/50’s Commems, Europas, later 1/4, useful early mint sets inc 1931 Airs, with M/S, UNM ranges to 2007 19345 Jubilee 1937 N.S.W., 1940 A.I.F., Cat £1100 £160.00 then Robes to £1 (2) then 1963 sterling ISRAEL Many 100’s in printed album mainly navigators, followed by massive range UNM inc 1953 tete beche set of 6interpanneaux, Air set (no 1000’s) 1960 of sets to 2,000 mint and/or fu. Huge Cat town set, National Exhibitions M/S, 1963 Halbanon complete sheet of 16, 1949 Value £375.00 View of Jerusalem, 1961 Coins etc fairly complete to 1979. All mentioned are with BAHAMAS tab, where applicable. Cat £1670 47 from Chalon types (7) to 6d., K.Ed to £200.00 1/=, KG5, 1931 2/=, 3/= etc. Mainly Fu. Prinz stamp mounts are available in a wide range of sizes Cat £1,330 £135.00 and formats, made from archival grade materials, Prinz stamp BANGLADESH PRXQWVRႇHUWKHSHUIHFWSURWHFWLRQIRU\\RXUVWDPSV About 160 from 1973 set (UN/M) 7DNHDORRNDWRXUZHEVLWHZZZSULQ]FRXNIRURXUVSHFLDORႇHUV Commem sets UN/M, M/S inc rare ITALY 2XUEXONSDFNHGJPVµNLORZDUH¶SDFNVRႇHUDZLGHUDQJHRI VL]HVLQEODFNEDFNHGRUFOHDUEDFNHG animals, Philanippon etc. Unchecked in Colonies 36, the 1934 Exhibition sets for detail £25.00 Eritrea, Cyrenicia and Tripolitania all mint Cat £252 £50.00 Stamp mounts - mixed pack of strips Price BARBADOS Colonies 60+ mainly complete sets 6%.: JPVLQZHLJKWEODFNEDFNHG … Some 100s from QV, 1906 Nelson set, 6&.: JPVLQZHLJKWFOHDUEDFNHG … 1938, 1950, 1953, 1965 and 1974 sets FU inc Dodecanese 1932 Dante Air complete, later to 2000. A really good lot. set, 1934 Football Air set, Scarpanto £120.00 Stamp Hinges 1932, Garibaldi, Castelrosso 1930  3DFNRIIROGHGKLQJHV … BOTSWANA Ferrucci, General issues 1934 Footall 100’s from Indep set, 1967 Birds (FU) 1987, 1992 sets etc to 2011. Cat £600 5L-50, then mint sets inc Somalia 1929 Stockcards - with coverfoil in 100’s £85.00 Montecassino, Dodecanese 1934  VWULS[PP  VWULS[PP … Football (postage) General issues 1933 … Foundation Air set, Tripoli 1932 Fair BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA complete Cat £3370 £550.00 100s from Cape 1d triangular, rectangular 3ULQ]6\\VWHP6WRFN3DJHV … to 5/=, Natal from a good range Chalou JERSEY 6LQJOH6LGHG6WDQGDUGSXQFKHGSHU … types QV 5/=, K.Ed to 2/6, OFS, Large collection (Many 100s) seems 'RXEOH6LGHG6WDQGDUGSXQFKHGSHU Transvaal, S Africa 1913 to 10/=, SWA reasonably complete 1969-2016 mint or etc. Cat (Ignoring singles £1,425 Fu the mint largely UnM and inc M/S etc. PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS! £175.00 £185.00 8.FXVWRPHUVVHQGIRURXU DENMARK KENYA, UGANDA brand new 2021-22 brochure V. Many 100’s from 1863 1875 to 100 ore Some 100’s from K.Ed inc 1922 to 2/=, detailing the full range of Prinz 1882 1904 1907 sets 1913 complete 5 1935 set to £1, Jubilee M & FU, 1938 to SURGXFWV aur to 10 Kr. 1934 Air set. Then many set £1, 1954 and 1960 sets, extensive later Brochure can also be &RPPHPDQGGH¿QWR&DW…  ZLWKVHYHUDOFRPSOHWHGH¿QVHWV GRZQORDGHGIURPRXUZHEVLWH £325.00 Cat £1500 £225.00 Order online at - www.prinz.co.uk GERMANY or telephone - 01736 751910 42, a mid period range of FU better items KOREA Please note our new address! inc 1923 Rhein-Ruhr 2Mk, 4Mk, Wagner to 25pf, 1934 Air and Colonisers set etc. 100’s with many N. Korea to 1990’s, PRINZ PUBLICATIONS UK LTD excellent condition Cat £1770 £285.00 Unit 20a, Long Rock Ind Estate several sets M/S etc, smaller range S. Longrock, CORNWALL TR20 8HX TEL.01736 751910 www.prinz.co.uk Korea to 2015 £35.00 19th Century range (25) inc Eagles to 9K Several 100s in stock book from 1894 (this superb used) 1875 range inc rarer listed shades, 1872 10g (pen cancelled) 10m, then N.Korea inc. 1948 Labour Law etc condition is excellent Cat £5480 mint block of 4 (as is) and later to 1990s. £625.00 Unchecked in detail £125.00 All offers subject to stock on seven days approval against full payment with order. 915815.07 We accept all major credit cards. E-MAIL: [email protected] GEOFF MILSOM STAMPS (PTS) 5 Beechcroft Avenue, Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1BJ Telephone:- (01785) 245564 Callers by appointment only www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 43

The Holy Roman Emperor receives an Countess Alexandrine of Taxis, Wax seal on a letter penned by Antwerp Ornate tack worn by a 19th century express letter delivered by one of his vast Imperial Postmaster to the General Alderman, Jan Bode, in the year 1264 postal courier and his mount net-work of couriers. The service eventually Post Office of the Holy Roman Empire developed into the world’s first fee-paying postal service to run to a tight timetable JOURNÉE DU TIMBRE ISSUES The day of the stamp Inspired by his recent look at France’s ‘Journée du Timbre’ stamps, as featured in the September 2021 issue of Stamp Collector, our roving philatelic reporter Ed Fletcher discovers similarly attractive designs from Belgium, Italy and Germany W hen the FIP conference probably wondered if Right: Long-distance Fédération they would find even enough postmen postal courier, c.1500- Internationale exempt from military service to collect 1600; Handsome de Philatélie and deliver routine mail, never mind postal coach proposed, at its run printing machines to produce 1935 Brussels Conference, that member special issues. nations should set aside one day each year and call it Stamp Day, the motion Despite all the obstacles, France received enthusiastic applause and pressed ahead, as we saw in the vociferous support. Scores of European September 2021 issue. Then plucky delegates eager to encourage activities little Belgium, as newspaper columnists that brought nations together rather had dubbed the small nation at the very to the boiling point of war voted for centre of Hitler’s blitzkrieg, joined in; it. Alas, the realities of life throughout encouraged no doubt by the common much of the Continent during the French language read and spoken every next two decades all but ruled out day by 40% of Belgians. The country’s Stamp Days. Delegates returning to first Journée du Timbre offering, on sale their home countries after the 1935 in 1957, showed Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I receiving a letter carried From left: Belgian rural by one of his couriers circa AD 1490. postman; WWI military His Empire had consisted of postman; a town postman of 1840 fragmented territories in Burgundy, Austria, Spain and France; with what became modern Belgium somewhere in the mix. To bind them, and to improve his ability to communicate with them, the Emperor created the world’s first postal service with a regular timetable. It eventually became a Continent-wide network that also benefited private 44 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

EUROPEAN STAMPS merchants who willingly paid the From left: City postman 1962 stamp buyers were treated to a Italian issues Emperor to gain access to his couriers. of 1855; 17th-century fine image of one of those speedy 16th It was said that a letter carried by the Thurn and Taxis courier; century long-distance postal messengers Italy embarked with genuine service travelled at double the speed Decorated pillar box of on horseback. The stamps of 1963 enthusiasm on the Day of the Stamp of any postal system used by other 1852; Italian stamps-on- and 1964 provided Belgian engravers project (Giornato del Francobolo in royal households. England took many stamps design showing with opportunities to show ornate Italian), and produced an excellent of Maximilian’s innovations and used 1862 and 1961 stamps coachwork on a 19th-century mail design for its first issue of 1960. The them to develop our monarch’s court delivery coach, and on the handsome artwork showed a horse-drawn mail messenger service, though rarely From left: West German tack worn by a postilion and his mount coach galloping through the centre allowing private paid mail to use the carrier pigeon with from the same era. of a huge post-horn. The 1961 issue royal mounts until the 18th century. message; A century of also showed originality, depicting an Belgian Railways Parcels The years 1966 to 1975 provided imprint of a 50c franked paper of In 1958 Belgium issued a ‘Day service; Italian imprint artists with four opportunities to Sardinia. By 1969 Italy had settled on Of The Postal Museum’ stamp; but of a 50c provisional depict walking postmen delivering more conventional designs, in that year the country took up the Journée du postal franked paper mail. The images included a rural showing a 1903 mail coach. The change Timbre banner again in 1959 with a of Sardinia; Italian Mail postman in knee-length boots that proved short-lived. Designs for the most interesting stamp celebrating a coach of 1903 would not have looked out of place 1970s and later were aimed at children, female figure in championing postal on a Belgian farm. The Army postman displaying comic characters and/or communications. She was Alexandrine from 1916 seems equipped to tumble multicoloured designs. von Taxis (1589-1666), a noblewoman into a trench for combat duties should who served as Imperial Postmaster to the enemy have at-tacked during his German designs the General Post Office of the Holy delivery round. Depictions of urban Roman Empire, as well as Postmaster postmen dated to 1840 and 1855 Our third foray into Day of the Stamp of the Spanish Netherlands. Married to indicate the quality of uniforms issues draws us to Germany. In the that Postmaster, she took over his office improving as the 1800s progressed. Federal West Deutsche Bundespost when he died, and ran the service until displayed a 10-pfennig stamp showing her son, the Count of Thurn and Taxis, Our penultimate selection from a carrier pigeon with an envelope in its reached adulthood and succeeded to Belgium’s Journée du Timbre series beak. The message: ‘Tag der Briefmarke the role. depicts a truly eye-catching pillar 1956’. Unfortunately that was the first box dating from 1852. No doubt the and last of the West German issues. Emboldened by the reception of their original (if it survived two German In the East a ‘Tag der Briefmarke’ first two Journée du Timbre issues, invasions) now resides in a postal stamp of 1959 issued by the Deutsche the Belgian authorities stuck to the museum. Finally, from a long-running Demokratische Republik showed a early postal history theme with their series you will, I’m sure, enjoy female postal worker delivering letters 1961 stamp. It featured a wax seal collecting, we have chosen a stamp-on- and parcels with the aid of a small (forerunner of an adhesive stamp) used stamp image. It shows a 20-centime motorcycle. The transport theme was by Jan Bode, Alderman of Antwerp, to Belgian Railways Parcels Stamp dating maintained in the 1960 issue which had secure his correspondence in 1264. In from 1879. Postal authorities used it as two bright yellow postal delivery vans as their 1979 Journée du Timbre stamp its illustration. Another from the same to mark one hundred years of Railway year showed a railway mail van dating Parcels service. from the year 1900. www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 45

The DDR could also travel back region. Our last example from the From left: East German the 1950s to 1970s pages of a in time… to 1563 and a woodcut DDR pictured yet another female postal delivery vans; stamp catalogue. If it has coloured depicting a galloping rider blowing at work, this time driving a forklift East German railway illustrations you will have no a post-horn to alert town dwellers of truck as she loads mail into a modern mail van from the year difficulty in spotting many more from his approach. Switching to modern railway mail van. 1900; Female worker which you could form an interesting times, the DDR then issued a stamp loads a railway postal and very inexpensive collection. showing a 1960s rural postman If this glimpse at ‘Day of the wagon with a forklift Happy hunting. delivering mail on foot in the Saar Stamp’ issues has sparked your truck interest, have a browse through Thanks to the following dealers and eBay sellers for use of stamp images: perforations, from Ottawa, Canada; segells, from Barcelona, Spain; azuckuss from Ruskington, UK; abyssmag2-12500, from Peterborough, UK; hamsterstamps from Vancouver, Canada; Emerald Books and Stamps from Australia. From left: East German post woman on a small motorbike delivers mail; Medieval woodcut showing a rider with a post-horn; Walking postman delivers mail in the Saar region NEXT MONTH IN ON SALE 13 MAY (SUBSCRIBERS GET IT SOONER AND CHEAPER!) SCOTLLAECMTORP JUBIPLLEAETSINPUEMCIAL BULL’S EYES AND BEYOND • In-depth guide to latest jubilee stamps • Ten QEII stamps every collector needs Your comprehensive guide to • All About Stamps QEII competition entries Brazil’s stamp history PLUS… • A classic set from Pitcairn Island • Price watch: Grenada classics News, views, price guides, and much more! • Florence Nightingale on stamps Join today and save on the cover price! See page 48 for details. 46 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk

Buying British Stamps Current Market Values BUYING & SELLING DISCOUNTED GB POSTAGE DAILY BUYING GB DECIMAL MINT STAMPS 1971 to 2022 (We always require GB postage but some values are more popular than others so please contact us by email or telephone where the sale value is £2000 or over). Buy % First Class NVI Stamps (ALL GUMS) 48% Sorted by value. DEFINITIVE (Machin QUEEN’S HEAD) STAMPS Current face value 85p FACE VALUE (FV) of FV Criteria Second Class NVI Stamps (ALL GUMS) New Royal Mail Bar Code Stamps (All types) COMMEMORATIVE & CHRISTMAS STAMPS Issued from 2021 onwards 80% 1st Class, 2nd Class, Large Letter etc. Second Class NVI Stamps (ALL GUMS) 65% Commemorative & Christmas Stamps absolutely anything Royal Mail issues. DEFINITIVE (Machin QUEEN’S HEAD) STAMPS Commemorative and Christmas Stamps ONLY 1p to 49p 50% Sorted by value. Sorted by value. 1st Class & 2nd Class LARGE NVI Stamps Current face value 66p Commemorative and Christmas Stamps 60% 50p to 97p 1st Class Signed For Stamps (Standard & 53% Sorted by value. large) Commemorative and Christmas Stamps £1 to £10 55% Sorted by value. Special Delivery Stamps 60% Face value 1st Large (£1.29) Face value 2nd Large (96p) £50 and £100 bags of mixed values of All Post & Go, Europe, Worldwide NVI Stamps Commemorative and Christmas Stamps 45% MUST BE A GOOD RANGE OF VALUES 55% Standard FV (£2.25) and Large FV (£2.69) All Year Books, Presentation Packs and all Definitive Stamps 1p to 49p (from 1971 to 45% Sorted by value. Booklets 50% Up to 100g FV (£6.85) date) Up to 500g FV (£7.65) Definitive Stamps 50p to £5 (from 1971 to 50% Sorted by value. 50% Up to 20g, 40g & 60g grams and date) W/W up to 10g (£1.70) First Class NVI Stamps (ALL GUMS) 50% Commemorative & Christmas stamps. 50% from 1971 to 2022 COMMEMORATIVE & CHRISTMAS STAMPS “We buy Gold for cash” www.philatelink.co.uk Call for a quote Email: [email protected] DAVID WALDIE (PHILATELINK LTD), eBay Selling Service 13 REDPATH CRESCENT, GALASHIELS, High Prices Realised! • Low Commission Fees LANDLINE: 01896 759703 MOBILE: 07510 312271 BORDERS, TD1 2QG, UK. Contact Dave Waldie for Details or Visit Discover the latest Luxembourg stamp issues on www.postphilately.lu Single stamps, stamp booklets, stamp rolls, annual collections, numismatics, other philatelic products and collectibles Your advantages: An exclusive product offer Fully secured online payment VAT varies according to the country of delivery. www.postphilately.lu 4088 8840 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MAY 2022 47

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CLASSIC STAMPS IN DETAIL Celebrated The Panama Canal 1915 Sets In this month’s exploration of classic stamps to add to your album, David Bailey features three sets celebrating two things: the opening of the Panama Canal and the Panama Pacific Exhibition in San Francisco In theory, the Panama Canal was where a chain of locks would lead up artificial lakes, reachable by chains of such a simple idea. The Isthmus to central, artificial lake and then down locks. The solution, the work to date of Panama was just a thin strip again the other side. and what was left of the equipment of land separating two mighty was offered as a package deal to a new oceans. If you dug a canal When work actually started in 1881, bidder; the asking price was $100 across it, you’d save yourself the long, equipment rusted in the humid climate, million. The Americans were interested hazardous journey around the Cape, or the dense jungle was full of poisonous but had another possible option across the even worse one through the North snakes and spiders and malaria and Nicaragua. Finally, in January 1903, West Passage. yellow fever were a constant threat; the USA agreed to pay $40 million to nobody knew then that they were spread the French, plus an initial $10 million The idea had been talked about by mosquitoes. The terrain was also to the Columbian Government for the for literally hundreds of years when unstable and prone to land slips and land the canal would be built on. There the French-built Suez Canal opened mud slides. Work slowed, then stopped was just one problem: the Columbian in 1869. Encouraged by its success, and in 1889, the first French company Senate refused to ratify the treaty. the French set up a company to dig a collapsed in bankruptcy and bitter Panama Canal in 1878. It obtained a recrimination. 800,000 people lost their The USA responded by supporting licence to build and operate the canal money. 22,000 workers lost their lives to the Panamanian separatists campaigning from the Columbian Government accidents and disease. for independence from Columbia. (Panama was a District of Columbia With American backing, independence at that time) And with the celebrated A new bidder was declared in November 1903. The Ferdinand de Lesseps at its head, it and a new country USA recognised the new country soon attracted millions of pounds in and blocked the sea lanes to pre-vent public funding. A new French company took over the Columbian forces from putting down assets and did just enough to hold the rebellion. Panama remained an But then the problems started. onto the concession while doing useful American Protectorate until 1939 There were disagreements about the survey work on site. Now, engineer and the Canal Zone was set up as a basic engineering; De Lesseps favoured a Adolphe Godin de Lepinay was in US-controlled entity, five miles deep sea-level canal, like Suez, despite the fact charge. He had studied the actual along either side of the Canal. he would have to cut through a chain of terrain and realised that the two rivers mountains at least 360 feet high. Others flowing onto the Atlantic and Pacific Work restarted in 1904 and backed a ‘locks and lake’ construction, Oceans could be dammed to create two continued for another ten years. 50 MAY 2022 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk