Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i Stamp Collector

Have you watched The Queen’s Gambit yet? The Netflix series has been a huge hit and in recent months has prompted thousands of viewers to start playing chess, the subject of the seven-part drama. Apparently the game is enjoying a huge surge in popularity thanks to the TV show and to the lockdown, with us all looking for things to do indoors. It’s not too dissimilar to the latest chapter in the story of stamp collecting, which has also seen many newcomers come into the hobby over the past year. It strikes me that both pastimes will appeal to similar people – they’re both steeped in history and have a calming, absorbing quality – and it’s no surprise that there are many chess stamps for us to look out for.…

The Crawford Medal for Philatelic literature has extended the deadline for nominations. The Royal Philatelic Society London is the world’s oldest stamp society, founded in 1869. It awards the Crawford Medal annually for the most valuable and original contribution to the study and knowledge of philately in book form, whether physical or electronic. It was first presented in 1920, and has been awarded in most of the 101 years since. Nominations had closed for 2021 but due to restrictions caused by the global pandemic the selection meeting has been postponed until 7 July, so the committee has decided to re-open nominations with a new deadline of 31 May 2021. Nominations are invited for any book on a philatelic subject that has been published and was available for sale in 2019…

At the beginning of the 20th century, the status of Tibet was rather unclear. In the autumn of 1909, China sent its army into Tibet defeating the local resistance at Chamdo. Later, the Chinese occupied Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. It was in this context that the Chinese postal services established a number of post offices in several Tibetan cities in 1909 first using contemporary Chinese stamps. In 1911, a set of 11 values was issued for the Chinese Post offices in Tibet with denominations in Indian currency (pies, annas and rupees) overprinted in Chinese, English and Tibetan. This is a very scarce set as only 3,704 stamps were sold of the 2 rupees value. The Three Pies value saw a printing of 72,200 stamps which makes it affordable in mint…

This article was published in association with the Great Britain Philatelic Society (GBPS) The GBPS was founded in 1955 by a small but enthusiastic group of collectors in order to promote, encourage, and contribute to the advancement of the philately of Great Britain. Since then it has grown steadily, and now has more than 800 members in the UK and abroad. The Society deals with all aspects of GB philately, and has contributed much to the field; this is certain to continue as new members with fresh ideas join. You can join the Society by visiting the website at: www.gbps.org.uk/society/application.php Membership costs UK £25, Europe £30, World £36 Airmail/£30 Surface. A history of the GBPS During November 1955 notices appeared in philatelic magazines announcing that it was proposed to form…

The King came to the throne on the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, on 22 January, 1901, and he died on 6 May 1910. This gives a period of nearly a decade on which to base a collection, and even though there are relatively few values (and no commemoratives) there is plenty of scope for the collector. The aim of this article is to give an idea of the various possibilities. There were nineteen basic King Edward VII stamps, including both colours of the ½d and 4d values. The ½d was first issued on 1 January, 1902 in blue-green, but the public complained that the colours of the ½d, 2½d and 6d stamps, which shared the same design, were too similar. One correspondent wrote: ‘I have just now affixed…

It was at a twice-monthly meeting at a distinguished setting in London of stamp collectors, philatelists, postal historians, call-them-what you-will, that this writer heard someone describe the display on view as being ‘from the dark side’ – it being without postage stamps. Well, that as it may be, but it would seem appropriate to take that phrase and see if it holds truth and value. Although the postage stamp is dated from 1840, before that time there needed to be evidence on letters transmitted of not only the written destination, but of the amount to be collected for postage, unless free postage was requested. To cast light on the so-called ‘dark side’, which is not really that at all, are two examples that have interesting journeys by foot, horse, and…

Nicola Davies is Head of Collections at the Royal Philatelic Society London, the oldest philatelic society in the world, established in 1869. Nicola writes about Royal’s collection each month in our exclusive column (page 59), this time looking back on the career of one of the Society’s most celebrated members. Author Chris West has written about many different subjects, from crime fiction through history to how to start a business. He has written books on stamps, including First Class: A History of Britain in 36 Postage Stamps and Lost Countries: Exotic Tales from an Old Stamp Album, and writes our Stamp Story on page 45. Laura McInerney was a teacher, a newspaper editor and now runs a polling company. As a child she received a letter each week from her…

The organisers of the popular York Stamp & Coin fair are hopeful that the event will go ahead as normal on 16 and 17 July. Organiser Kate Puleston said: ‘We are very excited about getting the fair up and running again after its eighteen-month break. We’ve begun contacting our regular dealers to invite them back and have been really pleased by the positive response we have received from them. Everyone seems raring to go!’ Visit the website www.stampshows.net for opening times and a list of dealers attending.…

Five collectors have been named as new signatories of the prestigious Roll of Distinguished Philatelists for 2021, with the signing ceremony set to take place in Harrogate in September. The Board of Election of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists recently agreed that the following philatelists be invited to sign the Roll: Dénes Czirók, RDP, FRPSL (Hungary), Seija-Riitta Laakso, RDP, FRPSL (Finland), Jose Ramon Moreno, RDP, FRPSL (Spain), Henrik Mouritsen, RDP, FRPSL (Denmark), Randolph Neil, RDP, FRPSL (USA). The invitation to sign the Roll is the highest and most prestigious of honours in philately, recognising achievement, research, publication and service in many areas of philately. The Roll was instituted in 1921 and the signature of His Majesty King George V appears at its head as the first signatory. Its design contains…

Described as ‘one of the truly great figures of the Faroese labour movement’, Andrea Árting, the chairwoman of Tórshavn’s Working Women Association for forty years, appears on a new stamp issued to coincide with International Women’s Day. Andrea Árting’s lifelong dream was finally fulfilled with the labour market wage negotiations in 1977. During tough negotiations with the 85-year-old trade union leader at the head of the workers’ representatives, the employers finally agreed to equal pay for men and women. The hourly wages were increased incrementally year by year until reaching that of men in 1981. Andrea Árting died on May 30, 1988. She reportedly followed with interest social developments and debates until she finally passed way. Issue date: 8 March 2021, en.stamps.fo SEE THE VERY LATEST NEW STAMPS AT: WWW.ALLABOUTSTAMPS.CO.UK/STAMP-GUIDES/NEW-STAMPS…

At least fifty films have been made retelling the legend of King Arthur and over centuries the stories have come to symbolise part of British identity. So it seems apt for Britain to recount the legends with a set of ten stamps, which each design featuring an original illustration by artist Jaime Jones depicting key moments in the life of King Arthur. The five 1st class and five £1.70 stamps show dramatic scenes that come together to chart the life of the legend. On the first design, Merlin holds baby Arthur, the future king, whose origins remain shrouded in mystery, and in Merlin’s power, until Arthur is revealed to be Uther Pendragon’s rightful son and heir. Arthur’s birthright to the crown of England, according to later romance traditions, is confirmed…

Hong Kong, Maximum card $20 Queen Elizabeth II (SG210) 1962 SOLD FOR £4,450 Germany, Winter rescue issue 40p+35p transatlantic liner Bremen MNH 1937 (with cert.) SOLD FOR £409 German former state Wurttemberg, 18kr blue used 1859 SOLD FOR £364 Former Italy Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Letter franked strip of 3x 20c dark blue from Marciana Marina 1860 to Napoli SOLD FOR £801 Kenya & Uganda, £10 KGV black & green 1922 used SOLD FOR £360 Greece, 1933 definitive MLH SOLD FOR £400 France, Unissued 100 black ‘Marianne de Dulac, Trésor Central’ MNH SOLD FOR £694.2 Belgium, 5c Caritas 1910 Lemaire in block of 4, overprinted 1911, variety double overprint on the stamps on the right side (with cert.) SOLD FOR £667 Senegal, block of four 1f violet (instead of carmine)…

The Great Britain Philatelic Society is to hold a joint meeting with the Collectors Club of New York as part of their programme of talks by some of the world’s leading specialist organisations. The meeting will feature some of the world’s best collections of British stamps and postal history. Further details will be available nearer the date. The talk will take place on Wednesday 13 October 2021 at 10.30 p.m. (5.30 p.m. EDT). You can find more information and register your interest at www.collectorsclub.org/society-program-series. Full details of the Great Britain Philatelic Society can be found at www.gbps.org.uk The Royal Philatelic Society London continue to hold virtual meetings with great success. 172 Fellows, Members and guests in eighteen countries attended Kim Stuckey’s excellent presentation ‘On British Ice’, the story of British…

In the 19th century, Italy was not a nation but a series of states, few of which were governed by Italians. The large, southern ‘Kingdom of the Two Sicilies’ was ruled by Bourbon kings imposed from Spain. The north, including Venice and Milan, was under Austrian control. The only native Italian rulers, apart from the Vatican and four small duchies, were in Sardinia and Piedmont, the area around Turin. As a result, nationalism became an increasingly powerful idea as the century progressed. However, it seemed fated to remain a theory. Garibaldi supported fringe, liberal causes yet this stamp was issued by a fascist government Enter the man on this stamp (issued to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his death): Giuseppe Garibaldi. He was born in 1807 into a seafaring family,…

The FEPA have invited discussion on whether two or three frame exhibits should be able to enter international exhibitions competitively on the same basis as one frame exhibits. Since an article in FEPA News was published the organisers of NOTOS, which will be held in Athens from 19 to 22 November 2021, have decided to invite applications for two and three frame exhibits. At its recent meeting the FEPA Board discussed this proposal and decided to carry out a survey of opinion. Giancarlo Morolli will contact the FEPA Member Federations asking for their views. Readers are invited to let us know what you think about the proposal by emailing info@fepanews.com The Federation of Austrian Philatelic Societies (VÖPh) is 100 years old and, in the best philatelic traditions, is marking this…

9October is the UN’s World Post Day. The USA’s National Stamp Collecting Month and India’s National Philately Day also fall in October. However, these high-profile events are just the tip of the philatelic iceberg. There are many annual philatelic events on the collecting calendar, including special days, philatelic exhibitions, and stamp competitions. Postal authorities often produce commemorative issues to mark them, and they all have suitably stamp-y imagery. Laos’ 1962, Vientiane Stamp Expo, four-stamp set is a fine example. The 0.70 kip value features a Laotian in national costume, carrying a globe wrapped in postage stamps. Austria’s postal service has been especially supportive of stamp collecting. Their 1950 and 1955 Stamp Day issues, for instance, are lovely releases, featuring, in one, a boy flicking through his stamp album, and in…

Canada Post recently sent a prepaid postcard to every household in Canada in a bid to encourage citizens to keep in touch with each other. The website states: ‘Canadians can mail these postcards to anyone they want, anywhere in Canada, for free. There are six versions of the postcard, and each contains a simple message of love. It’s our way of helping you connect to family and friends.’ Brazil recently issued a single stamp featuring a photograph of John Lennon by rock photographer Bob Gruen. The stamp issue coincided with an exhibition of Gruen’s work entitled ‘John Lennon Em Nova York Por Bob Gruen’ and this title features on the simple stamp design. The collection of Dr. Herbart A. Trenchard, what is considered to be the largest private collection of…

Australia Post is the latest postal authority to issue stamps to thank and pay tribute to the key workers who have been so vital in the world’s fight against the Covid19 pandemic. Australia Post has released a new set of stamps honouring those who have continued to serve and protect their fellow Australians in the face of the global pandemic, and the associated challenges that came with it. The Frontline Heroes commemorative stamp issue pays tribute to healthcare workers, Australian Defence Force members and police, educators, and essential services including postal workers, supermarket staff and deliverers of food and other essential items. Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said the stamp designs represented the everyday heroes who continue to keep the country moving by providing important…

A registered cover sent from Pest, Hungary to the Pope in Rome was recently offered by Cavendish Philatelic Auctions and quickly surpassed the modest £100 pre-sale estimate. The cover dated 23 July 1868 was addressed (translation) ‘To His Holiness Governing Successor to Christ, to the Glorious Reigning Pope Pius IXth, the Supreme Head of the Holy Roman Catholic World Church, most Hallowed, Revered and Benevolent Father, in Rome’. The cover featured a boxed ‘AJANLOTT’ on the front along with pair of 25kr stamps, just tied by a single very fine ‘PEST’ circular date stamp. The reverse of the cover featured a pair of 3kr tied by the same ‘PEST’ cds. The cover’s journey was recorded with transit cds on the reverse including ‘TORINO-FIRENZE/2-B’ and ‘VENEZIA’ as well as a smudged…

1 Which African country was first to issue non-colonial postage stamps? 2 What were the two oils postmaster had to mix with printer’s ink to make obliterator ink for cancelling the first Penny Blacks in 1840? 3 In which year was a GB 4½d stamp first issued? 4 Which country was first to use catapult mail; and in which year? 5 Which king is portrayed on the 1886 first stamp of the Protectorate Kingdom of Tonga? 6 Which ship features on the 1.50 franc stamp issued by France in 1935? 7 Which sport is celebrated on the 3 cent 1928 Netherlands Olympics stamp? 8 What 1925 event was celebrated in Norway with a set of Air stamps? 9 What production method was used to create Portugal’s first postage stamps in…

Captain Tom became a national hero after his effort to raise money for NHS Charities saw him walking around his garden, writes David Gwynn. He wanted to raise £1,000, £10 for each circuit of his garden. He succeeded in raising almost £40 million, earned the love and admiration of the nation, was awarded a knighthood by the Queen and also was the oldest person to achieve a No 1 hit single in the UK. He began his fund-raising feat when 99 years of age and aimed to reach his modest target by the time of his 100th birthday. As we all know he well exceeded that. His birthday was celebrated with a special slogan postmark by Royal Mail, by an RAF flypast and he was made an honorary colonel. During…

There are only a few stamps of King Edward VIII, thanks to his brief time on the throne, but as Barry Stagg reveals, there are enough errors, varieties, and postal history to occupy a collector for years. Perhaps it’s time for us to revisit this short but engaging chapter of GB stamp history I’m often asked why I collect King Edward VIII stamps when only four were issued, no postal stationery and a reign that lasted less than twelve months! To answer that I need to step back a little to when I started collecting. Like most young stamp collectors of the time, I collected everything until I realised the impossibility of that endeavour and so soon resorted to pursuing just British stamps. But sometime in the 1980s I found…

Italian Fascism was rooted in the glories of the past. It harked back to the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire and the cultural achievements of the Renaissance. And it hoped to cover the modern state in the same glory. The stamp programme was very much involved in this long backward look. From 1922 to 1937, roughly half of Italy’s commemorative sets featured historical figures: Cardinal Mazzini, Volta, Virgil, some of them with the inscriptions in Latin. The 1932 Dante Society set features some of the country’s most important poets, writers and thinkers. It comes in two parts, with twelve stamps for surface mail and seven for airmail. Stylistically, the two sets are very different (and are often found in different sections of a collector’s album) so this article will…

The Royal can boast an illustrious list of former members and many of their philatelic achievements are recorded in the society’s collections, as Nicola Davies, Head of Collections, reveals Edward Denny Bacon received this silver salver on 8 May 1930 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of joining the Royal Philatelic Society London. Bacon was certainly an active member and at various points held every executive office of the Society, including President from 1917 to 1923. He was one of the initial members of the Expert Committee and its chairperson for many years. Known as ‘Denny’ to his family, Bacon was born in 1860 in Stockwell and collected stamps as a boy. He followed his father into business but, after the company was dissolved in 1895, he dedicated the rest of…

So far in our guide to history’s renowned collectors, we’ve had a duke, a lord and even a prince, most of the world’s greatest collections and huge sums of cash splashed all over the world. What’s missing? Devlan Kruck reveals all Two things are missing from our list. The first is the twelfth person. As you know no legend, biblical or otherwise, would be complete without ‘the twelve’. Not even a clock, or a year, or a round table for that matter. And second, yes, you’ve guessed it, we are missing a king. As you no doubt know King George V’s name is inscribed at the very head of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelist, in recognition of his knowledge and his lasting contribution to the hobby of philately. This all…

The grey London afternoon faded into a misty evening shadow. Noella bumped along a crowded cobbled street in a cab that rocked rhythmically in step with its horse. She was in an elated mood. Only that morning she’d left her tranquil life in Yorkshire where her job prospects amounted to domestic chores, to realising her dream and becoming a reporter for a leading newspaper. Now she travelled through the bustling City to interview a solicitor named Donald Garth and begin her investigation into the stamp forgers. Garth worked in Chancery Lane for the legal firm Pemberton & Garth, and Noella’s editor, Armstrong, insisting upon a meeting without delay, had sent a note ahead of her departure to inform the legal man that his representative would shortly arrive. According to Armstrong’s…