Polar Bear FDC from GREENLAND

FDC Name:Vulnerable Animals
Issue Date:11th JUNE'2013
Details:

The 2013 Greenlandic stamp of the year was the stamp with the attractive polar bear with the title “Vulnerable Animals”. Stamp collectors from all over the world voted for their favorite among the 24 stamps issued by TELE-POST in 2013.

It is the artist Naja Abelsen, who has created the beautiful stamp. Naja has earlier been behind no less than 16 stamps issued by TELE-POST. The stamp “Vulnerable Animals” was issued 11th June 2013. It was a joint issue with the Israeli Post and the point of the issue was to create awareness about vulnerable animals.

The stamp is enhanced with the Augmented Reality technology. This means that you can see a short video of a live polar bear, if you download the “Sepac App” and install it on your tablet or smartphone and scan the stamp.

The winner of this monetary prize of DKK 10,000 chosen in the draw was Philippe Kocielkowski from Saint-George-sur-Meuse in Belgium. TELE-POST congratulates the winner.

The ten lucky winners of the extra prices of a year pack from 2013 are Esa Kallio in Sweden, Gert Kragh Andreasen, Camilla Nissen Toftdal, Jørgen Rasmussen and Jørgen Vesth-Hansen in Denmark, Bezazel Ferhat in Algeria, Pastorimi Massimo and Francesco Magnani in Italy, Tor Nygaard in Norway and finally Uda Yanuhardi in Indonesia.

The competition for the “2013 Greenlandic stamp of the yea” ran in the period from 1st December 2013 to the 1st March 2014.

The Visit of Emperor & Empress of Japan

Remark:Nice Miniature sheet.

Two Ancient Artifacts Souvenir Sheet FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Ancient Artifacts
Issue Date:8th OCT'2013
Details:

To spread understanding about the beauty of ancient Chinese artifacts, Chunghwa Post is issuing two souvenir sheets on five items from the National Palace Museum’s exhibition – “ The all Complete Qianlong: a Special Exhibition on the Aesthetic Tastes of the Qing Emperor Gaozong.” 

Souvenir Sheet A: includes one stamp
New Year’s Chinese silk tapestry scroll with Emperor Gaozong’s calligraphy, Qing dynasty (NT$25): Based on a new year’s painting by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing dynasty, the sheet features a Chinese silk tapestry scroll. The tapestry depicts a pine branch, some camellia flowers and plum blossoms in a vase. In front of the vase are a persimmon, two lily bulbs, as well as some reishi mushrooms placed in an incense burner. It symbolizes good fortune and longevity. 

Souvenir Sheet B: includes four stamps
1. Revolving gourd-shaped vase with decoration of floral pattern in yellow ground of yangcai painted enamels, Qianlong reign, Qing dynasty (NT$5): The vase consists of four parts: a small vase on the top, a middle section that connects to the upper half of the open fretwork, a base that connects to the lower half of the open fretwork, and an inner cylinder. Hibiscuses are painted on the lip, the body, and the base, whereas the neck, the waist and the open fretwork are adorned with representations of golden lotus petals and scroll grass patterns over a sky blue field. A mark on the base in underglaze blue and seal script reads, "Made during the reign of Qianlong of the Qing dynasty.”
2. Carved red lacquer bowl and plate with dragon motif, Qianlong reign, Qing dynasty (NT$10): This glossy red lacquer bowl stand consists of a tall ringfoot, a six-petal sunflower-shaped plate, and a round bottomless bowl holder. The outer wall of the bowl holder features a dragon weaving through clouds. The ringfoot and both sides of the plate are adorned with cloud patterns. A mark on the base includes the character for wisdom in gold regular script and the following text: "Made during the reign of Qianlong of the Qing dynasty.”
3. Plate with celadon glaze, Ru ware, Northern Song dynasty (NT$10): This plate is round with a slightly arched wall and flat well. Its foot rim curls slightly outwards with brass studs on the edge. There is a pinkish sheen where the glaze is thin. There are crackles where the glaze pooled at the edge of the well. The plate has a poem by Emperor Qianlong inscribed on the base.
4. Jade bear vessel, Qianlong reign, Qing dynasty (NT$12): This vessel is made to look like a bear, with its mouth open, its tongue slightly curled, its left hand stretching forward and its right hand pulling back. It holds a ball in its right hand and is posed to throw. A tube sticks out from its back. A three-column inscription in regular script on the back of the tube reads, “In the ancient style, Qianlong of the Qing dynasty.”Source-Chunghwa Post

Remark:Thanks Chen for sending these two FDC on the issue date,The local First day cancellation is good.I hope you will also send the miniature sheets to me later.The size of the two FDC are different for the big & small size miniature sheet.Well planned,now India Post is also doing the same for last few issues this year.

Spiritual Snake Postage Label FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Spiritual Snake Postage Label
Issue Date:18th OCT'2013
Details:

Following the “Auspicious Dragon Postage Label” released in 2012, Chunghwa Post is issuing a “Spiritual Snake Postage Label” featuring zodiac animal sign. The spirited paper-cut snake is expressively rendered with bright colors, and complemented by gold coins and ingots, symbolizing the overflow of great fortune and auspiciousness. On the lower left corner of each label is a serial number with three English letters (which signify the roll number) and four Arabic numerals. A total of 900 rolls with 1,000 labels each will be issued.

Further detail about the label is given as follows:

1. First day of issue: October 18, 2013

2. Paper used: Phosphorescent stamp paper

3. Designer: Delta Design Corporation

4. Printer: Cartor Security Printing

5. Size of label: 43 × 25.5 mm; with two semi-round holes at both upper and lower sides

6. Round holes: 1.5 mm radius; 20 mm between the centers of the two holes

7. Color: Colorful

8. Quantity: 900,000 labels
Remark:Thanks Chen for sending this FDC by registered post on the issue date.

150th Anniversary of Latvian Agriculture Academy FDC form LATVIA

FDC Name:150th Anniversary of Latvian Agriculture Academy, 2013
Issue Date:16th SEP'2013
Details:

The stamp designed by artist Ludis Danilāns depicts the Jelgava Palace and the coat of arms of the LUA with the motto of the university: Proventus pro patria or For the Growth of the Fatherland. The denomination of the stamp is LVL 0.40 and EUR 0.57, corresponding to the cost of mailing an A-class letter within Latvia. The total print run of the stamp is 30,000, and the print run of the first day cover(FDC) is 1,500.

In 1863, an Agriculture Faculty was established in the Riga Polytechnical Institute, creating the foundation of the present-day Latvia University of Agriculture. Over the years, it has grown into an important national university with eight faculties, around 5,000 students and a teaching staff of more than 300.

Latvijas Pasts actively contributes to promotion of the State higher education establishments by marking their major anniversaries. In 2012, Latvijas Pasts issued a stamp to mark the 150^th anniversary of the Riga Technical University.

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending this nice FDC on the issue date.I have sent a FDC "wild flowers of India"hope you must have received the same.

Nice cover from JAPAN

Remark:Thanks Junitsu Koga for sending this beautiful cover.

Historic Australian railway stations

Stamp Name:Historic Australian railway stations
Issue Date:8th OCT'2013 
Details:

Australia Post is featuring four historic Australian railway stations – Maryborough, Victoria; Quorn, South Australia; Hay, New South Wales and Normanton, Queensland – in a new stamp issue. The stamp issue comprises four domestic base-rate (60c) stamps.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said, “We are pleased to release this second stamp issue in a series on Australian historical architecture. We trust these stamps have captured the beauty of these distinctive and historic buildings.”

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, railways played an important role in transforming Australia into a nation by establishing a network of communications and trade throughout the continent.

The historic railway stations taking center stage in the new stamp issue are:
• Maryborough, Victoria – built in 1890 of red brick with stucco trimming and a clock tower. This magnificent station boasts one of the longest platforms in the southern hemisphere and still hosts freight and passenger services. When American writer Mark Twain visited Maryborough in 1895, he was most impressed by the town’s grand railway station.
• Quorn, South Australia – constructed in 1916 of stone and brick. In its heyday it served as a junction for all rail traffic travelling south–north (Adelaide to Darwin) and east–west (Sydney to Perth) across the continent. The line was closed in the 1980s and the Pichi Richi Rail Preservation Society now runs and maintains the station and the rolling stock.
• Hay, New South Wales – opened on 4 July 1882. Built in the Italianate style with bonded brick and a corrugated iron roof, the station features cast iron ridge decoration. Today the Hay station building accommodates various arts and community organizations.
• Normanton, Queensland – built around 1889. It is historically important as a unique building in an isolated inland railway system. This station has an exposed stud frame with verandahs and iron roof, to which is attached a spectacular train shed of all-metal construction with a barrel vault, clad in corrugated iron.

The stamp illustrations are by Melbourne-based artist Peter Edgeley. The stamp designs are by John White from the Australia Post Design Studio.

The associated products available include a first day cover, stamp pack, maxi-card set of four, roll of 100 x 60c self-adhesive stamps, booklet of 10 x 60c self-adhesive stamps and a gutter strip of 10 x 60c stamps with design.Source-Australia Post

200th birth anniversary of German explorer and naturalist Ludwig Leichhardt (1813–c.1848) from AUSTRALIA

Stamp Name:200th birth anniversary of German explorer and naturalist Ludwig Leichhardt (1813–c.1848)

Issue Date:15th OCT'2013 

Details:

Australia and Germany are commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of German explorer and naturalist Ludwig Leichhardt (1813–c. 1848) with the release of a joint stamp issue.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said, “Leichhardt’s legacy includes his contribution to the natural sciences in Australia which is detailed in his field books, notebooks, journals and diaries. His mysterious disappearance in the Australian outback during one of his expeditions ensures he lives on in our nation’s mythology.”

“We worked closely with Deutsche Post on this joint stamp issue which highlights the important work and legacy of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.”

Leichhardt was born in Prussia and was initially educated at the universities of Berlin and Göttingen. He also studied medical and natural sciences in London and Paris. Leichhardt arrived in Sydney in February 1842 with the intention of exploring the inland of Australia.

Leichhardt undertook three major expeditions in Australia: an overland expedition from the Darling Downs, Queensland to Port Essington in the Northern Territory from October 1844 to December 1845, an unsuccessful attempt in December 1846 to cross Australia from east to west, and a final east–west quest to cross the continent from the Condamine River, Queensland to the Swan River in Western Australia. This last expedition, which set out in March 1848, resulted in the disappearance of Leichhardt and his entire party, of which no remains have ever been found.

The stamp features a portrait of Ludwig Leichhardt from around 1846, which is held by the National Library of Australia. The stamp was designed by Melbourne-based designer Gary Domoney.Source-Australia Post.

Marine Fauna of SLOVENIA

Details:

A new issue in the Fauna series shows four characteristic denizens of the Slovenian sea; Damselfish (Chromis chromis), Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), Common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and Golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) stamp in miniature sheet.

The stamps will be printed using a very special thermography technique, and we are proud that Pošta Slovenije will be the first national postal service to issue stamps on which part of the design is covered with real salt from the Piranske Soline saltworks.

Illustrations and design by Matjaz Ucakar, printed by Cartor Security Printing S. A., France.

World Stamp Exhibition 2015 – 2nd issue of stamps by SINGAPORE

Details:

The Association of Singapore Philatelists (ASP), with effort to commemorate Singapore’s golden jubilee in 2015, successfully bidded for the hosting rights of World Stamp Exhibition in 2015, with support of the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP – International Federation of Philately). With the theme “Stamps of all Ages”, 4 sets of past issues, with designs from the “1955: Queen Elizabeth II Definitives”, “1962-1966: Fishes, Orchids and Birds Definitives” (1st series), “1960: National Day” and “1970: Osaka Expo” are selected to revive the memories of collectors, as well as to showcase the developments that Singapore had achieved through the years.

This year Singapore post showcases the second series of the stamps. Two designs from the “1970: Osaka Expo” are chosen, featuring the guppy and the seashell.

The guppy (Poecilia reticulate) is a small colourful species of freshwater tropical fish which makes it popular as an aquarium fish. Guppies often display elaborated patterns on their tail fin, with the male being generally more brightly coloured; female guppies however are larger in size and have a shorter tail as compared to the males. The guppy is an omnivorous animal and eats a wide range of organic matter that is available in the water. Guppies primarily feed on algae and small invertebrates. They also feed on particles of food from the water that has been left behind by a larger fish. Guppies have a wide range of salinity and thus are able to survive in both salt and freshwater. They are usually found in large groups in the wild.

A seashell, also known as shell, is a hard, protective outer layer created by an animal that lives in the sea. The shells are empty because the animal has died and the soft parts have been eaten by another animal or have rotted out. The term seashell usually refers to the exoskeleton of an invertebrate; it can also be used to mean the shell of various marine invertebrates. Most shells that are found on beaches are the shells of marine mollusks, generally because these shells endure better than other seashells. Shells come in many shape and size and they are commonly collected by beachcombers. Apart from collection, seashells have been used by humans for many different purposes throughout history and pre-history. They have been used as a medium of exchange, tools, religious objects, musical instruments, jewelleries and for art and horticulture.

Thailand 2013 : World Stamp Exhibition - Won Bronge Medal

We thanks all our blog followers, Colleagues, Friends, Philatelist & advisers  for their support for our Medal.We are shortly coming out with our New English Book on Philately to encourage young collectors & Philatelists.

INDIA - Medal won in Thailand 2013 : World Stamp Exhibition

EXHIBIT   FRAME                NAME                TITLE               MARKS MEDAL

1.      4018	1494-1498	Virendra Sharma	British India Queen Victoria Postal Stationery	86	LV
2.      2241	0382F-0382J	Pradip Jain	Mahatma Gandhi	83	V
3.      7317	2001A-2001E	Brijmohan Modi	The History Of Architecture With Culture And Heritage.	76	LS
4.      7228	1909A-1909E	Rajesh Bhura	Mahatma Gandhi	70	S
5.      10209	2188-2192	Mrinal Mathur	From Wheel To Car	70	S
6.      7229	1909F-1909J	Nawal Kishore Tatiwala	Gems & Jewellery	70	S
7.      L113		K. Ramachandirann	Indian Postal History - Focus on Tamil Nadu	67	SB
8.      L112		Bibhudatta Mishra and Shanti Swarup Rath	Dakatikata Sangraha & An Unique Flow of Knowledge	61	B

Thailand 2013 : World Stamp Exhibition - Won Bronge Medal Award

Hi every body I have visited the Thailand 2013 World Stamp Exhibition from 7th AUG'2013 to 12th AUG'2013.It was a great Show beyond comparable to Indipex-2011.It was so well organized you feel proud for the Show.Thanks to the Organizer.

Myself with my friend Dr.B.Mishra won the BRONZE Medal for our exhibit. 

India won total eight medal in the Thailand 2013:World Stamp Exhibition.But no gold medal.

Thailand 2013 World Stamp

XXV Nationwide Latvian Song and XV Dance Festival FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:XXV Nationwide Latvian Song and XV Dance Festival
Issue Date:28-06-2013
Details:

The new stamps depict the Festival's participants - choir singers and dancers - in ornate national costumes. The stamp block and the first-day cover also incorporate the Festival's logo, which has been inspired by Jānis Lūsēns' song Rieta lūgšana (Sunset Prayer) with lyrics by Inese Zandere, recorded by Latvijas Pasts mixed choir.

The designer of the stamp block and the first-day cover is artist Lilija Dinere. The print run of the stamp block, which consists of two stamps, is 30,000. The face value of the stamps is LVL 0.35 and EUR 0.50,corresponding to the cost of mailing a regular letter within Latvia.

The stamps are Latvijas Pasts' second dedication to the Festival. The first stamps dedicated to the Song and Dance Festival were released fifteen years ago - in 1998.

The Song and Dance Festival this year will take place from June 30 to July 7. The Festival is a unique Latvian cultural event rooted in the Latvian national folklore and professional music traditions, and has gained a symbolic meaning of national unity and identity over the course of history. Over a period of 140 years, the Song and Dance Festival has become a treasure of the Latvian cultural heritage. It is a nationwide tradition, a high-level amateur art movement, which is jointly created under the guidance of music, dance and art professionals by tens of thousands of Latvian people from primary school to old age.Source-Latvia post.

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending this nice miniature FDC to me on the issue date.The stamps are realy colourful.Are you coming to Thailand world Stamp exhibition 2013 form 2nd AUG'2013 to 14th AUG'2013.I will be there from 6th AUG'2013.

Stamps in honour of 400,000 blood donors in the Netherlands

Issue date: 14th JUN'2013

Details:

PostNL issued special stamps in honour of 400,000 blood donors in the Netherlands. This stamp sheetlet shows the relationship between blood donor and patient. The first issue of this stamp sheetlet has been handed over to Aart van Os, chairman of the Board of Management of Sanquin Blood Supply by Yme Pasma, director of the PostNL Consumer Market department. This took place done on 14 June, World Blood Donor Day, at the Sanquin head office in Amsterdam.

The World Blood Donor Day stamp sheetlet comprises ten stamps, with two different designs. Designer Suzanne Rosier from The Hague looked for the essence of the relationship between patient and donor, and how to best depict this. She decided upon a concept based on playing cards. The red-and-white stamps are designed as a King of Hearts, which has a white background, and a Queen of Hearts, which has a red background. Like the real playing cards, the images are mirrored.

"The choice for this concept was based on the image representing the feeling behind the meaning of the relationship. Which is, in fact, the love of one person being someone else's life-saving blood. That is why I chose to represent the drop of blood in the form of a heart, which serves as a kind of logo. By focusing on the donor-patient relationship, they are both turned into "true" heroes. Just like the nobles on the playing cards, Suzanne explained. The connection between donor and patient is depicted on the stamp sheetlet in various ways. Everything on this stamp sheetlet pivots around its axis: the playing card figures, the emblems, and the typography. Which, in turn, depicts the playful dynamics associated with a deck of cards".

World Blood Donor Day:
World Blood Donor Day is an initiative by the World Health Organisation, WHO, which is a part of the United Nations. By means of this day, the WHO wants to draw world-wide attention to the importance of blood donations. While most Western countries have efficient organisations around blood donations, this is not such a matter of course in many other countries. With the World Blood Donor Day, the WHO intends to stimulate the voluntary and unpaid donation of blood.

THAILAND 2013-WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION

Hi everybody I am visiting the WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION in Bangkok from 6th AUG'2013 to 12th AUG'2013.Hope I will meet lot of fellow philatelist & friends from many countries.We will all have lot of exciting activities.Keep in touch.

National Communication Day-“Lucky Draw Stamp” from TAIWAN

The first ever lucky draw postage stamp during 130 years of postal services in Thailand will be issued on 4 August 2013 for National Communication Day Commemorative Stamp. Giving big prizes of one nearly 5 Troy Once (152 gr.) gold bar including with 30 IPhone5s, there are a total of 10,000 prizes valued over 2 million THB to be won from this program. Booking now until 12 July 2013, get free complimentary gifts.

Mrs. Parisa Pananond, Vice President of Corporate and Marketing Communication, Thailand Post Co.,Ltd. revealed that the campaign is called “Stamp giving Gold, Celebrating 130years of the First Thai Stamp”. It is the first time for issuing stamp like this since Thailand’s postal services was established on 4 August 1883 or 130 years ago. The campaign is one of several activities held all year round 2013 under a scheme named “130 years of the First Thai Stamp, giving back to Thai society”.

This stamp not only depicts the communication in digital age at present in form of smartphone and emoticons popular used, but also the first Thai “QR code” stamp for being scanned by buyers who register to win 10,000 prizes with total value THB 2,001,731. The biggest prize is one nearly 5 Troy Once (152 gr.) gold bar, followed by 30 iPhone5 and other 9,969 prizes.

Every participant just simply either scan QR code with smartphone or access URL entering website directly. On registration page, filling in the form with a name, an address, a telephone number, an email address and a lucky code coated with the dark strip on each stamp. Every post office will help any customer register from Date of Issue (4 Aug) until 31 Oct 2013. The Day for draw lots is 2 December.

National Communication Day stamp costs THB 9, sheetlet costs THB 90 (10 stamps). The stamp can be used as the face value for postage after the program is finished.Source-http://thailand2013.com/

Congratulations FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Congratulations
Issue Date: 22nd MAY'2013

Details:

Chunghwa Post released a set of “Congratulations” postage stamps in 2012. Now it is following up with a second set of four stamps, each featuring one pair of tropical fish, swans, penguins or mandarin ducks. The stamps was issued on May 22, 2013. The stamps have round perforated centers with a predominately orange, yellow and white color scheme, with a red background that features the double-happiness character (囍), which is commonly used in Chinese culture to celebrate marriage. The area surrounding the round center features a grid of double-happiness characters, which convey a sense of glad tidings. The designs follow:

1. Tropical Fish (NT$3.5): A pair of enraptured tropical fish is sealing their love with a kiss. The moving scene conveys the idea of “angelic lovers being lifted to the clouds.”

2. Swans (NT$3.5): The male swan wears a crown and the female swan a lace bridal veil. The scene demonstrates the idea of loving bonds that last “till death do them part.” The atmosphere is romantic and sweetly beautiful.

3. Penguins (NT$5): The male penguin wears a bowtie and dons a stovepipe hat and the female wears a lace bridal veil. The illustration symbolizes the idea of happiness and love everlasting.

4. Mandarin ducks (NT$5): The female duck bashfully turns her head to look at the male, symbolizing that they will be together through thick and thin over the journey of their lives.Source-Chunghwa Post.

Remark:Thanks Chen for the FDC sent by registered post on the issue date.Both the cancellation were different.

The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) FDC from LATIVA

FDC Name: The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster).

Issue date:7th JUN'2013

Details:

The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a beautiful bird in the bee-eater family Meropidae. The European Bee-eater used to be a rare guest in Latvia, but since 2003 it has been nesting here every year, making it one of the latest bird species nesting in Latvia. The European Bee-eater eats mainly bees, wasps, hornets, dragonflies and various insects. The bird can eat as much as 250 bees in a day.

The face value of the European Bee-eater is LVL 0.98 and EUR 1.39, making it suitable for mailing a registered letter within Latvia. Its print run is also 50,000.

The Birds of Latvia series was initiated in 2010 with stamps dedicated to the European Roller and the European Eagle-Owl. The Icterine Warbler and the Short-toed Snake Eagle were added in 2011, and in 2012 Latvijas Pasts released stamps depicting the Barn Swallow and the European Goldfinch.Source-Lativa Post.

Remark:Thanks Juris Tarvids for sending beautiful FDC,The bird is very colorful.I like the stamp quality,The printing is so good but the cancellation is not that clear.Thanks again,hope I will get more FDC from you.