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Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin edited and published by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Rainbow August 2017



Coastal Eclipses






Date of Issue : 19 July 2017

To mark the next total solar eclipse on 21 August 2017, when all of North America will be fortunate enough to witness an eclipse of the Sun, Alderney Post issued six stamps featuring coastal locations that will be treated to a partial eclipse, including Alderney. These specially produced heat sensitive stamps reveal information and full eclipses upon coming into contact with warm hands.


Dehradun  August  2017    Vol. X  No. 116

Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to the editor : j.jyoti9@gmail.com  

Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW


Dear Reader

I am pleased to release August 2017 Issue of Rainbow Stamp News. A new experiment on Special Covers was done during recent Karphilex 2017, Bangalore. The issuance of Special Covers by 3 foreign postal administrations through their authorized agent in India at an Indian philatelic event is unique in itself. These are numbered covers and issued only 200 covers each in number.  The cancellation shows the presence of Vietnam / Botswana / Namibia Postal Administration @ KARPHILEX 14th-16th July 2017. The cancellation is pictorial and commemorative and not for postal purpose. There is no postal cancellation by India Post on these covers. So it has no philatelic value but it could be made philatelic by making it posatally used. It is a good effort by other countries to pupularise stamps of their country in India by releasing such attractive items at some Indian philatelic event….But to me it seems more for business purpose as the cost of the covers is quite high .However it is a fancy item for Indian Collectors as such covers have been released in India for the first time.

This is all for this month….More in next issue.


Happy Collecting !.

Contents

§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§  Recent Indian Issues
§  In The News
§  Doon Philatelic Diary
§  Beginners’ Section
§  Specialized Section 
§  New Issues from Other Countries
§  Philatelic Clubs and Society
§  Blogs & Websites on Philately
§  Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletter






SPECIAL COVERS RELEASE : BY FOREIGN ADMINISTRATION



Special covers are being issued regularly and there is flood of such covers. Much have already been written at several places regarding too much issuance and the exorbitant pricing of such covers. Undoubtedly, special covers add flavor to one’s collection as each cover has minimum three events to help the collector such as cancellation, the stamp and the images printed on the cover.

 

Well, such covers are issued during certain event such as exhibition or to commemorate some event such as festivals, heritage buildings or events or a common cause. The covers normally are issued by one organization. Yes, these might be sponsored. The permission of such legally authenticated covers has to be obtained from the related postal circle.





But during Karphilex 2017, a state level Philatelic Exhibition of Karnataka Postal Circle held from 14th July to 16th July at Bangalore, a milestone was set as during the exhibition as postal administrations of Botswana, Namibia and Vietnam  through their postal agent in India stationed at Bangalore, also released Special commemorative covers to mark their presence in the event and to promote philately and of course their philatelic products. This is quite uncommon that foreign postal administrations had released Special covers during  Philatelic events in India.
 

These covers were released to commemorate  the event Karliphex 2017 highlighting protection of wildlife. The theme probably was “Protection of wildlife for protection of nature”. Along with other special covers, all these three postal administrations released one special cover each. The postal administration of Vietnam released cover showing  stamp, cancellation and the vignette/image  printed on cover of a Cock (200 covers). Botswana Post issued  cover showing face of a panther  as vignette on the cover, Pug marks of Panther  in cancellation and postage stamp of  a Panther (200 covers)  and Namibia post issued special cover  on “Protect Wildlife, Protect Nature”. The vignette on cover shows various wild animals  and the stamp and cancellation shows a bird.

For me, leaving aside the fact that postal administrations had interest in promotion of their products like stamps in India; it was a unique effort and  should be highly appreciated that such release displayed a great sense of co-operation, co-ordination and bond of friendship amongst not only the philatelist or people but postal administrations of the world too. The covers  sent a message which is common to all that Protect wildlife all over.

 

Limited number of covers too will taste  and significance to any thematic  collection in particular  as the covers would become unique in one way as these covers might not have any postal/ philatelic value but did have  the glamour and command a place in one’s thematic collection. Undoubtedly the covers have been sponsored for business promotion purpose.


Well, many  congratulations to Karnataka Philatelic Society for success of the exhibition. Though it is good that  postal administration from outside India recognized the Indian exhibitions, shown their interest, but if the purpose was  solely business. Hence, the  importance of the covers certainly decrease.  And further, price of the covers being high will not be appreciated by the collectors in general.

Any way,I look forward to such more participation and release in future as this has not only created philatelic interest but otherwise also helped to strengthen the bond of brotherhood amongst the nations and given  an appeal  to people of the world in general that we all are together for a common cause.

-Naresh Agrawal Ph. 09425530514


Recent Indian Issue




18 June 2017 : Jhala Manna – Rs 5
22 June 2017 : Survey of India – Rs15,Rs15 + MS
23 June 2017: 50 Years of Passport Act 1967
28 June 2017 : Banaras Hindu University – Se-teant pair – Rs 5+ Rs15
29 June 2017 : Shrimad Rajchandraji  - Rs 5

Recent Special Covers



21 June 2017 Int. Yoga Day : Chennai
1 July 2017 : Goods and Service Tax,
7 July 2017 : Leader K Karunakaran, Birth Centenary – Kozhikode
14 July 2017 : Karphilex 2017, Bangalore – two special covers 1.Learn Kannada Speak                               Kannada 2.  Karnataka’s Sporting Legends
15 July 2017 : Raksha Bandhan – issued by al postal circles.



New Picture Postcards






On 111th birth anniversary of Amar Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad, a set of six picture postcards were issued by  Allahabad HPO on 22 July 2017. The postcards feature pictures of Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Allahabad .The cost of six postcards is Rs.100 and is available at the HPO Allahabad.

 In The News


Penny Black first-day cover brings £45k



Lot 2137 was a Penny Black first-day cover (shown above) with a red May 6 London '6Ev' paid hand stamp. It's realized nearly $75,000 at recent sale.

26 July 2017 -A first-day cover of Great Britain’s iconic Penny Black—the world’s first postage stamp—realized £45,600 (nearly $75,000 Cdn.) at an auction hosted by England’s Spink and Son yesterday.

The cover, which is dated May 6, 1840, was offered as Lot 2137 of Spink’s Great Britain Stamps and Postal History Sale featuring the Charles Hamilton Collection. It had a pre-sale estimate of between £25,000 and £30,000 (upwards of $49,725 Cdn.).
The Penny Black franked to this cover was described by Spink as “grey-black shade, slightly worn plate, just touched a (sic) right, good to very large margins other sides and showing a portion of the adjoining stamp at left, tied by a crisp red Maltese Cross cancellation of entire letter dated 6 May 1840 (first Official day of use) to Doctors Commons, red ‘T.P. /Cornhill’ on front and octagonal “6ev/pd/6my/1840/6ev” date stamp on reverse and opening well for display.”



World's oldest stamp business Stanley Gibbons up for sale



Stanley Gibbons, the 160-year-old rare stamp and collectibles business, has put itself up for sale.
The company has identified the Middle East and Asia as new markets for potential growth, but said expansion would require further investment.
It said that it would therefore examine its options, which could include the sale of part or all of the business.The firm was set up by Edward Stanley Gibbons in 1856 and is the world's longest established rare stamp trader.
It opened its first shop in 1891 on The Strand in London where it continues to trade from today. It also has overseas sites in Hong Kong and Singapore.The company also sells coins and antiques, but is best known for its rare stamps business.
In April, it achieved a record for Indian stamps when a set of four featuring the portrait of Gandhi was sold for £500,000.
The company said it had undergone a major restructuring recently and had cut costs by more than £10m.
Commenting on exploring new global markets, Stanley Gibbons said: "Unlocking this incremental long-term value is likely to require further investment and the directors believe that it is likely therefore that such value is best delivered either within a larger group or alongside a strategic investment."
Best Europa stamp 2017 - Public Prize


Europe After a year without public prize for the Best Europa stamp, the on-line competition is back. You can vote till the 9th of September 2017 for your favorite Europa stamp 2017 ! For Voting please visit the following link :

Recent Stamp Exhibitions
BRASILIA -2017

Brasilia-2017 is a Specialized World Stamp Exhibition. The Exhibition will open on 24 October 2017 and close on 29 October 2017. Mr Ajay Kumar Mittal is the National Commissioner. email : ajaymittal1957@gmail.com

BANDUNG 2017


BANDUNG 2017 - Specialised WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION, 3-7 Aug 2017 Exhibition under FIP PatronageShri Sahdeva Sahoo is National Commissioner for this exhibition.  emails : sahadevasahoo@gmail.com   &   sahadevas@yahoo.com  Phones +91 9337103542
 +91 674 2432251 (LL)

News from Philatelic Societies

Karnataka Philatelic Society



KARPHILEX-2017, Bangalore








 -Swamynathan R


Philately exhibition, KARPHILEX- 2017 was held at Bengaluru from 14-16 July 2017 organised by the Karnataka Philatelic Society of India, which was founded in 1975. I was very much tempted to attend this exhibition considering that it will be interesting.Finally, I attended the exhibition and it was really enjoyable and interesting.




I was told that the KARPHILEX-2017 is happening after a gap of 10 years. I have in my collection the three special covers of first KARPHILEX held in 1976 at Bangalore ( 5,6, and 7 June 1976). There was a special  postal cancelation of exhibition with a Philately slogan each day. On 5th June; “PHILATELY PROMOTES NATIONAL INTEGRATION”, 6th June; ”PHILATELY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING”, 7th June; “PHILATELY A VEHICLE OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE”. The logo of Karnataka Philately Society were printed in different colours for each day(Red, Blue, Orange)



Special Cover of KARPHILEX-1976
           
KARPHILEX event reminds me of the Bengaluru GPO which has always been very active in Philately activities. I remember in 1960’s many postal marks with slogans for public awareness were issued, for example “POST BOX ENSURES PROMPT AND CONVENIENT DELIVERY”. This slogan post mark I have seen only from Bengaluru GPO(may have been issued from other places).
            
Karnataka Philatelic Society once had a youth philately division and used to issue special covers with youth as a theme. Overall, both Bengaluru GPO and Karnataka Philatelic Society have been very active in all aspects of Philately activities for decades now.

1.    Exhibition highlights :
·         The KARPHILEX-2017, philately exhibition was well planned in advance and implemented.
·         Wide publicity of the exhibition was done. Publicity in print media,  informing educational institutions, electronic media(what’s app, facebook),  word of mouth etc.
·         The exhibition  organising committee was receptive to ideas for philately promotions.
·         Various philately activities were organised for the three day event, like, Lucky Dip, Spot Competitions, Letter Writing activity by folding an envelope from a specially printed square paper, Memento chocolates with its collectible philately wrappers etc.
·         Organising committee members were always available during the three day event for any type of help and guideline for anybody who requires.

2.    Special Philately activities etc :
a.    Letter Writing Activity

Special square paper was printed colourfully and given to the visitors. The objective is to fold the colourful square paper into an envelope. Once the envelope is folded, a few lines were written inside the envelope along with sender and receiver address. Next a stamp of Rs 5 was bought from the India Post counter which was gummed to the folded envelope and dropped into a letter box kept outside the exhibition hall. Four design varieties of the envelope were printed. All visitors enthusiastically participated in this interesting and unique letter writing activity.  Hope that such letter writing activity is done at all philately promotion events and other philately events.


Folded Envelope

b.    Lucky Dip
            Visitors could buy a lucky dip ticket. There were three prizes, 1stPrize (Penny Black Stamp, 1840), 2nd Prize (Half Anna Stamp of 1854 of India), 3rd Prize(First Post Independence stamps of India, set of 3,1948). The lucky dip coupon was very well printed and can be kept as preserved memory and also a collectible.



          Lucky Draw Coupon

c.    Customised Chocolate with Philately Wrapper

Chocolates were available with its wrapper having a stamp image and a few lines about the stamp. The wrapper was meant to be preserved as collectibles. Its an interesting idea and very attractive for promoting philately. Five different chocolate wrappers were available. Went well with visitors.


 
Five different varieties of Chocolate Wrapper

d.    Souvenir articles
·         The Exhibition Souvenir book had a special and detailed article on the Two Anna Stamp printed on the One Anna Stamp Paper authored by Markand D. Dave & P.S.Dixit.
·         Article titled “Classics India” by Internationally Renowned Philatelist and Chief Patronage of KARPHILEX-2017 Dr Sita Bhateja was interesting to read. Such articles keep India’s Philately history alive.

e.    Three Commemorative Covers
Three very unique and special covers were issued, each by Vietnam Post, Botswana Post and Namibia Post.




Commemorative Covers by Postal Dept of Vietnam, Botswana, Namibia

3.    Exhibits
·         There were about 104 participants participating in various philately categories including literature class. Largely, the exhibits were under the thematic class and very few on postal history.

·         Internationally Renowned Philatelist and Chief Patronage of KARPHILEX-2017 Dr(Mrs.)Sita Bhateja’s Exhibit on British India Classic was a gem to go through.

·         The Two Exhibits on Postcards& Inland letter and Aerogramme reminded of the good old days of postal communication which was the only affordable means for distant communication.
·         Interestingly, there was an exhibit on new philately activity i.e. Post Crossing (www.postcrossing.com). The idea of Post crossing is interesting and is keeping the postal communication alive. Post crossing activity must be encouraged by the entire philately community. With time, Post crossing will have a unique place in modern philately.

·         Exhibit on Letter Boxes was interesting.

4.    Dealers Stall
There were about more than 25 philately dealer stalls at the exhibition event meeting the needs and requirements of philatelists. India Post had a stall selling India Post philately items including My Stamps. Also, India Post was selling the two KARPHILEX-2017special covers with exhibition special postal cancellation.

Two Special Covers by India Post

5.    Memorable Exhibition Photographs

Souvenir Book Release


Awards to the Participants with Dr Sita Bhateja

Conclusion


Other activities at Karphilex 2017


1. Treasure hunt -  Conducted by  Mani  Muthu  Krishnan 

2. Spot Quiz -  Conducted by  Nikhilesh  Melkote  and  RA Prasad 

3. Live Mind Games Conducted by  Dr Mandra  

4. Distribution of thematic stamp packet  by  KPS  Stamp  Bank -  disturbed  among  children   by  Chitayanya  Dev 

5. 
Walk  with  Jury  - Discussion on exhibits  with Jury (Dr. Sita Bhateja, Mr. N.K. Agarwal,Mr Zameer and Mr. P. K. Bisoi who is the Director of Rafi Ahmed National Postal Academy, Ghaziabad.

6. Honour - Lifetime Achievement Award - to Senior  philatelist  Dr Shangoram 

- Jagannath Mani, Bangalore



Doon Philatelic Diary

Raj Bhawan, Nainital







-Abhai Mishra


Very few Indian states boast of two Raj Bhawan's. Uttarakhand is one of them. The two of them are situated in Dehra Dun and Nainital, respectively. In the colonial period, Nainital was the summer capital of United Province and the building was built as a residence to the Governor of North-West province. It was built in a span of two years with the foundation being laid on 27th April 1897. It is built in European style with Gothic architecture.  Spread in an area of 220 acres, it was designed in line with Buckingham palace, London. Architect of the building was F.W. Stevens along with Engineer F.O. Oertel and H.S. Wildeblood. It was completed in March 1900. Burma teak is primarily used in the construction along with the locally available stone. It is a double storied building with 113 rooms.


In the British era the prominent occupant included Sir Antony Mac Donald, Sir James, Sir John Misten, Sir Harcourt Butler, who were the then Governors of the United Provinces. After Independence the first Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Sarojini Naidu was its first occupant. As the local folklore goes, Sultana daku used to hide in the tunnel of the Governors house. Sultana daku is termed as Robin Hood of India in the old era.

Other than its splendid architecture, Raj Bhawan has splendid gardens, mighty deodar forest, swimming pool, cricket ground and offers excellent view of Hanumangarh, Haldwani and Nanakmatta. It also has a beautiful golf course. Golfing was introduced here by Lord Malcolm Harry, then Governor of the United Province in 1926. This 18 hole golf course with 18 different tee was constructed by the British Army Engineers. Spread in an area of 50 acres it is one of the most

challenging golf courses in the world. The drainage system of the course had been designed meticulously with an underground tunnel of 137 meters length. It was opened to public in 1994 and regularly hosts Governor’s Gold Cup tournament every year in the months of May & June. For all the tourists coming to Nainital a visit to this marvelous structure is a must. It is truly a pride for Uttarakhand.


Abhai Mishra - email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com

Book Review
By Jeevan Jyoti




Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Issue of 1948

-      Pradip Jain






 
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Issue of 1948 by Pradip Jain : Pages 117 : Hard Bound A4 Size Published By David Feldman SA : Overseas Price Euro 45   : Indian Price Rs 1500.

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Issue of 1948 is a very comprehensive book on 4 commemorative stamps issued by Government of India on 15 August 1948 on the first anniversary of India’s Independence dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The book is based on Mr Pradip Jain’s deep research related to this issue. These were the first commemorative stamps of Independent India which were not printed in India but were printed by Swiss Press Helios Courvosier SA LA CHAUX- DE-FONDS of Geneva.

The word "Bapu" was printed on the stamp in Hindi and Urdu languages as a symbol of communal harmony. Four sets of stamps with denominations 1.5 annas, 3.5 annas, 12 annas and 10 rupees were issued. The  high denomination 10 Rs stamp remained out of reach of the common populace in India. A set of 100 of these stamps was overprinted with the word "Service" and provided only to the Governor General of India for his official use. The 10 Rupees "Service" overprinted stamp is one of India's rarest and most highly valued, sought after stamps by collectors both in form of mint and postal usage due to their scarcity and command exceedingly high price at auctions.




The book attempts to investigate various aspects of the issue starting from design, diplomacy, issuance and postal usages. An attempt has been made to consolidate a series of early investigations and new revelations in a manner that throws insight into one of the most popular issues of Independent India. Most of the information has been derived  from the inspection of archive of letters maintained by Courvoisier. The issue was the result of an excellent coordination between Courvoisier, Indian Legation and Swiss PTT. Some of the letters from printer’s archives are reproduced in the book. The study of “Service overprints are ”done for the first time which will  benefit the collectors of the issue.

The book gives great detail about the proposed Issue, The Memorial Issue, Specimens and its noteworthy usage.  Special Section is given to “Service” Overprints. The author has given the detailed analysis of the “Service “Overprints   and its usage with various images. Rs 10 Gandhi service overprints are one of the rarest stamps in the world today.  The author gives comprehensive details of his personal study based on the complete sheet kept in National Postal Museum, Delhi.





Issue, Specimen & other Etiquettes Chapter gives details of Specimen & Presentation Folders. These Folders were prepared for various dignitaries mainly in Europe and America, and few minister’s booklet with blocks of four of each value.






In the Service Overprints chapter, “Analysis of the Service Overprints” is a section of great interest for Gandhi Collectors. It has given detailed analysis of the issue with the help of many illustrations.



The best part of the book is great historical detail of the 1948 commemorative issue and various rare   images related to it with special reference to Rs 10 Gandhi overprints.  It opens a new area of study for Gandhi Collectors all over the globe as there are some illustrations  of very scarce items of this issue which are not known to collectors. It will prove  a good reference book for them  regarding many unknown facts about Gandhi issue. Regarding its design, layout, printing and paper, it is excellent.

This is the most valuable reference book for Gandhi collectors as well as other philatelists and essential book for all philatelic libraries. I personally recommend this book to all collectors of Indian Philately.

The book is available with: Mr Pradip Jain Post Box 128, Mithapur, Patna-800001. Email: philapradip@gmail.com Ph: 0091 - 612-2215929 , Mobile :0091 -  9334132162


Beginners’ Section

Top Extraordinary stamps of  2016

Stamp with Fish Skin




This is a special stamp issued by Faroe Islands Post on 29th September 2016 with actual fish skin. The stamp contains the piece of Atlantic Cod skin- a fish that is widely widespread on Faroe Islands. This is world’s first Fish Skin on stamp.It is a unique stamp with the most fascinating cod skin pattern.

Do you know ?

WORLD’S FIRST GLASS STAMP


When it comes to innovative stamp material and printing methods, Austria Post is truly a pioneer and its 2016 issue is world’s first stamp made of glass printed a painting in Reverse on the back of the glass, enabling the front to be cleaned easily, which is a big advantage in the smoke-filled farmhouse parlours of yesteryear. The painting depicts the traditional design of the “Pietà and Cross” by Michelangelo as one of the greatest works of Christian art dates back to the 14th century and shows the Virgin Mary holding and weeping over the dead body of her crucified son, Jesus.
There is a long tradition of reverse glass painting in Sandl. This is because there were many glass works in the nearby Bohemian forests, from which sheets of glass could be acquired easily and cheaply. Glass painting provided peasant families with a welcome additional source of income; during the winter the whole family worked together to produce the mostly religious designs step by step, each member of the family having his or her own particular task e.g. painting in the outlines or filling in the coloured areas.
The reverse glass painting used in this glass stamp comes from the last quarter of the 19th century. The painters are unknown – as was usual, the work was a collaborative effort. Particularly noteworthy aspects are the bold colours and the expressive brush strokes, which strongly emphasise Mary’s pain and Jesus’ suffering. The seven swords in Mary’s heart symbolise the seven sorrows of the Mater Dolorosa, the Mother of Sorrows, Mary, whilst the tendrils of flowers below the cross represent the hope which Jesus’ sacrifice brings to all people.
The Viennese porcelain manufacturer Augarten, Germany printed the stamp. Every glass blank is hand-crafted, with all production following ecological principles. The design applied to the back of the glass by hand using non-fading pigments and a special silkscreen printing process. The colours are then heat-treated, thereby ensuring that the design is firmly bonded to the glass and giving the glass a particularly high tensile strength.
The stamp’s “perforations” were back-printed on the glass; therefore, the stamp has a smooth rectangular edge. 

The high quality, mostly hand-crafted production, the unusual material and the traditional, hand-painted design, all makes this stamp a very special miniature work of art.


Specialized Section


US Graf Zeppelin Stamps 1930









-Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta

The 1930 Graf Zeppelin stamps were a set of three airmail postage stamps, each depicting the image of the Graf Zeppelin airship, exclusively issued by the United States Post Office Department in 1930 for delivery of mail carried aboard that airship. Although the stamps were valid for postage shipped via the Zeppelin Pan American flight from Germany to the United States, via Brazil, the set was marketed to collectors and was largely intended to promote the route. 93.5% of the revenue generated by the sale of these stamps went to the Zeppelin Airship Works in Germany. The stamps were also issued as a gesture of good will toward Germany. These three stamps were used briefly and then withdrawn from sale. The remainder of the stock was destroyed by the Post Office. Due to the great depression and the high cost of the stamps most collectors and the general public could not afford to purchase or use them. Consequently, only about 227,000 of the stamps were sold, just 7% of the total made, making them relatively scarce and highly prized by collectors.


1930 Graf Zeppelin stamps



Mail carried aboard the Graf Zeppelin airship bearing three U.S. Graf Zeppelin airmail stamps, first issued in Washington DC, April 19, 1930

The Graf Zeppelin departed from Friedrichshafen, Germany on the May 30, 1930, and returned there on 6th June. The 65c and $1.30 values were used to pay postage for postcards and letters respectively which were carried on the last leg of the journey from the United States to Seville, Spain and Friedrichshafen.  The $1.30 and $2.60 stamps paid the postage for postcards and letters respectively that were carried on the round trip flight via Friedrichshafen or Seville.  The round trip letter rate was $3.90, the exact amount which could be paid with the $2.60 and $1.30 stamps. Mail franked with the Zeppelin stamps was forwarded to Germany by boat where it was picked up at Friedrichshafen and put aboard the Graf Zeppelin. The week-long flight of the Graf Zeppelin extended from Germany to Brazil and on to the United States and then returned to Friedrichshafen.

The stamps were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing which had only six weeks to design, print and distribute the issues to customers for use on mail to Germany in time for the departing flight.  However U.S. the Post Office would only receive a small profit of 6.5% of the stamp’s denomination for letters that would actually be carried aboard the Graf Zeppelin.  The German Zeppelin Airship Works would receive most of the profit for those stamps that were actually used to pay postage and were carried by their airship. The U.S. Post Office still agreed to issue the stamps anticipating that most of the stamps sold would be to stamp collectors eager to add the new stamps to their stamp collections, and consequently would be retaining all of the revenue generated.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing created plates of two hundred postage stamps situated in four panes consisting of fifty stamps each. The stamps sheets were perforated with 11-gauge perforations.  Because a margin (selvage) of paper extended around all four sides of each sheet there are no stamps with straight imperforate edges. A total of 1,000,000 of each stamp denomination were printed, but only 227,260 stamps in all were actually sold, or 7% of the total amount printed. The Zeppelin stamps were withdrawn from sale on June 30, 1930 and the remaining stocks were destroyed by the Post Office.

The set of three stamps shared a common border design inscribed with the words GRAF ZEPPELIN (first row) and EUROPE – PAN AMERICAN FLIGHT (second row) in upper case letters along near the top of the border, and with the words UNITED STATES POSTAGE, also in upper case, along the bottom border. The stamps were printed in different colors for each denomination (see individual stamp images below) with denominations that paid the various rates used along the route on the flight. The attractive stamps were highly publicized but were considered controversial among some collectors of the time who refused to purchase these issues, complaining that the Post Office was charging too much while at the same time were trying to drive up the demand for these stamps by destroying the unsold issues. The $4.55 face value for the set of three stamps represented a lot of money during the depression years of their release. However, over time, these stamps increased in popularity.  They became highly sought-after by stamp and postal history collectors and remain so even today as the Graf Zeppelin stamps are highly prized by collectors as masterpieces the engraver's art.  This issue was designed by C.A. Huston and A.R. Meissner.

The green 65-cent Graf Zeppelin stamp depicts the Graf Zeppelin flying eastward over the Atlantic Ocean. The lowest of the three denominations, this issue paid the post card rate.  Out of 1,000,000 stamps printed, the total quantities sold for this issue were 93,336.


The $1.30 stamp was first issued in Washington DC on April 19, 1930. The stamp was printed in brown and depicts the Graf Zeppelin flying westward, superimposed over a map of the continents of Europe and South and North America with the names of various cities depicted in it. This issue paid the postcard and letter rates on the May 1930 Pan American flight that departed from Germany, flying to Brazil and then the United States. Postage rates depended on the distance between points along the route. Out of 1,000,000 stamps printed, the total quantities sold for this issue were only 72,428.



The blue $2.60 stamp depicts the Graf Zeppelin in among clouds and superimposed over a globe and traveling in a westerly direction. Out of 1,000,000 stamps printed, the total quantities sold for this issue were only 61,296.


First day cover flown, April 19, 1930

This cover made the complete round trip and bears all three Zeppelin stamps attached to a 5c Air Post envelope which received special cachets. The diamond shaped cachet depicts a map showing the route used by the Graf Zeppelin on its first flight and a special red cancellation specially made to cancel mail it carried, bearing the name of and used in Friedrichshafen, along with an image of the Zeppelin.


$2.60 stamp on a flown cover


Bottom Plate block of six 65-cent stamps


Plate Block of six $1.30 stamps


Plate Block of six $2.60 stamps

A 50-cent Zeppelin stamp, often referred to by collectors as the 'Baby Zeppelin', was released October 2, 1933, for the Century of Progress, of which 324,700 were issued.  It is not to be confused with the Zeppelin stamps that were issued in 1930. With a far higher number available to collectors it is also considerably less expensive than the 1930 issues.



The 'Baby Zeppelin' stamp of 1933


-       Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta - email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com

 
In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….



In great philatelic memory of Dr Satyendra Kumar Agrawal, I am re-publishing some of his best articles every month this year. Those who were closely associated with Dr Agrawal may also share their memories  in this column.- Editor

Extreme Postmarking

-    © Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal


Among postal history collectors, the postmark is a clue to the story behind a cover. In general, old postmarks might have some value, but new postmarks are viewed mostly as a nuisance. However Pictorial postmark collecting of even today’s appears to be growing in popularity.

There are many ways of collecting Postmarks even ordinary one making them interesting using some sort of imagination and efforts. Very popular is the hobby of collecting postmark on a   cover on the day of someone’s Birthday, marriage anniversary or some other important occasion of our life to be preserved. Recently philatelists were very interested in collectingPalindromic and special dates of this Millennium.



Palindromic date 11/11/11, reading the same backwards and forward


Palindrome date cancellation 7/7/77 with time of posting 7 and pin code 7777


Special date 07/08/09 postmark


Special date 11-12-13 postmark

Sometimes ordinary looking postmarks, which are overlooked by collectors, become focus of an exhibit. An example is the set of   postmarks provided by Dept. of Post / Gujarat Circle depicting ‘Gandhi’s Charkha-Spinning Wheel with four unusual dates of the year 2011: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11 , 11/11/11 and 12/12/12 of the year 2012.




‘Gandhi’s Charkha(Spinning Wheel)’ postmark with  unusual dates of the year 2011and 2012: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11 ,11/11/11 and 12/12/12 

Though ordinary, but their collection in the flight route preparing a “Round the Flight” cover make them interesting postmark collection.


Round the World Flights cover

For all such types of Postmarks collecting only we have to wait but may be collected from the comfort of our own home whereas few other types of  postmark collecting also of great fun, the  Extreme Postmarking which involves lot of patience and physical labour too.

For such activity, vacations provide excellent opportunities if a road trip in a recreational vehicle is planned specially on the day of release of First Day Postmark for any new release, and have a stop at each post office along the way. A separate cover can be prepared for each stop, or a single document can be franked and cancelled along the way. Such collectibles make wonderful souvenirs of a family trip.

A cover prepared by former U.S. Postal Service employee Ken Turmel of Oklahoma, who chosen the occasion of issuance of The 29¢ Cherokee Strip postage stamp issued for the centennial of an Oklahoma Land Run in 1993 is a very interesting example of this category.



Cherokee Strip postage stamp issued for the centennial of an Oklahoma Land Run, USA 1993

The Land Run of 1893, known as the Cherokee Strip Land Run, marked the opening to settlement of the Cherokee Outlet, in what would become the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The run began at noon on September 16, 1893, with more than 100,000 participants hoping to claim land. The land offices for the run were set up in Perry, Enid, Woodward, and Alva with over 6.5 million acres (26,000 km²) of land. It was the largest land run in United States history.

Ken Turmel collected all the centennial postmarks created for the occasion   within the region of the land run, including some from post offices within the former Indian Territory covering a distance of 5000 miles.



Cover inspired by the anniversary of the Oklahoma Land Run in 1893 and the stamp issued in 1993 to commemorate the event. Its creator travelled more than 5,000 miles to collect postmarks from post offices within the land-run region.

Another piece of extreme postmarking occurred on the occasion of commemoration of 70th anniversary of Route 66 in USA in 1996.




Map of famous ‘Route 66’ of USA


U.S. Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway and colloquially is the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, established on November 11, 1926 which became one of the most famous roads in America, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending at Santa Monica, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km).

In the 1950s, Route 66 became the main highway for vacationers heading to Los Angeles. The road passed through the Painted Desert and near the Grand Canyon. Meteor Crater in Arizona was another popular stop. The sharp increase in tourism in turn gave rise to a burgeoning trade in all manner of roadside attractions and people doing business along the route became prosperous .By time the growing threat of being bypassed by the new Interstate Highway System to keep the highway alive, these people also fought a long.




Elmer's bottle ranch on Route 66



The old rail road and World's tallest thermometer at Route 66
(Above photographs taken by my son Tushar during his recent visit of US with his family enjoying driving on Route 66)



Ken Turmel decided to prepare a cover collecting all the 250 pictorial postmarks issued to commemorate this event for post offices along the route. To complete this daring project he travelled a distance of about 28,600 miles in two years (1995-1997) and visited all   the post offices in person. It resulted in a 2-foot-by-3-foot print bearing more than 250 pictorial postmarks along with   ordinary hand cancels from the remaining post offices which were not offered pictorial postmarks for this event.


2-foot-by-3-foot cover print with more than 250 pictorial postmarks with stamps plus autographs from people associated with the highway offered for the 70th anniversary of Route 66 from every post office along the route. Its creator travelled more than 28,000 miles and time taken in two years to visit all of the post offices in person.

The cover became piece of philatelic rarity also as many of the post offices enrooted are now closed down and few postmarks became last day postmarks.

This piece of Philatelic rarity became of historic importance too as he also taken on this cover autograph of postmasters and various famous people associated with the legend of Route 66.


A part of above cover enlarged depicting autographs along with pictorial postmarks

Few notable autographs of VIP’s who have graced the original artwork with their signatures include Bobby Troup, who wrote the song Get Your Kicks on Route 66; Jim Rogers, son of the late Will Rogers; Martin Milner, actor in the 1960-1964

CBS Route 66 television series; Lucille Hamons, legendary store/motel/filling station owner since 1941;Ron Shutiva, Acoma Tribal Governor in New Mexico, Keith Birdsong, artist of the Indian Dances U.S. postage stamps; Michael Wallis, author of the award winning Route 66: The Mother Road; Hody Porterfield, a "well versed" mountain man at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; Ira Letterman, retired Missouri Highway Patrolman of 36 years on Route 66; Jerry McClanahan, Route 66 artist/historian "extraordinaire"; Jim Ross, Route 66 historian and author of
Oklahoma Route 66 and 18 other extremely interesting guests. 

Michael Wallis, the noted author of ‘Route 66: The Mother Road’, 2002, praised this effort of Ken Turmel in following words:
"This stunning artwork is not only a fitting tribute to our beloved Mother Road; it is truly a piece of tangible history that will always be cherished by Road Warriors yet unborn."
This cover as ‘Post office Map of Route 66’ also lithographed in limited number of 2448 in colour and sold for $ 150 each.

New issues from other Countries
Jersey
10 July 2017 : 200 Years of Kaleidoscope

The kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 by Scottish scientist Sir David Brewster, and the patent was granted in 1817. Whereas the instruments themselves have become simplified and mass-produced in modern times, fascination remains constant some 200 years on. Six stamps feature intricate, symmetrically designed illustrations, in homage to the curious beauty of kaleidoscope patterns that have captivated people for 200 years. Each of the designs is based on a different theme, using Jersey’s abundance of flora and fauna as their subject.
An inscription on each stamp provides a clue as to what is shown. For example, the 49-penny stamp is inscribed “shells & anemones.” The other stamps are inscribed: “feathers & eggs,” 63p; “wildflowers,” 73p; “woodlands,” 79p; “minibeasts” (insects and a spider), 90p; and “marine life,” £1.07. Brewster (1781-1868), a Scottish physicist, actually invented the kaleidoscope in 1816. The 200th anniversary refers to the year it was patented, 1817.

Spain





17 July 2017 Origami

Origami is defined as the art of creating paper figures without cutting or using glue, only folding a square of paper.The paper figures resulting from the folding may be of various shapes such as flowers, animals, objects, even faces or architectural elements.

The origin of the Origami is dated in China in the first or second century AD, arrived in Japan in the sixth century AD, where it is integrated into Japanese culture and begins its development and subsequent rise. In the beginning, in the latter country, it was an art that only the nobility could enjoy because of the high price of paper.

In the West the paper is discovered when being brought in the caravans of the silk route and it spreads quickly by its smaller cost and easy manipulated.

Even so, we can consider that the two great cradles of origami (in the West) and origami (in the West) were Spain and Japan. In both countries two classic figures of great tradition were developed: the crane in Japan and the bow tie in Spain.

The selection of the bow tie as the first postage stamp of origami is because it is a very interesting figure for two fundamental reasons: it is a classic figure and absolutely recognizable throughout the world as an element of origami and on the other hand the bow tie relates With the pigeon messenger, which in turn is part of the origin and activity of the mail in the world.

The seal is based on the square base well known by all fans for its simplicity and versatility. In the block sheet are described the steps to follow to get the bow tie by folding the seal by the lines that have marked. In addition the seal incorporates Augmented Reality to download a tutorial of how to mount the bow tie.

Both the unopened seal and the folded seal in the form of a bow tie can be used as seals to place on a letter and be sent to your destination.


USA




3 August 2017 : Protect Pollinators
On August 3, 2017, in Richmond, VA, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Protect Pollinators stamps (Forever priced at 49 cents), in five designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 475200). The Protect Pollinators $9.80 pane of 20 stamps may not be split, and the stamps may not be sold individuallyThe U.S. Postal Service pays tribute to the beauty and importance of pollinators with stamps depicting two of  continent’s most iconic: the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and the western honeybee (Apis mellifera), each shown industriously pollinating a variety of plants native to North America.
The stamps feature:1. A monarch and a coneflower 2. A western honeybee and a golden ragwort 3. A monarch and a zinnia 4. A western honeybee and a New England aster 5. A monarch and goldenrod.
16 August 2017 :  Flowers from the garden
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the beauty of flowers from American gardens. The four stamps feature still-life paintings of bountiful floral bouquets.



The paintings were inspired by floral still life created by Dutch and Flemish artists of the 17th and 18th centuries. Each stamp features one of four different paintings of flowers gathered from the garden and artfully arranged in a container. One stamp features red camellias and yellow forsythia in a yellow pitcher, while on another there are white peonies and pink tree peonies in a clear vase. An arrangement of white hydrangeas, white and pink roses, green hypericum berries, and purple lisianthus in a white vase graces another stamp, while blue hydrangeas in a blue pot appear on another.
UK

13 July 2017 : Windmills and Watermills
Some of the UK’s windmills and watermills are over 400 years old and many are still in working order. As a tribute to these iconic structures, Royal Mail has selected three windmills and three watermills from around the UK, including Nutley Windmill, Cheddleton Flint Mill and Ballycopeland Windmill.
Acknowledgement
Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin July 2017 from Ananthapuri Philatelic Association
Blogs & Websites

Philatelic Clubs & Societies 

Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society -  http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/   
India Study Circle -  http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -   http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort  http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association -  http://www.sipa.org.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists.  New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/

ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/

Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram

Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta

SIPA Bulletin http://www.sipa.org.in/

Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E- mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com

India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.

GPA News – Published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.

Stamps Today  Stamp & Coin Magazine edited by Vijay Seth

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue :   Indian Philately Digest ,  Stamps of India ;  WOPA , Suresh R.- Bangalore; Ambrish Kumar – Allahabad, Sreejesh krishnan – Trivandrum, Suresh Rao and Zameer from- Bangalore

Address for communication :

Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India  
             
 E-mail –    j.jyoti9@gmail.com 

*  Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.  
          
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                …..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………………………            

Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun, ( Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.




Recent Awards

AMRITPEX 2023 - Silver

CAPE TOWN 2022 - Silver

LONDON 2022 - Silver


INPEX 2019, Mumbai - Silver

CHINA-2019, World Stamp Exhibition, Wuhan - Bronze

INPEX 2017, Mumbai - Large Silver

CHINA 2016 - Bronze

TAIPEI 2015 - Bronze

CG International Philatelic Promotion Award 2014, Germany - ( 4th Position)

INPEX 2013, Mumbai - Vermeil

SHARJAH 2012, Sharjah ( UAE ) - Silver Bronze

IPHLA 2012, Mainz - Germany : Bronze

I
NDIPEX 2011 - World Stamp Exhibition, New Delhi - Bronze

JOBURG 2010 - 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Johannesburg - Silver Bronze

PORTUGAL 2010 - World Stamp Exhibition, Lisbon - Bronze

Hong Kong 2009 -23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Hong Kong - Silver Bronze

About Me

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Participated in different philatelic exhibitions Wrote for philately column in The Pioneer and worked as sub-editor for U-Phil Times published from United Philatelists, Kanpur.Did Schooling from Kanpur Vidya Mandir and Post Graduation in Botany from A.N.D. College Kanpur.

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