Saturday 19 December 2015

Unusual Postal Stationery - Update

Category - Sight
Subcategory - Unusual Covers, Envelopes, Folders and Postcards 

Austria 2015 Leather Stamp on a Leather Postcard




Issue date 24 September 2015

Swiss Post had issued a special stamp made of leather (see earlier post) and a private collector had specifically made a limited edition of Leather Postcards with the Leather Stamp stuck on it and cancelled on the first day of issue.




To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Unusual Postal Stationery


Disclaimer - Information about the philatelic issue on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps - Update

Category - Sight 
Subcategory - Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps

Hungary 2015 Events in Space Research Miniature sheet with Solar System seen under UV light




Issue Date 10 November 2015 

Magyar Posta is issuing a commemorative miniature sheet to record current space research anniversaries and events on postage stamps. The miniature sheet is intended to appeal to young people and thus its graphic design mixes reality and fiction, and photographic and child-like drawings. The miniature sheet, which contains eight stamps each with a face value of HUF 115.

The photo-based designs mark the 50th anniversaries of the spacewalks by Alexey Leonov and Edward White. On 18 March 1965 Alexey Leonov became the first person to step into space. He spent 12 minutes outside the spacecraft Voskhod 2. On 3 June the same year, the Gemini 4 astronaut Edward White spent 36 minutes in space outside his capsule. The stamps showing the two topical events depict the space probes New Horizons and Dawn. The former was launched on 19 January 2006 as the first mission in the New Frontiers program. During its flight it approached Jupiter, and reached Pluto on 14 July 2015. After this, the probe will visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt. Dawn is the ninth probe in the Discovery program, which will explore Ceres as part of its mission and went into orbit round the dwarf planet on 6 March 2015.

A special feature of the miniature sheet is that under UV light text describing the space research anniversaries and events becomes visible as do the planets of the Solar System and the stylised orbits of the subjects of the topical events, the dwarf planet Ceres and Pluto.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps 

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures. 

Friday 11 December 2015

Cloth Stamps - Update

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Cloth Stamps

Grenada 1971 Winner of Miss World -  Jennifer Hosten printed on Silk 



Issue date 1 June 1971

Grenada Post issued a Silk Miniature Sheet featuring Ms.Jennifer Hosten winner of the Miss World Title in 1970. The miniature sheet also feature the Map of Grenada on the Stamp.

Jennifer Hosten of Grenada, Miss World 1970, was the first black to be crowned as Miss World and the first ever at any major international pageant.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures. 

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Wood and Wood Paper Stamps - Update

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps made from different material - Wood

Paraguay 1986 Albrecht Dürer's Madonna with child printed on cedar wood



Issue date 04 June 1986

Paraguay Post issued a 25-guarani airmail souvenir sheet for promoting its cedar industry by issuing
a wooden stamp portraying Dürer’s Virgin and
Child by Albrecht Durer printed on cedar wood. 

Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) one of the most famous artist of Reformist Germany, widely known for his paintings, drawings, prints, and theoretical writings on art.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Friday 4 December 2015

Stamps with Hidden image - Update

Category - Sight
Subcategory - Stamps with Hidden image  

USA  1997 Classic Movie Monsters - Stamps with Hidden Image





Issue date 30 September 1997

USPS had issued a set of 5 Stamps commemorating the Classic Movie monsters with a set of hidden images featured on the stamps which can be only viewed using a special Decoder lens issued by the US Postal service in an earlier issue.

Phantom of the Opera
In 1925, American movie-going audiences experienced one of the most horrifying silent films ever created, The Phantom of the Opera. This story of a demented, disfigured organist, who lives in the maze-like tunnels and cellars under the Paris Opera House, was based on a novel by Gaston Leroux.

Wearing a mask, the Phantom wreaks havoc on the opera, strangling a stagehand who has seen him, and sending the theater’s giant chandelier crashing into the audience during a performance. Later he kidnaps a young singer, Christine, with whom he is enamored, and takes her into his subterranean “home.” Before she is rescued, Christine pulls off the Phantom’s mask to reveal a hideous, skull-like face. The Phantom meets his end at the hands of an angry mob, which beats him to death and throws his body in the river Seine.

The man responsible for bringing the Phantom to life was silent actor Lon Chaney. Born to deaf-mute parents, Chaney was a master of pantomime. As the Phantom he gave his greatest performance, eliciting feelings of both terror and pity. Chaney also starred in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), London After Midnight (1927), Tell It to the Marines (1927), While the City Sleeps (1928), and Thunder (1929).

Dracula
In 1931 the movie Dracula, based on the novel of the same name by Bram Stoker, shocked audiences with its tale of Transylvania’s Count Dracula. An undead corpse known as a vampire, Dracula has an insatiable thirst for human blood. To feed his craving, Dracula seeks innocent victims at night, and then drinks their blood. Since sunlight is deadly for vampires, during the day he must take shelter in a coffin.

The man responsible for bringing the ghoulish, yet elegant Count Dracula to life was Bela Lugosi. Well-suited for the part, the Hungarian-born Lugosi was a classically trained actor with a heavy accent. He had also starred in the 1927 Broadway production of Dracula.

Dracula brought Lugosi international fame, and he was subsequently typecast in the genre. He also starred in The Black Cat (1934), Mark of the Vampire (1935), The Wolf Man (1941), and The Ape Man (1943).

Frankenstein
In 1931 the movie Frankenstein made its shocking debut as the first major horror movie with sound. Based on Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, published in 1818, it is the story of Dr. Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from the bodies of the dead. Despite his noble intentions, Frankenstein creates a monster.

Assembled from body parts stolen from graveyards, the monster is brought to life when Frankenstein raises him through a hole in the roof of his laboratory and he is struck by lightning. When the creature is lowered to the floor and begins to move, Dr. Frankenstein cries, “It’s alive!”

Despite his hulking size and revolting appearance, the monster is actually a gentle creature. Although he is responsible for drowning a little girl, the tragedy is due only to his childlike ignorance of the world.

Boris Karloff was the talented actor who brought the monster to life. With a delicacy of expression unexpected from a character so grotesque, his performance inspires feelings of pity and compassion. When the monster meets his end in a burning windmill, the mood is tragic. The role brought Karloff worldwide fame, and launched his 20-year career as the king of horror films.

The Mummy
Released in 1932, The Mummy is the story of a mummified ancient Egyptian high priest – Im-Ho-Tep. Im-Ho-Tep is awakened from centuries of sleep when, despite urgent warnings, the inscription on a scroll found with his body is intoned.

In what has been described as “one of the screen’s most chilling scenes,” Im-Ho-Tep takes the form of a sinister Egyptian, Ardath Bey, and battles British forces for possession of his princess, Anck-es-en-Amon, who has been reincarnated as a beautiful modern-day woman. Once reunited with the princess, Im-Ho-Tep shows her their past lives in the reflection of a pool of water. After wreaking considerable havoc, Im-Ho-Tep is eventually returned to his mummified state.

The Mummy’s eerie presence was brought to life by the unique talents of Boris Karloff.  He began his career on the stage, starred on Broadway in Arsenic and Old Lace (1941), and as Captain Hook in Peter Pan (1950). This versatile actor also made frequent radio and television appearances.

The Wolf Man
In 1941 The Wolf Man frightened audiences with its tale of Larry Talbot, a man who returns to his homeland in Wales and is attacked by a wolf-like creature (played by Bela Lugosi). Talbot survives the attack only to discover that the creature’s bite has turned him into a “lycanthrope” – a man who is involuntarily transformed into a werewolf when the moon is full.

The werewolf is a violent creature who roams the countryside at night attacking human prey. Doomed to a life of misery and mayhem, Talbot is tortured by his dual existence. The werewolf’s rampage is finally put to an end when Talbot’s father slays the creature with his silver-tipped cane. Talbot then peacefully assumes human form.


Lon Chaney, Jr. is the talented actor who so convincingly became the Wolf Man. In fact, the highlight of this film was his on-screen transformation into the werewolf. Requiring many hours of make-up work, this chilling metamorphosis thrilled audiences.








Lon Chaney, Hidden Image: Phantom of the Opera 
Hidden Image: 2 Opera masks


Bella Lugosi as Dracula 
Hidden Image: 3 Bats


Boris Karloff as Frankenstein
Hidden Image: 3 Lightning bolts


Boris Karloff as the Mummy
 Hidden Image: 2 Egyptian deities


Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Wolfman 
Hidden Image: 2 Howling wolves


To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Stamps with Hidden image


Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Unusual Postal Stationery - Update

Category - Sight
Subcategory - Unusual Covers, Envelopes, Folders and Postcards 

Australia 2009 Parks and Gardens FDC with seeds embedded on a gift card.







Issue date 14 July 2009 

Australia Post has issued a limited edition of First day Covers commemorating Australian Parks and Gardens with a foiled postmark accompanied by a 100% recycled paper gift card containing lemon scented bottlebrush (Callistemon citrius) seeds. 



The Callistemon species can grow upto 3 metres and prefers a light to medium soil in a moist sunny position. It blooms in late spring with a red spiky flowers.



Planting instructions - Soak card in water until soft. Place card on seed raising mix (in pot or in ground). Lightly cover with more mix, water and keep moist. Germination should take 7-21days.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Unusual Postal Stationery


Disclaimer - Information about the philatelic issue on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Monday 30 November 2015

Wood and Wood Paper Stamps - Update

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps made from different material - Wood

Gabon 1982 The 22nd Anniversary of Independence Wood Stamp sheet


Issue date 17 August 1982

On the occasion of the 22nd Anniversary of Independence, Gabon Post has issued a wooden souvenir sheet featuring Okoumé tree which represents the symbol of forest wealth in Gabon. It singly constitutes the bulk of the wealth of the Gabonese forest.

Okoumé, has always occupied a special place in the crafts and the life of the Gabonese people. It is used to make canoes, coal and its bark can also be used in traditional medicine.

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Wood and Wood Paper Stamps

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.







Tuesday 24 November 2015

Transparent Stamps - Update

Category Sight
Subcategory Transparent Stamps/ Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet 

New Zealand 2015 Christmas Stained Glass Transparent Stamp


Issue date 4 November 2015


New Zealand Post has issued a set of colourful stamps featuring Christmas-related imagery from stained-glass windows around New Zealand, ranging from central characters from the nativity story to the ‘New Zealand Christmas tree’- the pōhutukawa.

80c - Angel

This stained-glass depiction of an angel is part of the Kelvin and Janice Loveday commemorative window in St Mark’s Church, Carterton. Angels play an important role in the nativity story, with the Angel Gabriel telling Mary that she would give birth to Jesus and an angel bringing the news of Jesus’s birth to the shepherds.

$1.40 - Dove

The dove is recognised as a symbol of peace as well as one of the forms of the Holy Spirit. Doves are often seen as a decoration on New Zealand Christmas trees. The dove depicted on this stamp is part of a larger stained-glass window at St Aidan’s Anglican Church, Remuera, Auckland.

$2.00 - Mary and Jesus

This vibrant stained-glass window sits inside St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland and depicts Mary with the baby Jesus. According to the nativity story Mary and Joseph were unable to find a room at the inn, and took shelter in a stable in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

$2.50 - Pōhutukawa

Often referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree, the native pōhutukawa is symbolic of summer and the festive season. The pöhutukawa shown on this stamp is part of a larger window in the Christchurch Hospital Nurses Memorial Chapel.

$3.00 - Wise Men

According to the nativity story, the three wise men were kings of the East who were led to where Jesus lay by an angel. There they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This stained-glass window is one of three windows portraying the nativity story in St Benedict’s Church, Auckland.

The miniature sheet that encapsulates the theme of stained-glass windows. The miniature sheet is printed on translucent gummed paper and is die-cut in the shape of traditional stained-glass church windows.

A friend asked me on receipt of his miniature sheet, "It appears to be translucent, how is it transparent?" Made me think about the miniature sheet.."what if he was right?"..then it struck me when I saw the apple logo shining at the back of my laptop..

My response to him was with the following pictures -





The miniature sheet are replica's of stained glass. When we go to church to see a stained glass, we do not see the birds flying across behind the glass but we do see the sunlight coming though the stained glass highlighting the various colors on the stained glass.

Can you see the Apple Logo behind the miniature sheet ?

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link -
Transparent Stamps
Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet 

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Monday 23 November 2015

Unusual Postal Stationery - Update

Category - Sight
Subcategory - Unusual Covers, Envelopes, Folders and Postcards 

Australia 2009 Letter to Mary First Day Cover with letter attached




Issue date 26 June 2009

Australia Post along with An Post (Ireland) and the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery has issued a special first day cover with a copy of a love letter from heart broken husband, James Walsh, to his wife Mary - banished in 1841 to serve seven years in the harsh prison colony of Van Diemen’s Land (VDL) in Australia, for allegedly stealing from a local shop in Ireland. After 200 years this issue is an international plea for more information to assist in resolving, what has come to be called, ‘The Mary Walsh mystery’. This letter is exhibited in the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery.

Mary Walsh lived in Tipperary county, Ireland with her husband James and their three children, baby daughter Mary and sons Jonny Hays and Maurice, Mary was charged in December 1841 with stealing cashmere from a local Clonmel shop, a crime she vehemently denied. Police claimed that Mary distracted the shopkeeper, while two other women made off with the fabric. Despite Mary’s protestations that she did not even know the other women, she was, together with her two co-accused, Mary Halfpenny and Catherine Baldwin, condemned to be transported to serve seven years in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania). In mitigation, James organized a petition which was signed by 27 local dignitaries including the Clonmel mayor, and the two parish priests. James also paid the local tailor to write to the Lord Lieutenant begging that Mary be allowed to serve her sentence in an Irish jail. But all his efforts proved fruitless, and Mary was consigned to deportation.

Accompanied by little Mary, her one year old daughter, Mary Walsh sailed from Ireland on 10 April 1842 in the prison ship Hope, and arrived in Hobart Town, the capital of Van Diemen’s Land on 17 August 1842. Mary’s VDL convict records depict her as being 5’ 6” (168cm) - relatively tall for a woman at that time – with an oval face, fresh complexion, hazel eyes, a pointed nose, rounded chin, and dark brown hair. She was recorded as being “a housemaid who could wash”. The record also stated that Mary could read but not write.

On arrival at Hobart, mother and daughter were parted, as was the custom. Offenders were not permitted to keep their babies, and the child was placed in the Hobart Queen’s Orphan School. In May 1844, it is recorded that little Mary passed away from “inflamation [sic] of the lungs”. It is unlikely that, during the 18 months before her death, her mother ever saw or held her baby daughter again.

As part of her ‘rehabilitation’, Mary (police number 484) was assigned as a maid to the Brooks family in Hobart and it was to the Brooks residence that in July 1843, James addressed his passionate letter. Unfortunately, by the time it arrived, Mary had moved to another (undetermined) position. Given the excellent condition of the envelope when it was purchased from an American collector by Australia Post in 2003 (and subsequently donated to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery), it seems unlikely that the letter was ever delivered. According to Elspeth Wishart, Senior Curator of History at the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, “James’ letter probably ended up in a dead letter office in Hobart”.

In the light of her general good conduct record, Mary was recommended for an unconditional pardon in February 1846, and by January 1849 she was a free woman. However, after leaving her position in the Brooks household, Mary’s trail effectively goes cold and she completely drops out of sight, leaving many intriguing questions left unanswered.

As a free person, did Mary Walsh manage to return to her native Ireland to be reunited with her family? However, passage back to Ireland was an expensive option and, given her employment status in the Colony, it seems unlikely that Mary could have saved enough to afford the return voyage. Nor would it seem possible she could have paid for James to make the trip from Ireland to join her despite this being uppermost in her husband’s mind.

As James’ letter seemingly remained undelivered, Mary may have assumed that her husband had given up on their marriage, and perhaps remarried and remained in Van Diemen’s Land. She had, after all, been previously betrothed to William Hays, who died 12 months prior to her union with James, with Jonny being the child of her marriage to William, while the two younger children, Maurice and Mary were James’ children.

While there is evidence of a Mary Walsh marrying Henry Geddes at Brown’s River Church, on 6 September 1843, it was not ‘our’ Mary, but another Mary Walsh who had, by chance, also arrived in VDL on 17 August 1842 from Ireland in ‘The Hope’

James Walsh's trail also goes cold following the dispatch of the letter. He may have died during the famine. While the local graveyard at Clonmel boasts no tombstone to him, not all the graves of those who perished during those dark days bore the names of the deceased. It is possible that James decamped from Tipperary to be with son Maurice who was then apparently working in Cork.

The fates of both Mary and James remain a mystery despite great interest and extensive research.

This is the complete letter from James to Mary

Clonmel July 16th, 1843

My dear Wife, I have received your kind and welcome letter of the 20th of March which is the greatest happiness I have enjoyed ever since the day I have parted my dearest Mary. It gives consolation to my troubled mind to know that you are comfortably situated in your exile and that you have the great pleasure of seeing your sweet child at times. It would be the only wish of my heart, Dear Mary, to go to you even on my knees, but I have not the means at present for I have to pay so much a year for Maurice out of my wages, and as there is no Emigration nor any provision made by Government for that country renders my state unable to go out to my lovely and dearest Mary.- Therefore if you could by any means make interest to bring me out would be the only happiness in this life which I would desire. So if you can learn any way let me know of it in your next Letter for you are my thoughts by day and night.

When you left Dublin I sent Maurice to the County Cork, to my sister Mary and I have not seen him those 12 months past, but I intend on tomorrow the 17th July to go to see him, he is in good health as I receive letters from him. I have a new suit of clothes for him.- Jonny Hays is in good health, along with the Prendergasts (near your Uncle Jack) in Service. I see him oftener than Maurice, for I do not leave Jonny Hays out of my memory at all, but give him every little thing that he wants. I am employed ever since you left home at Thomas Kennedys at Pass and at Thomas Rourks. My dear Mary there is not a moment but I am thinking of you day and night and will be always so 'til it pleases God to restore you once more to my arms for you are my only thoughts by day and my dreams at night.

I am sorry my dear wife that I did not leave my children go out with you for I could be able to follow you in a short time if people were carried out free as they were before. I would go out to you when I received your Letter but they are not without a great deal of money if a lived for 100 years you would be as fresh in my heart, as you were the day you left me. I expect a letter from you at every opportunity as it is the only pleasure I can enjoy, since my loving wife is so far far away from me, it is my prayer morning and night to bring you safe to my bosom. I am glad to hear that my sweet little Mary is so well.- My dear Mary this is a broken hearted letter I am sending you as I cannot bring it myself.- Send me word in you next letter if you intend to come home to me, when your time is out for I could not live at home without being in this place where my poor Mary used to be.- I would send you another letter in a short time after this but fearing that you would remove from the place you are in at present, let me know how long you are to remain where you are at present.

Think of your broken hearted husband and children as long as you live. I am very well in health, as also are your children, all your friends are well.- All the neighbours are well, and very sorry for you but I hope God will restore you once more to me and be happy together for ever together again. I will keep you Letter next to my heart until I receive another from you my darling wife. My dear Mary when I used to go to work every Monday morning from you I would feel the week a year long until I would see you on Saturday evening but what must my heart feel now when I cannot see you at all.- For when I am at work, my labour cannot give me any concern, but thinking of you. My brother Jack and Maurice and families are well in health.

My brother Jack lives now in the County Cork, in Mucroom, it troubles me very much to have my child so far from me, as it would be great comfort to my mind to see him once a week. I received your kind letter on the 11th July which removed a mountain from my heart.- Whenever you write direct your letter to Thomas Kennedy. [ . . .] all your friends and neighbours send you [..] blessing.
I know my dear loving Mary that you will deserve the love and esteem of those with whom you live, as you have meritted the good will of all who knew you at home.- Now my dear wife as I am at the point of finishing my letter , farewell, farewell and may receive as much consolation at reading of this as I have the reading of yours. May your rest be calm and your dreams sweet always thinking of him, who always thinks of you.- again farewell until I can shake hands with my darling Mary, until death do us part.

I remain your ever loving and Affectionate husband, 

James Walsh
I have offered a pound to Hennessey the writer if he
Could do anything for me by Writing to the Lord Lieutenant

Hope this post finds somebody who is related and knows about these persons and bring the story of a happy ending to all concerned. Here's wishing for the best..

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 

Unusual Postal Stationery


Disclaimer - Information about the philatelic issue on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.



Sunday 22 November 2015

Multi-Sensory Stamps Sets - Update

Category - Sight / Touch
Subcategory - Multi-Sensory Stamps Sets/3D Anaglyph Stamps/ Stamps with Textured Rough Surface/Stamps with Interactive (QR/Bar/Augmented Reality/C) codes  / Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps   

Spain 2015 - Dinosaurs Stamps Set with phosphorescence, scale textures, 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) features




Issue date 07 May 2015

Spanish Postal Authorities Correos has issue a set of 4 stamps with different printing techniques such as phosphorescent stamps, scale textures, 3D and Augmented Reality (AR).

See the video presented by Correos - 




Ankylosaurus or "fused lizard" had armour-like skin and a tail ending in a kind of club. It could measure up to 9 metres long and weigh 6 tonnes. It was a quadruped, with the hind legs longer than the forelegs, a low, very wide body, and a wide triangular head. It was a herbivore with small teeth and no molars. This stamp features scaled textures. 




Tyrannosaurus was one of the largest predators and the most famous dinosaur. It could reach over 12 metres long and weigh 8 tonnes. It had an enormous skull and a long, heavy tail with over 40 vertebrae which helped to balance its body. A bipedal carnivore, its upper limbs were small while its legs were very long in proportion to its body. It was an excellent hunter with a short, muscular, S-shaped neck. This stamp features the 3D Anaglyph printing technique giving a 3D view using a special Red and Blue glasses.

Triceratops, or "three-horned face", is distinguished by the frill on the back of its skull and its three horns, one on the snout and two over the eyes, which could be over one metre long. It had a large, robust body and four sturdy legs. Its head was a third of its length. It was a herbivore.This stamp features phosphorescence or glow in the dark printing technique.





Diplodocus was one of the longest dinosaurs at up to 36 metres. It had four sturdy legs, slightly shorter in the front than the rear, a long neck and an extremely long, whip-like tail. This stamp features the 3D Anaglyph printing technique giving a 3D view using a special Red and Blue glasses. 

All Stamps features Augmented Reality features which uses a special Smartphone app and shows a online feature on the dinosaurs.

See the following video on the Augment Reality features of the stamp

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Multi-Sensory Stamps Sets
3D Anaglyph Stamps
Stamps with Textured Rough Surface
Stamps with Interactive (QR/Bar/Augmented Reality/C) codes  
Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures/video. 


Sunday 15 November 2015

Stamps with Crystals - Update

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps with Materials affixed - Crystals/Odd Shaped Stamps/Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet 

Happy Diwali to my Indian Friends.. Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year..

Sao Tome and Principe 2015 Indian Goddess Durga Miniature Sheet with Red Swarovski Stamp







Issue Date  21 May 2015

Sao Tome and Principe Post has issued a special odd shaped Miniature sheet with a limited flock effect featuring a 86000Db round stamp of a Indian Goddess Durga with a Red Swarovski attached on her forehead.

Sao Tome and Principe is a Portuguese speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa.

Indian Goddess Durga is considered a source of great power and wellness in Hindu Mythology. The nine forms of Goddess Durga is worshipped during the nine days of Navratri (mid April). The nine forms of Goddess Durga are Sailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagouri and Siddhidayini.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Stamps with Crystals
Odd Shaped Stamps
Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet 


Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures. 

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Stamps with Hidden image - Update

Category - Sight
Subcategory - Stamps with Hidden image 

USA  1998 US Space Shuttle - Stamps with Hidden Image



  Issue date 09 & 19 November 1998

NASA's space shuttle fleet began setting records with its first launch on April 12, 1981. Starting with Columbia and continuing with Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour, the spacecraft has carried people into orbit repeatedly, launched, recovered and repaired satellites, conducted cutting-edge research and built the largest structure in space, the International Space Station. 

The final space shuttle mission, STS-135, ended July 21, 2011 when Atlantis rolled to a stop at its home port, NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Priority Mail rate stamp $3.20 which features a picture of the Space Shuttle landing was issued on 9 November 1998. A Definitive Express Mail stamp $11.75 featuring a Space Shuttle riding Piggyback on a modified Boeing 747 airplane was also issued on 19 November 1998.

Hidden Image on both the stamps using the USPS stamp decoder: "ENTERPRISE/COLUMBIA/CHALLENGER/ATLANTIS/ ENDEAVOR/DISCOVERY" featuring the names of all the Space Shuttles.






To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Stamps with Hidden image


Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Friday 6 November 2015

Stamps with Holes/Design Perforations/Cut Outs - Update

Category - Sight/Touch 
Subcategory - Stamps with Holes/Design Perforations/Cut Outs / Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet 

Liechtenstein 2015 Chinese Zodiac - 2016 Year of the Monkey Miniature Sheet



Issue date 16 November 2015

Liechtenstein Post has issued the fifth stamps in the Chinese Zodiac Series for the year of the Monkey 2016, Earlier issues were for the year of the Dragon, year of the Snake, year of the Horse and year of the Sheep.

People born in the Year of the Monkey are considered intelligent, clever and flexible. They are very inventive and are therefore able to solve most problems easily.

The motif of the special stamp (value: CHF 1.90) was designed as a delicate paper cut and produced using ultramodern laser technology with gold foil embossing. The 4-stamp sheetlet is also cut in the shape of a monkey.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Stamps with Holes
Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet 

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Thursday 29 October 2015

Stamps with Seeds - Update

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamp with seeds

Thailand 2011 Rice Seed Stamp





Issue date 17 Feb 2011

Thailand's first rice-seed postage stamp and valuable with the Royal Selected Rice Seeds for the use in the Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2010.

To honour H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 83rd birthday and to show gratitude for what he has done for his subjects, Thailand Post has attached rice grains given by the King to this set of postage stamps to add value to the collection.

Re-arranging my earlier blog to reflect correct category.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Stamps with Seeds

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures. 

Monday 26 October 2015

Miniature Sheets with Materials Affixed

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Miniature Sheets with Materials Affixed

This subcategory is started to address miniature sheets issued by some countries with materials affixed on the sheet and not on the stamps

Belgium 2015 - the Grand-Place of Mons featuring the annual folk festival of the " Doudou"




Issue date 01 June 2015

Bpost has issued a special miniature sheet commemorating the City of Mons which has been designated as European Capital of Culture for the year 2015.

The miniature sheet with 5 stamps features the main buildings in the Grand Place in Mons -  a. Hotel of the White Greyhound b . City Hall c . Chapel of St. George . Hotel Imperial Crown e . Theatre Royal

The Ducasse de Mons or Doudou is a popular festival that happens every year on Trinity Sunday (57 days after Easter) in the town of Mons in Belgium. 

During Sunday's Trinity, the first Sunday after Pentecost, the Grand Place is transformed into a large battlefield for Lumeçon. This is the fight between Saint George, which represents the good, and the dragon, symbolizing evil. 

The combat happens on the central square of Mons. The length of the dragon is about 10 metres long. The end of his tail is covered with horses' hairs.  The dragon gives also attacks the public with his tail.  People try to take the mane of the tail because it is said to bring luck for a year.

It is for this reason that a horse horsehair is offered during the show . This authentic hair is fixed on the miniature sheet and can be easily removed . It measures about 25 cm, the ideal size to carry it around the wrist to bring a year of good luck.

 
Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.


Wednesday 21 October 2015

Odd Shaped Stamps - Update

Category - Sight/Touch
Subcategory - Odd Shaped Stamps/  Embossed Gold Stamps

Austria 2014 - 25 Years of the Vienna Philharmonic Gold Coin Embossed Stamps   


Issue date 05 November 2014

To commemorate 25th Anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic, Austria Post has issued a set of Gold foil stamp. One side of the coin on the stamp depicts the "Great Hall" of Viennese Music Association, Wiener Musikverein which is the home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Wiener Philharmoniker).  The other side of the coin on the next stamp has various musical instruments like the Vienna horn, Bassoon, Harp, Violin (4 of them) and  the Cello.

The stamps are round in shape and embossed with gold foil.

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Embossed Gold Stamps
Odd shaped stamps    

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Thursday 15 October 2015

Multi-Sensory Stamps Sets - Update

Category - Multi sensory with a varied combination of Sight, feel, smell, taste and/or hearing features

Ireland 2015 The Five Senses Stamps Set


Hearing - Thermographic printing

Taste - Strawberry flavoured gum

Touch - Thermochromic printing

Smell - Mint fragrance

Sight - Transparent Stamp


Issue date 10 September 2015

EIRE Post issued a set of 5 innovative stamps featuring the human senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

The 70c stamp features Taste where strawberry flavored gum has been applied to the back of the stamp.

The €1.05 stamp features Touch – where thermochromic ink has been used, so that when the hand illustration is touched, it changes color.

The €1.25 stamp feature Sight – printed on transparent paper, when you pick up the stamp you can see through it.

The €1.70 stamp feature Hearing with thermography so that when the stamp is rubbed it creates a sound.

The €2.80 stamp feature Smell with a mint fragrance has been added to the surface of the stamp.

Click the link to see a video on the same.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Multi-Sensory Stamps Sets

Flavoured Stamps
Transparent Stamps
Stamps with Thermographic printing
Scented Stamps
Stamps with Thermochromic Ink Printing 
Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.