Monday, October 31, 2011

Brunei - Silver anniversary of the Royal Wedding

Brunei - Silver anniversary of the Royal Wedding

This stamp from Brunei commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Great Britain's royal couple, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.  The stamp shows a portrait of the couple with a girl with a traditional flower-pot, and a boy with a bowl and pipe in background.  This stamp is part of a two stamp set.

Perforations: 14 x 14.1/2
Date of Issue: November 20, 1972

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Bulgaria - International traffic safety year

Bulgaria - International traffic safety year

 This stamp issued by Bulgaria in 1990, depicts a road inside a red and blue triangle.  It was issued to commemorate the International traffic safety year dedicated to reducing the number of traffic accidents. 

Perforations:  13
Date of Issue: October 9, 1990

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Monaco - UN Children's Charter

Monaco - UN Children's Charter

This stamp from Monaco depicts a tree with a bird nest and a mother bird bringing food to the baby birds. The stamp was issued to support the United Nations efforts to protect children.  This stamp is one of a set of eight.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: 1963

Friday, October 28, 2011

Mexico - Swallowtail Butterfly

Mexico - Swallowtail Butterfly

This stamp depicts a swallowtail butterfly.  The swallowtail is one of the butterflies that exist in all parts of the world.  This stamp from Mexico is part of a set that shows flora and fauna indigenous to the area.

Perforations: 15
Date of Issue: 1983

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Estonia - Christmas

Estonia - Christmas

This stamp from Estonia depicts a stylized Christmas tree.  Christmas celebrations in Estonia begin the 21st of December and end on January 6. During this period, Estonians work less, visit friends and family, and receive the declaration of Christmas peace from the Estonian president.

Perforations: 13¾ x 14
Date of Issue: December 15, 1992

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Dominica - Christmas

Dominica - Christmas

This stamp from Dominica depicts the shepherds in the field as they hear the news of the saviors birth.  The stamp is based on the "Psalter of Richard de Lisle" that was painted at Westminster in the early fourteenth century.  This stamp was part of a three stamp set issued for Christmas.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: 1977

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Chile - PanAmerican Conference

Chile - PanAmerican Conference

This stamp from Chile depicts the Palace of the Congress building in Santiago Chile.  The 5th PanAmerican Conference was held in Santiago Chile in 1923.  The "Treaty to avoid or prevent conflicts between the American States" was the major accomplishment of the 1923 conference.  This stamp is one of the eight stamps issued with this design.

Perforations: 141/2 x 133/4
Date of Issue: March 25, 1923

Monday, October 24, 2011

Soviet Union - 17th century postman

Soviet Union - 17th century postman

This stamp issued by the Soviet Union depicts a horse pulling a sled with a postman in the background.  Postal service was established in Russia during the 17th century.  Only strong, resilient men were recruited for service as postmen.  They used many means to get the mail between destinations, including horses.

Perforations: 11.5
Date of Issue: August 25, 1987

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Belaruse - Church of Carmelites


Belaruse - Church of Carmelites

This stamp from Belaruse depicts a Church of Carmelites.  The Carmelites order is aa Catholic religious order believed to be founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel.

Perforations: 11
Date of issue: November 25, 1993

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Great Britain - Carrickfergus Castle

Great Britain - Carrickfergus Castle

This stamp from Great Britain depicts Carrickfergus Castle.  Carrickfergus Castle is in Northern Ireland, situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough.  It was built in 1177 by the Normans that had conquered Ireland.  It remained in Norman hands until 1210 when King John captured and took control of it.  It continuously housed troops until 1927 when it was turn over to the government of Northern Ireland and preserved as a monument.  It is open to the public and has many exhibits that show what medieval life was like.

Perforations:15
Date of Issue: August 22, 1995

Friday, October 21, 2011

Togo - Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris

Togo - Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris

This stamp from the African nation of Togo depicts the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.  The cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the most famous churches in the world. Construction of the church began in 1163 and the initial construction was finished in the mid 1240s.  Additional construction on the church continued until 1345 when the cathedral was considered complete. 

Perforations: 15
Date of Issue: 1980

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Mongolia - Composer Bela Bartok

Mongolia - Composer Bela Bartok

This stamp depicts an image of the composer Bela Bartok.  Bela Bartok was a Hungarian composer who lived from March 25, 1881 to September 26, 1945.  He is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. 

Perforations:12
Date of Issue: March 25, 1981

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Hungary - Wagner opera Tannhauser

Hungary - Wagner opera Tannhauser

This stamp from Hungary depicts a scene from the opera Tannhauser by Richard Wagner. 
Tannhauser is an opera in three acts.  The opera is based on the two German legends of Tannhäuser and the song contest at Wartburg. The story centers on the struggle between sacred and profane love, and redemption through love (a theme running through almost all Wagner's mature work).  

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: September 26, 1967

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Argentina - Pyramid in the May Plaza

Argentina - Pyramid in the May Plaza

The stamp depicts the May Pyramid in the May Plaza in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The pyramid was erected in 1811 to celebrate the first anniversary of the May revolution that declared Argentina's independence from Spain.  The plaza has been a focal point of political life in Buenos Aires, Argentina since it's beginning in 1884. 

Perforations: 10
Date of issue: 1910

Monday, October 17, 2011

Brazil - Coffee

Brazil - Coffee

This stamp from Brazil depicts bags of coffee and raw coffee beans.  Brazil is responsible for about a third of all coffee grown in the world.  This makes Brazil the world's largest producer of coffee, a position it has held for over 150 years. According to  legend, the first coffee plant was brought to Brazil from French Guiana in 1727as a way for the Brazilian government to enter the lucrative coffee market that existed at the time.

Perforations: 12
Date of Issue: 1938

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Venezuela - Training Ship Simon Bolivar

Venezuela - Training Ship Simon Bolivar

The stamp depicts the Venezuelan navies ship Simon Bolivar that is used for training sailors.  This type of ship is usually used to train future officers to give them the best understanding of the intricacies of sailing.  The ship shown on this stamp, the Simon Bolivar, was launched in Bilboa, Spain on November 21, 1979 and commissioned on August 12, 1980.  As sailing ship she has participated in several tall ship events over the years.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: 1980

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station 

This stamp from Poland depicts Leopard seals sitting on the ice in front of the ship "Kapitan Ledóchowski" .  The "Kapitan Ledóchowski" was built in 1975 the New Szczecin Shipyard as a general cargo ship.  The leopard seal is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal). The seals are typically 8 to 12 ft long and weigh in at 450 to 1300 pounds.  The stamp was issued as part of a set of 6 stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Polish arctic research base "Henryk Arctowski" on King George Island.

Perforations: 12
Date of Issue: February 13th, 1987

Friday, October 14, 2011

France - Fortified gate of the city of Fauroeulx Quesnoy

France - Fortified gate of the city of Fauroeulx Quesnoy

This stamp depicts the bridge and fortified gate to the city of Fauroeulx Quesnoy in the Northern department of France.  The city was a stronghold for the German army during World War I.  Near the end of the war, the city was liberated by forces from New Zealand.

Perforations: 13
Date of issue: July 19, 1957

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Nicaragua - 150th anniversary of the Ford automobile

Nicaragua - 150th anniversary of the Ford automobile

The stamp depicts an early Ford model A automobile.  The original Ford Model A is the first automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company.  Production of the model A began in 1903 with the first one delivered on July 23rd.  A total of 1,750 cars were made from 1903 through 1904.

Perforations:14
Date of Issue: 1984

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

This stamp from Mongolia depicts the orca whale species, otherwise known as the killer whale.  
The killer whale is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the tropical seas to the cold antarctic and arctic oceans.  The stamp is part of a set of eight stamps issued by Mongolia to celebrate the exploration of Antarctica.  The stamps show images of creatures that inhabit the Antarctic continent.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: December 1st, 1980

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Arctic Station 

This stamp from Poland depicts fish swimming in front of the ship Zulawy.  The Zulawy was built in the Gdansk  shipyard for fish transport and as a supply ship.  The stamp was issued as part of a set of 6 stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Polish arctic research base "Henryk Arctowski" on King George Island.

Perforations: 12
Date of Issue: February 13th, 1987

Monday, October 10, 2011

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

Mongolia - Antarctic Exploration

This stamp from Mongolia depicts the penguin species Pygoscelis adelie.  These penguins are mid-sized, being 1.5 to 2.5 ft in length and typically weigh 8.6 to 12.8 lbs. They have a distinctive white ring surrounding their eyes and feathers at the base of their bills. The stamp is part of a set of eight stamps issued by Mongolia to celebrate the exploration of Antarctica.  The stamps show images of creatures that inhabit the Antarctic continent.


Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: December 1st, 1980

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Antarctic Station

Poland -10th Anniversary of the Polish Antarctic Station 

This stamp from Poland depicts a Seagull flying over the the ship Pogoria to commemorate the ships trip to Antarctica in 1980.  The Pogoria is the first large sailing ship fully designed and built in Poland. It was built in the Gdansk shipyard .  The stamp was issued as part of a set of 6 stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Polish arctic research base "Henryk Arctowski" on King George Island.

Perforations: 12
Date of Issue: February 13th, 1987

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Grenada - "Spirit of 76"

This stamp from Grenada was issued as part of a series commemorating the United States Bicentennial.  It shows a fife player and two drummers marching.  The stamp is based on the painting "Spirit of 76" by Archibald MacNeal Willard.  The original painting was created after the painter saw a parade pass through the town square in his hometown of Wellington, Ohio.  It was first exhibited at the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.  An interesting point is that he used his father as the model for the middle character of the painting.

Perforations:
Date of Issue: September 30th, 1975

Friday, October 7, 2011

Ireland - Europa

Ireland - Europa

This stamp was part of one of  the early issues for Europe CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations)  In this stamp, the letter O of the word Europa is replaced with a Roman mail-coach wheel with 19 spokes, 1 for each 1960 member of CEPT. It is based on a design by Finnish artist Pentti Rahikainen. 

Perforations:14
Date of Issue: 1960

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Great Britain - Windsor Castle


Great Britain - Windsor Castle

This stamp from Great Britain depicts Windsor Castle.  Windsor Castle is a castle located in in Windsor, in the English county of Berkshire.  It dates from medieval times and is notable for its long association with the British royal family.  It has a distinctive architecture that combines the features of a fortification, a palace, and a small town. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.  The castle has evolved through many building phases, the last being a restoration after a fire in 1992.

Perforations: 15 x 14
Date of Issue: October 18, 1988

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Denmark - 750th anniversary of the Danish National Flag

Denmark - 750th anniversary of the Danish National Flag

This stamp from Denmark was released to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the Danish National Flag "Dannebrog" falling from heaven in 1219 at the Battle of Lyndanisse (in Estonia) against the crusaders.  June 15th is traditionally celebrated in Denmark as "Valdemar Day", after the Danish king Valdemar II Sejr (Valdemar the Victorious), 

Perforations:12
Date of Issue: 1969

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Ajman State - Apollo 15 moon landing

Ajman State - Apollo 15 moon landing

This stamp depicts an image of a astronaut Jim Irwin on the US Apollo 15 moon landing mission.  The mission lasted 12 days.  There was a small scandal after the astronauts returned and it was discovered that several postage stamps had been smuggled aboard with the intent to sell them upon returning to Earth.

Perforations:
Date of Issue: 1972

Monday, October 3, 2011

Yugoslavia - Battle flags with medals

Yugoslavia - Battle flags with medals

This stamp depicts the Battle flag from the Battle of Vucji (Valley of Wolves) and a medal given for Bravery.  This battle, in 1876, was between the Montenegrins and Turks, in Vucji Do
where the outnumbered Montenegrin Army defeated the larger Turkish Army.  After this battle, Montenegro was recognized as an independent state by the Congress of Berlin in 1878.  this stamp is one of a set issued by Yugoslavia in 1978 to commemorate famous battles.

Perforations:14
Date of Issue: 1978

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Nicaragua - 75th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight



Nicaragua - 75th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight

The stamp depicts an image of Orville Wright during the first flight on December 17th, 1903.  Their historic flight took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  This stamp was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the flight.

Perforations: 14
Date of Issue: 1978

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Hungary - Young Animals

Hungary - Young Animals

This stamp from Hungary depicts a puppy.  The stamp is one of a set of seven issued showing young animals.  The other stamps show a bunny, lamb, calf, pony, piglet and kittens. 

Perforations: 12
Date of Issue: 1974