50th Anniversary of the UN in Denmark

Lars sent me this cover with perfect cancellations from Sydjyllands Postcenter, Fredericia, Denmark.  Thank you! :)  It took this cover 8 months to reach my address!

The first stamp, on the left, was released in 1995 to celebrate the 50 years of the United Nations Organisation (1945-1955). It portrays the logo of this milestone and the letters FN, which stand for Forenede Nationer - United Nations in Danish.

The stamp on the right (face value: 5.50 DKK) is from the "Winter Tales" series issued on 26 October 2010. It depicts a girl on a bench with two ducks in front of her and snow all around.

Mailing date: 30 March 2011

Delivery date: 09 November 2011 (yeah!)

Banjo on Hong Kong Postcard

Kun mailed me this lovely postcard from the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.  It portrays a lady dressed in traditional Chinese costume, playing what looks like a banjo, with a traditional garden in the background.  Thanks a lot Kun! =)

Kun used the $2.40 stamp from the 'Centenary of the Xinhai Revolution' series, with a newspaper-like layout and released on October 10, 2011.  The 1911 nationwide Xinhai Revolution overthrew China's last  imperial dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, bringing an end to thousands of years of dynastic rule in China.  The Republic of China was thus established.

Kun also affixed two stamps from the 2006 Birds definitive set: 10¢ White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and 50¢ Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus).

Mailing date: 02 DEC 2011

Delivery date: 13 DEC 2011

Queen Victoria in the UK

The last Stuart monarch, Queen Anne died on 1 August 1714 without issue.  Her German second cousin, George I, of the House of Hanover, who was a descendant of the Stuarts through his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth, daughter of James VI, succeeded her.   George I was succeeded by George II, George III, George IV, William IV and Victoria.  Kings George IV and William IV passed away without surviving any legitimate children, thus leaving the throne to the only legitimate child of the Duke of Kent, Victoria, the last monarch of the House of Hanover.

To commemorate these monarchs, the Royal Mail issued a set of six stamps and a miniature sheet on September 15, 2011, covering the Hanoverian era from 1714 to 1901. The last stamp (face value £1.10) of this series, depicting Queen Victoria (1837-1901), is featured on the cover above.

The second stamp (1st class) is from the 'Crown Jewels' series - issued on 23 August 2011 - and represents St. Edward's Crown.

Thank you very much Nigel! :)

Mailing date: October 7, 2011

Delivery date: October 13, 2011

Celebrating 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Mauritius & the People's Republic of China

The Mauritius Post issued on May 17, 2012 a set of ten Special Commemorative Covers to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Mauritius and the People's Republic of China.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Mauritius and the PRC were formally established on 15 April 1712.  During his historic visit to China in 1972, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR), the then-Prime Minister of Mauritius, signed a Joint communiqué with Chinese Premier, Zhou Enlai, that opened a new and decisive chapter in the relations between the two countries.

Since the formalisation of the relations, China has been steadfastly supporting Mauritius as its very close and trusted friend and development partner.  China has indeed extended to Mauritius substantial development cooperation package in the form of preferential loans, in addition to technical assistance, capacity-building and training opportunities and a wide range of ad hoc sponsorships and support in various socio-economic initiatives.

This excellent and special relationship has been constantly nurtured by regular exchanges of high-level visits.  Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, the present Prime Minister of Mauritius undertook official visits to China in 1997 and 2007.  Mauritius was greatly honoured by the landmark state visit of His Excellency, Mr. Hu Jintao, President of the PRC, in Mauritius in February 2009.

Mauritius is very proud that an economically dynamic and culturally vibrant section of its population is of Chinese descent and contributes significantly o the human and cultural diversity that make up the Mauritian population which annually celebrates the Chinese Spring Festival.

China Post also released two Commemorative covers on April 15, 2012 (exactly 40 years after the establishment of the diplomatic ties).

Forty years of relations, built on the principles of sovereign equality of states, peace, cooperation and mutual respect and mutual benefit, are an irreversible sign of the healthiness and maturity of such relations.  More importantly, they are a solid foundation for elevating them to higher planes.

Information card in Chinese.

Special date stamp showing the Mauritian Tortoise. 

Special date stamp (Beijing) showing the Chinese Red-crowned Cane.

In this Year of the Dragon, it could not be more auspicious and fitting fro Mauritius and China to celebrate the joyous and historical event of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them.

Long Live the Abiding Mauritius-China Friendship!

Techincal Details:

Event: 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Mauritius and China

Release date:  15 April 2012 (China Post)

                      17 May 2012 (Mauritius Post)

Cover illustration:  Coats of Arms of Mauritius and China + 1972 40 2012

Stamps:  Rs5 (Crinum mauritianum) of the Indigenous Flowers series (2009)

              1.20元 flower stamps with butterflies vignettes

Women's World Cup 2011 in Germany

The sixth FIFA Women's World Cup was held from 26 June to 17 July 2011 in Germany.  Sixteen teams took part in this competition held at 9 different venues all around Germany.  Japan won the final against the United States on penalty shoot-out, and became the first Asian team to win a FIFA World Cup.

To mark this event, Deutsche Post issued on April 17, 2011 two stamps of 45 and 55 cents.  The stamps were designed by Henning Wagenbreth and form part of the 2011 edition of the yearly sports series.

Martin sent me those 2 nice stamps on the cover above from Hessisch Lichtenau, a small town in central Germany.  Thank you very much! :)

Mailing date:  27 OCT 2011

Delivery date: 04 NOV 2011

Centennial of Scouts of China in Taiwan

Chunghwa Post commemorated the Centennial of Scouts of China by releasing a set of 2 stamps on November 1, 2011.

Organised scouting in the Republic of China began in 1912 under the leadership of Rev. Yen Chia-Lin of the Boone Memorial School in Wuchang, Hubei.  The movement later spread nationwide.  On November 1, 1934, the General Association of the Boy Scouts of China(changed in 1997 to the General Association of the Scouts of China, GASC) was formally established and admitted to the World Organisation of the Scout Movement in 1937.

In 1990, the Association registered in the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of China on Taiwan as a civic organisation.

NT$5 - The stamp features silhouettes of boy scouts saluting, doing social work or helping others.  These images of scouts showing concern for society demonstrate the scout pledge "to practise a good turn everyday".  The city skyline in the background shows the advanced development of Taiwan.

NT$12 - To demonstrate how scouts learn and build character through fun activities, the stamp features the image of a boy scout, a tent and a watchtower in in an outdoor setting that is typical of camping.  With forest and the main peak of Mount Jade depicted in silhouette in the background, the stamp conveys the magnificence of Taiwan's mountains and forests.

The emblem of the GASC is featured on the upper left-corners of both stamps and on the First Day Cancellation.  The second first day cancellation - on the left - represents the three-finger salute and a scouting knot.

Thanks a lot James for this very nice FDC from Taipei! :D

Mailing date:  -1 NOV 2011

Delivery date: -9 NOV 2011

Sister Peaks on Chinese Postcard

Thank you very much Xu for this nice postcard, sent from the eastern city of Suzhou. Jiangsu Province.  It shows the sister peaks Yulong (玉龙雪山 - 5596 m), also known as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, near Lijiang, southwestern China, and Matterhorn (马特峰 - 4478 m), also called Mont Cervin in French or Monte Cervino in Italian, in Zermatt, Switzerland.

The two mountains were designated as sister peaks in 2001.  In 2005, the Switzerland Matterhorn Dreamland was founded at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain to honour the relationship and to display the commonalities of coexisting approaches for humans and nature in the two places.

Mailing date: 04 DEC 2011

Delivery date: 16 DEC 2011

The Endangered Hobby in Liechtenstein

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the WWF, Philatelie Liechtenstein issued on 9 September 2011, eight se-tenant hexagonal stamps (face value CHF 1.00) each depicitng an endangered bird species of Liechtenstein.  Vural franked his cover with the stamp depicting the Hobby (Falco subbuteo), a fast-flyer bird of prey.  It has long sharply-pointed wings, blue-black upper parts and feeds on other birds and large insects, especially dragonflies (the hobby eats the insects on the wing).

Vural also used a stamp (CHF 0.20) of the 'Brand Liechtenstein' definitive set, showing the Community Lifestyle Museum and released in 2009, and another one (CHF 0.70) of the 'Views of Villages' set issued in 2001, showing the village of Schellenberg, northern Liechtenstein.

Thank you Vural for this cover mailed from Vaduz, the capital city of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Mailing date:  19 OCT 2011

Delivery date: 25 OCT 2011

Prominent People in Indonesia

Thank you Irene for this nice cover from the city of Malang.  She used two stamps released on August 17, 2011 and depicting two prominent Indonesian personalities. 

- Dr. Mohammad Natsir [1/2 - left]

Dr Mohammad Natsir (1908-1993) is a Indonesian leader in the arena of politics and state affairs.  The peak of Natsir's political career occurred when he was appointed as Prime Minister of Indonesia.  In the New Order era, Natsir helped in the process of restoring diplomatic relationships with Malaysia, Japan, and several countries in the Middle East.

- Sutomo (Bung Tomo) [2/2 - right]

Sutomo (1920-1981) also known as Bung Tomo is best known for his role as an Indonesian military leader during the Indonesian National Revolution against The Netherlands.  He Played a central role in the Battle of Surabaya when the British attacked the city in October and November 1945.

Irene also franked her letter with a stamp released on August 14, 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indonesian Scouts.  The stamp (1/3) features the artwork of the Class A Winner of the 2010 Indonesia Stamp Design Contest.

Mailing date: 29 SEP 2011
Delivery date: 22 OCT 2011

Mechanical Lacework from France

La Poste issued on October 8, 2011 an innovative series of four souvenir sheets which include pieces of real mechanical lace...  The piece of lace was hot-glued on a paper that, after having been cut, was stuck on each stamp of the four sheets with a denomination of €2,50.

Merci beaucoup Daniel for this nice FDC from the commune of Le-Puy-en-Velay, in the Haute-Loire department, south-central France.  The Bobbin lace teaching centre is located there.

Postcard showing ladies waving lace.

Description on the back of the card.

The bobbin lace from Le-Puy-en-Velay is primarily made from linen and consists of geometric patterns (such as the partitioned diamonds on the stamp above).

Three other souvenir sheets, each depicting another type of mechanical lacework, were issued besides this one, 

Mailing date: 08 OCT 2011

Delivery date: 18 OCT 2011

Law Day

The Mauritius Post issued on April 4, 2012 a set of four stamps to mark the Law Day which is meant to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of a country and to recognise its importance in our society as a whole.

The establishment and celebration of the Law Day is one of the accomplishments of the World Jurists Association.  Mauritius celebrates Law Day on March 4 each year.  On that date in 1968, the Mauritius Independance Order was passed, thereby giving birth to the Constitution of Mauritius.

The Lady Justice

Mauritius is a democratic state constitutionally based on a rock-bedded rule of law.  Our constitutuion also entrenches the principle of the separation of powers between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.

Thus, our Judiciary is an independent body, headed by the Supreme Court which is held in high esteem nationally and internationally.  The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country and is vested with all the powers and jurisdiction necessary to administer the laws of Mauritius.

Cover cancelled at the Philatelic Bureau, in Port Louis, on the first day of issue.

The Supreme Court also exercises supervisory jurisdiction over the subordinate Courts in order to ensure that justice is duly administered by any such Court.  The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to determine whether any provision of the Constitution has been contravened, including the power to determine whether any law made by Parliament is void on the ground that it contravenes any of the provisions of the Constitution.

Cover cancelled at Waterfront PO on April 9, 2012.

The Law Day gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the people of the Legal Profession in appreciation of their dedication of the ideals of equality, justice and the rule of law.  The purpose of this day is also to reflect on the legal heritage and to inculcate respect for the rule of law in our democracy.

Mint set with serial number.

Rs7 - Grand Port District Court

It is a Court of first instance and is located in Mahébourg (South East).  The Court House was renovated in 2000 whilst retaining its historical outlook.

Rs8 - Interior of a Court of Justice

This is where court proceedings are held.

Mint set with Lady Justice illustrated on gutter.

Rs15 - Sir Michel Rivalland (1910-1967)

Sir Rivalland was the first post-independence Mauritian Chief Justice.  He attended the Royal College Curepipe and was a laureate.  He joined the judiciary in 1942 and was appointed Chief Justice on February 7, 1967.

Rs20 - The Gavel

It is used in Courts of law as a symbol of authority and to represent the judicial system.

Technical Details:

Release date: 04 April 2012

Designer: Nitish Peechen

Size:  44.45 mm × 29.94 mm

Printer: Cartor Security Printing

Process: Lithography

Number per sheet: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25

Perforation gauge: 14 × 2 cm

Gum: PVA

Cover illustration: The Lady Justice

Courtesy: Marc Daruty de Grandpré (owner of painting of the Grand Port District Court).

               Rivalland Family for the photograph of late Sir Michel Rivalland.

International Customs Day 2012

For the second consecutive year, the Mauritius Post released a Special Commemorative Cover to mark the International Customs Day, commemorated every 26th January.

The theme chosen this year by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) is "Borders divide, Customs connect".

Connectivity is high on the agenda of the WCO as the concept is critical for facilitating the movement of legitimate goods and persons across borders.

The ultimate aim is to move towards a Globally Networked Customs (GNC) where the export declaration in a country becomes the import declaration in the receiving country.  This is the vision of a future Customs community - free exchange of information, not only for traded goods but also on intelligence and risk management.

The WCO has developed conventions, declarations and recommendations to facilitate connectivity, including Dta Model, Global Customs Network, n-CEN, CENCOMM, Mutual Administrative Cooperation and model Customs legislation.

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has been chosen by the WCO to pilot the n-CEN and by the IATA to pilot the e-freight.  These projects are in the implementation process.  Based on the Mauritian experience, these projects would be rolled out to other administrations.

Technical Details:

Event: International Customs Day

Release date: January 26, 2012

Cover illustration:  "Borders divide, Customs connect"

Stamp: Rs8 (Sampan) of the Ship Models Issue (2005)

Postcard from Gotha, Germany

Gotha is a town in Thuringia, within the central core of Germany.  It is the capital of the district of Gotha.  Thank you Jiayi for this nice postcard showing the downtown of Gotha. :)

Jiayi used a stamp issued jointly by Germany and Japan in 2011 to commemorate 150 years of diplomatic relations between those two countries.  The stamp depicts the Regensburg Cathedral, built between 1273 and 1520, in the medieval centre of the city of Regensburg - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second stamp of this set illustrates Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara City, Southern Japan built from 680 till 697.

Mailing date: 03 October 2011

Delivery date: 18 October 2011

Peafowl from China

The peafowl is a non-migrant bird.  There are only two species of it in the world.  The green ones (Pavo muticus) are found in western and southern Yunnan of China and Southeast Asia, and the blue ones (Pavo cristanis) inhabit India and Sri Lanka.  The white peafowl is the albino aberrant form of the blue peafowl. 

Peafowl dwell in subtropical grasslands and jungles less than 2000 metres above sea level.  They usually move in flocks of 3 or 5 and feed on grass, seeds, fruits and insects.  The male bird is over 2 metres in length, in iridescent blue and green, with a crest and tail coverts.  The coverts make a splendid fan when spread, and are like a beautiful curtain when closed.  The female does not have tail coverts and is pale brown on the back. Peafowl are precious birds that people love as a symbol of auspiciousness.

China Post issued on April 13, 2004 the above set of 2 stamps (2004-6) depicting the green peafowl (representing grace) and the white one (representing charm).  Thank you very much Wei for this beautiful cover posted from Suzhou. =)

Mailing date: 27 September 2011

Delivery date: 28 October 2011

Large Indian Civet in Singapore

Singapore Post issued a set of 14 definitive stamps on the Fauna and Flora of Singapore on June 7, 2007.  The denominations range from 5 cents to $10.  The $1,10 stamp, which is affixed on the cover above posted from Rochor Road Post Office, depicts the Large Indian Civet.

The Large Indian Civet (Viverra zibetha) is a grizzled greyish brown mammal native to Southeast Asia.  The species is classified as Near Threatened, mainly because of the known heavy trade as wild meat.  They are nocturnal and solitary beings.  In essence, Large Indian Civets are terrestrial, yet they could climb as well.  One marks his own place via the gland secretions, and this is not just for "territorial purposes", but as a simple means of identification of the place.  It produces a substance called 'civet', which is used commercially in perfumes.

Mailing date: 29 December 2011

Delivery date: 10 January 2012

Benyoucef Benkhedda in Algeria

Benyoucef Benkhedda (1920-2003) was an Algerian politician.  He headed the third Groupement Provisoire de la République Algérienne (GPRA) exile government of the National Liberation Front (FLN), acting as a leader during the Algerian War (1954-62).  At the end of the war, he was briefly the de jure leader of the country, however he was quickly sidelined by more conservative figures.

Thanks Omar for this FDC released on September 19, 2011 and posted from Imama, Tlemcen.

Mailing date: 28 September 2011

Delivery date: 15 October 2011

Significant Rivers of Singapore & Egypt

Singapore Post issued on October 17, 2011 a set of 2 stamps (probably the longest on Earth - 162mm × 30mm) to celebrate the strong bilateral relations between Singapore and Egypt.  A very original theme to illustrate this issue: Significant Rivers!

The Singapore River has accompanied the people of Singapore since 1819 when the country was created while the Egyptians have always depended on the Nile, the longest river in the world, ever since the time of the Pharaohs.

Special thanks to Terence for this amazing First Day Cover sent form Singapore Post Centre.  (=

Mailing date: October 17, 2011

Delivery date: October 25, 2011

Happy Year of the Dragon!

I wish you all a very joyful and prosperous Year of the Dragon! :)

In traditional Chinese culture, the Dragon is an auspicious, mythical creature incarnated as an emperor, representing supreme power and commanding great respect.  It is believed that people born in the Year of the Dragon are confident, courageous and clever.

I seize this occasion to present the Year of the Dragon covers I received:

Chunghwa Post issued on December 1, 2011 (year 100) a set of 2 stamps and a souvenir sheet to commemorate the Lunar New Year.  Thank you James for the interesting FDC above. (=

The NT$3.50 stamp represents a pair of dragons staring into each other’s eyes, thus conveying the idea of “belonging to each other” and symbolizing that “all one’s wishes will come true.” 

In the NT$13.00 stamp, the image of this dragon holding its head up high and ready to spring into action represents “pride” and symbolizes “joy and good health.”

Finally we have this nice FDC which I bought on January 9, 2012 in Hong Kong.  Unfortunately the stamps were to be released only on January 14...  so couldn't affix them on the cover.

Mailing date: December 1, 2011 (Taiwan)
Delivery date: December 12, 2011

Europa 2010 & Astérix from France

The 2010 Europa theme was Children Books and so Phil@poste issued on May 9, 2010 a single stamp (0.70 €).  The stamp illustrates a girl engrossed in reading a book and sitting on a pile of books, and surrounded by famous children characters: The Beauty & the Beast and Cinderella.

The 0,56 € stamps depicts the renowned comic book character Astérix.  This stamp, issued on December 3, 2009 with a very nice souvenir sheet, commemorates the 50th anniversary of this very much-appreciated children character.  Designed by Albert Uderzo, the plot shows how Astérix, along with his friend Obélix, the latter's pet Dogmatix and the rest of their Gaul village, resist Roman occupation.

On the occasion of the 84th Congress of the Fédération Française des Associations Philatéliques (10-13 June 2011, Metz), La Poste issued the 0,58 € stamp, with a vignette, on the top right of the envelope.  Three landmarks are illustrated on the stamp and the vignette:  the Saint-Stephen Cathedral and the Protestant Temple Neuf (stamp) and the Medieval City gate - or Porte des Allemands (vignette).

Lastly, we have a stamp designed by Pierre Albuisson which portrays the ruins of the Gaul temple of  Janus and two statues from the Saint-Lazare cathedral which can be seen in the background.  The commune of Autun, in the Saône-et-Loire department, in eastern France, is home to all of these iconic figures.

Thank you very much Eric! :D

Mailing date: 27 September 2011

Delivery date: 03 October 2011