Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, D.F.O. Residence, Chopal, Distt. Shimla (H.P.) PIN 171211.
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 with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW
Dear Philatelist
With this issue I greet you all in this beautiful season of rains after the scorching heat of May & June months. Rainbow Stamp News has completed half year with support and contribution from all of you. I want to express my gratitude to all especially to some very senior philatelists who personally wrote a letter of appreciation to me and welcomed me with their support. I also want to thank all the honorable editors of philatelic magazines who spared time from their professional life and contributed for my bulletin. It’s not easy to write for other’s publication when one is issuing his own. I feel highly honored with their contribution. Recently two international exhibitions were held at Israel and Romania. I congratulate all the participants on their achievements especially to young participants who came with flying colors. The young participants are the future of philately and I wish them all the best. The secret of enjoying every moment of life is actually making the most of every moment. It means taking responsibility for making things happen rather than waiting for things to happen. Stamp Collecting helps us to make this saying true in some or other way. Let us all make our best possible endeavor to promote this hobby in all age groups of people and extend its popularity around us. With this idea I hope you will enjoy the contents of this issue. Till next month.....Have a Nice & Very Happy time……
§ Recent Indian Issues
§ In The News
§ Indian Participation in Israel-2008- A report by Ajay Kumar Mittal
§ Beginners’ Section
§ Specialized Section
§ Black or White mounts? – Pradip Jain
§ Protective Speed Post & Insured Envelops- Prashant H. Pandya
§ Imitation & POD cards – Mansoor B.
§ Reader’s Right
§ New Issues from Other Countries
§ The Lighter Side
§ Blogs on Philately
§ Editor’s Mail box
§ Promotional SectionCurrent Philatelic magazines & Newsletters
Recent Indian Issues
17 May 2008 Aga Khan Foundation- 500 P, 1500P &
20 May 2008 Shri Shirdi Sai Baba – 500 P
11 June 2008 Rajesh Pilot – 500P
12 June 2008 Henning Holck Larsen – 500 P
Rajesh Pilot
A commemorative postage stamp was issued in honor of a parliamentarian and charismatic leader, Rajesh Pilot on June 12, 2008 .Pilot was born on February 10, 1945 in village Baidpura, district Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. He did his schooling from M M Higher Secondary School New Delhi and higher studies from Meerut University. He joined Air Force Academy, Coimbatore and was commissioned in the Flying Branch in 1966. He served Indian Air Force for 13 years in Fighter & Transport Squadron and saw action in India Pakistan war of 1971. He resigned from Indian Air Force in 1979 and joined politics. He was elected to Lok Sabha from Bharatpur constituency in 1984 and inducted in the Council of Ministers as Minister of State for Surface Transport. Later he represented Dausa constituency five times and served as Minister of State with Independent Charge for Communications, as Minister of State for Home Affairs, Minister of State for Environment & Forest. He died on June 11, 2008 in a freak road accident. 
A commemorative postage stamp in honor of the co-founder of the Larsen & Toubro, Henning Holck-Larsen was issued on June 12, 2008 by India Post. Henning Holck-Larsen was from Denmark who co-founded the Indian engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Henning Holck-Larsen was educated at the University of Copenhagen. He came to India in 1937. In 1938, he set up Larsen & Toubro in partnership with his former schoolmate Søren Kristian Toubro. L&T went on to become one of the most successful Indian companies. After retirement, he served as the chairman emeritus of the company. He used to call India his "adopted homeland" and divided his time between Denmark and India. He was honored with Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding (1976), Knighthood from Queen Margarethe II of Denmark (1977), Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial Peace (1980), Chemtech Foundation's Chemical Industry Stalwart Award (2000), Bombay Management Association's Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), Citation from the Indo-European Union Business Summit for promoting business beyond boundaries (2002), and Padma Bhushan (2002) for contribution to Indian industry. He passed away in 2003 at Mumbai after a brief illness.COVERS FROM ARMY POSTAL SERVICE
4 April 2008 2nd BN The J & K Light Infantry- Diamond Jubilee
4 April 2008 The J & K Light Infantry Diamond Jubilee and Fourth Regimental Reunion-2008
6 April 2008 14th Battalion The Dogra Regiment- Diamond Jubilee
7 April 2008 Artillery Centre Nashik- Diamond Jubilee
14 April 2008 First Battalion The J & K Light Infantry Diamond Jubilee
26 April 2008 Garhwal Rifles Regimental centre, Lansdowne Thirteenth Reunion
29 April 2008 Army Welfare Education- Silver Jubilee
5 May 2008 Indian Navy Directorate of Adventure & Sports
8 May 2008 Diamond Jubilee 4th BN The Mahar Regiment (Borders)
9 May 2008 Diamond Jubilee Infantry Division Signal Regiment
15 May 2008 Diamond Jubilee 16th BN The Sikh Regiment
17 May 2008 Diamond Jubilee 11th BN Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry
22 May 2008 150 Years of Courage and Dedicated Service - Ist Battalion- 5th Gorkha Rifles
NEW POSTAL STATIONERY
New Meghdoot post cards
Stop AIDS, Telugu
Eyes, Khasi Langauge (Megahlaya)
12 cards on Cataract & Eye Care, in various languages
3 Cards on AIDS, in Telugu
Anti Tobacco
Safe World 2008 Exhibition & Conference
National Tobacco Control Program
Jalayagnam (Irrigation initiative)
Untouchability
Inland Letter
With advertisement in Gujarati on Hallmark Jewellery
Special Cover/ Postmark/Stamp Booklet 
April 26 2008 Atgaon, Impact India Foundation 100th Proje
ct of the Life line Express- The World's First Hospital on Train issued by Maharashtara Postal Circle
May 05: Bangalore, St John's Church, 150th Anniversary
May 31 2008 Calcutta Stamp Booklet on Devika Rani of Rs 100 containing 10 stamps of Rs. 5 in 200 Nos.
16 June 2008 Silver Jubilee of the Philatelic Bureau Dehradun of Rs 50 containing 2 stamps of Rs 4 & 2 stamps of Rs 5 in 250 Nos. issued by Uttarakhand Postal Circle of India Post
25 June 2008 Special cover Silver Jubilee of India’s Win at Cricket World Cup in 1983 issued at Lords
26 June 2008 Special Cover on International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking. Issued By Ministry Of Communication and Information Technology, Department Of Post, Delhi Circle.
In The News
Austrian Post to enter Guiness book of Records for the fastest stamp ….
30 June, 2 o'clock in the morning: will there be an entry into the Guinness Book of Records for the fastest stamp ever to be printed? On 29 June 2008 at approximately 11:00 p.m. (Time in Europe, around 2.30 a.m. in India on June 30). We will finally know for certain who has become the 2008 European Football Champion. Austrian Post is planning to set a new world record: the fastest stamp ever to make it to the shops! A mere 3 hours after the conclusion of the final, stamps featuring the winner are scheduled to be available for sale, including detailed information about the match action! If Austrian Post succeeds in setting this record, it will be entered into the "Guinness Book of Records". Printing machines at the Austrian State Printing House will be operating at full capacity long before midnight to deliver the stamp sheets to downtown Vienna on 30 June from 2 o'clock in the morning! The stamp sheet will include 5 stamps at 55 cents and 5 stamps at 65 stamps as well as 10 selvages with detailed information about the match action (goals, yellow and red cards, etc.). (News written just few hours before Euro2008 Final match)
June month's major International stamp event was in Central Europe, in Romania, where the EFIRO-2008 exhibition was held in the capital Bucharest from June 20 to 28, 2008. Mr. Sahadeva Sahoo was the National Commissioner from India. On this occasion 150th anniversary of the first stamp issued for Moldavia, the classic, 'Bulls Heads' is also being celebrated. Here the stamp appears on Romania's issue for Efiro-08.In the lists of the ' Rarest stamps of the World' the Maldivian Bulls Heads have been ever present in high position for more than a century. For those who might never own an original of these rarities, they are often reproduced on modern Romanian issues. Following participants from India were awarded at this exhibition. M A Sayeed of United Arab Emirates won the Grand Prize of the EFIRO - 2008 for his exhibit "India The Scinde District Dawk, lithograph issues and usages".
Indian winners at EFIRO-2008
Gold Medal
Large Vermeil Medal
Adul Matin Mollah's Indian Government Fiscal & Judicial Stamps & Stamp Papers (Literature)
Vermeil Medal
Sahadeva Sahoo's Postal History of Orissa Region of India 1803 - 1873
Silver Medal
Madhukar Jhingan's Indian Internal Airmails 1911 - 1938
Silver Bronze Medal
Ashish Talwar's Definitive Issues of India
Yogini Jhingan's Holograms
Padmini Balan's Window to Philately (Literature)
Bronze Medal
LONDON-2010
The London 2010 exhibition will run from May 8 to 15, 2010 and will have some 2460 competitive frames. Mr.Yogesh Kumar of Bareilly is the National Commissioner from India. A special feature will be an invited exhibition of 32 frames relating to King George V. There will be about 200 trade and postal administration stands. As part of LONDON 2010, Festival of Stamps will be held. It will be year long programme of exhibition events and activities marking the centenary of the accession of the George V, the Philatelist King. The British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) and Royal Philatelic Collection are working in partnership with the Guildhall Art Gallery to produce the exhibition 'Empire mail: George V & The GPO'. This unique exhibition will explore the reign of King George V and will be open from May 7 to July 25 2010 at the Guildhall Art Gallery.
An era of conflict and great change, the reign of George V spanned from 1910-1936 and saw the development of a number of communication methods, which brought the world closer. The exhibition will explore themes from king's reign such as innovations in mail transportation, the first Atlantic Air Crossing, the rise of graphic design in the 1920 and 1930s and wartime memories.
OLYMPEX-2008
Olympex-2008 being organized by China Post Group, will be held in Beijing Exhibition Center from August 8 to 18, 2008. The show aims to display Olympic history and development and promote Olympic spirit and culture with "Inheriting Olympic Spirit, Inspiring Beijing City" as its theme. As the first Olympex, Olympic Expo Beijing 2008 extends the tradition of the Olympic Philatelic Exhibition from collecting diversified Olympic related stamp products to treasures, souvenirs, arts and crafts. Olympex also integrates Olympic culture and collection significance involving three sections: exhibition, promotion, and special activities. The visitors will be really impressed by IOC Museum and former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch's personal collections and understand more deeply Olympic value of "Friendship, Respect, Excellence" and the Olympic spirit of "Faster, Higher, Stronger". As a platform for international cultural exchange, Olympex 2008 will be a showcase of the three concepts—"Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics", and give the world an opportunity to experience the charm of Olympic Games and the profound and far-reaching influence of the Olympic culture.
24th Universal Postal Congress
The 24th Universal Postal Congress will be held in Geneva from 23 to August 12, 2008. The Universal Postal Union has 191 member countries which are gearing up for this Congress. The UPU, created in Berne in 1974, became a UN specialized agency on July 1, 1948. To highlight its role in the UN System the UPU recently added the UN Olive branches to its logo. The UPU is the second oldest international organization, after the International Telecommunications Union.
Jharkhand Postal Circle, Ranchi of India Post has issued a magnificent Philatelic Souvenir on Gandhi which is in the form of a Desk Calendar. It’s so beautifully designed that the effort done by this Postal Circle is highly appreciated in bringing out this souvenir as a Philatelic Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The striking thing about its design is that it has been designed using a great aesthetic sense with very attractive colour contrast. The designer of this calendar needs a special appreciation. This Calendar contains quotations, stamps and special covers issued on Gandhi as well as photos from the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It will be liked and well appreciated by all the philatelists and general public. If the authorities of Jharkhand Postal Circle makes it available at various Philatelic Bureaus of India for the philatelists at special price it will certainly be a great collectable item for Gandhi lovers as well all philatelists.
News from Calcutta
- Reported by Babul Dey
CINEPEX -2008 ex-2008, a Solo Philatelic Exhibition on World Cinema with the collection of United Nations' Award winning Stamp Designer Shri Dipok Dey was held in Calcutta from May 31 to June 1, 2008. The Exhibition was organized by Kolkata Utsav, a Bengali Cultural News Magazine in collaboration with Cine Central, Calcutta. Sri Mrinal Sen, doyen of Indian Cinema inaugurated the Exhibition on 31st May, 2008 at Ashutosh Birth Centenary Hall, Indian Museum, Kolkata. More than 450 sheets were displayed in this exhibition in thirty unconventional frames.
The exhibition was organized to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Legendary Bengali Actress and co-founder of The Bombay Talkies Ltd. DEVIKA RANI. On 31st May the film 'Achhut Kanya' starring Devika Rani and Ashok Kumar was also shown.
The organizers applied for bringing out a Special Cover on Devika Rani, but the 'competent authority' of the Yogayog Bhawan regretted it without assigning any reasons. But the organizers brought out a BOOKLET.
Solo Exhibition
Rajesh Jhunjhunuwala's National Gold Medal winning collection was displayed at Park Hotel, Kolkata on 30th May, 2008. It was a part of a jugalbandi exhibition of painting, sculpture, currency notes and stamps, organized by ABN-AMRO.
The 2008 Competition
Another Premature Issue in use
Recently we came across another premature issue which is already being used. This issue, commemorating Shri Sheik Thambi Pavalar, was sheduled to be issued sometime in 2008. See the cancelled issue! Another premature issue in a hexagonal shape on Aldabra Giant Tortoise which is being circulated in philatelic market. Now it seems that the catalogue of premature issues will be released by some publication very soon and it will be made available to collectors as the number of such premature issues is increasing rapidly. It is highly surprising that the senior officials of India Post are not taking strong steps to check this malpractice. If this continues Indian Postal Department will lose its credibility in international philatelic market.- Report by Ajay Kumar Mittal, National Commissioner
World Stamp Championship ISRAEL-2008 held at Tel Aviv, Israel during May 14-21, 2008 and was organized by the Israel Philatelic Federation in cooperation with the Israel Post Ltd. and its Philatelic Service under the patronage of Federation Internationale de Philatelie - FIP. It was 2nd time when a World Stamp Championship was organized. First time it was held in Singapore. There were 27 entries in WSC class out of which 6 entries were short listed for voting by the Jury members and finally Mr. Luis Alemany of Spain was voted as 2nd World Stamp Champion for his collection “Brazil Bulls Eye”. Mr. Saverio Imperato of Italy was voted first runner up for his collection ‘Tuscany’ and Mr. Joseph Hackmey of Great Britain was 2nd runner up for his collection ‘Classic Persia’. Grand Prix d’ Honneur was given to Mr. Joseph Hackmey of Great Britain for his collection ‘France First Issue’.
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National Commissioners, Israel-2008
The Children corner of the exhibition was always full of enthusiasm and thousands of children of all ages attended the painting and quiz competitions. Quiz competitions were well organized with help of multimedia presentation on regular intervals on all the days. These programmes were supported with lots of gifts and prizes.
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The International Jury, Israel-2008
Two seminars were organized aiming at the potential Jurors and those Jurors who are interested in cross-accreditation in Philatelic Literature and Thematic Philately. Mr. Francis Kiddle gave presentation on Society Journals and FIP Judgments and Mr. Bernard Jimenez gave presentation on Thematic Philately: Judging methodology and Jurors/exhibitors education. Nicos Rangos of Cyprus gave his presentation on present FIP Guidelines for Judging Maximaphily exhibits. All of the above seminars were well attended by philatelists.
From India 28 entries were applied for participation in this exhibition. Out of those the exhibition authorities accepted 17 entries. Later on 2 exhibitors withdrew their entries due to their own reasons. Finally Indian participation in the above exhibition was 15. There were 5 entries in Traditional Class, 2 entries in thematic, 1 in revenue, 6 in Literature class and 1 entry in one frame exhibit class.
Two entries were transferred to Special Studies Class from traditional class by the Jury. One entry of literature class was judged ‘Out of Date’ as year of publication mentioned in the book was 2002. Another entry of Literature class ‘Stamps Today’ was adjudged incomplete entry as they received incomplete volume of his magazine. Final result on Indian participation was 2 Large Vermeil Medals, 6 Vermeil Medals, 2 Silver Medals and 1 Silver Bronze Medal. A Special Award by Philatelic Congress of India which was awarded to Mr. Santiago Cruz of Colombia on his collection of Aerophilately titled ‘The Valiente Scadta issue’. Mr. Ajeet Singhee, Vice President Philatelic Congress of India was appointed as Jury from India. Past President of PCI Mr. M.G. Pittie was appointed as the Jury from Israel Quota of Jury and was also appointed as the Vice President of Jury Committee.
These World Exhibitions are best place for exposure to modern International trends in Philately and dissemination of knowledge. The exhibition was a great success.
The detailed result of Indian participation is given below:
Large Vermeil Medal:
Dhananjay Desai's Soruth
A K Mittal's Indore
Vermeil Medal:
Pradip Jain's My Life is My Message - Mahatma Gandhi
Rajan Jayakar's Calcutta Court of Small Causes 1869-1875
Suketu Jhaveri's Indian Telegraphs 1851-1914
Pragya Kothari's Grey Goose Wings
Pragya Kothari's Man Measures His Environment
Dinesh Chandra Sharma's Summer Olympic Games
Silver Medal:
Ravi Bhansali's Modifications
Dinesh Chandra Sharma's The History of Olympic Games through Philately
Silver Bronze Medal:
Surendra Kotadia's India Inland Post Cards with Ads & Slogans
Beginners’ section
U.N. Postal Administration
U.N. started issuing postage stamps, Stationery and other philatelic material from 1951. Artists from various countries have contributed the designs for the various U.N. stamps issued so far. The maximum art works have been adopted from Denmark and Federal Republic of Germany. Olav S Mathiesen an artist from Denmark has maximum number of designs to his credit which have been adopted for the U.N. stamps and other philatelic items. Artists from countries like Iceland, Mexico, Tunisia Haiti and Pakistan have also contributed the designs for U.N. stamps. Great Artist Shri Dipok Dey of Kolkata has the honor from India to design a U.N. stamp on ‘Child Survival’ issued on 22 Nov. 1985. In addition to the postage stamps U.N. has also issued Postal cards, Envelopes, air letters and souvenir cards.
The U.N. Philatelic Unit at Geneva has a team of permanent officials who look after the work of receiving orders, packing, dispatching accounting and correspondence with the clients who are spread all over the world. The U.N. philatelic Material is issued from New York, Geneva and Austria in their respective currencies. The new issues are determined by the U.N. general body and the final approval of design is done by the Permanent committee of the postal administration with Assistant secretary General, general services as the chairman. The representative of the organization for which the commemorative stamp is issued and the officer from the legal department are also associated with this committee. There are about 500 artists from various countries on the panel of the U.N. who are asked to submit the design for the subject approved by the U.N. General Body. The final design is selected out of the various designs received from these artists.
To create interest in Philately, Philatelic Exhibitions are also arranged by the U.N. The U.N. Postal Organization also takes part in the International philatelic exhibition and other important philatelic exhibition in their own way. The small bits of colored papers and the Philatelic material issued by the U.N. and people throughout the world which keep them informed about the working and the services being rendered to the humanity by the united Nations and its different organizations.
The United Nations Postal Administration issues a special souvenir card when UNPA participates in a stamp exhibition or show. The Geneva series started in 1973 and became known as 'blue cards'. For almost thirty years the cards were only available at the exhibition itself. Since some years the cards can be part of a standing order from UNPA. Here the list is given of Blue Cards issued by UNPA in last five years.
2003 20 March Italy, Milan
9 May Italy, Verona
7 June San Marino, San Marino
18 (20) June Switzerland, Locarno
29 August Italy, Riccione
3 October Italy, Rome
6 November France, Paris
2004 19 March Italy, Milan
27 August Switzerland, Lausanne
27 August Italy, Riccione
10 November France, Paris
2005 18 March Italy, Milan
5 May France, Nancy
27 May Italy, Verona
26 August Italy, Riccione
7 October Italy, Rome
10 November France, Paris
25 November Italy, Verona
2006 17 March Italy, Milan
17 June France, Paris
1 September Italy, Riccione
16 November Belgium, Brussels
2007 16 March Italy, Milan
31 August Italy, Riccione
8 November Paris, France
2008 7 March Italy, Milan
Specialized Section
“RAPHAEL OF THE FLOWERS" - Pierre Joseph Redoute
- By Dr. SATYENDRA KUMAR AGRAWAL
rosephila@hotmail.com
Pierre Joseph Redoute was the famous painter of 19th century who made water colors of roses through out his life. From 1817 to 1824, he published his best known work, entitled "Les Roses” in 3 volumes containing 167 meticulously painted roses. It has become the most celebrated and reproduced of all flower books published ever. It set out to illustrate every variety of rose that grew in France and was such a success that three editions were published- the last between 1828 and 1830. His important contribution based on Rose paintings is "60 Roses for a Queen'.
His art is characterized by an extremely subtle calligraphic way of drawing, by a coloration containing sometimes fresh, sometimes excessive colors, but particularly by a unique intuition of the flowers harmonic nature. His art found its way to all continents and cultures and was honored with the title “Le Raphael des Fleurs " i. e. "Raphael of the Flowers “. The famous painter and botanist Pierre Joseph Redoute belonged to a dynasty of ornamental and portrait painters that had flourished in the abbatial borough of Saint -Hubert since the 18th century.
He was born in humble surroundings in an obscure village in the Belgium Ardennes, on 10 July 1759. Pierre Joseph was one of five children of a painter and decorator employed by the ancient abbey of St. Hubert and one of the monks taught the boy to recognize the wild plants used for their medicinal properties. This early familiarity with plants must have been of use to him later in his carrier. At the age of 13 he had to earn his living as an itinerant painter in Barapant, Flanders and the Netherlands. During his peregrinations, he learned the trick of the trade and discovered the flower-painters. Soon he succeeded the Royal Gerard van Spaendonck in 1788 and received royal recognition for his work with the title “ Dessinateur du Cabinet de 1a Reine ". He was appointed both the official painter and drawing master of Queen Marie Antoinette (Chad Scott 232, 913), the Empress Josephine (St. Lucia Scott 253-256), Marie Louise (Belgium Scott B724) and other crowned heads of France.
He made some 6000 watercolors for the Paris Museum "Musee d'Histoire naturelle de Paris", but his all time great work which honored him "Raphael of the Flowers" was the work done under the patronage of Empress Josephine, the Napoleon’s wife and most ardent lover of roses. She appointed Redoute to illustrate flowers in general and roses in particular of her historic rose garden in her palace at Malmaison, Paris (France Scott 1474). Here Redoute made a vast amount of drawing of plants and flowers in particular of Roses in co-operation with several botanists. The watercolors have not only an unexpected artistic value but also are characterized by a meticulous reproduction of botanical details.
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His art get popular all over the world. He is especially commended by all humanists for the refined, serene and plain charm of his work. On June 19, 1840, while working on a painting, he died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage – he was eighty one.
Honoring this all time great Rose painter, Pierre Joseph Redoute, Ajman put out for the first time a set of six 1 Rl each stamps featuring some of his finest Rose paintings in 1969 ( Michel 405-410) along with its dependency Manama ( Michel 213-218 and a S/s 219).
These beautiful Rose paintings are living account of roses of old acquaintances which the very roses seem so fluid and delicate of which poets speak, those that are magnificent for but a single hour. They are also the portrait of those early 19th century roses who had proud of being grown in the rose bed of Malmaison, the garden of most ardent lover of roses -the empress Josephine whose collection of Roses at her palace of Malmaison made rose growing a fashionable hobby in France.
Rose varieties depicted on these stamps are Yellow and Red. - Rosa eglantier -a small bush with abundant foliage and at the turn of the 19th Century given its derivative famous in England under the name of Brier Rose. Feulles de Laitue, Indes commun, Eveque and historic Noisette roses, which are very fragrant and they announced the advent of a revolution that completely changed the world of the rose. Noisette group of rose is of less aristocratic origin growing out of the passion of the two Noisette brothers, Philippe in Charleston, South Carolina and Louis in Paris. They fell into oblivion with the advent of Hybrid Perpetual Roses and Hybrid teas.
Belgium also honored these Belgian artists releasing 15 stamps in total respectively in 1988, 89, 90 and 97 ( Scott B1069-71, B1081-83, B1089-91 and 1654-56 ) featuring his famous rose paintings of those historical roses, whether they are cultivated today or not, remain alive and glorious in memory.
One of the first in this pantheon of roses was "Rose of Bengal" -Rosa semperflorena or Slater's Crimson China a dwarf shrub, extremely perpetual, with semi double corollas. Cherry-red on thin branches, intensely fragrant. It is not robust and needs a mild climate. It is a historic rose responsible for repeat flowering and crimson coloring in modern roses. Next is Rosa centifuille and Maria Lkonide , a White Tea rose in S/s formatte with effigy of Queen Maria Louisa.
In 1989 again Bengal Rose was featured on (24+6F) value stamp along with Centfeuille Unique melee en rouge (13+5F) and Aime Vibere (50+17F) in S/s formatte with another effigy of Queen Maria Louisa. This issue was aimed to mark the philatelic exhibition “Belgica 90” and the Rose paintings were taken from the celebrated work of Redoute’s "60 Roses for a Queen".
Year 1990 was the 150th death anniversary of this great rose painter and Belgium celebrated it with release of a Miniature Sheet of 6 stamps depicting rose paintings of Rosa tricolor, Belle Rubance and Mycrophylla of 14F denomination each and La Rose Amelie, La Rose Adelaide & La Rose Holene of 25F denomination each along with an effigy of Pierre Joseph Redoute.
Empress Josephine's Rose Garden at Malmasion during 19th century was credited to have all the 167 varieties of roses at one place lay in ruins is resorted and made into a public museum where one can see many varieties of Roses of those by gone days growing successfully and proudly. The 1997 issue of Belgium was based on Redout's painting of. Such varieties of roses and aimed to mark the World Congress of Rose Societies held at Brussels from 4 to 12 July 1997. On this occasion a special pictorial post mark of P.J.Redoute was also released.
One of the varieties depicted on this set of three stamps is Rosa damascena “celsiana”. This rose shrub is lower and a bit sturdier than the Rosa centifolia, but in spite of the shrub is quite elegant when the numerous offshoots of the root stock start covering the soil and spread under its countless big flowers. The flowers have two or three rows of petals and the heart is always visible. When the flower opens, the petals are pink but at a later stage they turn white. Their odor is a cross between the delightful 'perfume of the Damascene rose and the sweet fragrance of the white rose.
The colors of wild roses range primarily from white to pink, scarlet, and purple; wild yellow roses exist but are less numerous. The greatest number of naturally occurring yellow flowered roses are found in the Middle East, where they are called Sulfur Rose. Rosa sulpurea is the next in this set of stamps. Typical of this rose shrub lists abundant hanging foliage with its bluish shine. Rainy weather will prevent the flowers from opening but when circumstances are favorable; the flowers will grow nearly as big as those of the Rosa centifolia and will have as many petals (which is the reason why this plant is also called yellow centifolia). The flowers, that have a weak smell, are a delicate and transparent pale yellow colour. Rosa centifolia is the last specimen featured in this fabulous set of stamps. It is the best known of all roses occurring on 17th century Flemish and Dutch paintings. Also known as Province Rose, Cabbage Rose and Painter's Rose. There were much controversy regarding the Rosa centifolia and its origin. Through the evidence of literature and art it slowly evolved from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 18th century when it became one of the most popular roses of the time due to largely to the efforts of the Dutch breeders.
Shrub of medium vigor, summer bloom is not perpetual large corollas very double with overlapping petals often have over 100 petals (hence the name Centifolia) which initially are spherical with a somewhat sunken heart and of a more distinct colour deep pink. At a later stage, the flowers open widely but the petals always remain well arranged. It is also very fragrant. This set of three stamps of 17F denomination each is of special importance as the varieties depicted on them are found frequently in old Belgian gardens and were favorite of Flemish and Dutch paintings too.
The Rose paintings of this great artist are a valuable treasure of records of roses who not only ruled the past centuries but all the hybrids that have descended from them - the new varieties of damask, gallica, alba and centifolia , during early 19th century with all botanical details.
Pragya Kothari was the youngest participant from India who won 2 Vermeil medals for his exhibits on ‘Man measures his Environment’ and ‘Grey Goose Wings’ at World stamp championship-2008 recently held at Tel Aviv, Israel. Pragya is a student of 3rd year Economics Honors at Delhi University. Besides Philately he loves to read fictions and listen to music. Earlier Pragya had received Silver Medal for man measures his environment at World stamp exhibition, Singapore. Besides this he has won many National and State level awards. His philatelic interests are Great Britain, Archery, Gandhi, and Pre Independence India. It’s a great pleasure for me here to have Pragya, as the most special guest for this issue and I feel really happy to give the details about the exhibits, he exhibited at ISRAEL-2008. I wish this young achiever a great success in his academic and philatelic career. - EditorMan Measures His Environment
“When u can measure what you are speaking about and express it in numbers you know something about it.” - Lord Kelvin
This one frame collection was started as a result of my interest in the field of Physics especially measurement. I started this collection by the end of year 2003. The topic man measures his environment was selected after long discussion with my father, who is also my mentor in the field of Philately. What made me stick to this topic was the fact that here I do not include measurement as a whole rather focus on ways in which human beings try to measure different elements of environment. To contain this topic into a single frame criterion was in fact a real big challenge.
Excerpts from the collection:
“The collection attempts to show man’s quest to measure valuable resources present in our environment namely landmass, water, energy resources, and climatic conditions. From food to buildings and numerous other things that we use are accurately measured. Later on after watching the movement of celestial bodies’ man adopted a system to measure time. From the early times people insisted on using specific units for measurement, though reforms were made from time to time but the basic idea and aim remained the same.”
Plan & Built:
The entire collection is divided into 3 sections and are placed according to there weight age.
1. Measurement through the ages: The most important part of the collection which covers areas like – Ancient efforts in the field of measurement, evolution of the Metric System, Measurement of various elements of nature including special reference to measurement of time.
2. Men of Measurement: Has brief reference about various scientists and the use of various units of measurement named after them. Here again I have tried and mention only those scientist whose work have influenced the measurement of nature.
3. Helping measurement: This last section is a brief foray into advancement into the field of various modern techniques like use of computer, radio and light as a means to measure our environment.
The Grey Goose Wing
The Five frames give an insight into the various aspects of the field of archery. The collection was inherited from my father and since then entirely re-worked from head to toe leaving aside the Topic. This project has involved huge research in library, on computer, over net etc...Archery as a field is very vast, but being a part of our history, gathering information was relatively tough. It was basically the element of challenge that was involved was a major reason why I was interested in this collection. While doing this collection, I came across various areas of Philately, to which I was relatively untouched, and thus was a great source of knowledge. To conclude, I would say this is not actually a collection but a complete encyclopedia of archery which should impress any archery lover. Archery is still one of the important games in Olympic. The year 2008 is the Olympic year therefore display of this exhibition is most relevant.
Excerpts from the collection:
“In 1418 an order was issued to the counties of England to supply the Tower of London arsenal with two million five hundred and fifty thousand goose feathers; such were the needs of the Fletchers and Arrow smiths of medieval England that every village maintained a flock of Greylag Geese to meet their demands. Thus the title of the exhibit attempts to capture the romance, character and influence, as it traces the history both warlike and peaceful of that extraordinary weapon…”
Plan & Built:
Although this story of the History of Archery naturally falls into 3 following parts – Primitive archery, Archery at war; the collection has around 13 chapters covering areas like need for archery, archeological evidence, Primitive Bowman (universal distribution), Composite Bow, Longbow, Myths legends & folklores associated with archery, Archery for Pleasure, modern equipments, and special reference to various modern archery sports includes at Olympics. The entire collection has been evenly arranged giving equal justice to all the sections. Postal stationary has been used quite lavishly throughout the collection in accordance with the theme, along with various other philatelic stuffs.
Black or White Mounts? - Pradip Jain
There is always confusion in exhibitor’s mind about the use of black and white hawid mounts for their exhibits. Many philatelists and experts have different opinions about it. Now days most of the philatelists prefer to use transparent mounts as the black mounts seem quite dominant over philatelic items. I too consulted with some senior philatelists regarding the use of black mounts they advised me to use transparent one for the Thematic Exhibits. But here is very good and latest information sent by noted philatelist Mr. Pradip Jain which will be very useful for all. The exhibitors can use black mounts without any doubt in their mind as black mounts also make dull and light coloured philatelic material quite bright. Moreover black mounts set a beautiful frame around philatelic items.-Editor
Pradip Jain writes …..
The exhibitors often think using Black or Transparent mount while mounting the Exhibits. Here is feedback which will be useful to all the exhibitors.
While mounting my exhibit for Israel 2008 participation I sought for this clarification from the FIP Thematic commission Chairman Prof. Damian Lage, and according I started using now Black mount. Below is the email copy for your information.
Dear Pradip
Thanks for your e-mail. Nice to hear from you!
Sure you can use black mount for exhibition pages. There is no rule about that matter. With increasing computer technology, framing of items has become much more popular among philatelists so that more of them set frames around the items and use transparent mount. But you can use black ones as well.
Best regards,
Damian Lage
Chairman,
FIP Thematic Commission
PROTECTIVE SPEED POST AND INSURED POST ENVELOPS
- Prashant H. Pandya, Ahmedabad
With the launch of customized protective envelop for Speed Post and Insured Post - a first in the country, India Post has moved a step further in providing customer convenience. With the introduction of these envelopes, the Department is keen to transform itself as a customer friendly organization. These envelopes are made of an innovative material with product qualities like water, tear, and abrasion-resistance, soft and smooth texture for excellent printability, environment-friendly and light-weight, and with customized tamper-evident features. These offer enhanced security and protection to the contents enclosed. These envelopes will be available to the customers in various Post Offices and Speed Post Centers across the country.
It was in 1986, the Department had started Speed Post and today it has grown to be a major brand in the express industry. More than 1.7 crore articles are delivered every month, spanning every State and every District. Speed Post has been the market leader in the Express industry with a market share of 27.55%. There has been a very positive response from the customers in using Speed Post. During 2007-08, while the express industry growth is around 20%, Speed Post posted an impressive growth of 29.7% in terms of revenue and 38% in terms of volumes. During 2007-08, the revenue from Speed Post touched 583 crores, as against Rs.449 Corers in the previous year. Recently, the Department had introduced Speed Post One India One Rate scheme. This is a novel and innovative scheme which provides customer convenience and ease. For articles weighing less than 50 grams, it costs just Rs.25 across the country and this includes service tax components also. For local delivery, it costs just Rs.12. Now, with the introduction of Speed Post envelopes, customers can buy these envelopes and send it across India under One India One Rate scheme. Each Speed Post envelope costs Rs 5. During the last year, the Department had introduced the Rakhi envelopes and it became an instant hit. Realizing its usefulness, the Department is introducing three more varieties of Rakhi envelopes for the current season. For sending secured consignments, Insured Post Envelope is a very good option.
- Monsoor B., Mangalore
Speed Post Business Office at Mangalore commenced on 18.01.1988 has completed its 20th year recently. An average of 1000 articles is booked at the SPCC Counter daily and it has more than 200 BNPL (credit) Account holders. A speed post article is booked and it reaches the destination, when it is received by the addressee, the postman makes him sign a card as Proof of Delivery (POD), if desired by the sender, and it is sent back to the sender. If the addressee is not available at the address, the postman then leaves back an intimation card. Recently the intimation card and POD has lost its importance as tracking facility is available through internet and intimation is made through phone, SMS etc. Some interesting POD and intimation card which has pictures of local culture, tradition and historical places etc are depicted on one face of these cards.Editor’s note- The aim of this stamp newsletter is to provide instant information and facts on philately to the readers and not to hurt anyone’s feelings. A new column Reader’s Right has been started from April issue. Readers may express their views, anguish and resentment through this column on philately. The platform is not used for any vested interest to cause derogatory to philately. When writing your views be sure that it should be related to philately only. It should not be used to express personal feelings between persons or groups in any manner. Please send your postal address and Ph. No. and if possible a photo too when writing on any controversial issue.
S.P. Basal, 20 Hanuman Road Firozabad-283203 (U.P.)
All the philatelists who study Modern Indian Definitive stamps and spend money, time and labor, I want to say, that in Indian Modern Philately there are a number of items which are listed in Stanley Gibbons Catalogue but they do not get any place in catalogue which are published in India.
1.10p Minor irrigation, Perf. 13 wmk. Upright, Double Print
2.25p Tractor, Pref. 13 wmk. Upright, Double Print
3. 30p. Bumper harvest perf. 13 wmk. Sideways, Double Print
4. Re 1 cotton Perf. 13 wmk. Upright, Double Print
Prakash Mody, Canada
Dear friends,
Please see below the news item about Diwali Stamp by Royal Mail that appeared in the Garvi Gujarat (GG), widely read bilingual weekly of London, UK. As you will read, GG contacted Royal Mail and they are expecting the community to approach them with how and what they wish. I suggest that you individually and/or as representative of the community organizations should contact Stamps Program Manager of the Royal Mail and suggest for a stamp depicting celebrations of "Festival of Lights" that can be issued on the Diwali day. Earliest they can do being in 2010, it can be on November 6, 2010. Please forward this to other friends, Hindu - Jain - Sikh or other organizations who may also help us in making our case stronger. Anyone can email me at 4prakash@gmail.com for either copy of my own request letter or the info package that I had circulated earlier (referred in GG).Please feel free, if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely thanking you.
Diwali stamp
ROYAL Mail has told GG2 that it is keen to hear from the Asian community about ideas for commemorating religious festivals in the form of stamps. The comments came after philatelist Prakash Mody wrote to the organization asking why they didn’t appear to celebrate Britain’s many different faiths in the form of stamps. Every year, six to seven stamps related to Christianity are released, he said.’ It may be mentioned that emphasis here is not of religion, but it is of culture. One would like to continue to maintain our cultural heritage that includes religion, food and dress,’ Prakash Mody said in his letter to the Royal Mail group. A Royal Mail spokesman said: ‘We would like to speak further to representatives of all religious groups to determine what exactly they want in a festival stamp. The celebration of different ethnic groups is very important to us.’
Our distinguished reader Prakash Mody is doing his best in approaching Canada Post for the issue of stamp on other religious faiths like Hindu, Jain, Islam and Sikh religions. He is leaving no stone unturned in this regard. Please go through a letter which he recently wrote to Canada Post reiterating his demand to issue stamp on other faiths besides Christianity. -Editor
I and the four new members of the Philatelic Advisory Committee with eight other old members will consider putting in practice the concept of 'diversity'. I hope Canada Post to be more sensitive and less commercial!
Prakash Mody, Toronto.
New Issues from other countries
Andorra (French Post)
9 May 2008 Letter writing -.55 E
Australia
10 June 2008 Working Dogs
24 June 2008 Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
8 July Living Green
15 July 2008 Quarantine matters
Czech Republic
18 June 2008
The XXIX th Olympic games in Beijing -18.0 Kc
Ferdinand Stolick (Geologist) - 12 Kc
France
23 June 2008 2 souvenir sheets on Circus & Famous ships
1July 2008 Souvenir Sheet - Grand European Projects
Great Britain
13 May 2008 Cathedrals
Greece
26 May 2008 Europa -.67 & 31.7 E
Hungary
6 June 2008 Fila Village- 2 x 100
Norway
6 June 2008 History of Communications- NOK 7.00, 9.00, 25.00 & 30.00
6 June 2008 Stavanger 2008- NOK 7, 14 & 23
Poland
5 May 2008 Europa – PLN 3
30 May 2008 Euro Sai –PLN 3.55
San Marino
13 June 2008 Europa- 0.60, 0.65
Turkey
5 June 2008 World Environment Day- Global Warming- M/S
The Lighter Side
Do you know?
APOLLO 11
Prior to Apollo 11's launch, crew members Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were presented with special Apollo 11 Postal Covers by the NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre Stamp Club. The Covers were produced for the crew to sign together in pre-flight quarantine, shortly before launch to the Moon, and then leave behind with their families as a form of insurance that could be sold should they fail to return. In the pre-launch hours, the crew signed the Covers and gave them to a trusted emissary. Some of the Covers were then postmarked at the Cape on July 16, 1969, the day of launch, with the remainder postmarked in Houston on July 20, 1969, the day of the landing. The signatures were therefore written by Armstrong, Collins and Aldrin mere days before the first historic landing on the Moon.
§ In 1973 Bhutan issued a stamp that looked like a record. Put it on a record player and it would actually play the Bhutanese national anthem!
§ The Pacific island of Tonga once issued a stamp shaped like a banana.
§ Australia has issued several stamps which look just like gems. Special technology was used to create the look of real opals on stamps issued in 1995 and a real diamond in 1996.
§ In Australia's early days, stamps were issued by individual colonies. The first stamp issued in Australia came from New South Wales in 1850. The one penny stamp which showed the seal of the colony is worth around $5000 in mint condition. The Kangaroo and Map series, first issued in 1913, were the first real Australian stamps. A whole range of stamps bearing this design was issued, valued from half a penny to £2 (about $4 in today's money). A mint copy of the £2 Kangaroo and Map could be worth as much as $4000 today.
§ Stamps started out as purely practical objects and it is not generally known that Australia was a pioneer in their development. In November, 1838, the Colonial Postmaster-General in Sydney introduced a system of pre-payment for letters which used a form of postage stamp. This was probably a world first. For, although an Englishman, Roland Hill, thought up the idea of the postage stamp, pre-paid postage in New South Wales pre-dated the famous British 'Penny Blacks' (the first adhesive stamps) by about two years.
Blogs on Philately
http://www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/ – This is the newly introduced Blog to bring philatelists together on e- stamp club and share views with each other.
http://www.mbstamps.blogspots.com-/ This is a beautiful Blog created by our member Mr. Mansoor B. of Mangalore.
http://www.stampsofindia.blogspot.com/ - To know about Indian Philately & Indian Princely States just log on to this Blog.
http://www.shitalphilately.blogspot.com/ - A beautiful blog with interesting news items on philately.
http://www.my-philately.blogspot.com/ – A blog on French stamps and full of information on interesting details about stamps from all over the world.
http://www.philatelyoftoday.blogspot.com/ – A very informative Blog on Philately containing comprehensive information and articles for serious collectors.
http://www.trphilately.blogspot.com/ – A special Blog on Turkish stamps.
Editor’s Mail Box
Varad Dhaky, Ahmedabad
You are doing tremendous work for your E-news and it is very popular among our members, those who can observe your web-site. I am also forwarding the same to interested persons.
Pradip Jain, Patna
First of all let me congratulate to you for launching the Rainbow News Letter which is sent to me by my best friend Mr. Shrikant Bhai. I must appreciate all your good work for launching the News Letter which will be most useful to the philatelic fraternity.
Promotional section
Silver Jubilee of India’s wins in Cricket World Cup 1983
Special commemorative cover for the 2008 reunion of India's 1983 Cricket World Cup team was issued at Lords on 25th June 2008. On 25th June 1983 Indian cricket came to the attention of the world. They beat the mighty West Indian team at Lord's Cricket Ground. It is also the subject of special news programme filmed at Lord's. For the 40-1 outsiders this was an historic moment. It was a turning point for India to become a cricket superpower. Images from 1983 have been used to create this cover. On the stamp Shrikant drives Roberts for four on his way to score 38, the highest of the world cup final. The limited edition stamp has been cacheted for reunion day 25th June 2008. 25 years to the day of this historic victory. Very limited quantity of covers printed only 250 in numbers. Interested people can contact me.
PRADIP JAIN, POST BOX 128, MITHAPUR, PATNA 800 001 (INDIA) PH: 0091-612-2215929 FAX: 0091-612-2238010 Mobile: 0091-93341 32162/ 0091-94310 03191
New E-MAIL: philapradip@gmail.com
"ITS Instant Auction Sale – June 2008". Last Date for this sale is 7 July 2008. Please see at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/its_offers
ITS Postal Auction No.41
Latest ITS Postal Auction No.41 with 145 lots of Stamps, Miniature Sheets, Covers, packets etc from India and other countries, offered for collectors, with new issue No.42 of “ITS Stamp News”. Last Date for sending bids is 19.7.2008.
TO SEE INTERESTING LOTS OF LATEST AUCTION, PLEASE VISIT AT: http://www.flickr.com/photos/its_offers
For more information and detailed list of Auction, please contact INDIAN THEMATIC SOCIETY MIG # 3464, Phase Two, Dugri Road, Ludhiana – 141 013. INDIA
Mobile: +91 98728 51244 Tele-fax: +91-161-2521244 E-Mail- surajjaitly@gmail.com
Tata Steel Pack
The pack of Tata Steel stamp issued on April 22, 2008 priced at Rs 100 contains a block of 4, a FDC with brochure, and 2 maxim cards are available for sale at Philatelic Bureau. The pack. The maxim cards are not available separately.Butterflies Maximum CardsA set of four maxim cards on 'Endemic Butterflies of Andaman and Nicobar Islands' stamps released on January 2, 2008 is available at Ernakulam philatelic bureau. The set priced at Rs 70 is different from the all India issue.
Book on Pictorial Cancellations of Karnataka
A hand book on Pictorial cancellations of Karnataka Postal Service, India Post has been released recently. This book features 28 permanent cancellation of Karnataka, it also features two extra cancellation which are to be released shortly that of Bear Santury of Daroji, Bellary and Nanda Mantapa of Mysore.This book priced at Rs.60/- is available at all Philatelic Bureaus and Counters in Karnataka.
Current Philatelic Magazines and Newsletters
Stamps of India Collectors’ Companion- India’s first and most updated weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: http://www.stampsofindia.com/
ITS Stamp News-Apr-May-June issue edited by Suraj Jaitly and published by Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana. E-Mail: surajjaitly@gmail.com
Philanews – Mar-Apr 2008 issue edited by Rajesh Paharia and published by Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
E-mail- shreeshell@hotmail.com Website – http://www.philaraj.com/
GPA News – April 2008 issue edited by Ilyas Ahmed Patel and published by Gujrat Philatelists’ Association, Ahmedabad.
E-Mail: iap_ip@yahoo.co.in & altoexim@yaahoo.co.in
Stamps Today- Jan-Feb 2008 issue edited and published by Vijay Seth from New Delhi. E-Mail: vijay_hseth@yahoo.co.in
RAINBOW STAMP CLUB
This is the newly introduced blog http://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. Those who are interested may send brief write up with their photo in compressed format. It will be published on the blog with their e-mail id & Postal Address. 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
Courtesy- News and Image Resource to this issue - Stamps of India, Shrikant Parikh - Ahmedabad, Vinod Sabharwal - New Delhi, Pradip Jain-Patna, Mansoor B.-Mangalore, Australia Post, Stanley Gibbons
Attention Readers-
· Address for communication: Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, D.F.O. Residence, Chopal-171211 Distt. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). E-mail – rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com & 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.
· If you liked this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.
It matters little whether you have thousands of pounds or merely coppers, There are stamps to be collected by people of all tastes and pockets of all depths.- Michael Ghallaghar
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Chopal, Distt- Shimla-171211 (H.P.) India.
