Merry Christmas !!
Shimla December 2012 Vol. V Issue # 60
Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin Edited by Jeevan Jyoti for free circulation among philatelists
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com and by post to –
Ms. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, CCF, GHNP & Pin Valley National Park, SHAMSHI, Kullu -175126. (H.P.) India
Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW
Rainbow completes 5 years of publication with this 60th issue !!
Dear Reader,
I am extremely pleased to release 60th issue of Rainbow Stamp News. With this issue it completes five years of publication . This could have not been possible without your great contribution and appreciation. So thank you very much for giving support and keeping this newsletter running.
Two All India stamp exhibitions are going to be held in December and February organized by Stamps of India and Philatelic Society of India. It will be a big platform for all philatelists to meet . My best wishes to organizers and their team members. Let’s join hands and make the exhibitions successful.
Merry Christmas and A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year to all my Readers !!
More in Next Issue ….. Happy Collecting
-- Jeevan Jyoti
Contents
· From the Desk of Naresh Agarwal
· Recent Indian Issues
· In The News
· Interview
· Some remarkable cancellations and Postmarks - 3 - Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap
· Beginners’ Section
· Specialized Section
· New Issues from Other Countries
· The Lighter Side
· Philatelic Clubs and Societies
· Blogs & Websites on Philately
· Literature on Indian Philately
· Editor’s Mail Box
· New Philatelic Publications
· Promotional Section
· Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
RAINBOW 60th BULLETIN
Congrats to Rainbow Stamp News on winning yet another International recognition in form of Silver Bronze award at Sharjah 2012 just after few days of winning award at IPHLA 2012 which have come up this month at right time when Rainbow was about to issue its 60th bulletin. This is in fact recognition of dedicated services, Rainbow has provided over the years to philatelists of all age groups, all over publishing 60 monthly bulletins without any interruption while maintaining, rather improving quality. Rainbow has truly improved issue by issue in terms of presentation, color schemes, inclusion of variety of philatelic stuffs, Interviews of eminent philatelists, latest news updates, light and serious philatelic articles from renowned philatelic writers and also entertained the new ones while introducing new subjects from time to time. Rainbow has always lived up to the expectations of the readers. This work and service by the editor Ms. Jeevan Jyoti for philately is undoubtedly commendable.
In all, Rainbow has cemented a place in the hearts of its readers who are addicted to and have fallen in love with Rainbow. I wish Rainbow a big success in terms of quality and satisfying publishing and better service to readers with ever increasing readership.
INPEX 2013
We congratulate Philatelic Society Of India, a 115 year old India’s first philatelic and must thank it as it is going to celebrate its 115th year of active operation by organizing a mega event of philately, INPEX2013, a national level stamp exhibition under patronage and active support of India Post, at Mumbai in February 2013.It is a great news for Indian philatelists. As much as 800 frames are supposed to be displayed. There should not be any doubt in the mind of philatelists regarding status of exhibition. Indian philatelists must visit this show. A lots of positives are in store for Indian philatelists as they will have the opportunity to witness good quality Indian exhibits, to participate in competitive class, to meet their friends and to come in contact with a number of stamp dealers. In all, a tasty philatelic dish with Mumbaian garnishing done is ready to be served as it will give opportunity to enjoy Mumbai Special Bhelpuri moving at Marine drive watching eye soothing sea waves. It is our duty to see that the show is made successful by any means we can and should give full support. We extend our best wishes to the organizers for great success of the show.
- Naresh Agarwal – email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
Recent Indian Issues
·
· 12 October Philately Day - MS Rs 20
· 16 October Endemic Species of Indian Biodiversity Hotspots – MS Rs 40 & Rs 20 + 3 x Rs 5 stamps
· 5 November - India Israel Joint Issue Fetival of Lights – 2 Rs 5 + Sheetlet
· 11 November - T S Narayanswami – Rs 5
· 14 November - Chidren's Day – Rs 5
· 16 November - Scinde Horse Regiment - Rs 5
· 20 November Ramgopal Maheshwari – Rs 5
· 29 November Consumer Protection Act 1986 – Rs 5
Recent Special Cover and Postmark
View : Special Covers 2012 by India Post
In The News
Dec 15, 16, & 17, 2012 11 am to 6 pm
Conference Halls, First Floor, NDMC Convention Centre, Parliament Street New Delhi 110001
Contact : sine@stampsofindia.com +91-9718873273 Savita Jhingan, COO SINE
For more details visit : http://www.stampsofindia.com/sine2012.html
INPEX - 2013
INPEX 2013 : NATIONAL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION
21ST TO 25TH FEBRUARY, 2013AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, MUMBAI
A National Philatelic Exhibition INPEX 2013 will be held at the World Trade Centre, (Expo Center), Cuffe Parade, Mumbai-400 005 from 21st February to 25th February, 2013.
The exhibition is being held by The Philatelic Society of India with the patronage of PHILATELIC CONGRESS OF INDIA, the apex body of Philately in India, and the active support of the Department of Post and other Philatelic Societies to celebrate the 115 years of the Society’s active existence.
The exhibition will provide an opportunity to philatelists residing in India to enter their outstanding philatelic collection in the Competitive Class.
The exhibition will consist of INVITEE AND COMPETITIVE classes. In the Invitee section collections of eminent individuals and national institutions will be exhibited. The Competitive section will also include a championship class and will be open only to those collections which have won at least a Gold Medal in a previous National or International World Philatelic Exhibition.
For details contact email : inpex2013@psi1897.com
Website : http://www.psi1897.com/impex.html
All Communications, Registered letters or Remittances to be sent to:
Mrs. D. M. Pittie,
The Secretary, Inpex 2013,Philatelic Bureau,G.P.O., Mumbai-400 001.
Co-ordinators:
Dhirubhai Mehta,
President,Philatelic Society of India,
Mobile No.: 09892786222
Email: dhirubhai_phil@yahoo.com
Mrs. Damayanti M. Pittie,
Secretary,
Philatelic Society of India,
Mobile No.09930367660
Email: dm_pittie@mtnl.net.in & hsmlkal99@sify.com
Exhibitors desirous of participating in the exhibition should apply in the prescribed form in duplicate. The entry forms duly filled in and signed should reach the Secretary Inpex 2013, latest by 20th December, 2012. Introductory page and synopsis of the exhibit should be sent with each application. Such forms will be available from the Secretary, Inpex 2013, Philatelic Bureau, G.P.O., Mumbai-400 001, or on web site www.psi1897.com
International Exhibitions
IPHLA 2012 philatelic Exhibition of Philatelic Literature concluded in Mainz – the city of the Man of the Millennium Johannes Gutenberg . It was the largest International Philatelic Literature Exhibition (IPHLA) held from Nov. 2 - 4, 2012.
Indian participation :
Madan Middha – Year Book of Indian Philately – Silver Medal
Jeevan Jyoti – Rainbow Stamp News – Bronze
Jeevan Jyoti – Rainbow Stamp Club – Bronze
Rohan Mundra – Mahatma Gandhi Philately – Certificate of Participation
Complete award list of IPHLA 2012 is available at :
http://www.iphla.de/pdf/ergebnisliste.pdf
SHARJAH 2012
Rajan Jayakar, Anil Suri, Markand Dave, Jeevan Jyoti and Madan Middha
Indian Winners of SHARJAH 2012
1.2208 Markand Dave - First Asian Airmail Stamp - India 1929 – 5 Frames - Large Silver
2.3204 Rajan Jayakar - Dead Letter Office in India (1854-1947) – 5 Frames – Vermeil
3.9005 Rajan Jayakar - Fiscals of British India (1901-1947) – 8 Frames – Gold
4.9006 Rajan Jayakar - Fiscal of British India Judicial & Non Judicial Issues (1800-1900)- 8 Frames – Gold
5.9007 Anil Suri - Fiscal of Cochin – 8 Frames – Gold + Special Prize
6.11202 Jeevan Jyoti - Rainbow Stamp News - (Literature ) Silver Bronze
7.11206 Madan Middha - Year Book of Indian Philately – ( Literature) Silver Bronze
8.12008 Markand Dave - The Great Quetta Earthquake – 1935 –1Frame – 76 Points
THAILAND2013 - Word Stamp Exhibition
THAILAND 2013, International Philatelic exhibition will be held in Thailand from 2 to 14 August 2013 in Bangkok, under the patronage of FIP. The World Philatelic Exhibition will take place from 2 - 14 August 2013 at the Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, 5th floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Mr. R D Binani as Commissioner for India, his address :33-B Rowland Road, Kolkata 700 020 E mail : binanipm@gmail.com Mob:9830073058
AUSTRALIA 2013 Melbourne / Australia 10.-15.05.13
Mrs Damyanti Pittie is the national commissioner . For details contact : dm_pittie@mtnl.net.in
BRASILIANA-2013
WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION - It will be held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 11th to 17th November, 2013. It will be organized by the Brazilian Enterprise of Posts & Telegraphs (ECT) and the Brazilian Federation of Philately (FEBRAF), with the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). The official website is under construction and will be released shortly.
http://www.brasiliana-2013.blogspot.com/
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Bagari nominated as Commissioner for BRAZIL 2013. Email rkbagri.indipex2011@gmail.com or bagri@iname.com
Exhibition in Bilaspur (C.G)
DAK TICKET MILAAN 2012 scheduled to be held at Bilaspur from 08th to 10th of December 2012 has been postponed till further information.
A Divisional Level Stamp Exhibition is being held at Bilaspur on the same dates i.e. 8th to 10th of December by INDIA POST which will cover Bialspur, Korba and Janjgir Champa Districts under Bilaspur Division of Chhattisgarh Postal Circle.
Pictorial cancellation on Chakra at Berlin
From December 6th to January second 2013 will be held a philatelic exhibition under the title “DAYS OF INDIA” in Berlin, Germany. One pictorial cancellation featuring a CHAKIRA will be available on December 6th 2012 at Berlin. – Wolfgang Beyer : email : Wolfgang.Beyer1@polizei.sachsen.de
Stamp Perforation Measurement Software
SoftPro has released some new software that will electronically measure perforations along with overprints, cancellations, and can even help determine the difference between rotary and flat press printings.
If you are like most collectors, using a traditional plastic perf gauge is difficult and error prone. Most of us can barely see the tiny lines on the pastic gauges, let alone trying to align them with the stamp. EzPerf solves that problem. Simply scan your stamp against a black background, load or paste the image into EzPerf, & instantly you will see the perforation measurement results.
It can be used to measure stamps on piece (ie on an envelope) .Ir has a built in measure tool to measure overprints, cancellations,and even help you determine the difference between rotary and flat press printings.
Gay Hero on Stamp
The first ever commemorative stamp issue of the Panama City Private Local post will be issued November 27, 2012 to honor Harvey Milk, a true American hero on the 34th Anniversary of his assassination. Politics and gay activism were not his early interests; he was not open about his homosexuality and did not participate in civic matters until around the age of 40, after his experiences in the counterculture of the 1960s. Milk moved from New York City to settle in San Francisco in 1972 amid a migration of gay men to the Castro District. He took advantage of the growing political and economic power of the neighborhood to promote his interests, and ran unsuccessfully for political office three times. His theatrical campaign earned him increasing popularity, and milk won a seat as a city supervisor in 1977, part of the broader social changes the city was experiencing.
Milk served 11 months in office and was responsible for passing a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city. On November 27, 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, another city supervisor who had recently resigned but wanted his job back. Milk's election was made possible by and was a key component of a shift in San Francisco politics. The assassinations and the ensuing events were the result of continuing ideological conflicts in the city.
The stamps will be issued in a sheet of 10 stamps.
| Spanish refuse to recognize Gibraltar’s philatelic identity! |
| by Leo Olivero Would you believe it, the Spanish are at it again! This time they refuse to recognize Gibraltar Philatelic identity - postage stamps, that is - and in the process they forced the local philatelic society to pull out of a recent prearranged exhibition hosted in Estepona! Gibraltar stamps have been issued since 1886. Local stamps, amongst the philatelic fraternity, are highly valued and extremely collectible. The Rock's reputation is right up there with the philatelic elite, particularly the many worldwide philatelic organisations.
In fact, 1886 is significant, it was when the Colonial Government of Gibraltar took control of Postal Services. That's how long Gibraltarians have been involved with the world of stamps, around that date in fact the first stamps were issued which specifically marked 'Gibraltar'. For over 125 years, the Rock has had its own 'unique philatelic identity' completely separate from the United Kingdom. Our philatelic bureau is also an established world entity in its own right. It was at this stage that the local society became aware that the PP Estepona Mayor was dabbling in the usual Spanish political trickery by insisting that Gibraltar name, as a nation, should be removed from the poster. With some reluctance, the local society grudgingly decided to go ahead 'mainly because at the bottom of the poster in question, a Gibraltar two-and-half pence stamp still formed part of the main body of the poster'. The Estepona mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano it seems instructed the Spanish organizers of the 'sociedad philatelic eurosft of Estepona' to remove all mention of Gibraltar in all promotional material regarding the exhibition i.e. posters, flyers and exhibition booklet and instead of Gibraltar, the mayor only wanted the word Britannica (Britain) in its place. As if Great Britain were actually exhibiting instead of the Gibraltar Philatelic Society! |
USPS Post Office Tests Same Day Delivery
The Associated Press (AP) reports, "Emboldened by rapid growth in e-commerce shipping, the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service is moving aggressively this holiday season to start a premium service for the Internet shopper seeking the instant gratification of a store purchase: same-day package delivery."
According to Hope Yen of the AP, "Teaming up with major retailers, the post office will begin the expedited service in San Francisco on Dec. 12 at a price similar to its competitors. If things run smoothly, the program will quickly expand next year to other big cities such as Boston, Chicago and New York. It follows similar efforts by eBay, Amazon.com, and most recently Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which charges a $10 flat rate for same-day delivery."
Yen goes on to pen, "The delivery program, called Metro Post, seeks to build on the post office's double-digit growth in package volume to help offset steady declines in first-class and standard mail. Operating as a limited experiment for the next year, it is projected to generate between $10 million and $50 million in new revenue from deliveries in San Francisco alone, according to postal regulatory filings, or up to $500 million, if expanded to 10 cities."
Interview
"It is not required to introduce you all to the editor of Rainbow Stamp News, Ms. Jeevan Jyoti, the brain, the energy and the spirit behind the success of Rainbow. Her hard work, dedication and strong will has made Rainbow reach hearts of philatelists all over. An uninterrupted journey of issuance of 60 monthly issues of Rainbow is truly a journey of not only the happening of philatelic world but an example of dedication, love and passion for philately. On this occasion, it is an extreme pleasure to have brief interview of the lady who talks about her journey of 60 months and shares her feelings and experiences with the readers." - Naresh Agarwal
1. We congratulate you for successful and uninterrupted publishing of 60th issues of Rainbow? How do you feel?
Thanks !! Well, it gives me immense pleasure to issue 60th number of Rainbow and with this issue Rainbow completes 5 years of publication It’s really a good feeling !!
2. Rainbow has won various awards in the last few years. Tell us about those and your future aspiration as for as award winning is concerned?.
Rainbow has won 6 International awards with Bronze and Silver Bronze at World and Asian International stamp exhibitions. Well, it is always my endeavor to improve the quality of magazine and win a better award in future. Though it is very difficult to get an upgraded award in Literature Class at an International exhibition because in Literature class competition is very very tough with magazines, books, periodicals, catalogues and journals from world’s renowned publications as competitors !! However, my focus has always been to cater better reading material to the readers rather than looking for awards.
3. Rainbow is probably one of the firsts e-bulletins in philately in India. How did the idea come in to your mind and that too staying at remote areas away from big cities during this period where facilities are limited? What problems you faced in the beginning and are facing even today?
Rainbow is not the first e bulletin. Stamps of India’s digital weekly is the first one but in color magazine form it is the first such type of e- magazine. In fact, stamps of India was the inspiration for me to start a magazine in color form with articles, news and features from the world of stamps.
Yes, Kullu is a small place as compared to other big cities but when I started, I was in Chopal of Shimla District ( 100 Kms from Shimla) which is really a very remote area of Himachal Pradesh. But as it is an e-magazine and most of the information required is internet based and internet being available everywhere today, I did not face any major problem except sometimes interrupted Internet services due to bad weather / Snowfall at these places !! Today we have better internet services with faster speed which has made work easier and less time consuming.
4. Rainbow has spread its philatelic colors during all these sixty months and has been appreciated all over the world. What you have to say about its readership and the readers of Rainbow today?
As editor of the magazine I feel happy to see increase in the number of readers….with its blog publication it has reached all corners of the world and today it has subscribers from different countries . So it’s definitely a matter of pleasure and satisfaction for me.
5. According to you what is that in Rainbow that people like it so much?
I think this question can be better answered by Readers themselves. But I think general as well as specialized / advance readers like it because it is combination of lighter and serious subjects with its timely and regular publication.
5. We understand Rainbow has made its name and reached heights with its quality, versatility and has become a sort of necessity for the readers who read it regularly. They also have big expectations. How do you see future of Rainbow in terms of giving quality service to the readers?
Well, in every issue I try to give something new and at present Thematic Philately is dominant in my magazine looking in to the fact that this branch is liked and adopted by most of the new and old stamp collectors. But in future I will give more space to other branches of philately.
6. There are a few e-bulletins and magazines being published in India today. What basic difference you find in them and Rainbow?
The current e-magazines are very good. Recently GPA launched its magazine in e format which is excellent. The basic difference in Rainbow and other magazines is that it is also published on blog and it’s any issue could be instantly viewed any time on blog archive.
7. Rainbow has some permanent columns and sections which have also cemented their place in the hearts of readers. Are you planning to continue with those for the time to come or planning to introduce any new columns and sections?
Yes, the Interview section of Rainbow is very popular and we have published interviews of many renowned personalities of the philatelic field and will continue it . As I said I will introduce new columns and subjects in Rainbow.
8. This issue also gives a special joy to the regular contributors of Rainbow. What you have say about them. And what are your expectations from them for future issues?
Rainbow could have not got recognition without excellent contribution from Dr SK Agarwal, Naresh Agarwal, Dr Jagtap, Anil Dhir and technical guidance from Mr Prashant Pandya. Mr Naresh Agarwal has given a new direction to Rainbow by managing Interview section of Rainbow and writing special column every month on a variety of topics which is liked by one and all. I express my gratitude to all my contributors and Readers for their great contribution to Rainbow.
9. Being in philatelic journalism for so long, what sort of changes do you see in this field in the last few years and how do you see the nature and type of journalism in future?
Today the working is very easy as compared to 10 -15 years back. With the use of Internet we can get instant information any time on any subject . The advancement in technology has helped designing new softwares which are very useful in e-publication.
10. Lastly, we once again congratulate you for issuance of this 60th issue of Rainbow and wish to issue an uninterrupted 100th issue . How are you looking at this target which needs so much of time, will, service, patience, hard work, co -ordination etc. etc..?
Thanks. We will definitely bring out 100th issue with special celebration…Hope the day will certainly come !! Looking forward to it with whole team of Rainbow. !!
Some remarkable cancellations and Postmarks - 3
Sea Post Office Marks
The students of Indian Cancellations often come across some postmarks which were not designed initially for cancellation of the postage stamps affixed to cards or covers. Many times anomalous use of these postmarks for cancellation is accounted for the unclear instructions to the staff in the postal services or due to the absence of another obliterator with which the stamps affixed to the cover or a parcel had to be obliterated in order to prevent their re-use.
One of such postmark series is “Sea Post Office” marks. The Sea Post Office between Bombay and Aden was primarily a Sorting Office. A representative of the Indian Government suggested on 14th June 1861 that the sorting of the mail for India should be carried out between Suez and Bombay rather than between England and Alexandria, but this suggestion was not taken up until 1868. Thus the introduction of the very first Sea Post Office Mark took place as early as July 1868. There were variations in the size and wording of this mark from time to time. Renouf has mentioned only 5 types of these Sea Post Office Marks in his monograph on “Early Indian Cancellations, 1855-1889”. According to him, as early as 1870 a sorting staff was deputed to sort the mail between Aden and Bombay which helped to save considerable time on arrival of the post from P & O vessel’s down-ward journey to Bombay. Initially it seems that these were NOT meant for cancellation of the stamps, so R. Kirk in his book “British Maritime Postal History, Vol. 1 - The P&O Bombay & Australian Lines, 1852-1914” also describes these as “Sea Post Office Marks” and not as cancellations. The following table illustrates the Sea Post Office marks as per R. Kirk and the corresponding marks listed by Renouf.
Fig 1
Sea Post Office Marks listed by R. Kirk & W. Renouf
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
The actual “Sea Post Office Marks” impressed on the covers and postcards have been exhibited with the specimens available with the author. Again these were Post Marks which were not intended for cancellations of postage stamps affixed to the covers or postcards, yet here is an example where the stamps affixed to the card addressed to South Pasadena (California/U.S.A.) were cancelled by “SEA POST OFFICE/B/DE21/07”. On minute observation it can be confirmed that the stamps were already cancelled in Bombay by a round dated despatch stamp of Bandra, reading “BANDRA/21 DEC 07” but it was so lightly impressed that probably the postal clerk could not notice it and had to deface the stamps again in order to be sure that they were clearly cancelled. This postcard was further forwarded to Ocean Park (California/USA, see Fig. 5 ).
Fig 5
There is also another possibility that the passengers travelling by the ship would have posted their cards or covers in the letter-box on the ship and as there were no other obliterator at hand, the postal clerk on the ship defaced the adhesives with this only obliterator available. Naturally, such covers or cards could be scare. It seems that there were no strict rules and regulations in any book on cancellations & postmarks of British India during about the use of these Sea Post Office marks, at least not in case of earlier Sea Post Office Marks, till 1906. They were used in first place to indicate their transport by sea and were also used to deface the postage stamps applied to the covers or cards if posted aboard the ship. Mr. Max Smith of India Study Circle, London, in his letter to the author writes, “The relative frequency with which Sea Post Office stamps cancelling adhesives are found, depends upon two things: awareness of stamp collecting among passengers and the introduction of picture postcards”. These Sea Post Office marks became obsolete after 1920.
Fig 6
Fig 7
Similar to Indian Sea Post Office marks, there were also Austrian, German and French Sea Post Office marks, which were employed on the ships run by the respective countries. These were also used to deface British India postage stamps. Surprisingly, these postmarks have been recorded by Renouf in his monograph on Indian Cancellations, despite the fact that these were not of Indian origin (Renouf N0.s 76, 76a, 76b, Fig. 5 & 6 ).
- Dr. Avinash Jagtap - email : abjagtap@hotmail.com
Beginners’ Section
Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Taveller
TOMMY TRICKER-It is a children's film in which a young boy, Ralph, and his sister discover a magical ability to travel the world riding within POSTAGE STAMPS. Complicated by a series of rules, they are soon lost in such far-flung places as Australia and China. Ralph is plagued by a debilitating stutter, and the film is essentially a coming-of-age story wherein Ralph can speak unfettered by the movie's end.
TANAGRAM AND STAMPS
- K.RAMARATHNAM
Tanagram is an ancient Chinese moving piece puzzle consisting of Seven pieces. These pieces make use of three basic geometric shapes-Triangle ,Square and parallelogram. A standard Tanagram puzzle consists of two small ,one medium and two large triangles, one square and one parallelogram.
It is one of the classic puzzles simple to play but with Endless possibilities.Finland is one of the First countries to issue a Souvenir Sheet with Tanagrams in the year 2000.
This issue was followed by Hong Kong in 2009 when it issued a Souvenir Sheet commemorating 23rd Asian International Exhibition. The Souvenir Sheet also depicted the various possibilities of arranging Tanagram pieces.
The Hong Kong issue was followed by South Africa in the year 2010 with an issue entitled Bridging the Digital divide in the form of a Tanagram.
- K . Ramarathnam - Chennai email : kramarathnam@hotmail.com
Specialized Section
Birth of Playing Cards : Pt. II
Ace, Lowest though highest card
In early games the kings were always the highest card in their suit.
King was King
However, as early as the late 14th century special significance began to be placed on the nominally lowest card, now called the Ace, so that it sometimes became the highest card and the Two, or Deuce, the lowest.
Now Ace is highest
This concept may have been hastened in the late 18th century by the French Revolution, where games began being played "Ace High" as a symbol of lower classes rising in power above the royalty.
Aces High Game
The Ace of Spades is regarded as the insignia card of the deck. Traditionally it is used to display the manufacturer’s logo or brand name as a testament to quality and a mark of identification, that’s why the ace of spades is the most beautiful card in the deck.
Ace of Spade - the insignia card of the deck
Why the ace of spade gained so much importance was due to the custom originated in 17th century England when, under the reign of King James 1st, a duty was imposed on local playing card manufacturers. The ace of spades was taken from the deck to the tax office to get a tax stamp.
Duty Ace in use 1828 to 1862, for cards that were exported.
Tax label in use from 1828 to 1862 Tax wrapper in use from 1862 to 1875
Eventually the stamp was placed on the package, but the additional decoration (resembling the stamp) survived on the ace of spades.
Custom of Playing-Card Tax Stamps also existed in the US .but they did not used stamps on a card, instead adhesive stamps on the package, known as 'Internal Revenue Stamps'.
'Internal Revenue Stamp'
From 1864, playing-card manufacturers were allowed to have their own 'private die' tax stamps.
'Private die' tax stamps
At sometimes there were different stamps used concurrently. Also revenue stamps not explicitly meant for playing-cards were used for them (and vice versa). For some time, there also was a stamp for free-of-tax cards.
Free-of-Tax
Taxes on playing-cards were abolished in the U.S.A. in 1965. But many manufacturers continued using stamps with their own design to seal the package.
Birth of Jokers
Commercial decks often include two jokers which are removed in preparation for most popular games. The jokers are usually distinguishable by colour.The black joker corresponds to the Fool card of the Tarot deck and red to the Magicians and known as Juggler.
Black and Red Jokers
The United States first introduced in 1863, the joker into the deck. It was devised for the game of Euchre, which spread from Europe to America beginning shortly after the American Revolutionary War and was very popular by the mid-19th century.
Game of Euchre
The Joker presents us with a kind of irony imbued with special powers as “Imperial Trump” or “Wild Card”. He is the card that resolves all problems and wins all tricks, the card that can be any card. He is, in many cases the invincible Wizard of the Deck. Over the years, playing cards have evolved. However, they reached quite late in England and other European countries.
Designing of Playing cards
The design of playing cards involves a balance between utilitarian constraints and artistic possibilities. The basic purpose of playing cards hasn't changed much in the last 670 years, but the fundamental precepts and principles of design and print have been continuously developing and improving to the present day. After the development of the printing industry at the end of the 15th century, Rouen became an important centre for card-making whose influence extended far afield.
A pack of cards made by Pierre Marechalc.1567 preserved in the museum at Rouen is undoubtedly the model from which our English pack subsequently evolved.
Rouen Model
Tradition - or conservatism - bears quite heavily on the design of standard cards, especially the court cards, The style of the costumes on English playing cards is late medieval, being descended from the Rouen models.
Costumes is late medieval
Also picture cards were drawn in full length with head, legs, and torso and included many design elements such as weapons and horses.
Court cards drawn in full length
But in the city of Agen, France, around 1745 fledgling reversible court cards first broke press.
Reversible Court Cards
The new reversible design became popular since you didn’t have to turn your picture cards right way up every time you were dealt them upside down, everybody liked the idea.
New reversible design became popular
Corner and edge indices enabled people to hold their cards close together in a fan with one hand not with two hands previously. This also prevented the chance of giving hint of what other players' hands contained by watching them reverse their cards.
In 1832, after an attempt to introduce new ‘modernized’ designs, De la Rue imitated the earlier wood-block style in the new technology of letterpress. These designs were subsequently redrawn with more decoration and became the basis for all their double-ended courts.
Thomas de la Rue
Back of Playing cards
Back of Playing card decoration reflects the fashion of the day, and is likely to be guided by prevailing tastes and styles. Designs are always identical for all cards in any particular deck, and usually of a single color or formalized design.
Back of cards are identical and of single colour
But it will be surprising to know that till the end of the 18th century, playing card backs were left plain white. The reason for this was that card backs became easily marked during play, and would thereby become recognizable by an opponent. It was expensive to buy another new pack, so spoilt cards would be returned to the workshop for cleaning. Some playing card manufacturers began to print repeating geometric patterns of stars or dots on the reverse of the cards to minimize this problem. Pictorial back designs are especially popular with customers in department stores and those who buy from catalogues or websites, because they catch the eye and appeal to the imagination. In addition, pictorial packs also fulfilled the tourist demands for souvenirs.
Pictorial pack
To increase the sale, Woolley & Co of England, brought out for the first time, a series of Japanese art work on back of playing cards in 1875 .The designer of De la Rue co., Owen Jones observed that many of the great masterpieces from antiquity were based on geometrical grid patterns embellished with graceful and refined arabesques, and so Victorian playing card manufacturers began to produce more attractive back designs. This tradition of decorating back of playing cards with more and more attractive designs on various themes continued till date .
Even personalized designs can be prepared using digital technology and print of proof sheets of cards may be taken out after each alternation.However, the serious card player required back designs which would be as unobtrusive as possible and aesthetic considerations remained entirely in the background to some extent, plain and formal back.
(Note: Most of the illustrated cards are Chinese Postal Stationery Cards and stamps are prepared by Zazzle.com under license from US Post).
- Dr Satyendra Agrawal – email : rosephila@hotmail.com
New Issues from other countries
Brazil
17 October 2012 : The Best Christmas Gift - stamps from Brazil
December 25 is Christmas, the date most anticipated of the year for thousands of people. More than getting gifts and reunite the family, this day represents the birth of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world.
To celebrate the Christmas 2012 the Brazilian Post has issued several colorful stamps:
1) Box with gifts: This stamp refers to the tradition of exchanging gifts at Christmas time. It features an open postal container branded with Brazilian postal service with gifts inside.
2) Coral: the stamp features a choir made up of children from various ethnic groups, singing happily with Santa Claus as conductor of major orchestras. The children, representing the future and hope, are united in a circle adorned with typical Christmas elements like holly leaves and musical notes.
3) The block of stamps is a graphical representation of the mosaic art. Rich in technique and color, this art consolidates the essence of the form and spirit over matter. Mary and Joseph are crouched contemplating Jesus, sent to give the humanity his teachings of Love, Peace and Brotherhood. The halo of baby Jesus shines with golden rays spreading throughout the block. The arrangement of Joseph and Mary, supported on the lower base of the block, forming a triangular shaped graphic composition, refers to stability and balance.
Liechtenstein
Year of the Snake
The Liechtenstein Post has launched a stamp issue devoted to the "Year of the Dragon" and to the official sign of the zodiac for the current Chinese year: the "Snake" (face value CHF 1.90).
The Year of the Snake begins on 10th February 2013 and lasts until 30th January 2014.
The stamps have been designed by Stefan Erne. They are being issued in the form of a silhouette produced using state-of-the-art laser technology. However the sheetlet, which bears four stamps, is not in portrait but in landscape format. This is principally because there is on the sheet an illustration and an inscription in Chinese characters referring to the in China very popular "Legend of the white snake". In this legend two 1000-year-old snakes, one white and one green, transform themselves into two beautiful women in order to live on earth as humans. Bai Suzhen (the white snake) falls in love with the apothecary Xu Xian and they marry. Unfortunately however their wedded bliss is severely tested by the intrigues of the monk Fa Hai, who knows that Bai Suzhen is an evil serpent. Eventually Xiao Qing (the green snake) succeeds in vanquishing the evil monk.
People born in the Year of the Snake are reputed to be thoughtful and wise and to approach problems rationally and logically, seldom instinctively. They have a sure touch in money matters but are also inclined to be greedy and somewhat egoistical. But they readily help others less successful than they .
The Lighter Side
THE MONK WHO SELLS STAMPS
The small letter box caught my attention in one fleeting glimpse. I asked the driver to stop and he slammed the brakes and brought the jeep to a screeching halt. We reversed and as we backed up I could see, in the rear view mirror, the little red box nailed on the roadside tree.
I was on an assignment in Kalahandi, one of the most backward districts of the country. Touring the districts, I had been visiting the remote poverty stricken hamlets for reporting on the success of the development works that had been undertaken. As usual, my philatelic penchant had made me visit the small village post offices wherever I could find one. Surprisingly, in spite of the backwardness of the area, the Cell phone connectivity had penetrated every nook and corner, and the Post office was a relic of the past in many places.
I got down, amid the puzzled frowns of my driver and photographer. The Letter Box was nailed on a roadside mango tree. I half expected it to be a forgotten and abandoned one, as there was no village nearby. However I was surprised to see that it had been freshly painted and was locked. Nothing was written on it, nor was the clearance tab present. It was the smallest letter box I had seen in Odisha till date; it was just about one foot in height. It could not have held more than a dozen letters.
I stopped a passing cyclist and he informed me that the letter box was cleared by the Post Office situated inside the Gurukal Ashram in the nearby village of Ambsena. As a visit to the Ashram was in my itinerary, I was now even more eager to chalk it off my list. I drove further down towards Khariar Road, and soon reached the Ashram which is situated just by the side of the road. It was a Sunday, and the students were all working in the nearby fields. The ashram was an oasis of peace, and Dharmananda Saraswati took me around the vast complex. It has been set up in 1968 on the lines of Gurukul Kangri at Haridwar. The Ashram has a big orchard which has more than a thousand mango trees. It also has a small pharmacy where ayurvedic medicines are made in the traditional methods.
The Ashram was set up in this most backward region of the country to protect the culture of the tribals. The aim of the Ashram was to raise tribal students on the doctrines of Arya Samaj and to prevent the rapid conversions which were prevalent. There are students from all over the country including the north east. The students are inculcated with the teachings of the Vedas.
The small post office in the Gurukul Complex was set up in the early seventies. After post master had retired in 1980, the officials wanted to close the post office as there was hardly any mail. However the Swamiji volunteered to run the Post office from the Gurukul itself and one of the Gurus was assigned the additional job of the Post Master.
Today, Guru Haldar Shastri, who was a student of the Ashram and now teaches there, manages the post office. He has encourages the ashramites to write letters and the Post office has now a sizeable inflow and out flow of mails besides Savings Accounts. He was instrumental in putting up the small letter boxes in the nearby villages. Letters are posted, though not quite often. The Ashram students from different states receive and write letters, and India Post is happily continuing with the arrangement since years.
The Post office proper is a small cubby hole room at the entrance of the ashram. It was originally the Guard room, and Guru Shastri diligently sits there till the afternoon. There is a letter box attached to the wall outside the main Gate. And yes, Guruji collects stamps. A lot of the students of the Ashram have gone abroad and send letters with foreign stamps, which Guruji diligently keeps. He showed me his collection of foreign stamps and I was given a refreshing cup of herbal tea which is made in the Ashram. Guruji was reluctant to be photographed, but on my insistence he agreed. I was seen off with samples of the Chawanprash and herbal tea made in the Pharmacy.
If you want a packet of the herbal tea, you can write to the monk postmaster and send Rs 50/- worth of postage stamps at :
Swami Dharmanandji, Gurukul Ashram, Via Khariar Road .Amsena Dist: Nawapara Odisha-766108
- Anil Dhir : email : anildhir2k5@hotmail.com
Slow Letter Service
On the 2nd basement level of the Seoul Central Post Office is the Stamp Museum. Here, you can see an Interesting post box called " Slow Letters". If you put a letter addressed to any place in South Korea in this post box, it will delivered one year later free of charge.
This service was initially intended to be a one- time online event but this idea was instant hit that Korea Post made it a permanent offline service.
The museum is in Myeongdong in Seoul & this service is intended to remind people of the value of taking time in this age of never ending rush to get things done and also the value of letters as a means of sharing heartwarming messages.
http://robin-stamps.blogspot.in/ Robin Stamps Criticism of new issues of postage stamps in the world.
NUMISMATIC & PHILATELIC AssociatioN of Vellore FORT - http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm - This Numismatic & Philatelic Association is a non profit and non trade motive association that aims to promote the hobbies – Philately (Stamp Collection) and Numismatics (Coin Collection) among children, students, interested individuals among the general public and especially for the budding philatelists and numismatists.
How to Collect Stamps - http://www.howtocollectstamps.com/ The Complete Guide To Stamp Collecting
GANDHI Stamps & Philately Study Circle : http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.in/ - A new Blog by Ketan Patel .…. Saving Gandhi Philately by trying to bring awareness and exposing illegal activities in Gandhi Stamps and Philately.
Europa Stamps : http://europa-stamps.blogspot.in/ : A blog on Europa, cept, norden & sepac stamps
Phla Mirror : http://philamirror.info/ : The Indian Philately Journal
Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ It is a specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.
Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - It is a specialized blog on Flag Theme .
Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.com/
Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ Mobile Philately is a mobile technology based philatelic community with short messaging service (SMS) that allows the community members to get latest updates related to Indian philately directly into mobile message box.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Stamps-Philately-1610/indexExp_69442.htm - It is a site based on Question & Answers on Philately. Mr Prashant Pandya replies to queries.
Literature on Indian Philately
View : List of Books 1
Editor’s Mail Box
Please accept our heartiest Congratulations on being awarded at the FIAP show Sharjah 2012.
- Pradip Jain - Patna
THE BEST WILL ALWAYS BE RECOGNIZED .CONGRATULATIONS AND ALL BEST WISHES FOR FUTURE. . ARVIND MULLICK, JABALPUR
- Arvind Mullik, Jabalpur
I am new to the hobby of stamp collection , and your webpage is an inspiration to me. you have lot of information about each and every aspect of every stamp , it really amaze me how u manage so much . I think u need 100 people's work to be done for getting all these details .when I went to philately office there was none to guide me , for which i could understand how difficult the task of yours would be . Thanks for being an inspiration to me and I need your advice of how to collect foreign stamps.
- Palaniappan - Chennai
Just read the Nov issue of your mag.. It is interesting and informative as usual..My few observations are as under -
In article of Ramayan crossing river by boat in Bazar Cards 1906, further By Mr Agarwal, in the inscription near the deity Hanuman’s stamp depicting him carrying one parvat l, it is said “Hanuman carried Sanjivani Parvat.”.This is wrong refence. In fact it was a herbal medicine “Sanjivani” which was required from Dronagiri Parvat ,and was to be searched by Hanuman. But on the sight of the hill , he could not make up for the exact herbal medicine Sanjivani , so he carried on hand and brought the entire Dronagiri Parvat l .and NOT Sanjivani Parvat.. The article on “Playing Cards” is also very informative..All in all as said above, it is again a good issue ..
- Vijay Deshpande, Pune
I am very impressed with the article "India 1854 Half Anna Die II plate flaw" by Mr. Markand Dave published in your November 2012 issue. You should try to print more articles of depth study made by philatelist. This will not only increase study knowledge of young stamp collectors but also increase the bench mark our publication. In my opinion Philately is a research base hobby where the limit is endless. Publish more articles like this.
- Prabir Datta from Toronto, Canada
Read your Stamp journal (e-bulletin) and found it very interesting. Congratulations for doing this service for collectors.
- S K Chaturvedi V.S.S.M – Bangalore
Thank you for your lovely newsletter.I have seen your remarkable blog.Keep up the good effort.
- Kiron Manuel – Malaysia
Dear Mr. Naresh Kumar Agarwal,
BRITISH INDIA BAZAR CARDS "The Mirror of Indian Mythology" ( Rainbow Stamp News, Nov. 2012)
You have showed most of the philatelic covers and cards available. They are nicely illustrated and presented. For this efforts, I shall like to extend to you all my congratulations.About that term "Bazar Cards" I shall like to inform that this exact term was first coined by Late Mr. Dipesh SEN of Deccan Philatelic Club, Pune (Maharashtra). He himself told me when I had shown slides of covers in my collection to the group gathered at the house of Mr. Anand Shirolkar. That was in 1987/88. Unfortunately Mr. Sen died in 1993. For your article in "Rainbow" you have chosen the best pieces, which are rather not easy to obtain. Thank you.
Regards
Sincerely,
Avinash B. Jagtap
Weihermattstrasse 2
CH-4102 Binningen
Switzerland
Philatelic Clubs & Societies
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/
India Study Circle - http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana - http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Mobile Philately - http://www.mobilephilately.webs.com/
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rainbow Stamp Club - http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.org.in/
Stamps of India - http://www.stampsofindia.com/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
New Philatelic Publications
The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately by Sekhar Chakrabarti
A new book by noted philatelist Mr Sekhar Chakrabarti, " The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately ” been published by Niyogi Books, New Delhi.
This book in the form of possibly the first and only authoritative book on the history of the Indian National flag, exposed through philatelic articles, till date.... This book is very useful for those who are interested in Indian history as well as those who are curious about the Indian National flag, its background, development and true meaning...and for those collecting stamps on Flags !!
For details Contact : Niyogi Publishers - website : http://www.niyogibooks.com/
Promotional Section
Dear Friend,
The “Year Book of Indian Philately” is considered as a necessary reference book among the Indian Philatelic Literature, a contemporary guide for the philatelists interested in Indian philately, and a “must” addition to the library of every philatelist interested in any aspect of Philately. It has won a medal at every exhibition / competition, it has participated in so far. The latest being a Silver Medal at the IPhLA 2012, an International Philatelic Literature Exhibition held at Meinz, Germany, early November 2012.
As a philately friendly endeavor, we have designed an offer for the philatelist friends who have a wish to have various editions / issues of the Year Book of Indian Philately in their library. The offer is designed in a way that you will not be able to resist this offer.
We have prepared a limited number of sets of the Year Book, consisting the 2009, 2010 & 2011 editions. These sets are on offer for the desiring philatelists at a very reasonable and attractive price tag. Against the combined cover price of Rs 600/- plus packing and postage for the set, we are offering the set @ Rs 450/- per set and as a bonus, registered postage to anywhere in India will be paid by us for this offer.
This is a short time offer and will be executed on “ First Come First Served” basis for first 25 orders only.
Please rush your orders if interested. Remit your amount by Money Order to the following address :
MADAN MIDDHA, EDITOR,
Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar, Gwalior 474 001.
email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com
India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.
ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/
Phila News, Editor Rajesh Pahariya and published by Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta
e ZEP Newsletter http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html Editor : Dieter Leder email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de
SIPA Bulletin Editor - Mr G. Madan Mohan Das and published by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai website : http://www.sipa.org.in/
FILA Capsule – Editor : Ajit Dash and published by EIPA, Bhubaneshwar.
GPA News – Editor- Ilias Patel and published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.
Kar Phila News published by Karnataka Philatelic Society & edited by by Akshay Borad
e–mail : akshayborad@hotmail.com
RAINBOW STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog.
Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue – Dipok Dey – Kolkata, Stamps of India; International Stamp News ; Stamp Collecting Round Up ; Mansoor B.- Mangalore; Naresh Agarwal – Bilaspur (C.G.); Wolfgang Beyer – Germany; Markand Dave – and Kenneth Sequeira from Dubai; US Postal Service; Deepak Modi - Mobile Philately
All the images of this issue have not been included here. For detailed images related to this issue Please Visit: http://www.rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Chief Conservator of Forests, GHNP & Pin Valley National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India
E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com
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A Request to Readers & Contributors -
Kindly specify your contribution such as article/News/ Reader’s Right / Beginners’ Section/ Lighter Side etc.
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…..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.
