2025 - Year of Outdoor Recreation
Dehradun July 2025 Vol. XVIII Issue No. 211
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their
area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about, societies,
publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this
bulletin to the editor: j.jyoti9@gmail.com
Note- This bulletin is
only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any
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Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your
city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW
2025 - International
Year of Glacier Preservation
Date of Issue: 6 June 2024
Dear Reader,
I am happy to present the July 2025 issue of
Rainbow Stamp News. As the monsoon rains sweep across the country, the high
humidity poses a challenge for philatelists. This season is not ideal for
handling stamp collections, especially mint stamps, which can be easily damaged
by moisture if not stored properly. It is advisable to keep your collections
safely closed in cupboards and avoid exposing them to the air during this damp
weather.
However, the rainy season offers a perfect
opportunity to enjoy philately digitally! Many popular philatelic magazines and
newsletters around the world have embraced digital formats, making it easier to
reach broader readership. It is now time for change in the guidelines issued by
the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). In the Literature Class,
there should be a clearly defined sub-class for digital literature—including
websites, software, and other digital philatelic works. Some exhibition
organizers have already begun issuing IREX (Individual Regulations for
Exhibitions) that include separate categories for physical and digital entries.
Such practices should be adopted by both FIP and FIAP to ensure uniformity
across all international exhibitions.
This is all for this month. More
in the next issue.
Happy Collecting!
Contents
·Editorial
· From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
· Recent Indian Issues
· In the News
. Book Review
· Specialized Section
· Beginners’ Section
. Stories Behind Stamps
. Promotional Section
. New Issues from Other Countries
· Philatelic Clubs and Society
· Blogs and Websites on Philately
· Current Philatelic Magazines and Newsletters
SOCIAL PHILATELY : NEEDS RE-INTRODUCTION
Well, looking into this aspect only, a few years back new classes like Open Philately, Frugal Philately, Modern Philately, First day covers, Special covers, Fiscal philately etc. had been introduced in competitive classes of philatelic exhibitions. These classes also showed better results as stamp lovers found new opportunities to enter and explore their stuff and skills. But later the interest declined not because the stamp lovers were not interested but because of the declined opportunities made available for them to participate.
I am also surprised that at one place all efforts are being made to give life to the old established traditional classes of philately by allowing new variety and innovative material because cost of material has increased tremendously in comparison to the pockets of the average person and also difficulty in availability. Especially when we talk about Thematic , it has drastically changed as so called 5th generation Thematic philately has emerged on the scene by allowing even material related to postal history, traditional philately and any variety of postal / philatelic material befitting the storyline. Some of the fiscals or even non philatelic material is also allowed.
My purpose to discuss changes in Thematic is to check and ask why Social Philately, which is an image of social history and is highly educational, is being ignored. Of course, it allows sufficient non philatelic material like Labels, ephemeras, collectibles, leaflets, pamphlets, paper cuttings etc. along with philatelic material to go by and strengthen the story line. We must appreciate that collectibles are getting more space in the hearts of hobbyists today rather than philatelic and numismatic stuff . I remember in 2009 I myself had participated in Stampamania 2009 in Ahmedabad with my exhibit “Insurance in India “ in Social Philately class. The exhibit was highly appreciated. It encouraged me and so might have others also. That gave me the opportunity to display my collectible stuff which I had been collecting along with my philatelic stuff. Even in philatelic exhibitions collectibles are allowed to be sold on dealers' counters. Separate booths are allowed for sales of collectibles.
We must not forget that philately is an educational hobby and all efforts are being made to introduce it to the school going students. Just think Social Philately can do wonders ,if introduced to such students. It will not only help to develop their knowledge but also attract them in a big way.
With collectibles being available easily in comparison to philatelic material and also cost lesser; it is for sure that social philately will get a better atmosphere to prosper and will also help other classes of philately to prosper. I am really happy to see that Literature Class has gained opportunity to prosper because it has been strongly appreciated and so why not social Philately.
I hope my concern towards re-introducing Social Philately in the Competitive Philately will be given due consideration by the philatelic thinkers, federations, organizations to give more opportunities to exhibitors and to have overall growth of philately.
Recent Indian Issues
20 June 2025: 125 Years of Raj Bhawan Nainital – Rs 5
21 June 2025: International Year of Yoga – Rs 5
28 June 2025 :100th Birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand - Rs 5
New Special Covers
Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla
The Second Indian Astronaut in Space and the
first to visit the International Space Station
Special Cover issued by
Karnataka Postal Circle
Special Cover issued by Air Mail Society India Foundation
Air
Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI) released a special cover on 25th June
2025 to celebrate the launch of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second
Indian in space and the first headed for the International Space Station.
This cover was produced in a limited quantity of 100 individually numbered covers and carries the Permanent Pictorial Cancellation of the National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL) Bengaluru depicting the ISRO Rocket..
21 June 2025 : Harit Yog :Ganga Darshan Munger
This special cover is issued to
commemorate the introduction of e-Bicycle for mail delivery in Tiruchirappalli
on 5th June 2025. It has been carried through the e-bicycle form Rock Fort Sub
Post Office - 620 002 to Tiruchirappalli Head Post Office - 620 001.
New Special Cancellations
12 June 2025 : World Day
against Child Labour :Bangslore
21 June 2025 : World
Motorcycle Day : Raipur (CG)
21 June 2025 : Summer
Solstice Day : Raipur (CG)
21 June 2025 : World Music Day : Bengaluru,
Trivandrum
21June 2025 : 11th International Day of Yoga : Bhubaneshwar
22 June 2025 : Say No To Drugs Say Yes to Life : Mumbai
25 June 2025 : Axiom Mission 4 : Raipur (C.G.)
26 June 2025 : International Day Against Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking : Bengaluru
1 July 2025: Doctor’s Day Thiruvananthapuram
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation
30 May 2025 : Shivarama
Karanth : Kota S.O
In The News
Indian theme on foreign Stamps
Date of
Issue : 26 June 2025
On 26 June 2025 Sri Lanka
Post issued 10 stamps and 10 Miniature sheets featuring - Minneriya
National Park .,. The stamps feature following animals and birds :
LANKAN JACKAL 5.SRI LANKAN ELEPHANT 6. ASIAN OPENBILL 7.BRAHMINY KITE 8.INDIAN STAR TORTOISE 9.PAINTED STORK 10.YELLOW- STRIPED CHEVROTAIN
1. SRI LANKAN SLOTH BEAR 2.INDIAN PANGOLIN 3.BLACK NAPED HARE 4.SRI
Three stamps feature Indian
Species 1. Indian Pangolin 2. Indian Star Tortoise 3. Brahminy Kite (Haliastur
indus)
PCI
Awards 2025
21 June
2025 Pune
Release
of PCI Golden Jubilee logo by CPMG Maharashtra Circle Shri Amitabh Singh,
President Elect PCI Shri Madhukar Deogawanka and Shri Ashok Kumar
Bayanwala
Maharashtra Circle released two postcards on Stepwells -
Ballaleshwar Mandir Stepwell and Deulgaon Galande Stepwell during the PCI Awards 2025
PCI AWARDS 2025
Awards Recipients - 2025
Philatelic Ratna - Kishor S. Chandak
PCI Fellow
1.Gautam
Rohatgi
2.Dr.
Narendra Kumar Saboo
3.Pragya
Kothari Jain
4.Mrinal
Kanti Ray,
5.Abhishek
Bhuwalka,
6.Dinesh
Kanabar
Appreciation
1.Aditya
Asthana
2.Santosh
M. S.,
3.Dilip
Saboo,
4.Ghouse
Ali Zameer,
5.Dr. M
R Ramesh Kumar
6.B.
Joseph Stephen
7.Aranya
Dutta Choudhury,
8.Roshan
Prasad
Youth - Appreciation
Jaagruthi
Adka
Philatelic
Ratna - Kishore S. Chandak
Dr Narendra Saboo receiving PCI Fellow Award
Dr MR Ramesh Kumar receiving PCI Appreciation Award
Youth Appreciation - Jaagruthi Adka
Indian Winners at Librec 2025
National Stamp Exhibition
with International Participation “LIBEREC 2025” was organized by Svaz českých filatelistů, z.s. (Union of Czech Philatelists) in cooperation with club
“LIBEREC2025, z.s.”, established for this purpose under FEPA recognition.
Indian Winners
1.Capt Vijay Wadhwa- 2 Gold
+ 1 Vermeil 2. Sushil Mehra - Vermeil
Recent Stamp Exhibitions
THAILAND 2025 Asian
International Stamp Exhibition.
From 8 -12 August 2025
It will be organized under the
Patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP)
National Commissioner
VIRENDRA SHARMA
Email virsharma@yahoo.com WhatsApp +91-9928570097
Apprentice National Commissioner
Aditya Asthana
Email adityaasthana@live.com WhatsApp +91-9582212130
AUSVIPEX -2025
Deadlines
Entries close: 28 September 2025
Title
Pages to Judges: Mon 5 October 2025
Scans
by: 20 Oct 2025 (but can be sent anytime up until then)
Exhibition
available on line for Judges: from Friday 13 November 2025.
Exhibition
available on line for public viewing: from Friday 27 November 2025.
Results
available: Friday 4 December 2025.
Feedback
to Exhibitors: Week commencing Mon 7 December 2025.
On
Line until 28 Feb 2026
Frames
Available: 500
Exhibition
Website https://ausvipex2025.com
Organisation
The Australian Virtual Philatelic
Exhibition 2025 (AUSVIPEX 2025) is an online National Philatelic Exhibition
organised by the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF). These regulations are
based on the APF Regulations for Australian Philatelic Exhibitions.
For all enquiries email: Ausvipex2025@gmail.com
Conditions of
Participation
Participation in the Exhibition is
open to all exhibitors worldwide. They
do not need to be a member of an affiliated organisation. The exhibitor must be
the bona-fide owner of the exhibit.
Exhibits must be of 2-8 frames based
on 16 sheets (approximately 28-29 cm x 23 cm each) per frame. Page size is not
critical but entries must be in the format of frames each comprising 16 single
sheets or the equivalent in double pages or square pages, or a combination of
single, double or square pages corresponding to a ‘frame’ in a physical
exhibition.
Exhibits may come from any of the FIP
or APF competitive classes, except for the One-Frame Class. Only electronic (or
digital) Literature Class entries will be accepted. Exhibits will be classified
and judged in their respective FIP class or Australian National Class. Judging
is based on the regulations of their respective classes and these Guidelines.
Each entry must be entered in the correct class. Non-competitive entries will be by invitation
of the Committee only.
Entries can be either scans of
exhibits prepared and mounted on paper or exhibits prepared using scans of
philatelic items with the pages prepared on a computer. If the latter, the nature of preparation must
be declared. The items scanned must be owned by the exhibitor and the scans
must not be embellished in any way.
All entries will be displayed on the
Exhibition website and available for public viewing.
Entry fees
The frame fee of $20 per frame (multi-frame
exhibits) or $25 (Electronic Literature entries) must accompany the entry form.
PHILAKOREA 2025 Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition
From 17 - 21 September, 2025 At COEX Le West Convention Center in Seoul,
Rep. of Korea.https://philakorea2025.kr
National Commissioner for
India
KAPIL GOGRI
Email : kapilg25@hotmail.com WhatsApp +91.98211.11140
Apprentice National Commissioner for India
Meena Mutha :Email meenu55@gmail.com
Dubai 2026
DUBAI 2026, Specialized FIP & FIAP patronage World
Stamp Exhibition ,4-8 February 2026
Participation open in
following classes
Class 1: Traditional Philately
Class 2:
Postal History
Class 3:
Postal Stationery
Class 4:
Thematic Philately
Class 5:
Picture Postcards 3
Class 6:
Experimental class
A: One
Frame Exhibit. (1 frame from above class only)
B:
Non-standard Frames Exhibit. ( 2-4 frames from above class only)
Class 7:
Youth Philately
Group A 10-15
years old as on Jan.1, 2026(1-3 frame)
Group B
16-18 years old as on Jan.1, 2026(2-4 frame)
Group C
19-21 years old as on Jan.1, 2026(3-5 Frame)
Class 8:
Philatelic Literature
A)
Philatelic books and research papers published after January 01, 2021
B)
Philatelic magazines and periodicals, whole annual volume issued after January
2024
C)
Catalogues published after January 01, 2024
Application Forms shall be submitted to Commissioners
not later than 20 July 2025 along with copy of the introductory page. When the
title of the exhibit differs from the past (irrespective of minor or major
changes), the previous title of the exhibit must be stated in the Exhibit
Application Form. FIP Exhibitor’s Identity Number must be stated which can also
be obtained from PCI.
The participation fee for Competitive Classes (except
6, 7 and 8) will be US$ 100 per frame , Experimental class (Class 6) A: One
frame Exhibit is US$ 110 per exhibit B: Non-standard frame exhibit is US$ 100
per frame , Youth Philately (Class 7) is US$ 20 per exhibit and Philatelic
Literature (Class 8) is US$ 90 per exhibit. All additional expenses will be
informed once applications are received and calculated accordingly.
For more
details & Form download click :https://dubai2026wse.com/
MACAO 2026
The FIP Patronage Specialised world Stamp Exhibition will be held at Cotai Expo Hall A, The Venetian Macao, Taipa Macau SAR from 26 June 2026 to 1stJuly 2026.
Last date of submitting entries: 18 November 2025
Visit: https://www.macao2026.org.mo/
PHILATAIPEI 2026
FIP Patronage General World
Dates: 19 - 24 Nov 2026
News from Philatelists and Philatelic Societies
Air Mail Society India Foundation
AMSIPEX -26
The Airmail Society of India
Foundation (AMSI) will conduct its 2nd Virtual International Aero
& Astrophilatelic exhibition FROM 14 to 21 February 2026.
Obituary
Shri B.K.Nagpal President Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society, Member PCI. Veteran Philatelist, Jury member passed away on 1 July 2025 at Gurugram. Our Deepest Condolences! May his soul rest in peace.
Book Review
Guardians of Heritage
Exploring The World of GI Tag Products of India
- Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran
Guardians of Heritage :
Exploring the World of GI Tag Products of India by Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran :
First Edition 2025 : Published By Mohanapriya Senthilkumar : ISBN
978-93-342-5045-9 : Copyright : Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran : Pages: 280 : Size
A4 : Type Hardbound : Price: INR 1950: Author email : csenthilkumar78@gmail.com
A geographical indication (GI) is a name used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect from 15 September 2003. GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as: "indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.
India, with its vast cultural and ecological diversity, has given GI recognition to a variety of products ranging from the agricultural products, food products Handicrafts which promote the tapestry of culture and craftsmen, Manufactured products which show case the indigenous capability, to the natural products of India like the Makrana Marble. India Post has issued stamps, special covers, cancellations and other postal memorabilia to promote these GI Tagged Products of India.
This book is based on author’s collection of philatelic items related to Geographical Indications. The book is a tribute to the GI Tagged Products. The author has shown different philatelic items like Stamps, Miniature sheets, Special Covers, Special Cancellations, Permanent Pictorial Cancellations, Picture Postcards, Meter Marks, and other items issued by Deptt. of Posts. related to GI products.
A special chapter has been given in the book on special and specific Products from other countries like Czech Republic, Thailand, Japan, Peru, Chile, France, UK, Mexico, Portugal, Italy and Greece. This is a very interesting part of the book. It covers textile, Agriculture. Cheese, alcoholic beverages and other products from these countries.The list of State wise GI Tag Products and Alphabetical Index of GI Products has been given in the book which makes easy for reference.
The printing and layout of the book is excellent. There are about 600 multi coloured images covering different philatelic items from India and other countries. The book is very useful for all thematic collectors as well as for non-philatelists too as it gives a comprehensive information on a variety of special GI Products of India. The author has given details about each item very systematically so it is a very good refence book for everyone. The book will prove to be an asset for all philatelists and book lovers. This book is specially recommended for School and college libraries as it has lot of information on a variety of interesting products from different parts of India and other countries. It will enrich the knowledge of students about many special products and the rich heritage of our country. Thematic philatelists will find this book very interesting as the author has tried to show different types of philatelic items in the book which are part of a thematic exhibit, I recommend this book for every thematic collector as well as people from all walks of life of every age group.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran is a Chemical Engineering Graduate from renowned AC Tech Campus of Anna University, Chennai, India. He is currently employed in an Indian multi national company specialised in Water and Wastewater Treatment as General Manager & Head of Engineering Function.
He was collecting stamps
during his school days and restarted his philatelic interest during 2010 and
became a very active collector cum exhibitor since 2019. His collection
interests includes Water, Olympics, Gandhi, Joint Issue, Indian Heritage,
Indian Postal Stationary and GI Tags.
He is a Life member of South India Philatelists’ Association (SIPA), Philatelic Congress of India (PCI), Ananthapuri Philatelic Association (APA) and Madurai Philatelist and Numismatist Association (MAPNA). He had participated in various State and National level exhibitions and won medals in different categories including Thematic, Postal Stationary, Literature and One-Frame.
Specialized Section
Late Dr. Satyendra Agrawal contributed more than 100
articles for Rainbow Stamp News. He was
one of the and most versatile and appreciated philatelic writer on Thematic
Philately. He is always with us in his work. I am pleased to reproduce some of his articles published in Rainbow Stamp News.
-Editor
FANCY CANCELS OF USA (Pt. I)
For any
Thematic Exhibitor, Us Fancy Cancels are an important philatelic element needed
for their exhibit at advanced stage. The wide varieties of classics as well as
modern Fancy Cancels always have something to offer for them. What are these
Fancy Cancels, how originated and why they are important for any advanced stage
exhibit, all have an interesting story to tell. Any serious philatelist can
easily pursue America's fancy cancels for they exist in a virtually countless
array of designs and in all price ranges.
US Fancy
Cancels can be divided in two parts, the 19th century Classics
and 20th century Modern. They ruled the periods of 1850-1890
and 1920-1930 respectively. Fancy Cancels of later period are more desirable
due to their fanciful designs and themes suited for wide variety of Thematic
Exhibits.
19th Century
Fancy Cancels
The
American provisional postal system was first established in 1775 in defiance of
the British system. Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General, and
given charge of organizing a postal system quickly.
In the
early days of the US postal system, most post offices were located inside
banks, taverns and stores. Employees of these establishments served as
postmasters and postal clerks in addition to performing their usual duties.
Only in the largest cities were buildings, or parts of buildings, dedicated
solely to postal work with full-time personnel. In the early years there
wasn’t much official postal equipment either. Most correspondence was processed
and marked by postal clerks using pen and ink.
As the
US postal system matured, additional hand stamps were acquired by post offices
to eliminate the time-consuming need of manually marking letters.
In 1847
the first US postage stamps were made available to customers at post offices.
To prevent their re-use, some type of “cancel” or “kill” needed and one of the
first methods of cancellation was with pen and ink.
A clever
and very efficient idea of defacing the stamps using twice the CDS (Circular
Date Stamp), once for identifying the origin of the post office and again to
deface the stamp, can also be found on covers of this era.
Many clerks started
cancelling the stamps using cork bottle stoppers dipped in ink. These worked
well, but would tend to blot out the entire stamp making it difficult to check
the denomination.
To
overcome this problem, clerks began to carve a groove across the middle of the
cork, making two semicircles. Further enhancements included two grooves cut
crosswise (the four-piece "country pie"), and then two more, for the
eight-segment "city pie", and notches cut out off the outer edge to
lighten the cancel further.
The
carving process seems to have sparked the creativity of clerks across the
country, and given birth to Fancy Cancel.
One very
common hand stamp used for many years, to deface the stamp is known as “target
cancel”, a series of concentric rings. Most of this hand stamps where
professionally made by local engravers and sold to post offices.
Another
in this series is known as the “grid” cancels. Generally, it can be described
as a series of closely spaced lines, dots, squares, diamonds, or other shapes
that form a grid-like pattern. Grid cancels were produced by postal employees;
carved mostly from wood.
The
‘Geometric’ and ‘Star’ cancellations are large categories that include many
designs not otherwise easily described. Some of the most elaborate geometric
cancels were used to cancel high value stamps on foreign mail going from the
New York City post office to overseas destinations. In the 1870's, clerks in
the New York City Foreign Mail section produced some of the most beautiful—and
very desirable—geometric designs which are practically unique to covers that
went through the NYFM section of the city's General Post Office.
Now
postal clerks took great pride in making and using distinctive cancellations
and thousands of them including few postmasters, from small towns to large
cities spent their leisure hours preparing their own unique cancel devices.
It was a
whimsical sort of activity where illustrative cancels were crafted to reflect
the ideas, opinions, events and society in general that were on the minds of
the postal craftsmen.
Famous
‘Worcester Shield’ and ‘Shaking Hands’ cancels are good examples of this
category.
Michelangelo
of Fancy Cancels
Though
the names of most of the carvers of these beautiful Fancy Cancels scattered in
post offices all over USA, remained in dark but John W. Hill, Postmaster of
Waterbury, Connecticut, the best known of these craftsmen cannot be forgotten
for his imaginative & skilled creativity and master craftsmanship. He
produced many different designs, over a fairly long period, from 1869 to 1886
carved from cork and achieved recognition even during his lifetime. He used
each cancel for a relatively small number of times, making good examples
scarce. His "Running Chicken" (perhaps a turkey) depicts a freshly
hatched chick looking like chasing a fly appeared close to “Thanksgiving” of
1869, is the most highly-prized of all U.S. 19th century cancels. Today it sells
for more than $100,000.It was in use for only a few days in 1869.
Other remarkable fancy
cancels carved by him are related to Animals,
Birds, Fishes and Insects,
Daily used objects and geometrical patterns.
He also has shown his craftsmanship in carving many human faces for preparing Fancy Cancels.
Stamps issued by US in the Philippines
US #PH212 was the first US stamp overprinted for use in the Philippines.
On June
30, 1899, the American military government issued its first stamps in the Philippines.
Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1565 and continued for more
than three centuries. In the late 1800s, the people of the Philippines revolted
against the atrocities of their Spanish rulers. At the same time, unrest was
growing in the Spanish colony of Cuba.
US #PH227 – 1903 Philippines Overprint on US #301
In 1898, the United States and Spain went to war. The chief issue was Cuban independence and the sinking of the American battleship Maine in Havana harbor. American forces easily won the ten-week war, which ended with the Treaty of Paris and US control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
During the early occupation, the American military government issued US stamps overprinted with the word “PHILIPPINES” in black or red ink. The first stamps were issued on June 30, 1899. The 1899-1900 Philippines stamps were overprinted in black on the 1894 and 1895 Bureau Issues. The 50¢ Jefferson (#212) is unwatermarked, while the remaining denominations feature a double line “USPS” watermark
US #PH220 – 1901 Philippines Overprint on US #280b
The 1901 Philippines stamps were overprints on
stamps from the 1895 Bureau Issues and the Series of 1898-99. The 1903-04
Philippines stamps were overprinted on the ornate Series of 1902-03 US stamps.
In 1902, the postmaster general had commissioned an entirely new series of
general issues. Until this time, the current regular issues had been in use
since 1890 with relatively few changes.
In 1906,
the American civil government in the Philippines began issuing the “PHILIPPINE
ISLANDS – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” stamp series. The series featured
engravings of famous Filipinos, Americans, and Spaniards on watermarked paper.
The
Philippines first issued postage stamps in 1854. Interestingly, 81 years
passed before stamps commemorating historical events were issued, in
1935. A set of 14 pictorial stamps were released, with five designs
honoring significant events in the history of the Philippines.
In 1935, the Philippines was established as a commonwealth, part of ongoing plans to transition to full independence after 10 years. On November 15, 1935, Philippine stamps were overprinted with the word “COMMONWEALTH.”
Philippines #PHC1 – The first Airmails were issued in 1926
During World War II, the Philippines capital city
of Manila fell to Japanese Imperial Forces on January 2, 1942. The
occupying forces quickly set up a provisional government with limited
services. Postal service was suspended temporarily.
On March 4th, the postal service was formally
reopened, with the name changed from the Bureau of Posts to the Bureau of
Communications. Two stamps were issued. The remaining stamp
inventory of the commonwealth was overprinted with black bars covering the
words “United States of America” and “Commonwealth of the.” Postal service was
initially limited to Manila and a few neighboring metropolitan areas.
Provincial offices were reopened as the Japanese stabilized rural towns.
All mail was censored by the Japanese.
Philippines #PHO39 – Victory Stamp issued after Defeating Japanese Troops
Immediately after taking control of the Philippines, American forces reopened the Post Office of Tacloban. To provide stamps temporarily, the word “VICTORY” was overprinted on pre-war 1935-41 Commonwealth stamps with a rubber stamp. Once the Japanese surrendered, Filipinos began the long road to rebuilding their nation and achieving independence. In spite of the difficulties, elections were held in April 1946, and the United States ceded its sovereignty over the Philippines. Close relations continued, however, as the Philippines economy was dependent on the US and America maintained military bases in the country.
Beginners’ Section
Birth of Helen Keller
When
Keller was six, her mother read about the successful teaching of a deaf and
blind woman in Charles Dickens’s American Notes. Her mother then
consulted a doctor who led her to Alexander Graham Bell, who was working with
deaf children at the time. Bell referred them to the Perkins Institute for the
Blind, where they were introduced to 20-year-old Anne Sullivan. Sullivan was also
visually impaired and agreed to become Keller’s teacher, marking the start of a
49-year-long friendship.
Sullivan
officially began teaching Keller in March 1887. She taught her to communicate
by spelling out words in her hand. Keller initially had trouble with the
lessons, but Sullivan had a major breakthrough when she ran water on one of
Keller’s hands while making the sign for it on the other. Keller soon wanted to
know the names of everything else in her world.
US #2783-84 – American Sign Language issue
When Keller was six, her mother read about the successful teaching of a deaf and blind woman in Charles Dickens’s American Notes. Her mother then consulted a doctor who led her to Alexander Graham Bell, who was working with deaf children at the time. Bell referred them to the Perkins Institute for the Blind, where they were introduced to 20-year-old Anne Sullivan. Sullivan was also visually impaired and agreed to become Keller’s teacher, marking the start of a 49-year-long friendship.
With Sullivan’s teaching, Keller was able to attend a school for the deaf before being admitted to Radcliffe College. When she was 24, Keller graduated, making her the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She learned to speak so she could deliver lectures, and found she could understand people by “reading” their lips with her hands.
Keller became famous around the world as an
advocate for people with disabilities. She visited 25 different countries
delivering motivational speeches. She was also a suffragette, pacifist, and
socialist. In 1915, she founded the Helen Keller International, an organization
that researches vision, health, and nutrition. She also helped to found the
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Additionally, Keller was an accomplished
writer, publishing 12 books and several articles. Her birthday was proclaimed
Helen Keller Day in 1960.
Mark
Twain had admired both Keller and Sullivan. While he was unable to personally
provide financial help, he convinced his friend, industrialist Henry Huttleston
Rogers to help pay for Keller’s tuition to Radcliffe College. He’s credited
with first referring to Anne Sullivan as the “miracle worker.” Decades later,
William Gibson wrote a play based on Helen Keller’s autobiography titled The
Miracle Worker. The play was later adapted to film, three times.
Source: Mystic
Stamp Co.
Stories Behind Stamps
Finland - 10k Rose Tête-Bêche Block Of Four, 1856
Price: USD 170,000
1856 10k Rose, tête-bêche block of four, is a
well-known and unusual mint block with two tête-bêche pairings. Many
philatelists consider this piece to be one of the world's most recognizable
classic rarities. According to experts, just three mint tête-bêche blocks
survive today. The greatest example of this exceptional philatelic item was
sold for $170,000 at the Spink auction in May of 2008. It was owned by
well-known philatelists such as Mertens, Fabergé, Lichtenstein, and Amundsen.
The auction company characterized the item as "brilliantly fresh and
pristine, with large and wonderfully well balanced margins all around, full
original gum, barely perceptible crease in one corner, extremely fine and
stunning".
Reference : https://findyourstampsvalue.com/rarest-stamps/most-valuable-finnish-stamps
-Nisarg Sutaria email : nisargsutaria78@gmail.com
Promotional Section
Gibbons Stamp Monthly
The latest issue of Gibbons Stamp Monthly, which has been published by Stanley Gibbons since 1890, has just been released.Inside the July issue the editorial staff review the latest stamp sets from Royal Mail which commemorate 75 years of CS Lewis’s beloved Chronicles of Narnia book series, and the 350th anniversary of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Keeping with British
philately, Robert Galland FRPSL explores the evolution of returned letter
envelopes during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and Christer Brunström FRPSL
provides the background story to the latest stamp issue from the island of
Lundy, located in the Bristol channel.
Elsewhere, Jan Hofmeyr
FRPSL reveals how US trials using fragile double-paper stamps brought two
decades of philatelic experimentation to a close, and Michael Burzan explores
the rich world of Papal State stamp issues, uncovering the rare printings, forgeries
and colour varieties that make this a standout field for philatelic study.
Also, this month, Ed Barrow
explores the wild, weird and wonderful world of crypto stamps and Nicholas
Oughton explains the technical complexity of the 1906–07 Papua overprints.
All this, plus the latest
news from the philatelic world and the latest supplement to the famous Stanley
Gibbons Catalogue can be found inside the July issue of Gibbons Stamp Monthly.
For more information,
please visit gibbonsstampmonthly.com
-Dean Shepherd: Editor - Gibbons Stamp Monthly
New Issues from other countries
Belgium
16 June 2025:
Iconic Belgian Banknotes
Croatia
13 June 2025 : 100 years of the Zagreb Zoo
Estonia
19 June 2025 100th Anniversary of the Military Magazine Kaitse Kodu!
100th Anniversary of
the Military Magazine Kaitse Kodu!
The military magazine
Kaitse Kodu! is the fifth-oldest Estonian publication still in print today. Its
first issue was published on October 14, 1925; the last pre-war issue appeared
on June 20, 1940; and the magazine was restored in 1993
by the Estonian
Defense League. For a century, it has embodied patriotism, national defense
awareness, and civic courage. The stamp commemorating it is reportedly the
second in the world and the first in Europe dedicated to a military magazine.
This stamp embodies Estonia's determination to defend itself. We have much to
be proud of and much to cherish!
Great
Britain
3 July 2025 : Mushrooms
This special stamp issue celebrates the extraordinary diversity and ecological importance of fungi found across the United Kingdom. Often overlooked, mushrooms and toadstools reveal a hidden kingdom of remarkable beauty, colour and form—from the iconic red-and-white fly agaric to the jewel-like amethyst deceiver and the delicately sculpted scarlet elf cup. With over 4,000 known species in the UK alone, fungi are a vital and varied part of our natural landscape. They thrive in woodlands, meadows, hedgerows, and even garden lawns, playing essential roles in nutrient cycles and ecosystem health. Many species form intricate symbiotic relationships with plants, supporting tree and shrub growth through underground mycorrhizal networks, while others contribute to the decay and recycling of organic matter. Some mushrooms are prized edibles, others strikingly toxic, but all are fascinating in their own right.
This stamp collection
offers a glimpse into this complex and captivating world, paying tribute to the
fungi that enrich our environment with their presence, beauty and biological
importance. Through these designs, we celebrate not only the visual wonder of
mushrooms but also the essential role they play in the delicate balance of life
around us.
A set of ten mint
stamps featuring striking photography of some of the extraordinary species of
mushrooms found in the United Kingdom. This vibrant set will appeal to nature
lovers and stamp collectors alike.
2nd Class: CHICKEN OF
THE WOODS Laetiporus sulphureus
The common name of
this popular edible mushroom relates to its texture and taste when cooked. The
very large, flattened brackets, up to 50cm across, are found on standing or
fallen trees, especially oaks, chestnuts and other deciduous species. The
yellow to orange colours and fleshy texture make it difficult to mistake for
any other mushroom. The underside of each bracket has thousands of minute pores
from which the spores are ejected. This mushroom appears in the early summer
and continues throughout the autumn
2nd Class: CLUSTERED
BONNET, Mycena inclinata
Wherever you find
fallen oak logs, you may see the clustered bonnet, one the most common and
widespread British species of Mycena. The reddish brown stems, paler at the
top, pale grey-brown caps and rather strong odour – sometimes likened to wet
paint, cucumber or flour – are good identification characteristics. Several
other species of Mycena grow in clumps on logs, but this is perhaps one of the
easiest to identify.
2nd Class: SCARLET
WAXCAP, Hygrocybe coccinea
This is one of the
most beautiful mushrooms. Its scarlet cap can be found in late autumn in open,
undisturbed, unfertilised meadows. The lamellae, or gills, on the underside of
the cap and the fragile, waxy stem are both reddish-orange, with the stem being
almost white at the base, while the thin reddish flesh is nearly odourless. The
caps can reach up to 4cm across. There are several other red species of waxcap,
differing in subtleties of colour, texture, size and smell, all best identified
using a good field guide.
2nd Class: MOREL,
Morchella vulgaris
Morels are found from
March to May and are considered to be prized edibles. There are several very
similar species, of which this is one of the more common; its sponge-like head
is where its spores are formed in special cells, from which they are ejected in
huge numbers in a smoke-like puff. The greyish-brown head can be up to 8cm
tall. When cut in half, the body is hollow. This mushroom is widespread in the
UK and found in mixed woods on rich soils.
2nd Class: SCARLET ELF
CUP, Sarcoscypha austriaca
Found in the late
winter through spring, this beautiful species can reach 5–6cm across and often
occurs in groups along fallen, mossy branches in wet or humid deciduous
woodlands. It is widespread and locally frequent in some parts of the UK. The
outer surface of the cup is whitish and finely woolly, formed of microscopic
curly hairs. If disturbed by tapping, it often fires clouds of spores up from
the inner cup surface. It has an almost identical twin, Sarcoscypha coccinea,
differing in microscopic features.
1st Class: PENNY BUN,
Boletus edulis
Also known as cep,
this is one of the most famous edible mushroom species in Europe, celebrated in
numerous cuisines. A robust species, it has caps that can reach 25cm across,
varying from yellowish brown to dark chestnut. The fleshy stems have a fine white
mesh or network on the surface, while the spongy pores on the underside of the
caps are white, then yellowish. The flesh is thick, white and unchanging when
cut. This fairly common mushroom can be found in the autumn in mixed woods
throughout the UK.
1st Class: AMETHYST
DECEIVER, Laccaria amethystine
Small troops of
amethyst deceivers may appear almost as soon as the autumn rains begin. They
push up through the fallen leaf litter in forests across the UK. The amethyst
deceiver’s small size and striking colour of bright amethyst violet on all its
parts help make it one of the easier mushrooms to identify. Its violet gills
may be dusted with the white spores it produces.
1st Class:- COLLARED
EARTHSTAR, Geastrum michelianum
This mushroom starts
growing closed up, rather like an onion, but then the outer tissues split and
fold back into star-like arms, lifting the central ball up from the ground.
Inside the ball are spores that puff out when the ball is struck by rain drops or
falling debris. Earthstars are fairly common in the autumn in mixed woodlands
and hedgerows and can reach up to 12cm across. This mushroom is also commonly
called Geastrum triplex, but that is now known to be a different species from
Southeast Asia.
1st Class: FLY AGARIC,
Amanita muscaria
This is the classic
toadstool illustrated in children’s books of fairy tales around the world, but
many people do not realise that it is a real fungus. Widespread over the whole
of the UK from around August to December, it is most commonly found in birch
woods, although it will grow with other trees too. The white spots are the
remains of a veil that once covered the entire fungus when young. The fly
agaric is one of several poisonous species in the genus Amanita, some of which
are deadly.
1st Class: TURKEY
TAIL, Trametes versicolor
Bracket fungi, or polypores, produce bracketshaped bodies and usually grow on tree trunks or branches. One of the most common of the smaller bracket fungi found in deciduous woodlands throughout the UK, turkey tail is remarkably variable in the colour of the concentric zones, with purples, browns, greens and even bluish shades all being common. The fruiting bodies are tough but flexible, and the pale cream undersides have thousands of minute pores from which the spores are ejected.
Romania
2 July 2025
:Hydrangea
Hydrangeas
As part of the general
FLORA theme, Romfilatelia has included the philatelic issue titled Hydrangeas,
consisting of four postage stamps, a First Day Cover and a philatelic folder
with a special product in limited run printing which will be introduced into
circulation on July 2nd.
The stamps of the
philatelic issue (with the face values of Lei 4, Lei 6.50, Lei 8 and Lei 14
respectively) depict images of various flowers of the Hydrangea macrophylla
species, highlighting the shape of the inflorescence and the shades of colour.
Hydrangea macrophylla,
or hydrangea (the Latinised version of the French given name Hortense, in
honour of astronomer and mathematician Nicole-Reine Lepaute, as proposed by
botanist Philibert Commerson), is an ornamental shrub in the Hydrangeaceae
family.
Originally from Japan
and China, the hydrangea initially spread to Central and South America, and
later being cultivated in areas on all continents.The plant’s flowers appear in
mid-spring and last until the end of summer, and depending on weather
conditions, they can persist until mid-September.
The smooth hydrangea
(Hydrangea arborescens) is a variety of shrub known for its large, spherical
inflorescences in shades of white, pink, or even green. The rounded crown
typically reaches heights of 1-3 metres. The leaves are oval with serrated
edges. It prefers locations with alternating sun and shade. It adapts well to a
wide range of soil conditions, and the colour of the flowers is not affected by
the soil’s acidity or alkalinity.
The panicled hydrangea
(Hydrangea paniculata), originally from south-eastern China, is a large-sized
shrub characterised by its large, cone-shaped flowers. The blooms start out
white, gradually turning a delicate pink, and eventually a strawberry red toward
the end of summer. In addition to landscaped gardens, it is also suitable for
planting in large pots on terraces and balconies. It prefers soils with low
acidity.
The large-leaved
hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) has rich flowers, usually in various shades
of pink, blue, purple, white, colour influenced by the soil’s acidity or
alkalinity; acidic soil promotes the appearance of blue or light purple
flowers, while alkaline soil favours pink and red flowers.
It originates from
Japan and Southeast Asia and is adaptable to various soil types, which has
contributed to its wide distribution.
The shrubs reach a
height of 1 to 1.5 metres, depending on growing conditions. Generally, they
require more water. They withstand low temperatures and are resistant to plant
diseases. The plant’s fragrant flowers appear in June and bloom until the end
of August.
The First Day Cover
features a floral arrangement matching the image of a beautiful garden space.
Philatelic Clubs and Societies
Air Mail
Society India Foundation - https://www.airmailsocietyindia.org/
Karnataka
Philatelic Society - https://www.karphil.in/index.html
Prayag Philatelic Society
- https://prayagphilatelicsociety.org/
Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - https://eipa.in/home
The Hyderabad
Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -
http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic
& Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Rainbow Stamp Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.net.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
Durgapur
Philatelic & Numismatic Society – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3TasUbyR/
Blogs & Websites
Jusqu’a Markings and other Route Indicators
RAINBOW
STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com The idea of
this blog is to extend the philatelic fraternity to all corners of the world.
Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share
new ideas with other philatelists. New
Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions 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. Readers
may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic
activities in their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
-VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya &TimirShah and
published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
-Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri
Philatelic Association, Thiruvananthapuram.
Eduitor – Mohanachandran Nair
-Journal of the Army Philatelic Society
-India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original
articles submitted by members of ISC.
-Deccan Philatelist edited by Dr Anjali Dutta email : dranjalidutta0303@gmail.com from Deccan Philatelic
Society, Pune.
-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor
– Shri Prakash Agrawal
-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association
-The Fila Capsule issued by
Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Editor - Dr
Bibhudutta Mishra
Gibbons Stamp Monthly edited by Dean Shepherd –
Stanley Gibbons
Acknowledgment
- Ananthapuri Stamp
Bulletin July 2025 issue edited by Mohanachandran Nair: email : apa.tvpm@gmail.com
- Judaica Thematic
Society, UK . Society Newsletter July
2025 edited by Gary Goodman email : judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : SIPA, Philately Promoters, EIPA ,
Indian Philately, Prayag Philatelic Society Group, Philatelic Exhibitions,
Deccan Philatelic Society Whatsapp WOPA Mystic Stamp Co.; Pan India Pictorial
Place Cancellations ;
Piyush Khaitan- Pune; Md. Zahidul Islam Echo –
Dhaka, Bangladesh; Praveen Shastry , Bangalore; Capt. Vijay Wadhwa- Raipur ;
Dean Shepherd- UK; Mohanachandran Nair- Trivandrum; Kasinath R, Tanjore;
Jaagruthi Adka- Bangalore; MB Stamps
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife
Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. India .
e-mail
– j.jyoti9@gmail.com
A Request to Readers & Contributors –
·
Please do not send the text in scan
form or PDF. Send your write ups in MS Word only.
- Last
date for receiving articles/ News /write ups – 25th of every month.
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Happy Collecting ……….
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and
published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun (Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation
among philatelists.
