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Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin edited and published by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Rainbow October 2018





150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi


Date of Issue : 2 October 2018


Dehradun October  2018  Vol. XI  Issue No. 130

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 the editor: j.jyoti9@gmail.com 

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


Dear Reader,

I am pleased to present  October 2018 Issue of Rainbow Stamp News . On 2nd October 2018, to celebrate  150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, stamp exhibitions were organised by many postal circles all over India with the issue of a special cover. Such an exhibition was also organised at GPO Dehradun. It was a good attempt by the Postal Department but  there were some drawbacks. Some exhibits were put on display without sequence and some exhibits with stamp photos instead of actual stamps were displayed and these exhibits were also given awards. In fact such exhibits should be discouraged from display in philatelic exhibitions.   The staff of the Postal Department which organises stamp exhibitions is often not aware how to mount and display the exhibits in frames properly. Sometimes the exhibits are damaged in mounting and dismounting. They   should be given proper training by the philatelists only .For this purpose Head Post Office can arrange a small training program for their employees. It is observed that  these exhibitions seem to be a show of Postal Department where the exhibition hall is crowded with its own employees and the children are forcefully brought from the particular school mostly from the Govt schools to visit the exhibition. The actual exhibitors are often lost or forgotten in the crowd as least or no recognition is given to them . In return they get back their exhibits in damaged condition . But when an exhibition is organised by the local Stamp Club or Philatelic Society it is much arranged and well managed. While  organising such shows a panel of philatelists must be included in the  organising committee of the exhibition. They can guide the staff  to conduct the exhibition and make it more successful.

This is all for this month . More in next Issue.

Happy Collecting !





Contents

§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§  Recent Indian Issues
§  In The News 
§  Doon Philatelic Diary
§  Reader’s Right
§  Beginners’ Section
§  Rose Philately
§  Specialized Section 
§  New Issues from Other Countries
§  Philatelic Clubs and Society
§  Blogs & Websites on Philately
§  Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletter












BETTER TO BE UNIQUE THAN  NUMBER ONE


A few days back I read an article in newspaper describing  the very important fact of human trait and  life. It  stated that it that it was better to be unique rather than to be at number one, to stand first. It reminded me of Sachin Tendulkar, Indian legendry cricketer who captained India for only few tests but remained  an important part of Indian cricket team as a batsmen. His quality of batting was the unique feature and so he refrained for captaining the team or say to be number  one.

Here in philately, now I see the race of exhibitors to get Gold. They just want Gold at any cost. They are not bothered about the pleasing essence of philately, not about the uniqueness of particular collection or the exhibit but just look for the Gold. Yes, exhibiting and collection are two different aspects of philately. From my experience , I can say the collections are unique in many ways but exhibits are prepared mainly looking in to the medal  winning  prospects. Exhibits often miss the uniqueness of the collection. The true essence of any collection can be experienced through collection only and not through exhibiting which in fact has certain limitations.

It reminded me of one very fine collector of one of my  friends late Dr. Abdul Rehman , who did enjoy exhibiting but never looked for the position…the medals.. the awards. He exhibited his collection so as to please the viewers and also to please himself. The tile of his collection was “Pictorial Art Through The Ages”.  A truly magnificent, wonderful and of course, beautiful collection comprising of beautiful  and colorful stamps, Souvenir and miniature sheets, covers with pictorial cancellations etc.. One could feel  freshness  after watching his collection. His exhibit had a unique feature of  rich thematic study, beautiful and fresh philatelic and postal items, completeness  of the subject matter, no compromise  at the cost of digging in different items  to make it better for medal winning but  very selective in  maintaining the  combination of beauty, freshness, completeness and narration of the items or the subject matter in beautiful legible manner. He also used colors for text but in a unique manner to not to over shadow the stamps and philatelic material displayed.
What I mean to say, philately is for pleasure and not for medals or positions. You are unique when you behave differently. Not necessarily the top position holders are unique. They are good but not  unique always .

Another example of uniqueness is a wonderful collection of Thematic material by one of my most beloved friend Mr. Atul Jain who  collects on Human Hands. I have never seen through out my philatelic career such a wonderful   presentation, description, explanation  and study of Human Hands through philately. The collection is unique combination of  rich and in-depth  thematic study and research & the huge  variety of philatelic and postal material  covering philatelic material pertaining to huge time span and geographical area. I did see some exhibits on this subject but found those to ones to be  very immature. No considerable  thematic or philatelic study, no appropriate material. This exhibit have not yet been exhibited at International Shows but the collection have won very high awards of International Stature but is unique and  exceptional. Undoubtedly , the uniqueness  of the collection is its completeness through material which could not be done  on 80nos.  sheets exhibit. My hats off to my friends who always preferred to be unique rather to be first. The true essence of joy, the true feeling of completeness, the true pleasure of viewing and watching is in uniqueness and not  in the  first rated  exhibits.

Hence, what I feel is that we need to understand that philately is basically for pleasure and joy. Joy for other and joy for self. Competitiveness  is good as it helps in improving the quality but  the quality is improved in medal winning direction only. The beauty and charm are compromised due to space limitations,  limitation in choice  and quantity of material, writing thematic text and  presentation techniques. This  certainly helps in making better exhibit but not a unique exhibit or a unique collection.

 Hence, I wish to say that we should try to build our collection first and make it unique second. However, exhibiting  stands in the last. Collecting unexplored themes and  completing those even by cheapest of the material. Rarities do help in making any collection unique but  rarities basically  helps  making a better exhibit rather than a unique  collection.
Well, I do agree every collection is different, unique in its own way but true uniqueness stands  when it attracts  most of the viewers. So, I conclude by saying that we should strive to have a unique collection and not a Gold winning Exhibit necessarily.…

- Naresh Agrawal  Ph. 09425530514  - email :  nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Recent Indian Issue



2 October 2018 : 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi - Rs  5 +12 +20 +41+22+25+25 + MS
23 September 2018 : Sant Ganinath – Rs 5
17 September 2018 : Hislop College,  Nagpur  – Rs 5
15 September 2018 : India – Serbia Joint Issue – Rs 5 + Rs 25 + MS
3 September 2018 : Martyr Mahadevappa Mailar –Rs 5+ Sheetlet

Recent Special Cover

2 October 2018 : 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Special Covers from Dehradun, Bangalore and Lucknow




26 September 2018 : Tribute To Muni Tarun Sagar JI Maharaj, Varanasi
1 September 2018 :  Gandhinagar Higher Secondary School Gandhinagar, Bangalore
28 August 2018 :Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara – Silver JubileeCelebration, Bangalore






In The News

MACAO 2018 Philatelic Exhibition (FIAP)

Macao 2018 



Heartiest Congratulations to all winners at 35th Asian International stamp Exhibition Macao 2018 being held in Macao from 21 to 24 September 2018

  Indian Winners at Macao 2018


L to R : Om Prakash Kedia, Pragya Jain, Daniel Monteiro, Sandeep Chaurasia, K Sridhar


Award list of Indian participants




Detailed award list of Indian exhibitors



2018 Best Europa Stamp

The 2018 Best Europa stamp - Jury prize was awarded last month on 15th September 2018, in Brussels’ town hall. This was the seventh edition of this neutral and artistic prize.
Five experts of the philatelic world were invited to join the jury and judge the Europa stamps based on their expert opinion.
This year's winner is Belgium with a stamp part of the following souvenir-sheet (the stamp on the right) - it's the second time that Belgium wins the Jury prize, they did already in 2014 


Belgium - First Prize





Hungary -Stamp above left in the souvenir sheet


2nd (tied) – Hungary  & Finland


3rd - Croatia




Largest Collection of stamps featuring amphibians




The largest collection of stamps featuring amphibians consists of 1,644 stamps and is owned by Dr Indraneil Das (Malaysia) in Sarawak, Malaysia, and was measured on 30 April 2018.Dr Indraneil is a Professor of Biology, specialising in herpetology.

Dr. Indraneil. Das  is  a non resident Indian presently settled in Malaysia. Born in India in 1964, he received his early education in India, leading to a D. Phil. in Animal Ecology from University of Oxford. He was a postdoctoral research fellow at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and a Fulbright Fellow at Harvard University. Since 1988, he has been Associate Professor, University Malaysia Sarawak. His research focuses on ecology, systematics and biogeography of amphibians and reptiles of tropical Asia. His areas of experience are Herpetology, systematic and , conservation biology.


 Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC), University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), conducted a public outreach event on World Animal Day, entitled “Sarawak Biodiversity Evening” at DeTAR Putra, UNIMAS, on 4 October 2017




Guinness World Records Official Attempt exhibits the World’s Largest Collection of Amphibians on Postage Stamps

He is a dedicated stamp collector and stamp lover having huge thematic collections related to amphibians and reptiles. He is an eminent writer both in his field of his professional specialization and also in the field of philately. He has authored several books in philately mainly pertained to the Amphibians and specialized collections in philately.
He is a  Guinness World Record holder of having largest number of stamps on Amphibians”. His collection comprised of  all varieties of philatelic material  showing his philatelic interest and  knowledge.

In addition to huge collection of stamps Dr Indraneil has written number of articles on several subjects of philately.

PHILATELIC PUBLICATIONS

1. Das, I. 1994. Herpetological philately. Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 29(9):200–202.
2. Drewes, R.C. & I. Das. 2001. Obituary: Lawrence Wesley Swan (1922–1999), Raja of the Autonomous Native State of Cooch Nahai. Hamadryad 26(2):378–380. Note: Mentions cinderella stamps
3. Das, I. 2014. Herpetological products in philately issued from Malaysia. Russian Journal of Herpetology 21(1):13–39.
4. Das, I. 2014. The King Cobra on postage stamps. Majalah untuk Numismatik dan Philatelic Wanglama (1):4.
5. Das, I. & Y.M. Pui. 2015. Amphibian postmarks from around the world. Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan. 20 pp.
6. Das, I. 2015. The unissued philatelic essays of Morocco, featuring herpetofaunal species. Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 50(7):93–95.
7. Das, I. & Y.M. Pui. 2015. Alfred Russel Wallace, evolutionist, on postage stamps. Biophilately 64(4):235236.
8. Das, I. 2015. Animal folklore on stamps of the world. The Sarawak Philatelist 7(2):17–19.
9. Das, I., A. de Silva & J. Jinasena.2016. Illegal philatelic issues in the name of the Republic of Rwanda, depicting Sri Lankan snake images. Bibliotheca Herpetologica 12:56–59.
10. Das, I. & G.V.A. Gee. 2016. Unrecorded watermark, colour shade and perforation variation in philatelic issues commemorating the World Youth Stamp Exhibition (2014) from Malaysia. The Sarawak Philatelist 8(1):8–11.
11. Das, I. & Y.M. Pui. 2016. StampWatch. Teaching biology through philately. Majalah untuk Numismatik dan Philatelic Wanglama (3):17, 19–20.
12. Das, I. & G.V.A. Gee. 2016. Internet resources for the philatelist. The Sarawak Philatelist 8(2):23–28.
13. Das, I. & G.V.A. Gee. 2017. Butterflies on early postage stamps of the world. The Sarawak Philatelist 9(2):50–53.
14. Das, I. & G.V.A. Gee. 2018. Creative innovations and advanced printing technologies in contemporary postage stamps from Malaysia. The Sarawak Philatelist 9(1):35–76.


 Now you see me, now you don't...





NEW Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet with Moving Rabbit from USPS
On the Art of Magic stamps' First Day of Issue, the USPS surprised  with a souvenir sheet featuring  very first stamps produced with lenticular printing.  This is what makes the rabbit appear to pop in and out of the hat when the sheet is tilted – a nod to one of history's most famous magic tricks.  It's amazing to think how far stamp technology has come ! To  view the image with special effect click on the following link :


New stationery (postcard) on animal from Poland




In Poland a new stationery (postcard) on animals has been issued recently ..
The postcard is featuring a Marmot (Marmota marmota).
Quantity 8 000 pieces only.

- Wolfgang Beyer, BDPh (German Philatelic Federation).


Special Postmarks from Luxembourg


1.  Nature Protection “ Mouvement Ecologique”
2.   Prevention of Breast Cancer



Smart PostCard by Luxembourg Post




Send a photo just like a real postcard
The Smart PostCard application allows you to send your favourite photos as postcards from your smartphone or tablet.

·         A postcard created before 2 pm is dispatched the same day

·         Send postcards from anywhere, to anywhere in the world

·         Your photo is printed on glossy postcard paper and mailed with a real stamp



PHILAMUSICA 2019




This philatelic exhibition will be held from June 8th to June 10th 2019 in Mondorf-les-Baines (Luxembourg).
Indian Philatelists and from other countries are  invited for apartipication in this important philatelic exhibition.


 For more Details note:  www.philcolux.lu

Courtesy: Mr .Roger Thill, Philcolux and Mr. Wolfgang Beyer, German Philatelic Federation

WORLD OF REVENUES

Salon at 29th International Stamp Fair, Essen, Germany
May 9-11, 2019.

An international exhibition, devoted solely to fiscal philately, will be organized in cooperation by the FIP Revenue Commission, Arbeitsgemeischaft Fiscalphilatelie im BDPh e.V. (German Society for Fiscal Philately), and International Stamp Fair Essen. As this is the first time such a special revenue exhibition will be held, the Salon takes place with a non-competitive basis. However, every exhibitor who wishes will get an exhibit evaluation by a group of experienced jurors. The expected size of the Salon will be 200 frames. The frames accommodate 12 album pages and not 16, please note. Exhibits of 1 to a maximum of 10 frames may participate. The charges are Euro 18 per frame.
Please download the first Bulletin and Application form of the exhibition and participate from https://stampsofindia.com/worldofrevenues.htm

Anil Suri anilksuri@email.com is coordinating the participation from India and will carry the exhibits to and from the exhibition and obtain necessary governmental permissions.
Source : Stamps of India

Recent Stamp Exhibitions
THAILAND 2018  WORLD  STAMP EXHIBITION

THAILAND 2018 is an extraordinary world stamp exhibition organized by the Philatelic Association of Thailand under the Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn from November 28 to December 3, 2018 at the Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand on the auspicious occasion of the First Anniversary Celebration of H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Royal Coronation Ceremony. The 75th Congress of the International Philatelic Federation (FIP) will also be held at THAILAND 2018.
Mr. Madhukar Jhingan is the National Commissioner for India.

email : mj@stampsofindia.com  Ph.  +919811160965

ODIPEX-2018

 

10th State level Philatelic Exhibition of Odisha Circle, Odipex – 2018 will be held from 15th December  to 17th December 2018. About 500 exhibition frames will be displayed and more than 20 stamp dealers would participate.

Philatelic Seminar in Bangalore




Doon Philatelic Diary


Anasakti Ashram






-Abhai Mishra


Kausani is situated in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand and is well known for the splendid view of Himalaya it offers. One can have majestic view of various Himalayan peaks like Panchchuli, Nanda Devi and Trishul. Initially it was in Almora district but in 1997 , Bageshwar district was carved and Kausani became a part of it. In 1929 Mahatama Gandhi came to Kausani and stayed in the guest house of a tea garden. Initially he planned to stay here for a day or two but was mesmerized by the beauty of the place so much that he extended his stay and was here for fourteen days. He wrote the initial chapter of the book “Anasakti Yog’ based on epic ‘Gita’ while he was here. Gandhiji termed the place as Switzerland of India. 







Later this guest house of tea garden was converted into that of District Panchayat guest house. Then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Sucheta Kriplani mooted the idea of establishing an Ashram here in the memory of the Father of Nation. Thus it was named as ‘Anasakti Ashram’. The ashram boasts of a rich collection of material related to Gandhiji. Community prayer is an integral part of routine followed in the ashram. Nearby is Lakshmi Ashram which was founded by Sarla Behn, a disciple of Mahatama. 



- Abhai Mishra email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com


Reader’s Right

To,     
                                                                                                               
DDG Philately, India Post
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New – Delhi 110 001
3rd July 2018
Attn. Smt. Amarpreet Dugal


Dear Smt. Dugal,

Sub: Non-availability of the Philatelic products in the Philatelic Bureau’s

Nice talking on dated 01.08.2018, as apprised about the irregularities in supplies of philatelic products to the bureau needs to be streamlined.  Presently the whole condition is in a mess. 

1.    Incomplete supply of one series of stamps to the Bureaus.
2.    Stamp collectors have to go through a tremendous ordeal to complete a series by hopping from one bureau to another. Stamps need to be available in all the philatelic bureaus across India before the day of the issue which is why FDCs were issued in the first place. These then become truly collectable. There should be no biases.
3.    This need to be addressed on priority if at all India Post's concern is to raise Indian Philately to match the present global standard about which I apprised in my emails in detail after visiting Israel 2018 (27 – 31st May) World stamp exhibition.
4.    The philatelic sales/revenue in all those countries including neighbouring countries – Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Israel has jumped manifold because of the instant availability of the products. Rather they are offering discounts and appointing agent. 
5.    As suggested it is highly important to have monitor cell in Philatelic division (India Post) to keep you well informed about all the Bureau activities like - supply situation, demand and actual sale figures etc.

This is a minimum requirement to keep Philately growing in India and also, in turn, philatelic sale/revenue will grow. The main outlet of India Post i.e. Philatelic Bureaus need to be fully equipped with the supply to cater to collector's demand.

You assured by 31st August  all backlog supply of the year 2017 issues will be completed, set this deadline to the SSP Hyderabad. This needs to be cross check with all the bureaus in the first week of Sept.

You also assured since you joined, from May 2018 to July 2018 all new issues complete items supply has been made, which is a welcome move. This is to inform you in Patna bureau the following issues have not yet reached from May 2018:

·        July 07, 2018 -  India – South Africa joint issue Miniature sheet
·        July 08, 2018 -  D.H. Chapekar
·        July 26,2018 – India-South Africa joint issue again.

Since you took over I addressed you by writing few letters/email on various issues to you but never receive a response from your good offices.  I hope you will kindly look into my suggestions in good spirit and shall be glad to receive a line of reply from your end.  

With regards, 

Pradip Jain, FRPSL
Ex-member:  Philatelic Advisory committee.


Dear Smt. Dugal,

Non availability of recently issued stamp of the period July to Aug 2018

Further to our e-mail / your office response, I am to inform you the following issue stamp allied material not yet received to the Philatelic Bureau Patna GPO.

·         26th  July 18 Indo – South Africa joint issue (Gandhi – Mandela)
·         8th Aug 18  - Handlooms of India stamp + Souvenir sheet
·         16th Aug 18 Holiday destinations of India Stamp + Souvenir sheet
While all these issues are offer on sale at E_ post but not in the main outlet in the Bureau about which I am writing you regularly this issue, kindly be address on priority. .

Please ensure that all new issue reach to all your Bureau on the date of issue about which you also assured.

India Peru joint issue stamps was to release in the year 2013,  Peru already issued the stamp on 19.03.2013, image below, but India Post not yet release this issue while the joint issue stamp was already printed lying in stock.

 Regards,

Pradip Jain, FRPSL

Ex Member : Philatelic Advisory Committee.   

Beginners’ Section

Young Philatelist of the Month - Pragya Kothari



I am sharing the Plan Page of award winning exhibit of Pragya Kothari for the guidelines of philatelists. Pragya Jain was selected in youth training program (Young Philatelist) from India (Asia), conducted by In Royal Philatelic Society London. - Editor


Thematic Collection –
 1. "I am bow and this is my story" –
1. Gold (national level)
2. Vermeil ( Israel 2008, India 2011, Indonesia, 2012, Australia 2013, Brazil 2013)

2. "Man Measures his Environment" –
1. Vermeil (Singapore 2004, Israel 2008, Australia 2013)
2. Gold (at National Exhibition 2013)

3. Dynamics of Mother Earth –
1. Large Silver (Inpex 2017, Mumbai);
2. Large Silver Medal at Macau 2018 FIAP Exhibition.
Traditional Collection –
“A Study of the First Issues of India (1852-1855)"
3. Previous title "India until 19th Century" ( awarded Gold with special Jal Cooper award at National Exhibition 2013).
4. Large Vermeil 89 points (Singapore 2015)
 5. Gold 90 Points (New York 2018)



Stories behind stamps


The Stamps that Stick Without a Lick



Getting stamps to stick hasn't always been a simple task. Most stamps made after 1840 came with an adhesive gum on the back. But the gum—made from various plant products such as cornstarch, sweet potatoes, gum Arabic, and sugar—wasn't always of the highest quality, meaning stamps often fell off letters. The U.S. Postal Service tried various gum formulas to remedy the situation, including special "summer gum" that was resistant to humidity, and "winter gum" that resisted cracking in cold, dry winter air.
Finally, in the 1960s, the South Pacific island kingdom of Tonga broke the mold when it printed a series of self-adhesive stamps. Not only did they not require licking, they came in odd shapes—the most famous of which was this 1969 stamp (below) shaped like a banana. These unusual stamps were a big hit and, for a time, became a significant source of revenue for the country. Collectors went crazy for them. In fact, they became so popular that one dealer ordered more copies of a particular stamp than had been printed. Most countries followed Tonga's lead, and today, the die-cut, peel-and-stick stamps are the most common type of stamps in the United States.

Source : Mental Floss

In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….








Rose Philately


Pos Malaysia issued a beautiful set of stamps with a lovely miniature sheet on 14th February 2014 for sending special greetings with a touch of warm love to the dear ones.This rose stamp collection series was issued as a way to encourage the public to appreciate hand-written cards and letters, sealed with a meaningful stamp on the envelope. 



Throughout history, no flower has been so loved, revered, or renowned as the three species namely the Hybrid Tea rose, Grandiflora rose and English rose which are selected to be featured in this Rose-themed stamp and philately collection.



The stamps  in three denominations featuring the Hybrid Tea rose at RM0.60 each, Grandiflora rose at RM0.70 each and English rose at RM1.20 each. The miniature sheet is  at RM5.00 with a heart-shaped Hybrid Tea rose .


Specialized Section


India Post issued a commemorative stamp in 1999 on Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. He was a writer, poet & essayist, considered as one of the most important modern Hindi poets of the Hindi language.The spelling of his name in English is wrong on this stamp. It is printed as Ramdhari Sinha Dinkar which should have been Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.


His name in English can be found in his books which have been translated into English. This error was noticed recently by Col Jyanta Dutta on a Post on FB. Of Mr Anup Goyal.

US Special Delivery Stamps







Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta

In 1885, the Universal Postal Union established the basis for a special service for the speedy delivery of mail for an extra fee.  This class of service is known as Special Delivery or Express Delivery.  Essentially it meant that a postal packet was delivered from a post office to the addressee immediately once it arrived at the post office responsible for delivering it, rather than waiting for the next regular delivery to the addressee.  In 1885 the United States was the first country to issue postage stamps expressly for this service.  The world's first special delivery stamp, a 10¢ blue ‘Running Messenger’ special delivery stamp was printed by the American Bank Note Company and issued on 1st October 1885.  It could not be used to prepay postage for any other service.  The stamp bears the words "Secures immediate delivery at a special delivery office.”

Initially the service was available only from 555 post offices in large metropolitan areas. On Oct. 1, 1886, the service was extended to all first-class post offices in the United States.  In the United States, special delivery stamps paid only the special delivery fee. The regular postage had to be paid with postage stamps.  While the special delivery fee could be paid with regular postage stamps, after July 1, 1907, special delivery stamps were not authorized for payment of regular postage.  In 1886 when the Special Delivery service was expanded to all post offices a new stamp was designed.  The revised stamp was identical to the first issue of 1885 but instead bore the statement "Secures immediate delivery at any post office."


The 1885 and 1886 issue of Special Delivery stamps




But the usage of such stamps had their drawbacks.  Special Delivery only served communities whose population was over 4,000 people and could not guarantee delivery by a specific time.  To be valid the Special Delivery stamp had to be affixed to the envelope along with all other postage and could not be used to prepay regular and airmail postage.




Image of Special Delivery cover with 1897 postmark.




Special Delivery Messenger 10c Die proof stamps, Plate block, Issue of 1893

Beginning in 1902 and continuing for 20 years, Special Delivery messengers were issued bicycles to deliver the mail and correspondingly a stamp was issued that year which depicted a messenger riding a bicycle and delivering the mail.

In 1908 a helmet of the god Mercury was briefly used for the design, with the stamp often called the Merry Widow issue after a popular opera in which the lead singer wore a large hat.  The bicycle design was reinstated and continued with subsequent issues having differences in perforations and watermarks.  The series ended in 1922 when a messenger riding a motorcycle was shown, replaced by a truck in 1925.  In the following years the truck and motorcycle pictures reappeared as rates changed and various color, printing and perforation varieties were created.

Finally in 1954 a design featuring hands passing a letter went into use.  The last image instituted in 1969 portrayed arrows.  Overall philatelists recognize 23 separate issues of special delivery stamps spanning the years 1885 to 1971.  In addition, three Airmail Special Delivery stamps were issued in the 1930s, two regular ones and an imperforated issue specially produced by Postmaster General James Farley.  None of the special delivery stamps are particularly scarce in used condition.

On June 7, 1997, the United States Postal Service terminated Special Delivery mail service which left many unused Special Delivery stamps in circulation that were no longer valid for such postage.  The remaining stamps were allowed to be returned to the Post Office for their face value as "services were not rendered".








In February, 1893 the stamp's color changed to orange to avoid confusion with the one cent 1893 Columbian issue.



10c Orange, Special Delivery on cover tied by Back Bay Boston Mass. March 30 1894 cancel




1927, Motorcycle Delivery, 10c red lilac, horizontal pair imperforate between stamps



Misperfed to left, plate number 24553
The issue of 1895 was overprinted for use in Cuba, Guam and the Philippines.



To meet requests for U.S. stamps with Philippine overprints, the Bureau of Insular Affairs ordered a special printing of the Special Delivery stamp. Since the printing plates for the 1901 issue had been destroyed, the 1902 design was substituted and two panes of 50 were overprinted.  Only 100 examples were produced.

-       Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta - email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com


India’s Postal History from the Feudal Era to Independence, 1947


Last part (Postal System from 1873-1947)






-Swamynathan R.

Mails between India and Britain

            By late 1700, the Desert route called “Direct Service” through Basra, Allepo using DromedaryDawk/Post, then Allepoto  Constantinople, finally from Constantinople to London via Vienna using the established Thurns and Taxis service. In 1813, a shorter route was opened through Baghdad, Smyrna, Malta to the first port of Britain via Gibraltar. This route became the default route unless the Allepo route is requested by the sender of the letter. The sender has to mention on the letter the preferred route “Via Constantinople and Vienna” or else the letter will travel via Basra, Smyrna and Malta.

Need for Faster Communication
            The start of the 1800, saw the increase in trade between Britain and India and the technology development of steam navigation which resulted in faster communication between India and Britain.
At a meeting held in the Town Hall of Calcutta on the 5th November 1823, offered a premium of Rs 10,000 to the first company, or society that would bring a steam vessel to India from England and establish communication  between the two countries. In 1825, Captain Johnson took the initiative and brought the paddle steamer named “Enterprise” from England to India via Cape route in 113 days including the coal refuelling of 10 days. This event was further pursued by Lt. Thomas Waghorn with the land and sea route via Suez.

Development of Overland Route

Throughout the eighteenth century, travel and communication between Britain and India had been mainly by the sea route via Cape which is a longer route taking approximately 70days each way. To ease communication and to open up trade, the interest for an overland route either via Persian Gulf or Red Sea had grown.

Col.Chesney Expedition

Colonel Chesney who travelled to Turkey in 1829 to fight for the Turkey Army  The British , but before his arrival at Turkey,  the war was over and he carried out  a brief survey of the various routes for faster communication between India and UK.The following routes were proposed in general by Co.Chesney :
1.    Malta, Constantinople, Triebison(Trabzon), Tehran, Bushire and to Bombay by Persian Gulf.
2.    Rhine, Danube, across Black Sea, Triebiscon(Trabzon), Tehran, Bushire and to Bombay by Persian Gulf.

3.    Malta, Alexandria, Suez and to Bombay by Red Sea.
4.    Malta, Iskandroon, Beles, and Mohemerrah to Bombay by Persian Gulf

A Select Committee of the House of Commons was appointed in 1834 to inquire into the means of promoting communication between Britain and India by Steam navigation. The committee examined the suggestions from some of the competent persons on the various routes between Britain and India. Col.Chesneygave the maximum information on faster communication between Britain and India using various routes with various advantages, disadvantages  including the cost factor.

Col.Chesney preferred the Persian Gulf route due to two reasons : Firstly, the distance between Bombay and entrance of Persian Gulf was shorter by 1230 kms than the distance between Bombay and entrance of Read Sea. Secondly, during the monsoon season Persian Gulf is more suitable to navigate the steamers than the Red Sea. British Government awardedCol. Chesneya grant of £25,000  to undertake the Euphrates  expedition to establish a steamship route on the Euphrates river which will form a link between India and UK via Persian gulf.

Col. Chesney had two plans. The primary plan was to travel from Basrah to Anna by Eupharates river and then by land to Beirut via Damascus. Alternately, travel from Basrah to Baghdad by river Tigris and then travel by land to Beirut by Dromedary Dawk.

Two steamers each named “Tigris” and “Eupharates” were assembled and erected nearBirecik in Turkey, renamed as Port Williams on the banks of river Eupharates. The parts of both the steamers were brought from England to Antioch(now Antakya) on the Orontes river where a depot was established.Both steamers set out on 16th March 1836 for the  expeditionthrough river Eupharatesfrom the city of Birecik. On 21st May 1836, the steamer “Tigris” sank due to hurricane near the rocky pass Is-Geria taking 10 lives. The expedition proceeded to the town of Anna and on 18th June 1836 the steamer “Eupharates” reached Korna which is the junction of river Tigris and Euphrates. Next day the steamer reached Basrah. Further the Eupharates travelled towards Perian Gulf and reached Bushire on 23rd June 1836.


  
From Bushire, Col.Chesney decided to survey the river Tigris by travelling to Baghdad on the river Tigris.On 3rd September the journey started from Bushire and reached Baghdad on 14th September 1836. Col.Chesney could not regularise the Euphrates or the Tigris route due to various difficulties and the expedition was soon supposed to expire on 31st January 1837.

With the sinking of steamer Tigris and various obstacles faced during the expedition, the Euphrates expedition could not succeed and the Red sea route via Suez became a favoured overland route than the sea route via Cape town.

Development of Suez and Alexandria route

By 1835, Lt.Thomas Waghorn of the Bengal Pilot Service, had surveyed and regularised the overland route between Suez and Alexandria taking a total travel time of 60 hours. The route from Suez to Alexandria had three sections :
·         First sections is the desert route from Suez to Cairo. Along the desert route, from Suez to Cairo, a series of eight rest houses were constructed every eight to 10 miles.
·         Second section is the junket(small boat) from Cairo to Atten by way of the Nile River.
·         Third section is the Atten to Alexandria by way of the Mouhmediah Canal. 
Thomas Waghorn was officially authorised by Britain to carry mails British empire mails between Suez and Alexandria from 14th June 1837.This official contract ended in 1841 and other agencies like P&O and the ruler of Egypt governmentoperated  between Suez and Alexandria.





In 1869 the Suez Canal was opened and the overland route between Suez and Alexandria became redundant.

Development of the route between Bombay and Suez

With increase of trade and political activities between England and India the need for faster,  stable and secure  communication between India and England was a felt. Keeping in view of establishing a permanent steamer service between Bombay and Suez, a steamer for East India Company called “Huge Lindsay” was built and ready for commissioning in 1829. It made four  voyages to Red Sea  demonstrating the feasibility of the route. On 20th  March 1830, the steamer “Huge Lindsay” left Bombay for Suez. After 33 days(12 days for coal refuelling). It was the first steamer to carry mails from Bombay to Suez.

Later regular steamers started between Bombay and Suez and Bombay began to assume the port of exit for India and by 1854 with Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation company("P&O") becoming the only steam ship company providing communication and transport services from Bombay. Bombay became the only exit port for India.
           
Development of routes from Alexandria to Europe.

With the regularization of the route between Suez and Alexandria , four different routes from Alexandria to London was established.

1.    The first being route being Alexandria, Malta, Gibraltar, Southampton. This route was slower and cheaper.

2.    Anglo-French Convention in March 1836 permitted mails to and from India to be carried acrossFrance between Calais and Marseilles. This saved time over the sea route via Gibraltar to Falmouth but gave rise to postal charges due to the French Post Office. This second route necessitated, some distinction necessary for the routes a letter might take from Alexandria. As per the Court of Directors of East India Company, in August 1837, its now essential that the words “Via Marsellies” is mentioned on the letter to specify the route taken by the letter.

3.    Third route between India and Great Britain via Trieste and passing through Austrian Dominions was announced by Bombay PMG on 25th July 1838. This route will take 18 or 19 days between Alexandria to London.

4.    Due to Francho-Prussian war in 1870, a fourth route to London was established via Brindisi. This route is known as Brindisi-German route(Brindisi(Italy), German, Belgium and London). In 1872, with the opening of Cenis Tunnel Rail Road, mails travelled directly to London via Italy and France. This direct route took 55 hours saving 26 hours as compared to the Brindisi-German route. The Italian vessels operated between Alexandria to Brindisi. This route was discontinued with the break of World War I.

Other Developments

a.    As per the suggestion PMG-London, the Court of Directors of East India Company in  August 1837, directed the Governor to mark overland letters with impression of stamp “INDIA” for those letters passing through Egypt or Syria. This will facilitate the due collection of the postage rates authorised by the Act of 1st Victoria, Cap. 76.

b.    Mont Cenis Pass Railway was built as a temporary connection between France and Italy whilst the tunnel under the Alpine pass was being built.

A few books to read on development of postal routes between India and Britain.

“The Balkans Through The Prism of Postal Geography”
2.    The Syrian Desert by C.P.Grant
“Eleven Centuries of Postal Services”
3.    British Routes to India by H.L. Hoskins
4.    The Making India of India The Untold Story of British Enterprise by KatarLalvani
“The Mail Services, The Telegraph and the Telephone”

Concluding thoughts

a.    In philatelic terms, postal history is studied mainly with respect to postal rates, post marks, postal routes.There are various historical events which forms the foundation to postal history and normally outside the scope of philately and gets left out. The understanding of historical events related to postal development helps in easy and in depth understandingof postal history.

b.    Postal history can be studied in two perspectives; first, to study from a historical story in terms of postal developments and its evolution. Secondly, postal history is studied with reference to a particular historical postal letter with reference to its postal rates, post marks, postal routes and sometimes stamp affixed on the letter.

c.    This 10 part postal history write up largely focuses on postal history of India with respect to its history and evolution. The write up is written for general readers.
d.    Lastly, it is important to get feedbacks from the readers to improve this 10 part series.

                                                                                                                                    ...........Concluded


Email :-Swamynathan R : email : swamyxyz@yahoo.com
New issues from other Countries

Luxembourg

Stamp issues on 18 September 2018



50 Years of the “Mouvement Ecologique”


In 2018, the environmental organization “Mouvement Ecologique” is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was established by a group of young people who were concerned first and foremost with protecting nature. The later debate on nuclear power also sparked increased engagement in the development of society in general. The “Meco” has since grown into a nationally recognized movement, which works towards sustainable development, maintaining quality of life and the rights of future generations.

Stamp Day 2018





In 2018, the Stamp Day will be held in Kayl-Tétange and is hosted by the local philatelic club. Käl and Téiteng (in Luxemburgish) are located in the south of Luxembourg, also known as “the land of the red rocks”, due to its characteristic vast iron ore deposits. Alongside the raw materials extraction, a whole new industry sprung up which also included the design and manufacture of technical devices. With the issue of this special stamp for the Stamp Day 2018, POST Philately is introducing a new series. The host association can choose the motif; it just needs to be closely related to their home municipality or region.

Preventing  Breast Cancer





Talking differently about breast cancer is a challenge of Europa Donna Luxembourg, an association formed in 2002. Thanks to presentations on the disease, people sharing their stories and public awareness campaigns such as the “Broschtkriibslaf”, the taboo around cancer has been greatly reduced. The primary objective: to raise public awareness about breast cancer and the risk factors in order to promote a responsible attitude amongst women towards their health. Europa Donna Luxembourg wants to tell every woman that she is not going through the ordeal of this disease alone. Having cancer is a very distressing experience.

UK
16 October 2018 : Harry Potter – set of ten special stamps
This collection of 10 magical stamps features favourite characters and iconic wizarding transport from the much loved series of Harry Potter films.


10 unique Special Stamps featuring favourite characters Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Neville Longbottom plus selected portkeys and iconic transport from the Wizarding World  – including the Hogwarts Express, Hagrid’s motorbike, the Knight Bus and the Triwizard Cup.
  • UV light has been used to illuminate the stamps and to sprinkle a little extra magic
  • Stamps are presented in two horizontal se-tenant strips of 5.

Acknowledgement
- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin  September & October 2018 issues edited by Mohanchandran Nair

- Judaica Thematic Society (UK)  September 2018  Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman

-The Hyderabad Philatelist  August 2018 issues edited by Prakash Agarwal

-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine  August  2018 issues  edited by Prakash Agarwa
- Journal of The Army Philatelic Society Vol 16 No 3 & 4 edited by Col Jayanta Dutta




Blogs & Websites


Philatelic Clubs & Societies 

Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society -  http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/  
The Hyderabad  Philatelic and Hobbies Socirty
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
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association -  http://www.sipa.org.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune


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. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya & Timir Shah  and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/

ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/

Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram

Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta
India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.

Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Socity, Pune.  edited by Col Jayanta Dutta
The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society  Editor – Prakash Agrawal

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue :    ,  Stamps of India ;  Suresh R.-Bangalore, USPS, Wolfgang Beyer - Germany, Pradip Jain-Patna; Ashwani Dubey n Raman Kumar Mandal-Gorakhpur; Abhai Mishra-Dehradun; Europa Stamps ;Dr Hemant Kulakarni - USA; Shalini Agrawal - Kanpur


Address for communication :
Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India  
E-mail –    j.jyoti9@gmail.com 

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Any material from this newsletter may be reproduced only with the written permission from the editor. 
Happy Collecting ……….                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun, ( Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.




























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AMRITPEX 2023 - Silver

CAPE TOWN 2022 - Silver

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INPEX 2019, Mumbai - Silver

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INPEX 2017, Mumbai - Large Silver

CHINA 2016 - Bronze

TAIPEI 2015 - Bronze

CG International Philatelic Promotion Award 2014, Germany - ( 4th Position)

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I
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JOBURG 2010 - 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Johannesburg - Silver Bronze

PORTUGAL 2010 - World Stamp Exhibition, Lisbon - Bronze

Hong Kong 2009 -23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Hong Kong - Silver Bronze

About Me

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Participated in different philatelic exhibitions Wrote for philately column in The Pioneer and worked as sub-editor for U-Phil Times published from United Philatelists, Kanpur.Did Schooling from Kanpur Vidya Mandir and Post Graduation in Botany from A.N.D. College Kanpur.

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