Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Rainbow February 2019



Hearts Blossom !



Date of Issue : 10 January 2019

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the joys of love with the latest stamp in the popular Love series, the Hearts Blossom Forever stamp.“The Love stamp is traditionally released in time for Valentine’s Day.The Hearts Blossom stamp shows 12 colorful hearts in a palette — of red, purple, orange and pink — intended to create a happy and positive feeling.


Dehradun February  2019  Vol. XII  Issue No. 134

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 February 2019 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. New stamps with new technology are being released by various postal administrations to attract the collectors. Despite the fact the number of philatelists is decreasing day by day in all the parts of the world. The hobby of  stamp collecting seems to be losing its charm. But still there are some philatelists and  philatelic societies / clubs which are continuing their services to promote this hobby. Recently Sarasota Philatelic Club of Florida USA organized a big national stamp show with participation of members of India Study Circle. Many many congratulations to  the organizers for organizing such a grand show. Some Philatelic Associations and Societies in India are also very active in organizing philatelic events and promoting philately. Eastern India Philatelists' Association, South India Philatelists' Association , Karnataka Philatelic Society, Baroda Philatelic Society and Philatelic Society of India are strong and prominent associations in our country which organize philatelic exhibitions time to time at national level. These associations play a big role in the promotion of philately. Other small associations in different states also put many efforts in organizing philatelic activities in their region. India Post must recognize their services by felicitating prominent philatelists as well as associations  during philatelic events which are today the backbone of philately in our country.

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

Happy 2019!    Happy Collecting !!






Contents

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





PICTURE POSTCARD EXHIBITING : ITS TIME TO WELCOME IT





One has to do  something new and put some efforts for its survival when  there is no way out. The same logic stands good for the survival of philately which is said to be dying today. The once considered to be the king of hobbies and also the hobby of kings, has lost its charm in the old and traditional way of collecting and displaying.  It is good to see that philately is finding its new ways, dimensions  and exploring its unexplored fields. For last few years, efforts are being done to introduce new classes in the philatelic exhibitions which means new fields of philately are prospering and helping philately to maintain its charm, dignity and the honor.

From Social philately, to Open class, then Frugal philately, several new fields are being explored. The last one in the scene is introduction of Picture Post Card Exhibiting. This is  a very fascinating class of philately which got its recognition  quite late. However, it is still  less known to philatelist world over.

Picture Post Cards are being collected for last several decades and such picture cards have been  part of postal system even before the formation of the postal cards. Several philatelic organizations and federations have accepted the importance of this class and have introduced the same in many exhibitions. Though in Australia, the idea was probably introduced long back in 1987 but was not well taken up. To name a few  APF- Australian Philatelic Federation first gave the proposal of introduction of this class in 2002 and later  introduced this in proper way  in  Stampex 2014 (AS14)  and Stamp Expo 2015; Finlandia-2017, Stamp Show-2018 by Western Australian Philatelic Council and of late in SLOVENIJA 2019. In many other exhibitions in other countries,  it has also been introduced as experimental class as I know such as Ameristamp Expo 2004, Ameristamp Expo 2006 here in Toronto, South Africa October 2002.  Over the last 15 years  regular efforts are being done to  explore this class of philately by doing various research and by evolving displaying methodologies. Regular changes and improvements are being done in judging techniques and criterion in this class at different levels. Like in other classes of philately e.g. thematic, this class is also being judged in  proper / systematic way.

Picture Post Cards, as one  knows is a card having a picture as major part of the card but there are other several components which have been identified, defined and  are being used to display and judge the exhibits.
Broadly , the subject matter of the picture, the artist who designed it, the painter who painted it, the publisher who published it, the place, time / era when it was produced and put in to use, the printing techniques used, the paper or card  or material used are some of the fields where Picture Post Card exhibiting can be explored. However, postal and philatelic aspects can also be explored like postage, post offices, postal routes, cancellations, stamps used, markings on the cards etc.. I mean there is lot of scope in Picture Postcard (PPC) Exhibiting. One can see PPC exhibiting as  combination of Pure Philately and Social philately.

In PPC collection and exhibiting, the scope is world wide, learning is extensive, challenges are not that high, pleasure is vast, collection is comparatively easy, exhibits preparation is simple and above all joy is maximum.

In India, what I find , there is big confusion about this class and also about its exhibiting. Here philatelists probably don’t know much about exhibiting Picture Post cards. They need to  teach about exhibiting of Picture Post Cards. I don’t find any seminar or any workshop and not even any talk on exhibiting Picture Post Cards.  I personally find this class very attractive. Lots of Picture Post Cards are now available of various sites on face book, Whats App and other digital groups and one is bound to get attracted towards these cards.

Well, my intention here to write is to tell readers to think about this class. An emerging class, a new way of thinking and displaying .  Hence, my appeal to the philatelic fraternity especially in India is to welcome this class of philately. Please promote it at all levels such as  One frame to multi-frame exhibiting, School Level to National Level  &  Thematic to  Social History.

Well, friends in my next month column, I shall try to come back with  detailed discussion on this class of philately and also about  its exhibiting and judging. Till then… look for the PPC’s in your boxes… take those out and enjoy…….


: Naresh Kumar Agrawal email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in


Recent Indian Issues





2 February 2019 : Kumbhmela Prayagraj – Rs 5
30 January 2019 : Financial Inclusion – Rs 5
25 January 2019 : Mahamati Prannath – Rs 5
24 January 2019 : Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology – Rs 41 + MS
  
Recent Special Cover



3 February 2019 : Gandhipex 2019, Pondicherry
31 January 2019 : Celebrating Indian Insect Diversity, Bangalore
30 January 2019 : Leprosy Awareness Campaign, Bangalore
30 January 2019 Special Round Holographic  Cover  : 71st Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Kolkata


12 January 2019 : 72nd Indian Dental Coference, Indore
12 January 2019 : DABH Airort, Indore
5 January 2019 : International Yoga Festival,Indore
30 December 2018 : Centre for Urban Biodiversity Conservation and Education, Coimbatore
18 December 2018 : Diamond Jubilee – The Wildlife Preservation Society, Dehradun
12 Decenber 2018 : Universal Health Coverage Day , Bangalore



5 December 2018 : Gass Forest Museum, Coimbatore
4 December 2018 : India’s First Insect Museum, Coimbatore
1 December 2018 : First Flight Cover – Direct Inaugural  Flight Coimbatore- Delhi, Coimbatore




In The News

Indian Theme on UN stamps



The United Nations Postal Administration will issue three panes of six stamps each on Feb. 21, International Mother Language Day. The pane of 55¢ stamps includes the word “Hello” in English and in a dozen other languages.

The United Nations Postal Administration says hello in more than 40 languages on its upcoming stamp issue for International Mother Language Day.
The day is observed each year on Feb. 21 to “promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism,” according to the UNPA.

The UNPA will issue 18 World Languages stamps on Feb. 21 in three panes of six, one pane for each UNPA post office. The post offices are located at U.N. headquarters in New York City; the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; and the Vienna International Center in Vienna, Austria.

Sergio Baradat of the United Nations designed the panes. His designs feature symbolic people in olourful clothes greeting each other, with their greetings inside speech balloons.
For example, on the first of the six 55¢ stamps in the UNPA/New York pane, a woman in a pink dress says “Olá,” “hello” in Portuguese. The English “Hello” is found on the stamp at left in the bottom row.

According to the UNPA, the other 11 languages represented on this pane are Filipino, Chinese Mandarin, Swahili, Tamil, Persian, Italian, Bengali, Hungarian, Kazakh, Thai and Czech/Slovak.

The pane is inscribed “World Languages” in English at the top. And, like the other two panes, it pictures part of a world map in the background.
The UNPA/Geneva pane of six 1-franc stamps includes 14 languages in 13 speech bubbles, as one bubble includes two greetings. In this bubble, located in the selvage on the right side of the pane, one person offers the Romanian “Salut,” while another replies with the Indonesian “Halo.”

The other languages on the UNPA/Geneva pane are Burmese, French, Russian, Polish, Hebrew, Hindi, Azerbaijani, Urdu, Hausa, Amharic, Danish/ Swedish and Japanese. Inscriptions on this pane are in French with “Langues du Monde” at the top.

The UNPA/Vienna pane with the German “Sprachen der Welt” inscription includes 14 greetings representing the following languages: Sindhi, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Serbian/Croatian, Arabic, Korean, Dutch/German/Norwegian, Zulu, Gujarati, Yoruba, Telugu, Turkish, Greek and Spanish. The stamps in this pane are denominated › 0.80.

Cartor Security Printing of France printed the panes in the following quantities: 22,000 each of the 55¢ and 1fr panes (132,000 stamps); and 28,000 of the €0.80 (168,000 stamps). The UNPA describes the printing process as “offset plus hexachrome.”

The stamps measure 40 millimeters by 30mm each, and the panes are 140mm by 170mm.
International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the general conference of UNESCO in 1999 at the initiative of Bangladesh. It was formally recognized by the U.N. General Assembly in 2008.

Source :  Linns Stamp News

 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Colombia and India

Colombia Post issued a commemorative sheetlet featuring National Flowers of both  Colombia and India, Orchid (Cattleya trianae) and Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera gaertn ). The stamp features Ashok Chakra and colors of Indian flags as well as color strips of Colombian National Flag.



Date of Issue : 28 January 2019



-     -   Kasinath R.


A new stamp with the effect of augmented reality dedicated to Siberian Crane

This stamp uses the augmented reality technology. When you hover your smartphone over the stamp using the "mARka" applicationn, the image “comes to life” and the Siberian Crane soars over the water landscape. The picture is accompanied by a brief information about the Siberian Crane and the sound of his singing.



The art stamp in the series "The release of the program" Europe "" with the image of a Siberian Crane was released on January 22. When you hover the smartphone camera over the brand through the mobile application mARka, the image “comes to life” and the Siberian Crane soars over the water landscape. The picture is accompanied by a brief information about the Siberian Crane and the sound of his voice.
The Siberian Crane, or White Crane, is a species of cranes, endemic to the northern territories of Russia. Sterkh breeds exclusively on the territory of our country. The Siberian Cranes are endangered and are listed in the International Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Convention on International Trade in Animals, as well as the Red Book of Russia.



Augmented reality technology for postage stamps is available through the free mobile application mARka, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. The appendix contains a library of postage stamps to which this technology is applied.
The use of modern visual technologies of augmented reality allows you to go beyond the boundaries of the usual perception of a postage stamp as a sign of postal payment and expand its consumer characteristics. Such stamps can open unlimited access to the world of information and entertainment for collectors and all users of postal services.
Links to applications:



India Study Circle Members Awards List at Sarasota National Stamp Expo,  organized by Sarasota Philatelic Club, Florida, USA




Heartiest Congratulations to all the winners !



Sandeep Jaiswal, Dr Anjali Dutta, Kapil Gogri, Aanad Kakad, Rahul Ganguli

1. Sandeep Jaiswal (British India Victoria postal stationery) - Large Gold Medal
APS pre 1900 medal of excellence
Collectors club of New York Award- Foreign

2. Sundeep Jaiswal (The first issue of Dungarpur ) - Large Gold Medal
& Single frame Grand Award&India study Circle award

3. Paul D Allen (Outgoing Victoria Indian mail: October 1854 July 1876) - Large Gold Medal
&Reserve Grand Award &India study Circle Grand award (pre 1900)

4. Tia Kapil Gogri ( Beyond Imagination) - Large Vermeil Medal - Youth Grand Award

5. Dr. Anjali Dutta ( Fiscals of Gwalior) - Large Gold Medal

& APS Research Award
India study Circle Grand award (Indian States)

6. Anand Maruti Kakad ( Birds of the Pheasant Family ) - Gold Medal

& American Topical Association first place

7. Dr. K.S. Mohan (Postal History of Travancore) - Gold medal

& India Study Circle Award

8. Rajesh Jhunjhunwala ( Postal Journey of Males in India British Era 1854 – 1876)
- Gold Medal & India study Circle Award

9. John Warren ( Civil Censorship in India 1939 – 1945 ) - Large Vermeil Medal
APS 1940 - 1980 Medal of excellence
India study Circle Grand award(1900-1945)

10. Dr. Rajnish L Karnik (Quick Mail Service) - Vermeil Medal
& India Study Circle Grand Award post-1945

11. Rajesh Bhura ( Mahatma Gandhi "The Man of the Millennium" ) - Vermeil Medal
American Topical Association 3rd place
India Study Circle Award

12. Ajay Agarwal (World War II Sealed and Stamped in Memory) - Vermeil Medal

Indian topical Association 2nd Place

13. Kapil Gogri (Journey of Bridges ) -Large Silver Medal

14. Ashwani Kumar Malhotra
(Space) - Bronze Medal

15. Rahul Ganguli (Modernization of India Post) - Bronze Medal
& India study Circle Award

16. Sandeep Jaiswal
(The First Issue of Dhar literature entry) - Vermeil Award


-Ajay Kumar Mittal, Commissioner India Study Circle


Forthcoming International Stamp Exhibitions

CHINA 2019 World Stamp Exhibition



 CHINA 2019, FIP General World Stamp Exhibition to be held in Wuhan, China from 11 to 17 June, 2019.








Mr Umesh Kakkeri has been appointed National Commissioner for India.
The Exhibit Application forms and the detailed rules of exhibition (IREX) can be downloaded at :   https://stampsofindia.com/CHINA2019.htm  

The duly filled Forms along with a copy of the first page of the exhibit should be submitted to the National Commissioner for India, Umesh Kakeri, umesh_kakkeri@hotmail.com Ph. +91 9969571767 by February 18, 2019.

Commissioner for SINGPEX 2019 Philatelic Exhibition (FIAP)


Mr. Anil Suri has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the SINGPEX 2019, FIAP General Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held in Singapore from 31 July to 4 August, 2019.

Eligibility: The minimum eligibility for participation in a FIAP Exhibition for Senior Class & Youth Class (Groups B & C) is Vermeil Medal and for Youth Class (Group A) a Large Silver Medal secured at a National Exhibition.
For details contact : Anil Suri Phone: (Res.) +91-11-2643 0813 / (Off.) +91-11-2647 4681
(M): +919811176908
Email: 
anilksuri@email.com
Commissioner for NEW ZEALAND 2020 Philatelic Exhibition (FIAP)


Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the NEW ZEALAND 2020, FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 19 to 22 March, 2020.
For details contact : Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal Email: ajaymittal1957@gmail.com
Phone: (M) +91 9811032311


Commissioner for LONDON 2020 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition (FIP)
Mr. Surendra Kotadia has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the LONDON 2020, FIP Specialised World Stamp Exhibition to be held in London from 02 to 09 May 2020. The exhibition will be held in two parts from 02 to 05 and 06 to 09 May 2020, by changing over the exhibits on the evening of May 05.
Exhibition Classes: Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Revenues, Postal Stationery, Thematic, Youth, Open Philately, Philatelic Literature and Championship Class only.

Eligibility: The minimum eligibility for participation in a FIP exhibition for Senior Class & Youth Class (Groups B & C) is a Vermeil Medal and for Youth Class (Group A) a Large Silver Medal secured at a National Exhibition.

For details contact : Mr. Surendra A. Kotadia
Email: 
surendrakotadia@gmail.com
Phone: + 91 22 2202 4130 / 2202 4131/ 2284 3244
Fax : + 91 22 2284 3275
Mob : + 91 98199 03789

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 a participation 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

News from Philatelic Societies

Malwa Philatelic Society , Indore


AHILYAPEX 2018-19, Indore




AHILYAPEX 2018-19 District level Philatelic exhibition, Indore

Ahilyapex-2018-19, a district level Philatelic exhibition was held at Indore from 12 to 13th January 2019 . Total 100 frames were displayed  first time in district level exhibition at Indore. This included 40 frames on Mahatma Gandhi. Shri O.P. Kedia was  jury member. Three covers were issued. One on Devi Ahilyabai Airport , Indore. Second cover on 72nd Indian  Dental Congress. On 13th January a special cover was issued  to commemorate Gandhiji's visit to Indore 100 years ago. Philatelic seminar, Drawing and quiz competition were also conducted.


 A stamp exhibition on Gandhiji has been organized at Devi Ahilyabai Airport Indore   by Malwa Philatelic Society. It is a 10 frame exhibition on stamps of Gandhiji from India and abroad.  Mr. Keshav Sharma Regional Director, Airport Authority of India inaugurated the exhibition. It received overwhelming response. It was a three day exhibition on occasion of Martyrs' Day.






Special Cover on 7th International Yoga Festival 2019, Indore




A special Cover on International Yoga festival 2019 by Parmanad Institute of Yoga Sciences and Research, Indore was issued on 5th January 2019.

- OP Kedia, Indore

Book Review



"The Last Post"- A Philatelic Miscellany is the latest book by noted writer and philatelist of Orissa, Anil Dhir.  He needs no introduction to the philatelic community, as he is well  known for his excellent collection on ‘ Mourning Covers” and ‘Indian Classics’. This book has 20 different real stories related to letter boxes, old post offices, philatelists, stamps and stamp dealers, stamp collections, India Post staff and everything related to mail , postal history and postal services. Anil Dhir has his own style of narration that attracts not only a philatelist but everyone who loves reading. His close observation towards various events of life and the way he puts them into words, makes the story quite interesting and the reader feels that  the story is just happening  around . All the stories in this book  are real  and interesting that reader is forced to read the whole book  at a stretch. Some anecdotes, his meeting with Khushwant Singh, about Late Shri Kailashnath, Major Mohanty, Black Borders, The Post Office at Port Blair, Post Office Red, The Last Post and the Lost Cover need special mention here. Very nicely written that keeps the reader engrossed and thrilled. The pics in the book make stories lively. It’s a wonderful book of its own kind with stories related to mail services and its history. Every philatelist will enjoy reading it …. For a serious  philatelist  it is an asset of the philatelic memories as  the persons, places are very much familiar……...  

This book with 104 pages  is priced just at Rs 150/- . For the readers of Rainbow Stamp News, it is at Rs 100/- post free by Regd. Book Post. It will be available with Kashinath Sahoo   email:   kasisahoo123@gmail.com   Phone : 797856967 - Editor



"The Last Post" is a book of a different order. I have written twenty stories  on letter boxes,  post offices, mail runners and other postal ephemera tinged with nostalgia. All the stories are first hand experiences. In fact there were so many, that I have a tough time in choosing which to select. It is heavily illustrated with colour plates.Maybe the success of the book will make me write a sequel. Anil Dhir


The Last Post:  A Swansong for the Post Office and the Letter Box

Book Review  by A.B.Tripathy  IPS (Retd.) State Convener, INTACH

Much of social and cultural history of the world, especially in the last five centuries, can be linked with the development of the postal services. The Post Office has been a trusted friend, it connected governments and royalty, nations and empires, customers and companies, and of course, friends and families. As the world evolved, the postal systems too evolved.

In the late years of the last century, the Indian postal system was seen as one that had been unable to modernize; mounting volume in outdated facilities had resulted in chaos, inefficiency and dysfunction. It seemed that the postal system, which was once at the cutting edge of a communications revolution, was doomed to become a quaint relic of the past. The internet revolution, emails, couriers, cell phones etc. had got about a sea change in the manner in which people connected and communicated.

Postage Stamps, letter boxes, old Post Offices, in fact anything connected to the mail, tell a story.  They speak of multiple stories, ranging from tales of politics, history, technology, biography, genealogy, economics, geography, disaster, and triumph. This book is the work of a postal enthusiast. It is an ode to the romance, valour, adventure and enchantment of the postal system.  The fascinating real life stories, centered on the Postal services are tinged with nostalgia. There are sweeping and entertaining accounts and interesting anecdotes. The human stories of the thousands of people who lived and worked within it, have not have been told.

The Last Post, was released recently at the National Archives of India, Bhubaneswar. Written by Anil Dhir, the book is a collection of 20 stories spread over the last three centuries, related to the post offices, letter boxes and postmen. Dhir, an avid heritage aficionado is a multifaceted personality. He delves into uncharted paths and courses and comes out with scintillating facts which are out of the common. This remarkably adventurous spirit is reflected in the themes of his writings. This book is of that genre that will keep the attention of the readers glued to the contents.

I will end with the note that there is no substitute for the Post Office. Every nation’s Postal System is the heart of the country, circulating its pulses across the borders and within. We should never let it die. 

Doon Philatelic Diary

World Peace Stupa







- Abhai Mishra


The Great Stupa situated at Mindrolling Monastery, Clement Town, Dehradun is a unique example of its kind in the world. This magnificent stupa measuring 185 feet was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 8th October 2002. It is an excellent example of Tibetan-Buddhist religion, culture, tradition, art and heritage, which is worth seeing.


The first Mindrolling monastery was established in 1676 in the Drachi valley by the first Mindrolling Trichen, Terdag Lingpa. In 1959 after the death of the tenth Mindrolling Trichen, his son Trichen Jurme Kunzang Wangyal had to leave Tibet due to Chinese invasion and Tibetan uprising. He was finally enthroned as the eleventh Trichen in 1962 and finally in 1976 he was able to set up the official monastic seat of Mindrolling in exile. Today the monastery has expanded to become one of the largest Buddhist centers in India. The followers of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism consider Mindrolling to be an inspiring example of the pure and profound Dharma of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery provides primary and secondary Buddhist education, facilitates research and preserves and promotes Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
Mindrolling has many magnificent examples of Buddhist art and architecture including the Great Stupa. Padmasambhava statue was inaugurated in 2016. There are several large prayer wheels on the grounds surrounding the stupa for use by the devotees.

- Abhai Mishra: email - abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com

Beginners’ Section


Alaska’s Final Dog Sled Mail Route




On January 8, 1963, Chester Noongwook made his final trip delivering mail in Alaska via dog sled.

Mail delivery in Alaska has long been more of a challenge than in other parts of the United States.  The extreme temperatures and long stretches of undeveloped land in the 1800s made mail delivery difficult.

Letters sent from the continental US could take weeks or even months to reach their destinations.  Often, mail would be sent to Washington where it was loaded on to steamships in the Puget Sound.  These ships would then carry the mail to southeastern coastal towns.  From there, the mail was transported into the interior sections of Alaska by river steamers and later trains.  However, trains couldn’t reach some of the most remote areas and ships couldn’t pass frozen rivers, so other methods of delivery were needed.



Sled dogs proved to be the answer.  They could travel long distances day or night, over frozen lakes and through dark forests.  Native malamutes, huskies and Eskimo dogs were a natural choice. They were strong, had thick coats, furry paws, and didn’t need special housing.  At one point they tried using horses, but their feed was expensive and they couldn’t handle the cold as well.

Most dog sled teams consisted of eight to ten dogs pulling sleds carrying between 500 and 700 pounds of mail.  The mail was carried in rubber-lined waterproof bags and the dogs wore moose hide moccasins to protect their feet from sharp ice.



By 1901, Alaska had a system of mail trails that ran along almost the entire length of the Yukon River.  Much of the mail was carried along the 2,300-mile Iditarod Trail from Seward to Nome.


Dog sled mail delivery made a huge difference to the people of Alaska and it was widely in use for the first three decades of the 20th century.  Then in the 1930s, airplanes slowly began to replace dog sled mail.  The change was relatively quick and smooth in aviation centers such as Fairbanks.  But it was a much longer process in the more remote areas where they needed to develop airfields.



By the 1940s, most sled dog teams were replaced by airplanes.  However, one sled dog team continued to operate into the 1960s.  Chester Noongwook made weekly 100-mile mail runs from Gambell to Savoonga.  Even as airstrips were built in both towns, he continued to carry the mail when the planes couldn’t make it in.  He made his final trip on January 8, 1963.





Upon his retirement, Noongwook was invited to Fairbanks, though he didn’t know why.  Ironically, he was to fly to Fairbanks, but the plane was delayed by four hours due to poor weather.  Once he finally arrived in Fairbanks, he was honored to receive a special award for being the last sled dog mail carrier.

In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….











Rose Philately

Rose is the iconic symbol of Love and  February, the month for love birds. Many Postal administrations have issued stamps for Valentin’s Day featuring roses n hearts.

 Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose !

  
  






Specialized Section

United States Lincoln Centenary of Birth Issue







Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) had appeared on at least one denomination of every regular issue since 1866. When the definitive issue of 1908 (the Third Bureau Issue) bore only the portraits of Washington and Franklin, there was considerable disappointment among the public.



Issue of 1866 and 1903

When the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth provided an opportunity to correct the situation, Ernest Robinson Ackerman a well-known stamp collector, successfully led the appeal for a special commemorative stamp. Ten years later in1919, Ackerman would represent New Jersey in the U.S. Congress. The National Postal Museum now owns part of Ackerman’s United States collection.


The 2-cent Lincoln stamp of 1909 was the first U.S. single-stamp commemorative issue, though it had the dimensions of a definitive stamp. It was also the first commemorative issued with and without perforations. The Lincoln portrait was based on a statue by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens located in Chicago’s Grant Park. For some unknown reason, it was decided not to place Lincoln’s name on the stamp that commemorated the centennial of his birth, but included instead the years of his birth and death. Lincoln is portrayed in a sad or reflective mood, which is appropriate given the tragic events which darkened his presidency.

 A number of stamps of this time period were made available imperforate, intended for perforation and manufacture into coils by private companies for use in vending and affixing machines.


2c Lincoln, large die proof in Lake die sunk on full size card signed and typewritten dated “Approved January 18, 1909” by George von L. Meyer the Postmaster General, ex-Ainsworth.


Imperforate plate block of six




Perforated plate block of 6

The stamps were in three different formats - perforated with white paper, imperforate, and perforated with bluish paper.




Perforated stamps on white and blue paper
Two other facts are interesting about this stamp. This was the first U.S. commemorative stamp that was issued in only one denomination and for a single individual. And as two-cents was the rate for a single-ounce weight first-class letter, it made this the first Lincoln stamp to see usage on regular mail in the United States.



2c Lincoln, on cover with “Boston, Mass./Feb 12, 1909” first day of issue wavy line machine cancel


Prior commemorative issues were all sets of multiples – for the Columbian Exposition in 1892 (fifteen denominations), the Trans-Mississippi Exposition in 1898 (nine denominations), the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 (six denominations), the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904 (five denominations), and the Jamestown Exposition (three denominations) – and were issued to meet a variety of postal services.

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


Editor’s Mail Box

Madam,

First of all I wish to congratulate for achieving 11 years of publication of Rainbow Stamp News. Really it is a great achievement especially without break.  I am a regular reader from its first issue.  I wish to inform you that the contents of the magazine is very informative and educative.

The issue No.133 is really a tribute to Dr.Sita Bhateja.  Sharing the interview with her published in December, 2015 is mostly appreciated.  

The interview with Dr.Ritu Kalra is also informative.  As usual the article of Col.J Dutta & Dr. Anjali Dutta is very good.  The only drawback I see in your magazine is its cover page.  I hope you will make it attractive in the coming issues. 

Thank you and  look forward to read your next informative issue.

with regards

Mohanachandran Nair
Editor, Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin
Thiruvananthapuram


Dear Ms. Jeevan Jyoti,

Thank you for sending me the January 2019 issue of Rainbow.  I was privileged to receive a copy of the same from you.

The emagazine is quite interesting to read, especially articles from eminent philatelists.  Please continue the good work of publishing Rainbow.

Thanks & Regards

Chaitanya Dev

President, KPS.

New issues from other Countries

Hong Kong

12 January 2019 : Year of the  Pig




The eighth of Hongkong Post’s fourth Lunar New Year special stamp series – the “Year of the Pig” issue – celebrates the Lunar New Year with four pigs, modelled in embroidery, wood carving, porcelain and jade carving. Sweet and good-natured, these plump icons of good fortune are sure to win every heart. This issue is accompanied by a paper stamp sheetlet and a silk stamp sheetlet that bring out the gaiety and festive spirit of the New Year.

Isle of Man

12 February 2019 : Europa 2019 – National Bird




San Marino

26 February 2019 Europa 2019 ( National Bird)




Slovenia

25 January 2019 :Chinese horoscope - year of pig



25 January 2019 : Greetings





25 January 2019 : Modern craftsmen of Slovenia - modern design of porcelain


Spain

23 January 2019 : Almeria : the Spanish capital of gastronomy for 2019.






Almeria also is known for its tomatoes, and a heart-shaped tomato is featured in the center of the stamp design.
Spain’s postal administration, Correos, said: “The tomato, the star product of the Almeria garden, is also the protagonist of a stamp full of images of shrimp, watermelons and other ingredients that make Almeria worthy of this distinction.”
The stamp design also includes the logo of the year, the multicolor double hearts shown to the left of the large tomato, and a similar image in blue and white on the tomato itself.
The stamp was issued Jan. 23. It is non denominated, with the inscription “A2 tarifa” in the upper right designating that it pays the rate for domestic mail weighing between 20 grams and 50 grams, currently €0.70.
Acknowledgement
 - Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin February 2019 issue edited by Mohanchandran Nair

- Judaica Thematic Society (UK)  February 2019  Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman

-The Hyderabad Philatelist December 2018 issues edited by Prakash Agarwal

-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine December  2018 issues  edited by Prakash Agarwa
- Journal of The Army Philatelic Society Vol 16 No 3 & 4 edited by Col Jayanta Dutta
- Deccan Philatelist Vol 19 No 1 2019 edited by Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta
- SIGNET July- September 2018 issue edited by Prof Sahdeva Sahoo

- SIPA Bulletin
 
- Vadophil Jul - Oct 2018 issue edited by Prashant Pandya & Timir Shah


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, Pun


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

SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : Stamps of India ;  Suresh R.- & Jagannath Mani,  ; OP Kedia, Indore; Kasinath R., Tanjore;  Europa Stamps ; Sandeep Chaurasia, Gorakhpur; Ajay Kumar Mittal ;Marka


Address for communication :

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

*  Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.  
          
*  If you like this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

A Request to Readers & Contributors –
·         Please do not send the text in scan form or PDF. Send your write ups in MS Word only.

·         Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

Attention –
Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF. 
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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