Presentation slide 1 Presentation slide 2 Stamp Images

Presentation slide 1

Presentation slide 2

Stamp Images A

WHAT IS STAMP COLLECTING ARRANGING OF STAMP COLLECTION STAMP QUIZ STARTING A STAMP COLLECTION TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN STAMP COLLECTING IMAGE GALLERY DIFFERENT KINDS OF STAMPS TECHNICAL DATA OF A STAMP ANATOMY OF A POSTAGE STAMP TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTIONS A VISIT TO PHILATELIC EXHIBITION SITE MAP MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP COLLECTING Stamp Collecting is known with a respectable name ‘Philately’. Philately has come to mean, specifically, the collection and study of postage stamps, postmarks and stamped envelopes and the study of postal history. The word "philatelist" means a person who practices philately or stamp collecting. It comes from the French word philatelie, which was derived from the Greek words "philos", meaning loving, and "atelia", meaning exemption from tax (which also came to mean "postage is prepaid"). MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STARTING A STAMP COLLECTION n The remarkable feature of stamp collecting is that, it is easy to start a collection. You might be receiving letters from your relatives, friends or from some where else on some occasion or otherwise, such as Birthday Cards, Diwali Greetings, New Year Greetings etc. with stamps affixed on it. Let us know more about easy ways of getting stamps, tools helpful in stamp collecting and how to remove stamps from envelopes. EASY WAYS OF GETTING STAMPS STAMP COLLECTOR’S TOOL KIT MAIN MENU SUB MENU REMOVAL OF STAMPS SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL DATA OF A STAMP DATE OF ISSUE NUMBER PER ISSUED SHEET NUMBER PRINTED DENOMINATION PERFORATION PRINTER OVERALL SIZE PAPER COLOUR PRINTED SIZE PRINTING PROCESS MAIN MENU SUB MENU WATERMARK SITE MAP QUIT

ANATOMY OF A STAMP PAPER: What type of paper has been used for printing a stamp? Some of paper used are Imported or Indigenous adhesive gravure coated stamp paper, P. G matt coated and Matt chromo. WATERMARK: Whether the stamp has watermark or not. It used as a security device to ensure that no unauthorised paper is used for printing. SEPARATION: In the rouletting method the paper is cut partly or wholly through but no paper is removed. This is replaced by the perforation method. In this the paper between the stamps is cut out in a line of holes, usually round leaving the little ridges of paper in between, which hold the paper together. PRINTING: What type of printing process has been used? Typography, Offset Lithography, Intaglio, Photogravure, Photo offset. DESIGN: The pattern of the stamp. ADHESIVE: The gum on the back of the stamp, may be smooth, wrinkled, dark or white, coloured or tinted of virtually invisible. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

DIFFERENT KINDS OF STAMPS It is worth knowing different kinds of stamps. Stamps can be classified with various characteristics. TYPE OF STAMPS TYPES OF FORMATS PURPOSE CONDITION OTHER 1. DEFINITIVE 2. COMMEMORATIVE 3. SPECIAL 4. OFFICIAL/SERVICE 1. SHEET 2. COIL 3. BOOKLET 1. REGULAR 2. POSTAGE DUE 3. AIRMAIL 1. MINT 2. UNUSED 3. USED 1. SE-TENANT 2. TETE BECHE 3. PERFORATE 4. IMPERFORATE 5. CANCEL TO ORDER Definitive: Stamps used for ordinary postage. These stamps are small in size, simple design, often printed in single colour and in large quantities and are on sale for a long time. When one lot is exhausted another is printed even with new plates if first plates are worn out. World’s first stamp “Penny Black” issued by Great Britain was definitive. Commemorative: Stamps issued in connection with an event, person or anniversary. These stamps are printed in small quantities. Once these stamps are all sold out, these are not usually reprinted. Contd……. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

DIFFERENT KINDS OF STAMPS Special: Some stamps are issued with characteristics of both Definitive and Commemorative Stamps, these are known as Special. Official/Service: The stamps used only by Government offices. Sheet: Almost all stamps are issued in sheets of stamps. Coil: Stamps issued in rolls, long strips one stamp wide to be sold through Vending Machines. Booklet: Sometimes Post Office sell different stamps in small booklets. Regular: Generally all stamps are called ‘Regulars’, because these are to be used on Regular Postage Due: When insufficient stamps are used for posting a letter, the balance amount has to be recovered from the receiver of the letter. Such letters are stamped/marked ‘Postage Due’. Some countries issues Postage Due Stamps for this purpose to show collection of insufficient postage. Airmail: The stamps meant exclusively for mails carried by aeroplanes. Contd……. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

DIFFERENT KINDS OF STAMPS Mint: A stamp that has not been used and is in same condition as sold by Post Office i. e. in perfect condition with full gum and valid for postal transmission is a Mint Stamp. Unused: A stamp that has not been used but has been affixed in an album with a hinge, its gum gets disturbed and is no longer in mint condition and is called unused. Used: A stamp hat has served its purpose of payment for delivery of a letter and defaced by a Postmark or cancellation is called used. Se-tenant: Two or more stamps of different designs, which exist as an unseparated pair or strip. Quite frequently, the strip makes the complete design, each individual stamp depicting a part of the motif. Tete Beche: A pair of stamps in which one is upside down in relation to the other. Separation desroys the tete beche variety. Other Types: Stamps can also be classified by a number of other characteristics, such as Perforate or Imperforate, Printing type, whether watermarked or not etc. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP COLLECTOR’S TOOL KIT STAMP TWEEZERS PHOTO CORNERS MAGNIFYING GLASS WATER COLOUR BRUSH HINGES PERFORATION GAUGE STAMP MOUTNS NOTE BOOK COLOUR GUIDE STOCK BOOKS STOCK ALBUMS TRAY WATERMARK DETECTOR MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Stamp Tweezers (Tongs) n The stamps spoilt by careless handling. Perspiration, skin oil and dirt, generally present on the fingers, may permanently damage the stamps. Instead of using your finders and thumbs, a pair of stamp tongs (Tweezers) should be used for handling the stamps. Tweezers are made of light metal with slender or flattened 'spade' tips and should be rust proof and should not be sharp. They enable stamps to be picked up, sorted out and placed quickly and safely, unspoiled by hands. In the beginning it may be difficult to use Tweezers, but with a little practice you will be able to use them quite expertly. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Magnifying Glass A good Magnifying Glass is essential, for the real enjoyment of a collection, with a good view of stamps. The stamp design can be observed in a detailed close-up with a Magnifying Glass. The varieties and errors can be found easily with a magnifier. n There are different types of magnifiers/ simple plastic and ordinary glass magnifiers, special pocket magnifiers and magnifiers with lighting arrangement and with extremely powerful lens. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT n

Stamp Stock Books, Stamp Albums Stamp Album: Store your stamps in albums to protect them. Some Stamp Albums feature specified categories with pictures of stamps that should appear on each page. Some Stamp Albums has certain number of pages assigned to each country, with some basic information about the country at the top of the page and rest of the page is divided into small rectangles, in which stamps can be affixed with Hinges. n Stock Book: A Stock Book is another type of album with thick, card like pages and with plastic or transparent material or paper pockets on each page. Stamps can be easily inserted, slipped and removed in these pockets, untill they are affixed on the album pages or exhibit with the help of Hinges. Stock Books do not picture the stamps, so you can organise them according to Countries, Theme or as you wish. n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Hinges n Fix stamps in your Stamp Albums and Exhibit Pages with the help of Hinges. Never use tape or glue as it may damage the stamps, when you try to remove them from your Stamp Album and decrease the stamp’s value. Hinges are very small strips/pieces of almost transparent, nonporous thin paper with special gum on the one side and easily removable. After folding, one third to one fourth of the hinge is affixed to the stamp, which is then affixed to the album page with the help of the other part of the hinge. Stamp Mounts n The Stamp Mounts are very thin pockets of polyurethane sheet, closed on one, two or three sides, in which the stamp is placed. Stamp Mount is glued at the back for affixing it on the album pages/exhibit pages. The best way to keep mint, unused stamps is to put them in mounts and then stick the mount. This way the stamps stay undamaged and its adhesive backing is also not affected. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

n Packets of Photo Corners Some photo corners should always be kept in reserve. They will come in handy for first day covers, special covers and other oversize items. TRAY A tray is required for soaking the stamps in water for removal from the paper and also for detecting the watermarks by moistening the back of the stamp with a liquid lighter than water. Water Colour Brush n A small good Water Colour Brush is usefull for moistening the Hinges carefully, removing the gum from the stamps and for various other chores. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Watermark Detector A Watermark is a distinguish mark, design that is made on paper during its manufacturing, on which stamps are to be printed. the material as per the design of the mark. As in currency notes and treasury papers, watermark paper is used, as a security device to ensure that no unauthorized paper, is used in printing, absence of this watermark is a sure sign of the stamp being counterfeit. n Stamps can be held, back to front, against a source of strong light to examine watermarks. Special fluids dropped on the back of the stamp also help, but its fumes are poisonous. Electric watermark detectors help in checking the watermark clearly. Inexpensive watermark detectors have a jet black plastic surface which help the watermark to be identified. n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Perforation Gauge n It is used to measure the perforation of stamps (Holes between stamps that make it easy to separate them). Of course it is quite easy to count perforations directly, but Perforation Gauge makes the measurement of perforation simple, instant and correct. It has different scales showing various sizes of perforation, place your stamp against each scale until its perforations match exactly those on the gauge. Note Book n Note Book is another tool to help us. It is simply a student’s copy. Describe your collection in it, make a list of wanting stamps, note down other information that helps in planning and presentation of one’s collection in albums or exhibitions. Colour Guide n A colour guide helps us to identify and distinguish the various shades of the colour of the stamp. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

REMOVAL OF STAMPS n Most stamps come to us affixed on envelopes through the mail, how are you going to remove these stamps from envelopes? First you should examine for special postal cancellations or an image, design, slogan, message on the envelope that appeals to you. If yes, then one should keep the entire envelope in one’s album. If not one should cut it leaving borders on all sides of the stamp. Contd……. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

REMOVAL OF STAMPS When you have collected ten to fifteen stamps, they should be soaked, stamp side up, in water in a shallow bowl. Do not soak too many stamps at one time, they should have room to float. Stamps affixed on coloured envelopes should be soaked separately, as the coloured left may damage other stamps. Contd……. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

REMOVAL OF STAMPS After soaking the stamps for five to ten minutes, you will notice that the stamps begin to float free from paper. Now remove stamps from water with the help of Tweezers. Remember the gum on the back of stamp needs to be removed also. Use Water colour Brush for this purpose. Rinse the back of stamp gently in fresh water and make sure all gum is off. After this the stamp should be placed face down on a clean blotting paper or Paper Towels and covered with another blotting paper or Paper Towel and put a book on top of them to prevent curling. Leave the stamps to dry. Contd……. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

REMOVAL OF STAMPS After the stamps are dry they should be carefully examined for tear, crease, missing perforations or any other damage and the securely kept in stock books/pocket books/albums. Let us now summarise the steps for removal of stamps from covers. 1 Examine to preserve with the cover or not. 2 Cut it out with border. 3 Segregate(accordingto colour/paper). 4 Soak in water-face up 5 Remove (paper as well as gum) 6 Dry- face down 7 Straighten out and reexamine 8 Secure in stock books/ albums MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

ARRANGING ONE'S COLLECTION n BASIC ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ARRANGING YOUR COLLECTION STAMP ALBUMS AND STAMP STOCK BOOKS USE OF HINGES AND MOUNTS ROUGH NOTE BOOK WRITING IN THE ALBUM WRITING FOR THE EXHIBIT PLAN FOR ARRANGEMENT GOOD PEN PREFERABLY WITH BLACK INK MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP ALBUM n Stamp Album: Store your stamps in albums to protect them. Some Stamp Albums feature specified categories with pictures of stamps that should appear on each page. Some Stamp Albums has certain number of pages assigned to each country, with some basic information about the country at the top of the page and rest of the page is divided into small rectangles, in which stamps can be affixed with Hinges. n Stock Book: A Stock Book is another type of album with thick, card like pages and with plastic or transparent material or paper pockets on each page. Stamps can be easily inserted, slipped and removed in these pockets, untill they are affixed on the album pages or exhibit with the help of Hinges. Stock Books do not picture the stamps, so you can organise them according to Countries, Theme or as you wish. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Use of Hinges and Mounts n n Peelable hinges are normally used to mount stamps in an album or a loose page. For Mint Stamps, a mount is better. Peel off the hinge if not required only after it gets dried up, otherwise it thins the stamp. Cut hinges into two, lengthwise and use only half portion for small stamps. While using mounts one should be doubly careful while putting in and taking out the stamps as the slightest carelessness slip may damage the perforations, stamp comers. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Pen n A good pen, with a black ink should be used to write up your Album and Exhibit Pages. A Rough Note Book n One should keep a Rough Note Book to note down information gathered from Philatelic Magazines, Periodicals, Newspapers, Stamp Catalogue , discussion with others etc. The basic information to be acquired about your stamps is its Technical Data , Reasons of issue, information about special cancellation, errors, varieties, printing flaws, some other interesting features etc. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Plan for Arrangement One pursuit Hobby of Stamp Collection not only for one’s own pleassure, satisfaction, knowledge but may have desire to exhibit his/her collection in an Philatelic Exhibition and win prizes. Presenting your stamp collection in an Philatelic Exhibition is rewarding in itself, apart from winning prizes. Your exhibit should be self speaking. It should be well arranged. The Title Page of an exhibit should have heading matching to theme, introduction to the subject, a brief plan what is shown in the subsequent pages, layout of stamps or philatelic material used in an exhibit. For written material you should make a draft write-up and also note down position of stamps or other philatelic material to be used on which page in the Rough Note Book. Note down Heading and sub headings for various pages. Contd……. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Plan for Arrangement List of other material if proposed to be used in the exhibit. Take care of linking the pages with each other and ensure a logical flow of theme. Other ideas about your collection should also be noted down in the Rough Note Book. Display of stamps should be well balanced. Too many stamps on one sheet and 2 or 3 stamps on other sheets will be imbalanced. Also too many stamps on the top half of the page and too few on the bottom half makes it imbalanced. Bordering your stamps with a thin black line around the mouths or bordering the page itself in similar fashion will be appealing. Used and Mint stamps should not be mixed with each other philatelic materials you arrange are directly related to your theme. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

Writing in the Album Writing for the Exhibit Your exhibit should be self speaking. So writing is also most important part of your exhibit. It should be brief and relevant to theme. The write up is done with a view to impress upon the visitors as well as the jurors. The write up should tell about important aspects of stamps, FDCs or other Philatelic material used. It should be below or on the side of stamps, FDCs or other Philatelic Material. It should be written in Black Ink and may be type written. It should be neat and legible. Spelling mistakes, over-writings and unnecessary punctuations should be avoided MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY A B C E F G P U H Q W I R M S O T MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY n n n n Adhesive: Stamps are to be affixed on articles (letters, parcels etc. ) for postal transmission, so they are issued with gum on the back and are called adhesive. Aero Philately: The collection and study of Air Mails Stamps and other airborne mail items. Air Mails: The stamps meant exclusively for mails carried by aeroplanes. Airmail: Postal articles carried by an aircraft. Bisect: The Stamps cut in half vertically, horizontally or diagonally to be used as two separate stamps, each equal to half the face value of the original stamps. This type of arrangement is done by the Government in emergency when there is shortage of stamps of the lower denomination. Block: Un-separated set of four or more stamps. Booklet: Different stamps sold by post offices in small booklets. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY n n n n Cachet: A special postmark provided by the post office in connection with a first day of issue, air flight, philatelic exhibition, etc. Cancellations: A mark applied on stamps to deface them indicating that it has been used and may not be used again. Cancellation by compliance: It refers to stamps cancelled on request by collectors. Cancelled to order: Cancelled without having been used for postal purposes. Catalogue: A book listing stamps issued by different countries, with estimated market price. Centered: A term used where a stamp design is balanced equally from the four margins. Coils: Stamps issued in rolls, as in the United States and Sweden, for easy handling and machine vending. Combination covers: A cover bearing stamps from two or more countries, a practice necessitated in early days when mail travels between two or more Non U. P. U. Nations. Commemoratives: Stamps issued in connection with an event, person or anniversary. Composite stamps: A number of stamps which together depict a design, may be two but usually four and in the form of a block. Cutouts: Cutouts are impressed stamps cutout from envelopes, postcard or other printed postal stationery for use as ordinary stamps, or for collecting purposes. Cut square: refers to the shape of cut out and imperforate stamps of irregular shape (round, hexagonal etc) Cut-to shape: are stamps or irregular form trimmed close to the margin. These are worthless relatively. The value is highest when stamps are cut square with good margins. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

n n n n TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY Entire: An envelope or other postal stationery preserved in complete condition and not as cutouts. First day cover or FDC: An envelope bearing cancellation date representing the first day of issue of the stamp affixed thereon. Fiscal: Stamps used for revenue purposes other than as prepayment for postal transmission. Fiscal cancellation are different from postmarks. First flight: It is important in aero-philately, where emphasis is laid on cards and covers carried on pioneer flights. Franking: It is a method of prepaying postage by a special machine used under license from the Postal Department. While impressing a mark indicating the postal value, the amount due to the post office is automatically recorded. Gutters: The space between two stamps for perforation/ margin. Hinge: Hinges are very small strips/pieces of almost transparent, nonporous thin paper with special gum on the one side and easily removable. After folding, one third to one fourth of the hinge is affixed to the stamp, which is then affixed to the album page with the help of the other part of the hinge. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

n n n n TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY Imperforate: stamps are those without perforation roulettes. Inverted: stamps are invariably valuable and occur when stamps are printed in two or more colours involving a second feeding into the printing machine, when the partlyprinted sheet is wrongly fed the second time. This usually results in an inverted author, but inverted surcharges and watermarks are also known. Machine cancellation: represents a postmark applied by a printing machine, to ensure maximum clarity of the postmark. Frequently encountered in exhibition and propaganda postmarks. Margins: Space between the perforation and design's border or frame in a stamp. It also refers to the borders of stamp sheets, on which register marks, pointers, numbers, dates, codes of colours used etc. are indicated. Mint: stamps are those sold by the post office, in perfect condition with full gum and valid as prepayment for postal transmission. Maxima Cards: Maxima Cards are special cards with an enlargement of the stamp design or showing a scene relating to the stamp, like a picture postcard. These are of particular interest and philatelic value when it has the related stamp affixed and cancelled. Miniature sheets: Miniature Sheets are issued in connection with issue of commemorative stamps. It is a sheet containing these stamps. Around the stamps, there is an ornamental border or related information, illustrations etc. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY n n n n Official: The stamps used only by Government Offices. Overprint: Includes everything added to the original design of the stamp. Pair: refers to two stamps that have not been separated. Pane blocks: A block of four or more stamps with a tab carrying information. Perforations: are characteristic of almost all modem stamps. They. are an indispensable aid to separation of stamps from a sheet. This is formed by punching out tiny discs from sheets. Perforation Gauge: It is used to measure the perforation of stamps (Holes between stamps that make it easy to separate them). Of course it is quite easy to count perforations directly, but Perforation Gauge makes the measurement of perforation simple, instant and correct. It has different scales showing various sizes of perforation, place your stamp against each scale until its perforations match exactly those on the gauge. Pre-cancellation: The system under which bulk mailers are given stamps that are already cancelled. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY n n n Quadrille: Faint 'graph' on album pages, meant to facilitate easy arrangement and write up for the stamps. Roulette, Rouletting: A process with the same object as perforations, with the difference that instead of punching out holes, the rouletting pins only pierce the papers. Se-tenant: Two or more stamps of different designs, which exist as an unseparated pair or strip. Quite frequently, the strip makes the complete design, each individual stamp depicting a part of the motif. Strip: refers to three or more unsevered stamps in a single horizontal row or vertical column. Souvenir sheets: See 'miniature sheet'. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN PHILATELY Tete-beche: refers to a pair, strip or block of a stamps with one or more inverted relation to the others. n Traffic lights: are small start or dots on the margin in a sheet of stamps, indicating the colours used in printing the stamps. UPU: refers to the Universal Postal Union formed in 1875. It regulates free flow of mail between countries. Under UPU agreements, all countries treat foreign mail with equal care. UPU conventions regulate international relations between postal administrations of all countries as well as postal rates to different countries. n Used: refers to stamps that have (unless otherwise specified) been used postally. n Watermark: A Watermark is a distinguish mark, design that is made on paper during its manufacturing, on which stamps are to be printed. the material as per the design of the mark. As in currency notes and treasury papers, watermark paper is used, as a security device to ensure that no unauthorized paper, is used in printing, absence of this watermark is a sure sign of the stamp being counterfeit. n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

A Stamp Exhibition and You A philatelic exhibition is organised to promote and disseminate information about Philately. It is a wonderful event and a delightful thing to all stamp lovers. It will stimulate a keen interest for philately. It is educative and will surely increase your G. K. It is also likely to create lasting friendship between you and philately. n A philatelic exhibition is a great spectacle for all stamp lovers where the philatelists display their wide range of precious collections of stamps under one roof and is available for public viewing. This event is organized at some important place in your city. n The philatelic event may be of World level, National level, State level or District level. The World level and National level Philatelic Exhibitions have thousands of frames. A first look at it, over whelmed you and also register a feeling of confusion in your mind, because you find yourself standing in a jungle of frames, which are planted in so many rows in different patterns. It might not be possible to see all the frames. Go through the programme of the exhibition and display plans. There are the number of exhibits, some on science, some on history, some on culture, some on tradition, some on flora and fauna etc. Make a selective list. So make a more effective choice of what to see, and what not to see. This will help you in properly planning your approach and enjoying the same to full extent. n Contd……. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

n n n n A Stamp Exhibition and You Always start with those, which are related to your stamp collection and which attract you most. There might be exhibits of some prominent philatelists and some rare items on display, be sure to include in your programme even though they may not be falling under your specialization. Reserve some time in your schedule to see the classics exhibits, exhibits in invitation class, Court of Honour Class, Exhibits of Postal Administrations, Collection of the members of the Jury (by invitation only, if any) and prize winning exhibits after the announcement of awards and of course donot forget to see the ‘The Best Exhibit, prize winning exhibit. Observe and examine the selected exhibits carefully and note down the following points: i. the items displayed on theme ii. the way it is presented. iii. the leading idea of the exhibit. iv. how they have been related to theme. v. the way it has been written up. vi. General impression of the exhibit. Contd……. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

A Stamp Exhibition and You If it appears to you that there is something unique, uncommon or some new idea presented, then bookmark it in your mind. n Note down important points – they will be in handy when your memory begins to fail you and the exhibition is long dismantled. Compare the exhibits and try to form your own views and judgements about their relative merits. Note that even the common stamps become as useful as rare items on an exhibit on account of depth study and research done by the exhibitor. Similarly, relevant cancellations may also serve the purpose of stamps on an exhibit. n Examine the above thoughts and various other aspects of presentations. What you observe, see and learn from the exhibition is going to be a milestone in your serious and eventful philatelic career. n After seeing a philatelic exhibition it may appear to you that there is hardly anything that you can do with your stamp collection; after giving some thought, it is sure that there is something pleasant you can do with it, no matter what you have in your collection. n Contd…. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

A Stamp Exhibition and You Sometime you can take time to compare your stamps with what you have seen at a philatelic exhibition, other times you may only be able to have a sight of them and be pleased, even though the same is for a short time. Still other times the only thing you may be able to do is to change your own thinking about your stamp collection and this can end up being a significant positive step and which may enthuse you to exhibit your collection in a better way. n If you throw your hands in despair or frustration, it will not take you anywhere. The more effective choice is to know, without a doubt, that there is something you can do with your stamps, and to then get busy with them. A best stamp collection exhibit is made not by chance, but by choice. n God gave us two ends, one to sit on and one to think upon (about your stamp collection also) and act. Success depends on which one you use, head you win and tails, you do not lose. So not only think but plan also and not only plan but act also and you will met with success and see your own exhibit at the next philatelic event. It will be a thing of beauty to joy forever and a best heritage to bequeath to your children. n Good luck and enjoy philatelic exhibition. n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

EASY WAYS OF GETTING STAMPS The hobby of stamp collecting is very easy to start. It is also not very expensive. One can enjoy it with limited financial resources. In our country stamps with total denomination of less than Rs. 500/- are issued in a year. One of the biggest question any stamp collector faces is from where to get stamps cheaply. One may collect used as well as unused stamps, the opportunities are really great. Not all collections consist of unused stamps that one buy from the post office. Used stamps are worth saving, have value, and they may cost you nothing. Here are easy ways of getting stamps. n Ask your parents, grandparents if they have any old letters, which may have stamps on the envelopes. If you find some old letters having stamps from your grandparents, you will be lucky as the stamps might be 40 to 50 years old and a good start. Contd……. . n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

EASY WAYS OF GETTING STAMPS The other place to search for stamps is your own Letter Box. Do not be discouraged when you not receive letters. Now a days people write very few letters, they communicate with each other by other means of communications. But I am sure you might be getting greeting cards for Birthday Greetings, Festival Greetings and New Year Greetings. You are again discouraged when you notice that many senders use the same common small stamps. Ask the people who write to you to use commemorative stamps on their letters and they will remember to ask for big stamps t the post office when sending letter to you or your family if you let them know you are a stamp collector. n Neighbours, friends, and relatives are another good source of stamps. Most of people just throw away stamps when they receive them on letters. Do not hesitate to ask them to save their mail’s envelopes for you before they throw away all the envelopes. Contd……. . n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

EASY WAYS OF GETTING STAMPS One source of getting stamps is your parents working place. All offices, business places receive good number of letters and envelopes are thrown away. n Older collectors may have number of duplicate stamps and often they are willing to help new stamp collectors by giving them stamps, or at least providing packets of stamps much more cheaper than stamp dealers. n Local Stamp Clubs are another place to get stamps. A club may offer stamps as prizes, or have cheaper stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs that meet at schools. If you are fortunate enough to have one of these in your area, it can be a great source of both stamps and advice. n Contd……. . MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

EASY WAYS OF GETTING STAMPS Older collectors may have number of duplicate stamps and often they are willing to help new stamp collectors by giving them stamps, or at least providing packets of stamps much more cheaper than stamp dealers. n Local Stamp Clubs are another place to get stamps. A club may offer Stamps as prizes, or have cheaper stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs that meet at schools. It can be a great source of both stamps and advice. If you does not have a local club, then start a local club. All it takes are four or five other stamp collectors who are interested in getting together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas. n Pen Friends in foreign countries is a very good way to get stamps from that country. His or her extra stamps may seem really common in that country, but over here they are much scarcer. Your own stamps may look fairly common to you, but he or she is sure to appreciate them. n MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ STAMP QUIZ A STAMP QUIZ B STAMP QUIZ C STAMP QUIZ D STAMP QUIZ E STAMP QUIZ F STAMP QUIZ G STAMP QUIZ H STAMP QUIZ I STAMP QUIZ J STAMP QUIZ K STAMP QUIZ L STAMP QUIZ M STAMP QUIZ N STAMP QUIZ O STAMP QUIZ P STAMP QUIZ Q MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ -A n GIVEN BELOW IS A STAMP ISSUED ON FIRST INDIAN SAILING EXPEDITION AROUND THE WORLD. YOU HAVE TO TELL THE NAME OF THE BOAT. ANSWER DID YOU KNOW? MAHATMA GANDHI IS THE MOST FEATURED INDIAN ON WORLD’S STAMPS. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - A n GIVEN BELOW IS A STAMP ISSUED ON FIRST INDIAN SAILING EXPEDITION AROUND THE WORLD. YOU HAVE TO TELL THE NAME OF THE BOAT. ANSWER: TRISHNA MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - B ANSWER n Can you identify the Bird, animal and plant on the following stamps ? MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - B ANSWER: GREAT HORNBILL, GOLDEN LANGUR AND NEEM TREE n Can you identify the Bird, animal and plant on the following stamps ? MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - C 2 1 n 3 ANSWER Can you identify the Presidents of India on the following stamps ? 4 5 6 MAIN MENU SUB MENU 7 SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - C ANSWER 1. DR RAJENDRA PRASAD 2 1 2. DR SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNA 3 3. DR ZAKIR HUSSAIN 4. V. V. GIRI 5. FAKRUDDIN ALI AHMED 6. GIANI ZAIL SINGH n 7. DR SHANKAR Can you identify the Presidents of India on DAYAL the SHARMA following stamps ? 4 5 6 MAIN MENU SUB MENU 7 SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - D n Q. Who invented the postage stamp? Which country issued the first postage stamp and when? n Sir Rowland Hill is credited with the idea of requiring prepayment of postage and the use of postage stamps to show this payment. Previously the recipient of a letter had to pay for delivery and a large portion of the mail was refused. (Some people devised codes to convey messages on the outside of the letter so when the postman showed the letter to the intended recipient, the letter could be refused but the message was still received. ) Hill advocated lowering the rates but requiring payment in advance. Great Britain issued the first postage stamps in 1840. Nicknamed the Penny Black, the stamps cost 1 pence and showed Queen Victoria. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - E A C B Here are images of some Indian Stamps. Can you tell the order in which they were issued? Hint: The purpose of stamps is to pay for sending a letter to its destination. Such payment increases as the years passes. Click on the right answer: A, C, D, A B, D, C, A D, B, C, A D MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - F ANSWER 1 n 2 3 Can you identify the Prime Minister of India on the following stamps 6? 4 5 MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - F ANSWER 1. LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI 2. INDIRA GANDHI 1 2 3 3. MORARJI DESAI 4. RAJIV GANDHI 5. CHARAN SINGH 6. JAWAHAR LAL NEHRU n Can you identify the Prime Minister of India on the following stamps 6? 4 5 MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP BOOKLET OUTSIDE COVER STAMP BOOKLET INSIDE MAIN MENU SUB MENU STAMP BOOKLET OUTSIDE COVER STAMP BOOKLET INSIDE SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION THEMATIC MAXIMAPHILY LITRATURE TRADITIONAL MOPHILASALOON ONE FRAME EXHIBIT POSTAL HISTORY SOCIAL PHILATELY FIRST DAY COVERS AND SPECIAL COVERS POSTAL STATIONERY REVENUES AERO PHILATELY YOUTH MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION THEMATIC A Thematic Collection develops a theme demonstrating its best knowledge through the philatelic items chosen. It uses all types of appropriate philatelic material. Central to the Thematic exhibit is the plan which defines the structure of the exhibit and its sub division into parts. The plan provides a clear understanding of the relation between the exhibit and the whole collection. The theme of the exhibit is developed by personal research and originality. Depth of development requires detailed analysis and synthesis of each aspect of theme. Originality is expressed by personal development of an uncommon subject of a new elaboration of a well known one. A successful development requires a thorough knowledge of the chosen theme and a high degree of philatelic knowledge, to identify all the items related thereto. Adequate selection, positioning and sequencing of the items, and accuracy of thematic text is essential. The text must not be only be correct but also concise and relevant to the items shown and ensure thematic linkage. The elaboration of thematic information from the point of view of issue, primary and secondary elements of the design and other postal (not privately organized) characteristics is acceptable. Each item selected must be closely related to the chosen theme and shown its thematic information with lucidity. In the case of cancelled documents, preference is given to genuine postal usage and conforming to contemporary postal rates. Philatelic studies may be included in a thematic exhibit as long as they are consistent with thematic development and the degree of specialization of the exhibit. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION TRADITIONAL Traditional Philately embraces all aspects of postage stamps. It is based on collection of all items, including those relating to the production of postage stamps. The appropriate material in this category, among other things, includes: 1. Postage stamps, whether unused or used, singles or multiples, and stamps used on cover. 2. Varieties of all kinds, such as those of watermark, gum, perforation, paper and printing. 3. Essays and proofs, whether of adopted or rejected designs. 4. Pre-stamp and stampless items as appropriate. 5. Other specialised items, including postage forgeries, postally used fiscal stamps or unused postal/fiscal stamps valid for postal use. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION POSTAL HISTORY A Postal History exhibit is a collection of documents and other postal items which have been carried by postal service, whether official, local or private. Such exhibits show either postal routes, rates and markings and/or the classification and study of postal markings on covers or stamps applied by those services or institutions and of the marks of obliteration on postal items. It consists of used covers, used postal stationery, used postage stamps, and postal documents so arranged as to illustrate the history or postal services as a whole or to develop among other things any one of its following aspects: 1. Pre-adhesive postal services. 2. The development of postal services (National or International) 3. Postal Rates. 4. Routes of transportation of mails. 5. Postal Markings (Marcophily) 6. Military mail, field post, seize mail, POW and concentration camp mail. 7. Maritime mail. 8. Disaster mail. 9. Railway mail. 10. Disinfected mail. 11. Censorship of mail. 12. Postage due mail. 13. Automation of mail. 14. Forwarding of mail. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

POSTAL STATIONERY A Postal Stationery exhibit comprises a logical and coherent assembly of postal matters which either bears an officially authorized pre-printed stamp or device or inscription indicating that a specific face value, rate pf postage has been prepaid. It is arranged using appropriate chosen unused and/or postally used items or postal stationery from particular country or associated group of territories. Postal stationery can be classified according to a. the manner of its availability and usage b. the physical form of the paper or card or c. the postal or associated service for which it is intended. The manner of availability and usage may be defined as follows: 1. Post Office issues 2. Official service issues 3. Forces (Military) issues 4. Stamped to order (Private) issues: stamped stationery bearing stamps applied with the approval of Postal Administration and within specified regulations but to the order of private individuals or organizations. Postal Stationery has been produced for a variety of postal and associated services including the following: 1. Postal: Surface-local inland foreign, Air inland, foreign 2. Registration: Inland, foreign 3. Telegraph: inland, foreign 4. Receipt of Miscellaneous Fees etc. Certificate of posting of letters/parcels, Money Orders, Postal Orders and other documents bearing impressions of postage stamp designs etc. Postal Stationery exhibits are normally of entire items. Where certain items are very rare in entire from or are only known to exist in cut-down (cut square) form they would be acceptable as part of an exhibit as would a study for example of variations in the stamp dies used or those with rare cancellation etc. The use of Postal Stationery stamps as adhesives are also acceptable. Essays and proofs of adapted or rejected designs can also be included. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION MAXIMAPHILY A growing division of philately is the collection of picture postcards where the picture has some relation to theme of the stamp on it. The maximaphily items should conform to the principles of maximum possible concordance between postage stamp, picture postcard, and postmark. The constituent elements of maxim card should conform to the following characteristics: 1. The postage stamp should be postally valid and affixed only on the view side of the picture postcard. (Postage due, pre cancels, fiscals and official stamps are not admissible). 2. The picture postcard dimensions must conform to the Universal Postal Convention, Chapter 90 x 140 mm) and at least 75% of its area must be used for the picture. The illustration (maximum 105 x 148 mm, minimum 90 x 140 mm) and at least 75 % of its area must be used for the picture. The illustration should show the best possible concordance with the subject of the stamp design or with one of these subjects, if there are several. Picture postcards with mere reproduction of the stamps are forbidden. 3. Postmark and time: The pictorial design of the cancellation and the place of cancellation (name of the post office) should have a close and direct connection with the subject of the stamp and of the picture postcard and within the validity of the stamp and as close as possible to the date of its issue. 4. Maximaphily exhibits can be classified by country, specialized study and thematic. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION AEROPHILATELY Collecting aviation and airmail stamps, postal articles carried or dropped from air, cancellations, rocket mail, balloon mail and pigeon mail. MOPHILASALOON This is one of the newest branches of philately. Modern stamps restricted to the last 15 years are exhibited in this class. Greater liberty is also given to the exhibitor for the layout of pages. Normally Mophila Saloon exhibits are judged by the visitors to the exhibition as well as accredited judges. SOCIAL PHILATELY This class of exhibits has been recently introduced by the FIP. Social history as seen through philately is dealt in this class. The exhibit may contain as much as 40 percent of non philatelic material to supplement stamps and covers to develop the social history of a period or time. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION REVENUE Collection of revenue stamps and stamped documents which have been used to pay revenues or taxes. YOUTH In youth lies the future. Most collectors taken to the hobby at a young age and then sustain the hobby. Most of the top philatelists have raisen to prominence by sticking to the inclination they had developed at a young age, FIP has taken significant interest in developing the hobby among youngsters of up to 21 years of age. In order to give a fair chance to all age groups, different levels of development and evaluation systems have been specified. There is no bar in following any of the disciplines of philately which can either be traditional, postal history or any other. There are enough reasons for youngsters to get motivated and improve upon their collection. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION LITERATURE Philatelic literature includes all printed communications, Websites, Software and other electronic publications, available to collectors related to postage stamps, postal history, and their collecting and to any specialized fields connected therewith. It is further sub-divided into : 1. Handbooks and Special Studies: a. Books, Pamphlets & Studies Published b. Monographs c. Specialised research articles d. Bibliographies and similar special works. e. Exhibition catalogues f. Specialised catalogues which, besides philatelic issues of one or more countries, treat varieties, cancellations or other specialised aspects. 2. Similar Special Works 3. General Catalogues : Worldwide, regional and single area catalogues whose depth of coverage does not qualify them as specialised catalogues. 4. Philatelic Periodicals. 5. Articles of a general nature in philatelic or non-philatelic publications. 6. Websites, Softwares and Other Electronic Publications relating to stamp collecting. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTION ONE FRAME EXHIBIT The purpose and concept of One Frame Exhibits are to encourage new exhibitors and to provide established exhibitors with the opportunity to prepare exhibits on subjects or themes that cannot be treated well in more than one frame. One Frame Exhibits contain philatelic/postal material pertinent to any one of the FIP approved classes. One Frame Exhibits are narrow in scope but the depth of treatment and importance is as complete as possible. Exhibits in this class should not simply be One Frame extracted from a multiple frame exhibit and should be based on a subject that is best treated as One Frame. The exhibit should hold visitors' attention from the first to the last page and be informative, as well as educational. One Frame Exhibits are a chance for both beginners and advanced exhibitors. FIRST DAY COVERS AND SPECIAL COVERS Collection of First Day Covers and Special Covers MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

IMAGE GALLERY STAMP BOOKLET MAXIMA CARD MINIATURE SHEET FIRST DAY COVER PENNY BLACK MEGHDOOT POSTCARD EARLIER POSTMAN & POST WOMAN INFORMATION BROCHURE IMAGES OF APS COVERS INTRODUCTORY PAGE OF AN EXHIBIT MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

MAXIMA CARD MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

INFORMATION BROCHURE MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

MEGHDOOT POSTCARD MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

FIRST DAY COVER MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

MINIATURE SHEET MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

PICTURE POSTCARDS MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

INTROD U C TORY PAGE O F AN EX HIBIT MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

PENNY BLACK MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

TYPES OF STAMP COLLECTIONS WHAT IS STAMP COLLECTING THEMATIC TRADITIONAL A VISIT TO PHILATELIC EXHIBITION POSTAL HISTORY POSTAL STATIONERY ANATOMY OF A AERO PHILATELY POSTAGE STAMP MAXIMAPHILY TECHNICAL DATA OF A STAMP MOPHILASALOON SOCIAL PHILATELY REVENUES DIFFERENT KINDS OF STAMPS YOUTH LITRATURE ONE FRAME EXHIBIT FIRST DAY COVERS AND SPECIAL COVERS ARRANGING OF STAMP COLLECTION STAMP ALBUMS AND STAMP STOCK BOOKS ROUGH NOTE BOOK PLAN FOR ARRANGEMENT USE OF HINGES AND MOUNTS WRITING IN THE ALBUM WRITING FOR THE EXHIBIT GOOD PEN PREFERABLY WITH BLACK INK TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN STAMP COLLECTING A B C E F G H I M O P Q R S T U W MAIN MENU SUB MENU STAMP QUIZ IMAGE GALLERY STARTING A STAMP COLLECTION STAMP TWEEZERS STAMP QUIZ A STAMP QUIZ B STAMP QUIZ C STAMP QUIZ D STAMP QUIZ E STAMP QUIZ F STAMP QUIZ G STAMP QUIZ H STAMP QUIZ I STAMP BOOKLET MAXIMA CARD FIRST DAY COVER PENNY BLACK MEGHDOOT POSTCARD MINIATURE SHEET INTRODUCTORY PAGE OF AN EXHIBIT INFORMATION BROCHURE STAMP QUIZ J EARLIER POSTMAN & POSTWOMAN STAMP COLLECTOR’S TOOL KIT EASY WAYS OF GETTING STAMPS REMOVAL OF STAMPS ABOUT MYSELF MAGNIFYING GLASS HINGES STAMP MOUTNS STOCK BOOKS STOCK ALBUMS PHOTO CORNERS WATER COLOUR BRUSH PERFORATION GAUGE NOTE BOOK TRAY CONTACT ME COLOUR GUIDE WATERMARK DETECTOR APS COVERS SITE MAP QUIT

EARLIER POSTMAN POST WOMAN MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

APS SPECIAL COVERS The Army Postal Service (APS) is an extension of the Department of Post in the Defence environment controlled under its own orders. The APS issues a good number of Special Covers to commemorate the various milestones in the history of Defence Service Organisations to project the history, organization and deeds on different occasions such as Regimental days, Reunions, Jubilees and colour presentations. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ -G n GIVEN BELOW IS A STAMP ISSUED ON OCCASION OF 50 YEARS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA, SHOWING A CARTOON SKETCH OF MAHATAMA GANDHI BY A FAMOUS CARTOONIST OF INDIA. TELL THE NAME OF THE CARTOONIST. ANSWER DID YOU KNOW? MAHATMA GANDHI IS THE MOST FEATURED INDIAN ON WORLD’S STAMPS. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ -G n GIVEN BELOW IS A STAMP ISSUED ON OCCASION OF 50 YEARS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA, SHOWING A CARTOON SKETCH OF MAHATAMA GANDHI BY A FAMOUS CARTOONIST OF INDIA. TELL THE NAME OF THE CARTOONIST. ANSWER: RANGA DID YOU KNOW? MAHATMA GANDHI IS THE MOST FEATURED INDIAN ON WORLD’S STAMPS. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - H n Q. What is PIN code? ANSWER MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - H n n Q. What is PIN code? PIN code is short for the Postal Index Number scheme. It was introduced on 15 th August 1972 in India. PIN code is a six digit number and is allotted individually to every Head Post office and sub Post Office which delivers mail. The PIN code digits from left to right progressively pin point and locate the geographical position of the Post Office. Our country has been divided into eight different zones. The first digit indicates the zone. The first three taken together indicate the sorting unit under which the office falls. The last three specify the particular delivery Post Office under the sorting unit. The last item of the address should be PIN code ensures speedy transmission and delivery of mail. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - I n Q. You will come across postage stamps without any country’s name. How can you determine which country it is from? ANSWER MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - J “Among other things good and bad that modern civilization has produced, surely the postal system which covers the whole world, is one of its most beneficial activities. It affects every individual wherever he may be in the wide world, connecting him with millions of others. That connecting link is the postal system which has grown from age to age, till it is what we see today. ” Who has written these words. Click on the right answer: A. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru A B. Mulk Raj Anand B Can you further tell where these words has been written? For Answer click here MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - J “Among other things good and bad that modern civilization has produced, surely the postal system which covers the whole world, is one of its most beneficial activities. It affects every individual wherever he may be in the wide world, connecting him with millions of others. That connecting link is the postal system which has grown from age to age, till it is what we see today. ” Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru has written these words in the foreword of a book ‘Story of the Post Office’ written by Mulk Raj Anand. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

STAMP FUN QUIZ - I n Q. You will come across postage stamps without any country’s name. How can you determine which country it is from? n Great Britain was the first country to issue postage stamps in the year 1840 and it was followed by the rest of the world. On May 6, 1840 the first adhesive stamp "Penny Black" was officially issued and the stamp does not have the name of the country. None of the British Stamps have the name of the country on them, simply an image of the ruling monarch is printed on it. MAIN MENU SUB MENU SITE MAP QUIT

ABOUT MYSELF VIPAN KUMAR THAKUR PHILATELIC INTEREST: Indian Stamps , Thematic India and APS Covers Contact me/Send your feedback/suggestions Email: philavpnthakur@rediffmail. com MAIN MENU SITE MAP QUIT

. MAIN MENU SITE MAP QUIT