Stamp Camp Part I Of II

Summer is now upon us and the kids are off on wonderful adventures to various scouting camps, community camps and church camps. Did you know that there is a Stamp Camp this is available to children? It is a non-profit entity that was formed in 1995. It is dedicated to teaching children about the love of stamp collecting.

Stamp Camp USA is one of the most successful programs for young stamp collectors. It helps introduce children to stamp collecting and the use of interesting stamp tools. Children learn the basics and then begin their hunt for their favorite stamps. All materials become part of their personal stamp collection. Camp also teaches them about exhibiting in various formats. It is a day camp that is filled with hands-on activities that are sure to delight your young stamp collector.

Each day the children can earn “stamp camp cash”. This “cash” can be used to purchase donated philatelic items and supplies at the end of camp in a live auction. At the end of the week there is an awards ceremony, where each participant will receive a philatelic memento and recognition.

Stamp camp is the brain child of Cheryl Edgcomb who is the Postmaster of Nelson, PA. The camp is a non-profit organization. It is partnered with the American Philatelic Society, the American Stamp Dealers Association, American Topical Society and the United States Postal Service.

Please check back Wednesday for the conclusion to this post.

Duck Stamp

Well this stamp is not a stamp that was issued by the United States Postal Service, but it is a stamp. I thought that perhaps someone might be interested in this stamp if you like waterfowl or like conservation efforts.

Today is the First Day Sale of the Federal Duck Stamp. The unveiling of this stamp was held today in Hanover, Maryland by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with Bass Pro Shops which have 44 retail stores nationwide.Federal Duck Stamps continue to be sold annually. Sales of these stamps have been a vital part of wetland habitat for many years. Every US state has at least on National Wildlife Refuge that has benefited from the sales of these duck stamps.

The US Fish and Wildlife Services produce the Federal Duck Stamp. All hunters over the age of 16 are required to buy these stamps each year in order to hunt any type of waterfowl species. Duck stamp sales raise more than $25 million for conservation efforts. So far, more than $700 million have been collected since the beginning of this program. Purchasing this stamp will also give you unlimited entrance to any National Wildlife Refuges that charge admission fees.

For additional information on the Federal and Junior Duck Stamp program, or information on how duck stamp funds have benefited a refuge or schools in your state, visit the duck stamp home page at: http://duckstamps.fws.gov/.

747 Jumbo Jet Stamp

The Boeing 747 was honored with a United States postage stamp in 1999 as one of the most significant technological advances of the 20th Century. The stamp was issued as part of the Celebrate the Century series. The public was asked to cast ballots over a two year period. Millions of votes later and the 747 Jumbo Jet stamp was born. The Wright Brother’s first flight in 1903 and Charles Lindbergh’s crossing of the Atlantic in 1927 were also honored
with a stamp in the same series.

The 747's enormous size, along with its signature fuselage hump, has made it the most recognized commercial jet airliner in the world. Boeing has built 15 different 747 models over the years, and has delivered more than 1,200 in all -- clearly demonstrating the airplane's versatility, popularity, longevity and value. Oddly enough, the 747 almost never came to be. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson almost put the kibosh on the 747 designs. He was eventually convinced that the development of the 747 was in the nation’s best interest because it would allow more people to fly for less money.

In Everett, Washington where the 747 was born, there is a giant 70 foot square image of the postage stamp painted on the hangar doors. It’s the world’s largest stamp, on the world’s largest building, where the world’s largest commercial airplane is built. You can also visit the original 747 at Boeing Field.

Purple Heart Definitive Stamp

The Purple Heart Stamp is a unique stamp that depicts a military medal that is bestowed upon some of America’s finest men and women. It was first issued on May 20, 2003. The stamp features the medal's image - a profile of George Washington on a purple background within a heart-shaped medallion.

In 1782, General George Washington began issuing the “Badge of Military Merit” to only the lower ranking soldiers. It consisted of a heart that was made of purple cloth. After the Revolutionary War, the award was discontinued. In 1932, on Washington’s 100th birthday, the award was redesigned and put back into military service, where it remains today.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the U.S. military who have been wounded in combat or to the next of kin of those who are killed in action. Over 1.5 million United States Veterans have received this medal.

The second issuance was released on May 27, 2006 at the 75th Anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The third issuance was released on August of 2007. Stamps have now been issued in 37cent, 39 cent, 41 and now 42 cent values.

In May of 2008, seven US Senators wrote a letter to the Postmaster General asking that the USPS make the Purple Heart Stamp a “forever stamp”, thereby paying continued respect to our service members by making the stamp a constant reminder of their sacrifices to our country. If you support this idea, contact your Senator and ask that he/she support the Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act that is currently in the US Senate.

Visit www.stampcenter.com to purchase these stamps with the 37 cent valuation.

Harry Potter Stamps

There is no doubt that JK Rowling’s creation of the Harry Potter books has changed the reading habits of both the young and old worldwide. On July 17, 2007, Great Britain released a series of stamps that showed recognition to the author and fans alike.

The stamps of the bespectacled hero, Harry Potter were a huge hit even before hitting the post office shelves. It is estimated that about 340,000 people pre-ordered the stamps. This sets a new record that beats out the 300,000 pre-orders set of Beatles stamps that were previously released by the Royal Mail.The stamps were on sale for one month in Britain and available online for one year. The last day to buy these stamps online is July 17, 2008.

There are seven First Class stamps in the series. Each stamp features the sleeve artwork from the Bloomsbury editions of each of the seven Harry Potter books. The titles are: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and, of course, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.

There are also five stamps that feature the crests of the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and its houses that were released (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin). Fans who order online can personalize the stamps by placing their picture alongside the crest of their favorite house.

United States Artic Animals Stamps

I was watching one of the nature shows on cable television a couple days ago that featured many of the majestic Artic animals that exist today. Their sheer beauty and grace prompted me to do some research to find out if the United States had created postage stamps depicting these animals. I was pleasantly surprised that they indeed featured many of these beautiful creatures in 1999!

The animals featured on the stamps are the Arctic Hare, Arctic Fox, Snowy Owl, Polar Bear and the Gray Wolf. These stamps bring to life animals of the Arctic, which includes regions generally north of the Arctic Circle, in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Eurasia. They are simply stunning to look at.

I am amazed at how these Arctic animals live by their ability to adapt to bitterly cold winters. They endure strong winds and temperatures that are often 50 degrees below zero. Life can certainly be hard on the Tundra.

If you missed out on the sale of these stamps in 1999, no need to fret. These stamps are for sale at http://www.stampcenter.com/. The good news is that you can also receive a 25% discount when you purchase these stamps. Be sure to use the coupon code USSHEETS when you do your check out to receive this benefit.

New Stamps Out Of England

When you think of movies, usually you would think of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The year 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Carry On film, Carry on Sergeant and Hammer Film's, iconic Dracula. Both films were a staple of British cinema in the 1950’s. They defined English cinema at the time of their release. Great Britain deserves kudos with their new stamps that were issued on June 10, 2008. The Classic Carry On and Hammer Films stamps reminds the public of the fun movies that have been produced in England.

The Royal Mail has recently released a First Day Cover envelope that features all 6 stamps. Buyers have a choice of First Day Cover postmarks as well. The presentation pack is fully illustrated and written by cult film and television critic Kim Newman. There is also a set of six postcards available. You can even purchase these postcards with a brick background, that makes the cards look like the original move poster setting. A retail stamp book with six First Class Machins with a “Carry On” collecting advertisement is also available, if you prefer.

The movies that are featured on these stamps are: Carry on Sergeant, Dracula, Carry on Cleo, The Curse of Frankenstein, Carry On Screaming and The Mummy.

Stamp Paper Thins Part II Of II

In continuation to the post on Wednesday.

After using the watermark fluid, you should place the stamp on a blotter. Allowing the stamp to dry further will show the severity of your stamp thin. White patches on drying stamps will reveal where the thin areas are.Re-submerging your stamp might be necessary if the hinge remnants appear as white marks when drying. They could look like thinned paper. These mayl not appear as dark patches when first placed in watermark fluid and should be re-submerged to verify their identity.

Thins located on watermarks, thins opposite cancellations, shallow small thins, and thins on orange or yellow high contrast stamp designs might not be visible even after you place them in watermark fluid. In these cases, contacting a stamp expert would be in order.

You will need a light source, watermark tray and fluid, blotter or drying block, tongs, and UV light to properly identify thins.

It is wise to look carefully at any stamp that you intend to purchase. You should never buy a high-valued stamp unless you first observe the stamp for thins. Additionally, be sure to ask any stamp dealer for a quality guarantee, just in case you find that the stamp does have a thin that has been repaired. A good stamp dealer will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. This way, you can protect your financial interest.

Stamp Paper Thins Part I Of II

A stamp paper thin is an area of paper that is missing from the back of a postage stamp. When held up to a light, it often has a see through type of appearance. This can easily occur when a hinge is improperly removed from the stamp gum.

Stamp buyers should know how to detect stamp paper thins so that they do not inadvertently add these stamps to their collection.

It should be noted that many older stamps do indeed have repaired thins. Often, these thins have been repaired for appearance sake. A pulp like mixture is filled onto the thin, allowed to dry; and sanded until the filled area becomes level with the rest of the surface. While these repairs will not appear when held to a light source, they often are revealed as light areas in watermark fluid. In addition, the use of an ultraviolet light may reveal repairs like these.

The best way to detect large obvious thins is to hold the stamp up to the light. Smaller thins may not be easily visible in the light. Smaller thin areas can best be detected when you place your stamp in watermark fluid. The thinned area of paper will reveal a dark patch on the stamp paper. If the thin is deep, the patch will appear darker.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion to this post.

The Blainvilles Beaked Whale Stamp

Anyone who is fond of marine wildlife, in particular, whales, will surely enjoy these lovely stamps. These stamps were issued from beautiful Nassau, Bahamas in January 2007. The Blainville Beaked Whale stamps were issued in 15 cent, 25 cent, 50 cent and 60 cent denominations.

It is estimated that about one-fourth of the world’s whale species are beaked whales. They prefer to live in tropical and warm water temperatures in the northeastern Bahamas region, but can be found in other warm waters in other oceans. This type of whale does not migrate. They live in waters as deep as 3000 feet from the oceans surface. There are currently no population estimates available on this whale.

The male whales have interesting features. It possesses a huge pair of teeth that grow from large bulges in its lower jaw. These teeth become encrusted with barnacles which look like large balls of some kind. These glorious animals can stay submerged for up to 45 minutes. There is no commercial interest in these whales, so they are relatively safe to roam the oceans. They feed on squid, deep sea fish, starfish and sea urchins.

Sadly, there have been many incidents with these whales beaching themselves. It is widely believed that it is attributed to acoustic trauma resulting from nearby Naval exercises, that are the cause of the beaching.

If you would like to purchase a set of these beautiful stamps, visit http://www.stampcenter.com/.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Beginning stamp collectors often find themselves overwhelmed by the choices of stamps available on the market. The sizes, shapes, categories and the sheer volume of stamps to take into consideration can be mind boggling.

There is no right way or wrong way to collect stamps. The collection can be whatever you find interesting. Some people decide to only collect certain types of stamps. They may choose to only collect stamps from certain countries or only ones with celebrities on them for example.

Trying to collect stamps from around the world can be great fun. You will find that it would be quite expensive and very time consuming to collect all stamps though. There are over 10,000 postage stamps released each year. Trying to collect everything is unrealistic. Research what types of stamp you are interested in and go after those ones.

Many people choose to collect stamps from a certain country. If you focus on one country in particular, you might even be able to collect all of its current releases and even some older ones. Some people collect stamps looking for a specific topic. Picking stamps by topic gives you the opportunity to explore all types of stamps from around the world.

Stamps that are in mint condition are often ones that people are most interested in buying. Used stamps are sometimes easier to come by and you don’t have to worry about preserving the gum. Some used stamps cost more than mint stamps. Supply and demand drives the market. Some collectors are even interested in the cancellations on used stamps.

Most philatelists collect stamps of all types. You should always collect was sparks your interest. The possibilities are surely endless!

Oh That Sweet Chocolate Smell

Certainly one of the sweetest smelling stamps of all time came from Switzerland. The stamps were produced to mark the 100 year anniversary of Chocosuisse, which is the association of chocolate makers and importers.

These special chocolate scented commemorative stamps were released in May of 2001 and enjoyed wide popularity by the buying public and collectors alike. The stamps were sold in blocks of four or fifteen with paper that was designed to look like the foil wrapping on a candy bar. A light rub of a finger activates the special coating that in turn
will release the sweet aroma.

Initially the idea was to have the stamps not only smelling like chocolate, but also tasting like chocolate. Since extensive licking could destroy the stamp, and quite frankly, is not very hygienic, the tasting portion of the stamp idea was thrown out. People were left with just the sweet smells of chocolate that were sure to leave you wanting more. The scent was purely artificial and stored in millions of minute pellets that were held on by a slim layer of
varnish. (Now that does not sound very tasty at all!)

I am an avid chocolate fan. I would love to own some of these special stamps!

Silly Stamp Information

I am very fond of postage stamps that are made in different shapes. Designs can be found in heart, triangle, rhombus, octagon and circle stamps. Tonga even had banana shaped stamps from 1969 to 1985. Sometimes, postal administrators have tried experimenting with different types of shapes, but such changes did not go over very well with the public. In the 1970’s, in an effort to save money, the United States Postal Service released a stamp that was very tiny. The public hated it and the idea has not been repeated since.

When a stamp is successful, there is little notice from the public, but stamp collectors are giddy with excitement. When a stamp is unsuccessful, there can be an ugly uproar from both the Philatelic societies as well as the public. One notable mistake that the USPS produced came in the 1970’s. They released a stamp for anti-alcoholism that seemed like a good idea in the design process. But, when it came time to sell the stamps, the public was not interested. Imagine receiving a letter with the words “Alcoholism: You Can Beat It!” on the envelope. People
wondered if the sender was giving them a subtle nudge toward attending AA meetings. Chalk that one up to “not a good idea”. That one did not sell.