IT'S NOT JUST A HOBBY


Thursday, December 14, 2017

Moldova - Ethnic Groups From Moldova, Gagauz People 2017


Date of Issue: 21 June 2017
Sheet: 8 stamps (2x4)
Size: 34 mm x 34 mm
Quantity Printed: 100.000
Printing: Nova Imprim, Chisinau
Price: (MDL) 1,75
Designer: Oleg Cojocari

The Gagauzes are a Turkic people living mostly in southern Moldova (Gagauzia, Taraclia District, Basarabeasca District), southwestern Ukraine (Budjak), northeastern Bulgaria, Greece, Brazil, the United States and Canada. The Gagauz are Eastern Orthodox Christians. There is a related ethnic group also called Gagavuz (or Gajal) living in the European part of northwestern Turkey.

Women's Clothing:
Toward the end of the 19th century, in good weather, a Gagauz woman's costume consisted of a canvas shirt, a sleeveless dress, a smock, and a large black kerchief. In winter, they donned a dress with sleeves, a cloth jacket, and a sleeveless fur coat. Required features of female dress were earrings, bracelets, beads, and, among wealthy Gagauz, a necklace of gold coins. "So many of their decorations are hung about," wrote a pre-Revolutionary researcher, "that they cover the entire breast down to the waist."

Men's Clothing:
Traditional male clothing included a shirt, cloth pants, a wide red sash or belt, and a hat. The winter cap was made of Karakul sheep wool. The shepherd's costume was the usual shirt combined with sheepskin pants with the fleece turned in, a sleeveless fur coat, and a short sheepskin jacket, the latter sometimes decorated with red-on-green stitching.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Isle of Man - 300 Years Of The Royal Artillery 2016


Technical Details:
Date of Issue: 09 May 2016
Text: Frank Baldwin and Colonel Charles Wilson
Design: Glazier Design
Process: Offset Lithography
Colours: 4
Paper : 110 gms PVA gummed
Perforations:14 per 2cms
Stamp Size: 36 x 36mm
No. of Stamps: 6
Format: 20 stamps per sheet

Celebrating the illustrious history of the Royal Artillery.

To celebrate the illustrious history of the Royal Artillery, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins commissioned Glazier Design of London to work with the Royal Artillery Association and their historian Frank Baldwin to capture the spirit of the regiment through six key military events. The Isle of Man is honoured to host the RA 300 Baton as part of the commemorations.

Issue Information:
Isle of Man Post Office in association with the Royal Artillery is pleased to present a set of six stamps celebrating 300 years of The Royal Regiment of Artillery and its remarkable achievements. The stamps are due for release on 9th May 2016.

Stamp Information:

The £2.44p stamp and the supporting material, features Major Kate Philp, a hero of modern warfare, who lost her leg in a mortar attack in Afghanistan. After her recovery Major Philp went on to train soldiers for later tours and accompanied Prince Harry on his walk to the South Pole with the charity Walking With The Wounded. A true modern day hero.

This stunning collection, and the first stamp issue created for the Post Office by Glazier Design in London, depicts some of the uniforms worn by the gunners in the regiment's 300 year history along with a reflective background image complimenting the artillery of the time.

The 45p stamp depicts the earliest soldier of the Royal Artillery in 1716 dressed in the coat of blue and red facings, and carrying a sword and a linstock with a cannon being pulled by a horse shown in the background.

The 50p stamp shows an officer of the Royal Horse Artillery which was founded in 1793. He wears a uniform based on the Light Dragoons of the day along with a leather helmet, and the background scene shows foot artillery of the period.

The 95p stamp depicts a gunner of the 4th Mountain Artillery Battery in 1890. The unit was raised from Punjab Sikhs and the soldier is shown wearing practical khaki and Indian slippers and is against a background of officers with mules carrying screw guns.

The £1.27p stamp is based on a photograph of Major J R Drinkwater, Royal Field Artillery, a Manxman who served in the First World War. He is shown wearing a khaki service dress uniform with his rank displayed on the cuff. The background shows an 18 pounder gun, the standard field gun of the war.

The £1.69 stamp depicts Manxman Lieutenant Cowley of the 15th (Isle of Man) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery with a 40mm Bofors gun at Tobruk, a North African harbour in the background.

Finally, the £2.44 stamp depicts Major Kate Philp of the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan in 2008 wearing desert camouflage, with a Warrior fighting vehicle in the background.

Major Philp served two tours in Iraq but while on operations in Afghanistan the armoured vehicle she was commanding was damaged by an improvised explosive device and her left leg had to be amputated. Major Philp's image is used in the stamp collection as a reminder of the cost of war and consequences for veterans.

Commenting on the stamps, General Secretary of the RA Charitable Fund Lt Col Ian Vere Nicoll MBE said: "The Royal Regiment of Artillery is a famous regiment who have fought all over the world as their motto 'Ubique' indicates. We are extremely proud of our connection with the Isle of Man and in this, our 300th anniversary since our formal formation, we are extremely grateful to the Isle of Man Post Office for helping us commemorate such an important anniversary with their set of six excellent stamps depicting the gunners through the ages. They are a first rate tribute to the men and women of the Royal Regiment of Artillery who have served throughout the ages defending their Country."

Sunday, November 12, 2017

China - Cantonese Opera Yueju 2017






Date Issue: 15 October 2017
Stamp Size: 30mm × 40mm 
Perforation: 13.5 degrees 
Anti-Counterfeiting Methods: Security Paper (Security Ink Special, Shaped Perforation, Fluorescent)
Designer: Zhang Wang 
Decorative Painting Edge: Zhang Wang 
Trimming Designer: Yuan Yi Shan 
Editor: Wen Wen Ya 
Printing: Beijing Stamp Factory

Details are as follows: 
1.20 Chinese Yuan - Fragrant Mountain Birthday Celebration 
1.20 Chinese Yuan - Six States Installation of Minister
1.50 Chinese Yuan - The Imperial Emperor of Heaven Holds Court

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Lithuania - Vytis, The Symbol of the Emblem of Lithuania 2017




Technical details
Issue Date:13 July 2017
Designer: I. Balakauskaitė
Printer: “Vaba Maa”, Estonia
Process: Self-Adhesive
Size: 24mm x 24mm
Values: €0.03, €0.10, €0.39, €0.42, €0.94, €1.00

About Vytis, the Symbol of the Emblem of Lithuania

The Lithuanian knight known as Vytis is one of the oldest state coats of arms in Europe. The image of the knight Vytis was used in state flags, coins and stamps. According to chroniclers of the 16th century, Vytis portrayed in the coat of arms of the state symbolizes a mature ruler capable of defending his homeland with his sword. The postage stamps commemorate images of Vytis used from the ancient times (the end of the 14th century - beginning of the 18th century) till the period of independent Republic of Lithuania (3rd - 4th decade of the 20th century).

Lithuania - Vytis, The Symbol of the Emblem of Lithuania in Flags 2016


Technical Details:
Issue Date: 02 January 2016
Designer: E. Jakutavičiūtė
Process: Offset, Art paper
Size: 24mm x 24mm
Values: €0.01, €0.03, €0.10, €0.29, €0.39, €0.62

About Vytis - The Symbol of the Emblem of Lithuania, in Flags

In the first postage stamps of 2016, Lithuania Post has commemorated Vytis depicted in historical state flags. The new set of 6 stamps Vytis, the Symbol of the Emblem of Lithuania, in Flags will appear in circulation this Saturday, January 2.

The set of the stamps Vytis, the Symbol of the Emblem of Lithuania, in Flags was created by the artist Eglė Jakutavičiūtė. The stamps have been released with the nominal values of EUR 0.01, EUR 0.03, EUR 0.10, EUR 0.29, EUR 0.39 and EUR 0.62. Each stamp has been issued in the edition of 1 million thousand copies.

Vytis is pictured in diverse flags on different nominal postage stamps: the flag of the army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at the Battle of Grunwald (1410), the flag of Žygimantas Augustas (1553), the flag of the January Uprising (1863-1864), the flag of Antanas Smetona's military institution (1928), the flag of the Reform Movement of Lithuania (1989) and in the flag of the president of Lithuania (1993).

Along with the new set of 6 stamps, the first day cover has been released. This Saturday, correspondence paid by the new stamps will be marked by the first day cancellation at Vilnius Main Post Office.

A red banner with a white equestrian on a bay horse mentioned in the Jan Dlugosz' story, describing the Battle of Grunwald (1410) when the Grand Duke of Lithuania brought forty Lithuanian regiments, all carrying red banners. In the later historical sources a red cloth charged on both sides with the armored knight was described as the banner of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The flag remained as such until the end of 18th century.

Today, the historical Lithuanian State flag depicting Vytis, can officially be used alongside the Lithuanian State (National) flag.

Lithuania - Coins with Vytis, The Symbol from the Emblem of the Lithuanian State 2015



Technical Details:
Issue Date: 02 January 2015
Designer: I. Balakauskaitė
Process: Offset
Size: 24mm x 24mm
Values: 0,01€, 0,03€, 0,10€, 0,29€, 0,39€, 0,62€

About Coins of Vytis - The Symbol from the Emblem of the Lithuania State

The set of the 6 stamps from the series Vytis, the Symbol of the Emblem of the Lithuanian State, feature Vytis found on various coins starting from denarii issued in the Great Duchy of Lithuania by Jogaila in the years 1388-1390, and ending with the 5 litas coin of the Republic of Lithuania issued in 1925.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Hong Kong - Qipao, Traditional Ladies Costumes 2017





"Qipao" Special Stamps
Date of Issue: 17 October 2017

Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress for women that first came into vogue in the 1920s, accentuates the gracefulness of the feminine physique with its oriental charm. To review the evolution of the qipao which has spanned almost a century, Hongkong Post issues a set of stamps on the theme of “Qipao”. This set of six stamps, together with the stamp sheetlets, exhibits the special characteristics of the qipao dresses from different decades. Illustrations on the stamps are the works of students studying for the Higher Diploma in Visual Arts and Culture at the Hong Kong Design Institute. The stamp sheetlets are embedded with the first-ever qipao-shaped stamps. Furthermore, the $20 stamp sheetlet is printed with paper made of taffeta fabric to enhance the theme.

$1.70 Hong Kong Dollars ─ Qipao in the 1920s inherited the wide and straight cut of long gowns of the Qing dynasty. The hemline fell between the calf and the ankle while the sleeves reached either the wrist or the elbow.

$2.20 Hong Kong Dollars ─ Qipao in the 1930s became the most popular daily attire among women. The qipao at that time mostly adopted a slim and slender cut, with higher slits on both sides to allow easier movements.

$2.90 Hong Kong Dollars ─ Qipao in the 1940s had its hemline raised to the calf and the collar lowered. The dresses were made of plainer fabrics with few embellishments. Summer qipao dresses were largely sleeveless.

$3.10 Hong Kong Dollars – Qipao in the 1950s was characterised by a slender cut, an indented hem and a higher collar. The qipao became the most elegant and decent dress for women for going out and the mainstream work attire for office ladies.

$3.70 Hong Kong Dollars – Qipao in the 1960s bore a similar style to that of the 1950s: shortened length, a slim waistline, a body-hugging fit and a narrow hemline to create an hourglass figure.

$5 Hong Kong Dollars – Qipao in the 1970s gradually fell from grace as western outfits won hearts. Nevertheless, the qipao continued to be worn as a ceremonial dress and thus became the attire for special occasions.

$10 Hong Kong Dollars, Stamp Sheetlet – Contemporary Qipao has retained the classical design while undergoing refinement and recasting by introducing contemporary fashion elements into the fabrics, cut and styles, hence reinforcing its prestigious status as a perennial classic.

$20 Hong Kong Dollars, Stamp Sheetlet – Contemporary Qipao printed with paper made of Taffeta Fabric to enhance the theme.

Acknowledgement: Hong Kong Design Institute and Hong Kong Museum of History.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Japan - The World of Japanese Traditional Culture: Kimono 2017



Issue: The World of Japanese Traditional Culture : Kimono
First Day: 04 August 2017
Face Value: Japanese Yen 82 x 10 pieces (Self Adhesive)
Designer: Nakamaru Hitomi (Stamp Designer)
Printing: Offset in 6 colors
Size: A, C, E, G, I : 25.5 x 27.0mm
Size: B, D, F, H, J : 22.0 x 28.0mm
Sheet: 10 stamps

Stamp Designs:
G169A - Kimono 1 ; G169B - Heian Period
G169C - Kimono 2 ; G169D - Muromachi Period
G169E - Kimono 3 ; G169F - Azuchi-Momoyama Period
G169G- Kimono 4 ; G169H - Edo Period
G169I  - Kimono 5 ; G169J - Present

These greeting stamps depict "Kimono" which has become popular throughout the world and is Japanese traditional culture. Design used for Kimono and images of Kimono from Heian period to the present are illustrated for each period.

Japan - Fashion 2017



Issue: Japanese Fashion
First Day: 09 August 2017
Face Value: Japanese Yen 82 x 10 (Self-adhesive)
Designs: Fashion Illustration
Creator of Original Drawing: Okamoto Azusa (Fashion Illustrator)
Designer: Tamaki Akira (Stamp Designer)
Printing: Offset in 6 colors
Size: A, B, F, G: 21.50 mm x 43.50 mm
Size: C, E, H, J: 21.50 mm x 27.00 mm
Sheet: 10 Stamps

The motif of these greeting stamps is a fashion illustration. The images of fashionable women dressed in a stylish manner are illustrated with a vibrant color and delicate brushwork.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Hong Kong - Chinese & Western Wedding Customs 2017


Country / Post: Hong Kong (PRC)
Date of Issue: 23 July 2013
Subject: Chinese and Western Wedding Customs
Width: 28.0 mm (Stamps) ; 100.0 mm (SS)
Height: 45.0 mm (Stamps) ; 40.0 mm (SS)
Perforations: 13.5 by 13.25
Stamp issuing authority: Hongkong Post
Printer: Joh Enschedé BV, the Netherlands

A set of special stamps on "Chinese and Western Wedding Customs" will be released for sale with associated philatelic products on 23 July 2013 (Tuesday). Two Heartwarming Stamps with Fragrance (2013 Version) "Chinese and Western Wedding Customs" Mini-panes will also be issued on the same day.

"As I have held thy hand, so I shall grow old with thee." Marriage is a lifelong promise between a man and a woman. It is also an important event in a couple’s life. Throughout time and across cultures, nuptial ties are formed at marriage ceremonies. Apart from bringing sweet and memorable moments for the bride and groom, a wedding is a joyful occasion shared with family and friends. Influenced by culture, traditions and the way of life, marital customs vary in different societies. In Hong Kong where the East meets the West, weddings are characterised by a blend of traditional Chinese etiquette and Western customs. This set of stamps introduces the wedding culture of Hong Kong from various perspectives, highlighting the harmonious mix of Chinese and Western elements.

1.40 Hong Kong Dollars – The newlyweds, in traditional Chinese wedding dress, perform their bows as part of the ceremony. The dragon and phoenix embroidery on the bridal dress symbolises nobility, auspiciousness and a blessed union. Forming a backdrop are a "double-happiness" paper-cutting and two big red lanterns, adding to the joyous atmosphere.

1.80 Hong Kong Dollars – Their hearts filled with love for each other, the groom, in his tuxedo, and the bride, in her wedding gown, exchange their vows. The wedding rings on their fingers are tokens of enduring love and faithfulness.

2.40 Hong Kong Dollars – "Gift Presentation" in traditional Chinese wedding etiquette is very much like a betrothal ceremony. On the day of "Gift Presentation", the groom’s family will pay a visit to the bride’s family, bringing gift money, bridal cakes, coconuts, tea leaves, etc. to make a formal marital pledge.

2.50 Hong Kong Dollars – Cutting a cake at a wedding is a Western tradition. The new couple share the cake with their family and friends who partake in the joyful celebrations and share the happiness of the bride and groom.

3.00 Hong Kong Dollars – The red background with dragon and phoenix motifs suggests auspiciousness and joyfulness in Chinese weddings. The couple, in gold silhouette, have drunk their nuptial wine: now they will never part.

5.00 Hong Kong Dollars – Western weddings are usually held in a church or a garden. Decorations are mainly in white. An archway adorned with roses and wedding bells lend solemnity and a touch of sweetness to the occasion.

In this stamp issue, red and gold, popular colours for Chinese celebrations, are used in three of the stamps to emphasise the cheerful bustle of Chinese weddings. White and pink, being the symbol of purity, are the main colours of the other three stamps in which the feeling of romance associated with Western weddings permeates.

An auspicious colour in Chinese tradition, bright red is employed for the stamp sheetlet to highlight the Chinese red lanterns and dragon-phoenix bangles on the left, and the crystal chandelier and wedding rings on the right. A couple in Chinese wedding costume and another in Western wedding attire are juxtaposed to show the harmonious integration and coexistence of Chinese and Western wedding customs in Hong Kong. The contrast is delightful.

Friday, August 25, 2017

Hong Kong - Cantonese Opera Costumes 2014



Date of Issue: 21 August 2014
Subject: Cantonese Opera Costumes
Width: 28.00 mm (stamps); 100.00mm (SS)
Height: 45.00 mm (stamps); 40.00mm (SS)
Perforations: 13.50 by 13.25
Stamp Issuing Authority: Hongkong Post
Printer: Cartor Security Printing, France

Cantonese opera, as a traditional form of performing art, has a large following in Hong Kong. The “Cantonese Opera Costumes” stamps featured seven distinctive costume types in beautiful embroidery.

Cantonese Opera is the indigenous performing art form of Guangdong region. Dating back to some four centuries ago, the genre has a unique style built upon narration and Cantonese folk music and singing. Cantonese opera costumes are mostly embroidered and classified by the roles, gender and scenes. This exquisite stamp issue presents seven costumes including the Great Han Costume, Gown with Sloping Collar, Dress for Young Ladies, Military Uniform for Soldiers, Python Ceremonial Robe, Gown with a Vertical Collar and Grand Armor in meticulous details.

The stamp sheetlet features a grand armour. Dressed in the grand armour, actors impersonating the marshals of the Six Kingdoms in the Joint Investiture project a heroic, gallant and formidable demeanour.

1.70 Hong Kong Dollars - Great Han Costume
2.20 Hong Kong Dollars - Gown with a Slopping Collar
2.90 Hong Kong Dollars - Dress for Young Ladies
3.10 Hong Kong Dollars - Military Uniform for Soldiers
3.70 Hong Kong Dollars - Python Ceremonial Robe
5.00 Hong Kong Dollars - Gown with a Vertical Collar

A set of special stamps on the theme “Cantonese Opera Costumes” will be released for sale with associated philatelic products on 21 August 2014 (Thursday).

Cantonese opera is a highly-valued traditional performing art in Hong Kong. With a live chamber orchestra and special theatrical costumes, Cantonese opera is an art form involving many skills such as singing, acting, narration and martial arts. Cantonese opera costumes come in a wide variety and correspond to the identity and social status of different roles. Hongkong Post issues a set of special stamps on “Cantonese Opera Costumes” featuring seven distinctive costumes on 21 August 2014.

The $1.70 stamp portrays a great Han costume. Embroidered with phoenix and floral designs, the costume is mostly worn by artists impersonating queens, princesses or imperial concubines. A female great Han costume features a top with draping sleeves and a large decorative shoulder cape, a long double layer pleated dress, a tight waist, a front flap and a back flap.

The $2.20 stamp shows a gown with a sloping collar. The gown is a common Cantonese opera costume worn mostly by artists playing young aristocrats and noblemen. Decorated with floral patterns, it is characterised by a sloping collar, wide sleeves covered by flowing sleeves and a straight body with two side slits.

The $2.90 stamp depicts a dress for young ladies. The dress is the daily wear for the role of unmarried maidens. It is featured by a top with wide sleeves covered with flowing sleeves, a tight waist, and a long dress embroidered with flower motifs. A decorative shoulder cape and a front or back flap can be added to the costume to reflect the character’s identity or status.

The $3.10 stamp delineates a military uniform for soldiers. The uniform, emblazoned with floral and cloud motifs, features a top with a round collar, loose sleeves with cuffs, an outer vest and a pair of harem trousers. Artists portraying military officers usually wear this costume.

The $3.70 stamp displays a python ceremonial robe (mang). The robe, a form of regalia worn by actors playing emperors, generals and ministers, is decorated with a circular dragon, a single dragon and cloud motifs. A men’s mang is a long robe with a round collar, wide sleeves covered with flowing sleeves, and a jade belt around the waist.

The $5 stamp features a gown with a vertical collar (pei). This gown with floral embroidery is the casual wear worn by patricians. A women’s pei is a long knee-length robe with symmetrical fronts, wide sleeves covered with flowing sleeves, two side slits and a long dress.

The $10 stamp sheetlet features a grand armour. Dressed in the grand armour, actors impersonating the marshals of the Six Kingdoms in The Joint Investiture project a heroic, gallant and formidable demeanour. As the costume for military officers, grand armour emblazoned with a scale pattern is decorated with triangular pennants on the back. Grand armour for men features a round collar, narrow sleeves and a stiff protruding protective front covering in the centre.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Mongolia - Modern Mongolian's National Costumes 2012



Date of Issue: 24 August 2012
Subject: Modern Mongolia's National Costumes
Width: 30.0 mm
Height: 60.0 mm
Perforations: 12 by 12
Stamp issuing authority: Postage Stamp Authority of Mongol Post
Printer: Beijing Stamp Printing House of State Postal Bureau

Stamps:
100 Mongolian Tughrik
200 Mongolian Tughrik
300 Mongolian Tughrik
400 Mongolian Tughrik
500 Mongolian Tughrik
600 Mongolian Tughrik

Mini Sheet:
700 Mongolian Tughrik
800 Mongolian Tughrik

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Philippines - Coat of Arms 1951



5.00 Philippine Centavo - Manila Coat of Arms (Issued: 3 February 1951)
5.00 Philippine Centavo - Cebu Coat of Arms (Issued: 27 April 1951)
5.00 Philippine Centavo - Zamboanga Coat of Arms (Issued: 19 June 1951)
5.00 Philippine Centavo - Iloilo Coat of Arms (Issued: 26 August 1951)

6.00 Philippine Centavo - Manila Coat of Arms (Issued: 3 February 1951)
6.00 Philippine Centavo - Cebu Coat of Arms (Issued: 27 April 1951)
6.00 Philippine Centavo - Zamboanga Coat of Arms (Issued: 19 June 1951)
6.00 Philippine Centavo - Iloilo Coat of Arms (Issued: 26 August 1951)

18.00 Philippine Centavo - Manila Coat of Arms (Issued: 3 February 1951)
18.00 Philippine Centavo - Cebu Coat of Arms (Issued: 27 April 1951)
18.00 Philippine Centavo - Zamboanga Coat of Arms (Issued: 19 June 1951)
18.00 Philippine Centavo - Iloilo Coat of Arms (Issued: 26 August 1951)

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Switzerland - Coat of Arms 1918-1926

SWITZERLAND STAMP SCENE

Examine the borders on Switzerland’s Arms issues

Many details are hidden in the borders of Switzerland’s Pro Juventute stamps from 1918 to 1926 featuring the cantonal arms. The tiny figures offer clues to Switzerland’s history and culture.

RICHARD T. HALL - LINNS STAMP NEWS

The 1918 series: the 10-centime semipostal stamp features the arms of canton Uri, with the border showing an apple with an arrow through it; the 15c, the arms  of canton Geneva, with the strings of pearls in the border representing the canton as the center of jewelry trade.

Have you ever looked closely at the Pro Juventute issues of 1918 to 1926 showing Swiss cantonal arms? Of course, you say. They show the coat of arms of each of the then 25 cantons.

But have you noticed the tiny figures to the right and left of the arms? Let’s take a look at these, because they have ties to the canton whose arms are featured.

Let’s start with the first of the series, the 1918 10-centime semipostal stamp showing the arms of canton Uri (Scott B10), one of the first three cantons of 1291. The cantonal capital of Uri is Altdorf, of William Tell fame. So what better to border the arms with than an apple with an arrow through it.

The next stamp in the series, the 1918 15c, shows the arms of canton Geneva (Scott B11), one of the cantons to join the Confederation in 1815 after the Napoleonic Wars. Geneva, the capital of the canton, is known, among other things, as a center of the jewelry trade. Strings of pearls refer to that.


The 1919 issues: shows the arms of canton Vaud (10c), and the two half-cantons of Nidwalden (7½c) and Oberwalden (15c). The borders feature bunches of grapes (Vaud), a bunch of “Morgensternen” or “Morning Stars” (Nidwalden), and halberd blades (Oberwalden)

The 1919 issues show the arms of canton Vaud (Scott B13, a 10c stamp) and the two half-cantons of Nidwalden (B12, a 7½c stamp) and Oberwalden (B14, a 15c semipostal). Canton Vaud was another of the group that joined the Confederation in 1815, while Unterwalden (the name of the full canton) is also one of the three original cantons in the Confederation.


The borders of the two half cantons refer to the struggles they faced in gaining their independence. The border of the Nidwalden stamp shows a bunch of “Morgensternen” or “Morning Stars”.

A Morning Star was a root gnarl into which iron spikes had been driven, attached to a chain, and then whirled over the head of the soldier. These were lethal weapons during close-in fighting. The Oberwalden border is composed of halberd blades, another very effective weapon at close quarters.

The border of the Vaud stamp shows bunches of grapes, referring to the vineyards on the slopes above the Lake of Geneva responsible for most of the wines of Switzerland.



The 1920 issues: the arms of cantons Schwyz (7½c stamp), Zurich (10c stamp), and Ticino (15c stamp). The borders picture a raised hand with the thumb and two fingers extended (Schwyz), gears (Zurich), and bricks (Ticino).



The 1920 issues show the arms of cantons Schwyz (Scott B15, a 7½c stamp), Zurich (B16, a 10c stamp), and Ticino (B17, a 15c stamp). Canton Schwyz is the third of the three original cantons and is the home of the field at Rutli, where the Confederates swore their allegiance to their cause by raising their hand with the thumb and two fingers extended, shown in the border of the stamp. This gesture is still used to signify a Swiss citizen’s allegiance to the Confederation.

Canton Zurich joined the Confederation in 1351 and is the commercial and financial center of Switzerland. What better way to show this than gears.

Canton Ticino is another late entry to the Confederation, having joined in 1803. The border is made up of bricks symbolizing the construction trade of many of the inhabitants.



The 1921 issue: the arms of cantons Valais (10c stamp), Bern (20c stamp), and Switzerland (40c stamp). The borders feature cherries, grapes, and plums (Valais); heads of wheat (Bern); Count Rudolf I of Hapsburg at the left and William Tell with his crossbow at the right (Switzerland).


The 1921 issue shows the arms of cantons Valais (Scott B18, a 10c stamp) and Bern (B19, a 20c stamp).

The 40c stamp of the 1921 issue features the Swiss arms (B20). The border figures of this stamp are Count Rudolf I of Hapsburg at the left and William Tell with his crossbow at the right, the two proponents in the William Tell legend.

Canton Valais is another of the group that joined the Confederation in 1815. The border of the stamp shows cherries, grapes, and plums, referring to the orchards and vineyards of the canton.

Canton Bern joined the Confederation in 1353 and is known as the bread basket of Switzerland, hence the heads of wheat in the border of the stamp.




The 1922 issue: the arms of cantons Zug (5c stamp), Fribourg (10c stamp), Luzern (20c stamp), and Switzerland (40c stamp). The borders show fish (Zug), bishop’s miters and rosaries (Fribourg), sailboats encircled by rosaries (Luzern), and Duke Leopold III of Austria at the left and Arnold von Winkelried with an armful of spears and a battle ax at the right (Switzerland).



The 1922 issue shows the arms of cantons Zug (Scott B21, a 5c stamp), Fribourg (B22, a 10c denomination), and Luzern (B23, a 20c stamp). The fourth stamp (B24), a 40c denomination, shows the Swiss arms bordered by Duke Leopold III of Austria at the left and Arnold von Winkelried with an armful of spears and a battle ax at the right.

These men represent the Battle of Sempach in 1386, an important battle for Swiss independence. Winkelried is famed for sacrificing himself by grasping as many of the Austrian spears as he could to open a gap in the battle line to allow the Confederates passage to kill the Duke.

Canton Zug joined the Confederation in 1352 and is the location of the Lake of Zug. The lake is the only place where the Zuger Rotel, a fish reknowned for its flavor, is found, hence the fish in the border of the stamp.

Canton Fribourg joined the Confederation in 1481. Its capital, the city of Fribourg, is the seat of the Bishopric of Fribourg, Lausanne, and Geneva, hence the bishop’s miters and rosaries in the border.

Confederation in 1332. On the Lake of Lucerne (officially the Lake of the Four Cantons, Vierwaldstattersee), the border of the stamp shows sailboats encircled by rosaries referring to the pleasures of life on the lake and the strong Catholic influence in the canton.





The 1923 issue: the arms of Half-Canton Basel Stadt (5c stamp), Canton Glarus (10c stamp), Canton Neuchatel (20c stamp), and Switzerland (40c stamp). The borders show crozier heads (Basel), repeating Edelweiss pattern (Glarus), watches (Neuchatel), and French Dauphin Louis XI and a Swiss soldier with many arrows piercing his body from the Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs fought in 1444 (Switzerland).

The 1923 issue shows the arms of cantons Glarus (Scott B26, a 10c stamp) and Neuchatel (B27, a 20c denomination) and of the half-canton of Basel Stadt (B25, a 5c stamp).

The Swiss arms on the high denomination 40c stamp (B28) show the French Dauphin Louis XI and a Swiss soldier with many arrows piercing his body from the Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs fought in 1444.

The battle was a terrible defeat for the Swiss because they were slain to the last man; however, the massive casualties they imposed on the French saved Zurich.

Canton Glarus joined the Confederation in 1352. The border of the stamp shows a repeating Edelweiss pattern, referring to the mountainous character of the canton and its reputation for printed fabrics.

Canton Neuchatel joined the Confederation in 1815, the final member of the group that became part of the Confederation at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The canton is the home of the watch-making industry, hence the watches (interestingly, none showing the same time) in the border of the stamp.

The Canton of Basel joined the Confederation in 1501. Conflict between those living in the countryside and those living in the city of Basel led to a revolt in 1833, which resulted in the canton being split into two half-cantons. The half-canton of Basel Stadt encompasses the city of Basel and is the seat of the Bishopric of Basel, hence the crozier heads in the border.






The 1924 issue: the arms of cantons Appenzell (5c stamp), Solothurn (10c stamp), Schaffhausen (20c stamp), and Switzerland (30c stamp). The borders feature Swiss cow bells (Appenzell); banners and mitres (Solothurn); grapes (Schaffhausen); and two soldiers from the Burgundian Wars of 1474-77 between the forces of Charles, Duke of Burgundy, and the Swiss (Switzerland).



The 1924 issue shows the arms of cantons Solothurn (Scott B30, a 10c stamp) and Schaffhausen (B31, a 20c stamp) and of the half-canton of Appenzell Inner-Rhoden (B29, a 5c stamp) along with the arms of Switzerland (B32, a 30c stamp). The 30c stamp has the figures of two soldiers from the Burgundian Wars of 1474-1477 between the forces of Charles, Duke of Burgundy, and the Swiss.

Canton Solothurn joined the Confederation in 1491. The border of the stamp shows banners, referring to the Cathedral of St. Urs, and mitres, referring to the fact that the Bishop of Basel had his residence in Solothurn.

Canton Schaffhausen joined the Confederation in 1501. The Hallau region of the canton is famous for its wines, hence the grapes in the border.

The Canton of Appenzell joined the Confederation in 1513, but the Protestant Reformation resulted in battles between the Catholics and Protestants in the canton. In 1531, it was decided to split the canton along faith lines. Each town in the canton decided if they wanted to join the Catholic Inner-Rhoden or the Protestant Ausser-Rhoden, resulting in a patchwork of borders between the two half-cantons. The border of the Appenzell Inner-Rhoden stamp shows the famous Swiss cow bells, referring to the herds of cattle grazing on the lush pastures of the region.





The 1925 issue: the arms of cantons St. Gallen (5c stamp), the half-canton of Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden (10c), Graubunden (20c stamp), and Switzerland (30c stamp). The borders picture embroidery (St. Gallen), hand embroidery (Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden), grape leaves (Graubunden), and soldiers from the Battle of Marignano of 1515 (Switzerland).

The 1925 issue shows the arms of cantons St. Gallen (Scott B33, a 5c stamp) and Graubunden (B35, a 20c stamp) and the half-canton of Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden (B34, a 10c stamp) together with the Swiss arms (B36, a 30c stamp). The border of the latter stamp shows soldiers from the Battle of Marignano of 1515. It was this battle that led to the Swiss becoming a neutral power in the European wars of the era, when the Swiss realized that they were fighting fellow Swiss serving as mercenaries for their enemy. Canton St. Gallen joined the Confederation in 1803. The canton is famous for its embroidery, both handmade and machine made, hence the embroidery in the border of the stamp. Canton Graubunden also joined the Confederation in 1803. The border of the stamp shows grape leaves. Like Half-Canton Appenzell Inner-Rhoden, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden was created in 1531 out of Canton Appenzell. The border of the stamp shows hand embroidery.






The 1926 issue: the arms of Canton Thurgau (5c stamp), Half-Canton Basel Landschaft (10c stamp), Canton Aargau (20c stamp), and Switzerland (30c). The borders depict branches of pear trees (Thurgau), ribbons (Basel Landschaft), carrots (Aargau), and the sculpture The Lion of Lucerne, with a sword blade protruding from his side (Switzerland).


The final stamps of the Cantonal Arms series were issued in 1926, showing the arms of cantons Thurgau (Scott B37, a 5c stamp) and Aargau (B39, a 20c stamp) and that of Half-Canton Basel Landschaft (B38, a 10c stamp), together with the Swiss arms on the high denomination (B40, a 30c stamp). The 30c stamp shows the sculpture THE LION OF LUCERNE, a sword blade protruding from his side, commemorating the Swiss Guards who were slain in the Tuileries Palace in 1792 during the French Revolution.

Canton Thurgau joined the Confederation in 1803. The border of the stamp shows branches of pear trees, referring to the large number of orchards in the area.

Canton Aargau also joined the Confederation in 1803. The border of this stamp shows carrots, referring to the agricultural products of the region.

The final stamp in the series is that of the half-canton of Basel Landschaft. As explained with the Basel Stadt stamp, the half-canton was formed in 1833 when the canton of Basel was split between the city and countryside (Landschaft). The border of the stamp shows ribbons, ribbon making being an important industry of the region.

See what you can learn by closely examining your stamps!