Nov 14, 2010

Special Date Postmark - The New Crave

Postmarks Collection is nothing new in philately especially for traditional philatelist. Basically postmarks consists of 4 major division:

1. Circular Dated Stamp (CDS)
2. First Day Postmark
3. Pictorial Postmark
4. Meter Postmark

I guess I need not elaborate on the above as most of us are well aware of the different type of postmarks and I'm sure there are many articles in the web which has elaborated explaination with regards to different types of postmarks. However, today I would like to share something that has been a crave for the new philaletist generation. Yes, it is Special Date Postmarks. What do I mean by Special Date Postmarks?

Special date postmarks are basically postmarks that reflects special dates such as 10-10-10 or 20-10-2010. Many have argued that this sort of collection is of no value but I disagree. Any collection is valuable if they are cherished by its owner. If a philatelist is commited to do extensive research and build a collection, I'm sure it will be something great in the future. Something eveyone will look up to. Take my word for it.

Though I dont have an extensive collection in this area, I do have some covers that I would love to share:

Taiwan Postmark dated 8th September 2010 at 11am

Birmingham,UK Postmark dated 10th October 2010

Dubai, UAE Postmark dated 10th October 2010

Belgium Meter Cancellation dated 10th October 2010

Interesting? I'm sure all of you would agree that this is definitely an area we all can participate and contribute to the growth of Special Date Philately. So, if you are interested, do keep me in the loop when special dates like this comes by. I'm always ready for friendly exchanges. LOL...

comments (2)

Oct 16, 2010

How Far Do I Go As a Thematic Collector?


Being a thematic collector, many have repeatly asked this particular question; How far do I go as a thematic collector?

Like all others, I went through the normal cycle; from world wide, to Birds, to specific birds and slowly to a more specialized area. I guess this is a normal cycle for all. When it comes to a thematic collector I guess we can have 2 major type of collector/philatelist:

1) one who is passionate about his/her thematic collection and gets everything that comes by; duplicates are never a problem
2) one who collects specific thematic material for his/her exhibit

IMHO, both collector/philatelist are as passionate and the only difference between them is their goal. One who love to have a complete and comprehensive collection of a specific theme while the second dreams of a GOLD medal. Hats off to both as a lot of passion and effort is put into their great work.

Then the another question pops up; which is more cost effective? As Ive mentioned numerous times, I really dont like to put a value on philatelic materials. For me they are small things in life that are priceless. However, if you insist on knowing the cost, IMHO both incur the same cost. As a exhibitor, he/she will first plan out his/her story board and moving forward, will only purchase relevant materials. Seems cheap enough but bear in mind, GOLD Medal means GOLD INVESTMENT!!! Specific materials like essays, errors, proofs, etc are priority whereas a thematic collector who collects everything tends to buy anything he/she could afford. Again seems cheaper, but when the bulk becomes bigger, you definitely will cross that very thin line again. Please take note that no matter how casual a collector/philatelist can be, there will be a time when the temptation of a more specialized collection becomes unbearable. HAHAHA, Im sure you will agree. I guess philately isn't cheap when you get really serious bout it.

As for the question; How far do I go as a thematic collector? I guess first you need to set a goal. As for the goal, please dont be influence by others. Give good thought to it and eventually you will know what u really want. If you asked me, there is a thin line between an exhibitor and a thematic collector, but an even thinner line between a thematic and a traditional philatelist. Ooops, dont shoot me please. I know its a taboo within the traditional community but IMHO, thematic philatelist/collectors tend to go abroad when they really committed.

After you know what are your goals, then its time to analyze whether your topic/theme is suitable. I have narrowed my collection from Birds to Birds of Prey and Pigeons as it is easier for me to focus on both. Moreover, its much cheaper when we talk about dollar and cents. I was rather comfortable with my decision as I can slowly build my collection and spend a little more on the more expensive issues. However, as time passes, the urge to be involved in exhibition becomes unbearable and this is when I realized being too specific on a theme for exhibit is never easy. Just imagine, how many postmarks where there for birds of prey or more importantly how many essays/proofs are there in the market? Unlike wider themes such as Birds or more abstract themes like Wind, Water, etc. materials are easier to hunt for but again not necessarily cheap. Please take note that with a specific theme, though the workload becomes bigger but the end results is most satisfying.

I guess in the end, its all about the decision we make. No one philatelist can dictate what is the limit. Please bear in mind there was never a limit in philately. Just use your imagination and dont never give up. No matter what the end result is, the most essential thing is that you had given your best. Im sure by then, all else doesnt really matter.

Again, all these are my humble thoughts and I would again be honoured to receive feedbacks from all my readers. Till the next post, take care and God bless.

comments (0)

Oct 5, 2010

How to Protect Your Stamps?

Over the years, My biggest concern is not about getting stamps but rather keeping them. Surprise? I guess not if you are living in a country with high humidity like Malaysia. It is definitely a BIG BIG challenge for me as its never easy to fight mother nature.

There are really two main reasons why collectors go to great lengths to keep their stamps in the best condition possible. The main reason is a fact we cannot deny; stamps are valued with regards to its condition. A toned stamp or a missing perf can drastically decrease the value of a stamp. Secondly, its never a good feeling to have an imperfect stamp in your collection. You can ask any philatelist or collector. we all feel the same. However, please take note that we cant always get the best possible condition when it comes to classics but mind you we will always try our best.

Keeping stamps in a tropical country isn't easy at all due to its high humidity. There are a few key points we need to adhere to ensure that our stamps remains in the highest of quality.


Stamp Tongs

1. Always use Stamp Tongs
As philatelist/collector, using Stamp Tongs has definitely become second nature but there are times when we need to use our hands. e.g. to separate a single stamp from a sheet. Human skin is coated with some oily residue and not even a good hand wash could reduce the oil. The biggest problem starts when the oil is transfered to our precious stamps; toning and spots start to appear. Definitely a nightmare.


Stamp mounts is truly a reliable yet proven way to keep stamps

2. Always use quality stock sheets/books/mounts
Renowned brands like lighthouse, hagner and prinz should be use to keep our stamps as they are non toxic and ensures the stamp stays fresh. Though expensive, they are worth the deal. As for me, stock sheets and books are rather hard to come by, hence I decided to use Prinz stamp mounts. I prefer the transparent mount over the black ones as it easier to check the gummed side of mnh stamps. Yes, I have to agree that black mounts look better.


Air tight boxes in various sizes


3. In humid countries, it is advisable to store stamps in air tight box
Yup, air tight box are essential. we can always use air tight tupperware with silica gel. Always ensure you use colour silica gel; pink means it needs to be change.


Glassine Envelopes

4. Glassine Envelopes - Another favorite
Glassine envelopes are definitely a favorite among philatelist/collectors but they have proven not to be too reliable over a very long period of time. So, be careful...


OPP Plastic

5. OPP plastic is a cheaper alternative
Another cheaper but proven alternative is to use OPP plastic. However, please make sure you get your OPP supply from the right place as other type of plastic can do much harm to your collection.


Dry Boxes for Cameras

6. Be creative with Dry Box
Another very reliable alternative would be to keep your stamps in a dry box. Dry box are rather expensive but its really reliable. Dry boxes are usually used for storing cameras but its a great for keeping stamps also. Fingers cross, hope to get at least one of those. LOL

7. Avoid exposing your stamps to sunlight and dust
Stamps and albums should always be kept out of direct sunlight and away from dust. Storing stamps in a cabinet with a door is one way to accomplish both of these goals. Special album slipcases are available from some album manufacturers to further protect the stamps inside. Sunlight often fade the colors of stamps and normally causes another heated argument on whether the stamp is genuinely has a faded color or its just mother nature's working. Guess I better bring this to yet another discussion. Should be an interesting one.

8. Controlled Room - The Ultimatum
This I would say is the ultimatum. A controlled room is a room dedicated to keep your stamps with 24/7 air conditioned environment. There is usually no windows and sophiscated machine that drys the humid air.

This are just a few ways to ensure our stamps stays in the best possible shape. I'm sure everyone will have their own unique way to protect their precious little jewels. I really hope to hear from all of you as this is certainly one of the most discussed topic in philately.

comments (4)

Sep 26, 2010

How to make a Good Philatelic Cover?


Dear friends, i guess the new trend in philately today is philatelic covers. Yes, I have to agree that philatelic covers do not stand as a strong case for traditional philatelist as many aspect of a philatelic covers are rather questionable. For instance, a philatelic cover will usually be franked with a complete set rather than with the correct postage. As for me, though i prefer postal covers that carries thematic value, I can't ignore the beauty of philatelic covers. Over the years, Ive made many friendly exchanges but realized that not many pays attention to the finer aspect of cover collection.


In this post, I would like to highlight some areas that we need to look into if we are to send and receive good philatelic covers. Among them are:

Where to frank the stamps?
According to the UPU regulations, postage stamps have to be on the front top right hand side of each letter. If you use more then one stamp, at least one has to be at the top right hand side.
All others may somewhere else but on the front side. However, there are many countries today who allows extra postage stamps to be franked at the back of the cover.

Do you know how to address the cover?
The UPU does allow to place the address of destination either on the lower right or left hand side. Please use hand writing whenever possible else you can use computers and type writers. Labels has taken up great interest from collectors over the years but please ensure that the labels are of the highest quality. Low quality labels will damage the covers over time and most of the time the address will just blur off.

What is the right size envelope?
If you asked me, it depends on what are you sending. However. the prefer size among cover collectors are C6 covers.

What is the best postmark?
Obviously, the preferred postmark is clear hand cancelled CDS. However, collectors will also appreciate meter cancels, pictorial cancels and machine cancels which are clear and relates to the stamps else a clear hand cancelled CDS is just great. In addition, before sending a cover, it is good to know what type of cancel your exchange partner prefers e.g. SON cancel, light cancel etc.

How to ensure the cover does not bend?
It is essential to include a stiffener into the cover. Make sure the stiffener fits the cover well to ensure the edges of the cover is not damaged along the way. You can always recycle boxes and cardboards into stiffener. no problem there.

Other details:
  • Never use any sort of tape to seal the cover. This practice will damage the cover over the years as the cover will tone due to the sticky tape.
  • Use one theme but this is essential only to thematic collectors. When I say one theme, I don't mean a bird cover but a cover with the same type of bird. This can be a very good exhibit material for a thematic philatelist
I'm sure that many of you have other criteria that you look into when creating a philatelic cover. Please comment as I'm sure all readers would love to learn more on how to make good philatelic covers.

comments (0)

Sep 24, 2010

FIRST DAY COVERS

Mint FDC

Many have repeatedly ask me on First Day Covers over the years. Some believed that FDCs are a great investment. SOrry guys/gals, FDC is definitely not a great investment unless you are talking about rare FDCs like the letter carrying Penny Black sent on the date of issue or any classic materials before the concept of FDC was introduced to the world. However, modern FDCs can be scare but i guess it all boils down to your expectation of the ROI. If you think or dream that modern FDCs can fetch a fortune from the Spinks; I'm sorry to say that you will rather be disapointed.

So, if FDC is not really a great investment, why then people collect them? I think its obvious as FDC has everything; stamp, pictorial cancelation, cover and not forgetting the information brochure itself. However, when it comes to advanced philatelist mattering not traditional or thematic, FDCs tend be a distance away. This is because their postal purpose is questionable. Technically, they are considered CTO. Ooops, I know! I know! Some of you will argue that FDCs are not CTO but rather a 'Favour cancel. I guess this is another area where we can really debate on especially when it comest to CTO (definitely on of the grey areas of philately).

Even worst when FDCs are not allowed in philatelic exhibitiom. This was definitely one of the root cause on why FDC's popularity has drastically went down over the years. However, FDCs can still play an importan part in a exhibition but only if you window the cancellation. As a thematic philatelist, I have to stress that though we can use FDC by windowing the cancellation, a postally used cover with pictorial cancellation is still prefered.

Over the years, FDC collectors has truly revolutionized these particular area of philately. FDC collectors today insist on "REAL POSTED FDC". Real posted FDCs are FDC posted on the same day as date of issue. Please take note that the FDC must include both the pictorial cancellation and CDS cancel. In addition, some very creative collectors have taken more effort by creating their own unique cachet.

Real Posted FDC with signature of the artist

Posted FDC but not Real Posted (Pls check the two dates)

Addressed FDC

FDC with normal cover

I guess IMHO, FDC's should be accepted for what they are; a collector's item commemorating an event. We have to acknowledge that FDC is the best and most effective way to promote philately among the young. The sad part is when dealers try to manipulate collectors that FDC will gain value over time hence more than not, a great disapointment to many young collectors.

Back to the question everyone tend to ask, should we still collect FDC? My answer is simple, collect them if they make you happy. That's the essence of philately. Please remember, philately is always about having fun and treasuring the little things in life and definitely not about investment only.

comments (2)

Sep 21, 2010

Famous Stamp Collectors


Philately has definitely touch people from all walks of life mattering not who they are. Philately or stamp collecting has been the NO. 1 hobby for generations and it is definitely a favourite among kids. However, with time only a few actually continued and indulged in Philately. Some may argue that those who continued are people who have nothing much to do; how wrong can u be?

Famous philatelists from around the world

Prince Rainer III of Monaco
Prince Rainier’s philatelic collection also holds the most valuable postage stamp from the Principality of Monaco, the 5fr stamp of Charles III.

Ad Indusophon
Her Cape of Good Hope Triangular stamp collection won the International Grand Prix in Toronto in 1996.

Anatoly Karpov
Specializing in chess and Olympics-themed stamps. His famous stamp collection ranges from the commemorative stamps of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens up to the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

Cyril Harmer
Assembled the finest collection of Newfoundland airmail stamps containing the notorious Newfoundland overprinted stamps. His well-known stamp collection sold for £803,000 on February 2002.

Dr. Arthur Woo
Unique topical stamp collection about classic birds featuring the Western Australia Swan, the Guatemalan quetzal, the Colombia Andean condor, and the American eagle. Definitely someone I look up to.

Hiroyuki Kanai
Notable postage stamp collector famed for possessing six of the 27 Mauritius error stamps. This is the greatest number ever to be owned by one person.

Pichai Buranasombati
His famous philatelic collection of the Malayan Straits Settlement stamps won the Singapore National Grand Prix in 1995. His notable Burmese stamps collection was hailed in the Indepex National Grand Prix in 1997.

Franklin Roosevelt
While serving his term as the president of the United States from 1882 to 1945, the renowned philatelist designed many USPS stamps. Roosevelt was enlisted in the American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame in 1945.

Carl Einar Pelander
Specializing on Scandinavian stamps. Pelander received the Fieandt Memorial medal in 1960 from the Finnish Philatelic Society for doing an intensive research on the stamps of Finland and for promoting Finnish philately.

Philip Ward Jr.
A world-famous philatelist celebrated for buying stamps that were rare and classic specimens and William Woodbury Hicks was a renowned American philatelist. He founded the Three cent 1851-1857 Unit of the American Philatelic Society.

William Woodbury Hicks
He founded the Three cent 1851-1857 Unit of the American Philatelic Society. He held the largest and most complete collection of U.S railroad stamp cancels from the 1830s to 1861.

Harry Weiss
Was an editor of the Weekly Philatelic Gossip in the 1930s and the most prominent philatelic columnist of his time. Weiss’ column tackles tips on how to collect postage stamps. He organized the Midwest Philatelic Laboratory in 1946 which caters to stamp appraisals and authentication of philatelic items.

George Ward Linn
A famous stamp collector, journalist, and stamp dealer who owns the George W. Linn Company and is famous for his Linn’s Weekly Stamp News. Some of his stamp rare specimens have exceedingly high postage stamp value.

Louise Boyd Dale
Considered to be the most distinguished stamp collector in America. She was the first woman to be appointed as judge for an international philatelic exhibition. She became the first American woman to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelist and was also appointed to the jury of the London International Stamp exhibition.

As philatelist, I guess the name mentioned above are rather a norm for us. We will always hear their names in the philatelic scenes. However, below is a list of people that will certainly shock some of us. They did shock me when I came about this info some time ago.

John Lennon
From the rock band The Beatles collected 550 specimens of used stamps during his youth. Lennon’s stamp album was bought by the Smithsonian Postal Museum for a sum of $ 53, 000.00 in 2005.

Freddie Mercury
The lead vocals of the band Queen started stamp collecting since he was 12 years old. When Mercury died of AIDS complication in 1991, his father sold his philatelic collection. In the winter of 1993, the Freddie Mercury stamp collection was purchased by the Royal Mail and the proceeds of the sale went to an AIDS charity.

Ronnie Wood
The lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones became a renowned stamp collector after his alcohol rehabilitation therapy. Wood collects rare stamps and often makes them his subjects in painting.

Maria Sharapova
Though she is more a tennis sensation than a well-known stamp collector, Sharapova has been collecting stamps since she was a little girl.


I was thinking abit on whether I should blog about this. I realized the people here are very very RICH; then comes the question, is philately only for the rich? I used to have that mentallity during my early years of trying to move towards a more specialized collector. It always seems so hard to compete during auctions. You always know what you need, where to source, yet budget tends to get in the way. LOL...

However, over the years, I came to understand that philately is not about having the rarest stamp or cover (though it will be still VERY VERY GOOD to own them). Its about the passion you have for philately. With time, all will come to play. A piece of very important advice I got from fellow philatelist is never to rush. A collection will be completed over time and how long must never be a question. Whats essential is you enjoy the journey.

Lets not envy the famous collectors but rather be honoured that the hobby I and you share is also the hobby of very very famous people. As the saying goes "STAMP COLLECTING IS The KING OF HOBBIES & HOBBY OF KINGS". So, next time when someone laughs at you when they came to know about your philately passion, just show them the list of people who are philatelist. I'm not sure about the rest but Maria Sharapova's name will definitely pop some eyes. LOL


comments (1)

Sep 15, 2010

Is Philately A Dying Hobby Among Youth?


Its been 170 years since the world's first adhesive postage stamp, Penny Black was used in a public postal system. Philately has since seen numerous revolution over the years and more recently the addition of Maxiphily is evidence of the ever evolving hobby. Putting that aside, I would like to bring up a very disturbing reality; Philately among Youth.

Over the years, I always wondered if philately is dying among the youth? I have to admit the temptation of PS3, XBox 360, facebook,etc tends to be unbearable. Even my brother thinks Im crazy. He feels that I could spend my money on better gadgets than mere paper. LOL

Looking back for the past few years in Malaysia, it really seems that the young philatelist is moving towards extinction. Wait... can i consider myself young; being only 26? HAHAHA... I guess you cant ignore the fact that you see the same faces at all stamp fairs, post offices during new issues and more importantly during the crazy and tiring hunt for stamps at the dealers. OMG, Malaysian Philately world suddenly seems so small; I mean really SMALL.

However, I realized now that the youths are very tech-savvy. They rarely come to stamp fairs but they are very very active in online forums and ebay. I've met many along the way and trust me; some are very advanced philatelist. They believe the best way to learn is from the web itself. I have to agree as I've learn so much from forums, and stamp blogs from all over the world. My knowledge on stamps will not be only bounded towards my country but rather a wider study scope. I would have never imagine/dream of having interest on Third Reich Philately if not for the world wide web. However, trust me, no matter how much online philately can help, I still love to have frequent meet-ups, having a drink and chatting about philately, exchanging knowledge, and a little bit of showing off on your latest findings. LOL...

Over the years, I'm lucky to have very close friends like Holger, Vera and Xu Wei coming all the way to Malaysia to meet me. The experience was great and the memory is something I will cherish for life. In addition, PSM have weekly meet ups to keep up with the latest updates.

While browsing some philatelic blogs and forums, I realized that a few schools in Malaysia have been very actively involved in promoting Philately. where else to start if not schools itself? Hats off to Chung Ling High School and Sam Tet for your efforts.

So, I guess no matter what happen, philately was here and is here to STAY;whether its via online or the traditional way. You can argue that there are tones of temptation out there but nothing beats philately. Waiting anxiously for covers in your mail box. thats just out of this world.

So for the question; Is Philately A Dying Hobby among Youth? Definitely NOT... PHILATELY HAS EVOLVED WITH TECHNOLOGY!!! I'm really happy that philately is finally getting to where it should always be, "THE KING OF HOBBIES & THE HOBBY OF KINGS"

PS: I would like to hear from friends all over the world with regards to Philatelic Scene in your country.

comments (3)

Aug 28, 2010

Peculiar Stamps - You either LOVE them or HATE them

Non-philatelist tend to have the impression that philately can be boring. You should think again. Im sure the stamps below will definitely change your mind. When it comes to peculiar philately, 3 countries are rather dominant; Bhutan, Switzerland and Austria. Hence, in this post, I will only share peculiar stamps from these countries only. Please enjoy:

Moving images on their stamps is one of the latest hits in philately. Below is an example from Austria.
In 2006, Austria again issued this curious stamp, which could even be said to be out of this world. The stamp contains 0.03 grams of dust from a meteorite found in Morocco two years earlier, which was fixed to the stamp with a special adhesive:


Austria Post yet again produced another shocking surprise with the world’s first stamp made of football materials in 2008.

In 2005, Austria produced their own embroidered stamps depicting the alpine flower:

Switzerland on the other hand issued stamps in a foil-wrapped booklet, similar to most chocolate bars. Yummy but it still tastes like stamps. Don't be fooled. LOL


In 2000, Switzerland produced embroidered stamp, celebrating the master piece created in St. Gallen, one of the Swiss Canton:
In 2004, Switzerland issued this wooden stamp made from 120-year-old fir trees:


The small Himalayan nation of Bhutan is definitely the "LEADER" when it comes to peculiar stamps, including the first ever stamp made of steel:


Yet again in 1973, Bhutan produced stamps which has rose scented:


If rose scented stamps weren't enough, Bhutan took the philately world by storm with the introduction of stamps which are real phonograph records:


Leaders of the world depicting on plastic stamps. Yet another ground braking adventure by Bhutan:


More recently, Bhutan introduced postage stamps that doubled as actual CD-ROMs. One is entitled “Bhutan: In Harmony with Nature”, the other “Bhutan: 100 Years of Monarchy”:


Promise to showcase more peculiar stamps from all over the world. Trust me, we have so much more. Moreover, Malaysia did produce a peculiar stamp of its own too. Anyone got any idea which issue I'm talking about? LOL

I guess as a philatelist, we either LOVE them or HATE them. As for me, I'm neutral. Its good to have them in my collection but Im not crazy of them. How about all of you?

comments (1)

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)