MAY-JUNE 2018 Issue # 445

PAGE 8

Megyeri Bridge, Budapest (page x) PAGE 6

MAY—JUNE 2018 445-2 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

AUSTRIA 1v MONACO 1v

Issue date 9 May 2018 Issue date 5 April 2018

Schemerlbrücke Truss bridge

The Josef von Schemerl Bridge (Schemerlbrücke) The stamp depicts the Pont Sainte Devote, an is part of the Nussdorf weir and lock complex, arch bridge located in the valley of the same located at the point where the Donaukanal name above the Church dedicated to the patron leaves the Danube. Built between 1894 and saint of Monaco. This bridge was originally a rail bridge. Since the underground of the railway sta- 1898, it is still in use as a road bridge. tion, it became a road bridge. — from Wikipedia — from Office des Timbres, Monaco

CROATIA 2v

Issue date 2 May 2018

STONE BRIDGE (NOVIGRAD NA DOBRI)

Among the bridges on the River Dobra, the NORWAY ss bridge near Novigrad na Dobri especially stands

Issue date 20 April 2018 out. It was built using cut stone. The bridge is located in a tame valley of the river not too far from a castle built on a hill at the beginning of the 16th century. It was owned by the Frankopan, Zrinski and Patačić families.

FRANJO TUĐMAN BRIDGE (DUBROVNIK)

The bridge is located on State Highway 8. Its shape and construction solution – one pylon bearing a cable-stayed bridge – is the first and The Hardanger Bridge is not just Norway’s longest suspension bridge - it is also the eighth long- unique structure of that kind built in Croatia. In est bridge of its type in the entire world. The terms of space and time, the bridge is a modern main span is an impressive 30 m longer than that structure clashing with the ancient forts, walls of the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran- and bridges of Dubrovnik. cisco. — from Norway Posten — from Hrvatska poŝta MAY—JUNE 2018 445-3 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

Spanish ANDORRA 1v SWEDEN ms of 2v printed se-tenant

Issue date Issue date 3 May 2018 23 April 2018

Pont d'Engordany

Nestled between the two banks of the Valira d'Orient river, passing through the parish of Escaldes-Engordany, the Pont d'Engordany con- The Öresund Bridge is a combined railway and nects the two towns that were originally inde- motorway bridge across the Öresund strait be- pendent, extending the street of the same name tween Sweden and Denmark. The bridge runs to Escaldes. Its construction dates back to the nearly 8 km (5 miles) from the Swedish coast to year 1785 when it replaced another older bridge the artificial island Peberholm in the middle of destroyed during a flood. the strait. The crossing is completed by the 4-km (2.5 mi) Drogden Tunnel from Peberholm to the The Pont d'Engordany was declared an Asset of Danish island of Amager. Similar in scope to the Cultural Interest in 2003, within the Monuments Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in the US, the category , thus preserving the beauty of the ar- Öresund Bridge is the longest combined road chitectural complex. — from Correos Andorra and rail bridge in Europe.

It connects two CYPRUS 2v major metropolitan Issue date 2 May 2018 areas: Copenha- The Κelefos Bridge gen, the Danish in the District of capital city, and the Pafos, a few miles Swedish city of away from Agios Malmö. It connects Nikolaos village, in the road and rail networks of the Scandinavian an idyllic area full of Peninsula with those of Central and Western Eu- plane trees and rich rope. A data cable also makes the bridge the in wildlife and flora. backbone of internet data transmission between This little medieval stone bridge is the biggest central Europe and Sweden/Finland. bridge in Cyprus constructed across the Diarizos — from Wikipedia

River supplying the Arminou dam located further The bridge has been commemorated on stamps down. already. In 1999, Sweden publicized the opening The Akapnou Bridge with two stamps (Scott # 2337-8). In 2000, it was in the District of Li- followed up with a joint issue: Denmark Scott# massol. This little Ve- 1187-8, and Sweden Scott # 2391-3. netian stone bridge has two arches and is located northwest of the Akapnou village, across a tributary of Vasilikos. This is a very interesting bridge since it has not been affected by time and we can still see the foundations of the little road going from east to west. — from Cyprus Post MAY—JUNE 2018 445-4 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

CZECH REPUBLIC 1v GUERNSEY 2v from a set of 6v

Also issued in a ms Issue date 2 May 2018 of one complete set

Issue date 2 May 2018

The Podolsko Bridge (Podolský Most) is part of the road link between Tabor and Písek. It is a re- inforced concrete arch bridge that spans the river Vltava near Podolí.

The construction of the bridge required meeting close tolerances, and the designer collaborated with other famous structural engineers, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Actual construction lasted from 1939 until 1942. The length of the bridge is 500 m (~1/3 mi). The bridge is composed of eleven arcs. In 1961, the completion of the Orlik Dam downstream caused the river to rise some 19 m (62 ft) which submerged some of the bridge supports.

The little Empire chain bridge shown to the right of the Podol bridge, was built in 1848 and declared a national technical monument in 1959. In the years 1960-1975 it was dismantled and relocated to the present place in Lužnice. — from OpenBuildings.com and other sources

Castle Cornet (59p) was the subject of Guern- sey’s 2017 Europa issue. This time, the bridge connecting the mainland to the island is fea- OK, so this has nothing to do with Europa, Nor- tured. den, or anything except perhaps ecology. Just

Reservoir Bridge (73p) is part of St. Savior's when I thought that all possible stamp subjects States of Guernsey Reservoir, which provides have been used up, Faroe Islands Post announc- fresh water supply to most of the island. It was es a souvenir sheet for — ??!?? — flies. made by flooding three valleys and a village between 1938 and 1947. There is woodland around the edge of the reservoir with a nature reserve and an area for fresh-water fishing. — from TopicGuernsey.com

MAKE PLANS NOW TO JOIN THE ESU AT A STAMP SHOW THIS SUMMER.

SEE BACK PAGE Do we really need this? Should we send in a FOR INFO. SWAT team? Ouch. Sorry about that. MAY—JUNE 2018 445-5 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

SWITZERLAND 2v SPAIN 1v issued in a ms of 6 stamps (shown)

Issue date 17 May 2018 Issue date 21 April 2018

Spreuer Bridge is one of two extant covered wooden footbridges in the city of Lucerne. The pediments of the Spreuer Bridge contain paintings in the interior triangular frames, which is a feature unique to the wooden bridges of Lu- cerne. In the case of the Spreuer Bridge, the paintings form a Danse Macabre, known as Totentanz in German, which was created from 1616 to 1637 under the direction of painter Kas- par Meglinger. It is the largest known example of a Totentanz cycle. The painters of Lucerne knew the woodcuts by Hans Holbein the Younger but were more advanced in their painting technique. The images and texts of the Lucerne Danse Ma- cabre are intended to highlight that there's no place in the city, in the country or at sea where The eastern inlet bordering San Vicente, the estu- death isn't present. — from Wikipedia ary of the Río Escudo, is spanned by the long, low Trift Bridge is one of the most spectacular pe- -slung, 15th-century Puente de la Maza. destrian suspension bridges of the Alps. It is The Puente de la Maza is an important feat of 100 m high and 170 m long, and is poised above medieval engineering that was started in the 15th the region of the Trift Glacier. Even reaching the century. It was constructed with stone over an bridge through the ravine by cable car is an ad- older bridge made of wood. The wooden bridge venture. Built in 2009, it is one of the longest and had been constructed in the 6th century. It is a highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the long bridge with a length more than 500 meters Alps. The gondola train, which was originally (~ 1/3 mi) and had 32 arches. built as a freight gondola, takes passengers up to the area where the bridge is. It was considered one of the longest bridges at — from MySwitzerland.com that time in Spain. It goes over the San Vicente Ria. The construction took place during the reign of Carlos III. There have been several reconstruc- tions and today there are 28 arches. During fies- tas it is used for setting off fireworks.

San Vincente de la Barquera is a town in western Spain on the Cantabrian Sea. Today the main source of income of the locals is tourism, devel- oped mostly due to the beauty of nature and cultural heritage such as the Maza Bridge. — from Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, and others MAY—JUNE 2018 445-6 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

SLOVENIA 2v each issued in sheets of 8 plus label, HUNGARY 2v issued in a ss of 2 se-tenant sets as shown Issue date 2 May 2018 Issue date 25 May 2018

The Cobblers' Bridge or the Shoemakers' Bridge is Arcing over the River Danube at the most North- a pedestrian bridge crossing the river in Ljubljana, ern point of the capital, the Megyeri Bridge (UL the capital of Slovenia. Back in the 13th century it and LR positions) is the longest bridge of Buda- started as a wooden bridge with a butchers shop on pest and the whole River Danube. It spans it, but the stench from the meat was so strong that the Danube between Buda and Pest, respectively the Emperor had them relocated. Shoemakers were the west and east sides of Budapest, the capital the new occupiers of their booths, giving the bridge of Hungary. Hungary's first cable-stayed river its present name. The bridge has been reconstruct- bridge, it is an important section of the ed on numerous occasions throughout its long his- M0 ringroad around Budapest. It was officially tory. The current stone bridge was designed in opened on 30 September 2008.

1931. To name the bridge, an internet voting contest was held that was eagerly followed by the media. Comedians Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart even got in the act, asking their viewers to help them become godfather of a bridge. On 14 Sep- tember 2006 it was announced that Stephen Col- bert had won. Colbert's enthusiasm was cooled, however, when he was told that two things were necessary: on the one hand he must speak Hun- garian fluently, on the other hand he must be dead. Colbert wisely declined the honor. — from Wikipedia and BridgesOfBudapest.com

The Kőröshegy Viaduct on highway M7 (UR and LL positions) is the longest bridge in Hungary. It The Puh Bridge (Puhov Most) is named after Janez was opened to traffic on 8 August 2007. The gi- Puh, an inventor and mechanic who became famous gantic pillars are hollow on the inside; two of for founding the Austrian Puch automobile plants. It them have an elevator for regular inspections. is an extradosed bridge (i.e., a blend of box girder The precipitation from the road is tapped into a and cable-stayed) over the Drava River near Lake reservoir built for this specific purpose, from Ptuj in northeastern Slovenia. It opened for traffic in which (after cleaning) it runs on to Lake Balaton. May 2007. — from WeLoveBalaton.hu — from Wikipedia and travelwriticus.com MAY—JUNE 2018 445-7 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

ROMANIA 2v in ms of 6 stamps each, plus 2ss BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA (Croat Post) 2v is- with two se-tenant sets. The ss are identical save sued se-tenant in ms of 4 sets with a central la- for stamp position, and “bridges” is in green on bel, and in ss of 2 sets (as shown). one ss (shown) and red on the other sheet. Thus Issue date 5 April 2018 far, album makers have provided space for only one ss.

Issue date 12 April 2018

Two of the most beautiful and oldest bridges in The Bridge of Lies in Sibiu (Lei 3.50) was built in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1859, the second bridge in Europe made of cast The Roman bridge in Plandište (UL and LR posi- iron and the first in Romania. Still in operation, it tions) is the only preserved stone bridge built on links the two sectors of the Small Square, linking the Bosna river and is a national monument of the Lower Town and the Upper Town. Since the B&H. The remnants of the Neolithic, Illyric and bridge was not built on supporting pillars, it was Roman settlements give testimony that the area called in German Liegenbrücke, the lying bridge. around the river basin of Bosnia has been inhab- The locals began to call it the bridge of lies be- ited for ages. The bridge was located on the in- cause in the Transylvanian Saxon dialect, the tersection of essential roads and was immured word for lying is the homonym of the word lie. with carved limestones. In the grate a spolia (re- The Bridge of Lies is a tourist attraction also due purposed stone) was built-in, a stone plate with a to some legends in which it is presented as an shallow molding showing a naked figure in a enchanted deck, ready to break when a lie is spo- standing-up position. ken when crossing it, bringing the liar down to The Roman bridge on the Šujica river (UR and earth. Beyond the legends, The Bridge of LL) is located on the intersection of the strategic Lies remains one of the most beautiful bridges in roads, and above the river spring lie the rem- Romania; in 2015 it was included in the List of nants of the Roman fortress Stržanj. Šujica, its Historical Monuments in Sibiu County. natural watercourse that is about 40 km (25 mi), Anghel Saligny Bridge (Lei 16.00) was built be- is called the most devious river in the world. This tween 1890 and 1895, to provide the rail link be- sinking creek runs through the Šujica fields and tween Bucharest and Constanta. It was designed through the canyon pierces into the Duvanjsko high above the Danube to allow the passage of fields and plunges in Kovači. This area was in- vessels with the highest masts. The metallic habited for ages, and the oldest inhabitants were bridge, with its slender shape and laced bars, is the Illyric tribe Delmati. This bridge is expected considered to be one of the most beautiful in the to be proclaimed as a national monument of world. It was replaced in 1987, after almost a cen- B&H in the near future. tury. — from Romphilatelia — from Croatian Post Mostar MAY—JUNE 2018 445-8 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

SLOVAKIA 1v MALTA 2v

Issue date 4 May 2018 Issue date 3 May 2018

The SNP Bridge (Most SNP) Is a road bridge over the Danube in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. It is the world's longest bridge to have one pylon and one cable-stayed plane. Madliena Bridge was built in 1880 by the British The stamp shows an often reproduced drawing military forces to facilitate transportation of mili- created by the architects as part of the project. tary equipment and servicemen along the Victo- While the automobile seen in this picture can be ria Lines. Until the 1930s soldiers would reach classified as antique, the bridge continues to nearby Fort Madliena via this bridge when on captivate onlookers with its bold modernism. duty to guard that part of the Victoria Lines. Lat- er this bridge came into use by civilians and is SNP is the name of the Slovak National Uprising. still a popular thoroughfare for Gharghur or Locally it was (and is) called New Bridge and for Naxxar. awhile the town council made that the official name. It was changed back to Most SNP in 2012.

A special attraction is the flying saucer-shaped structure atop the bridge's 84.6 m (278 ft) pylon, housing an observation deck and a restaurant, which since 2005 has been called UFO (previously, Bystrica). The restaurant serves both traditional Slovak and international cuisine, describing its cuisine as Grand Harbor Breakwater Bridge, also known as "Mediterasian". St. Elmo Bridge, was built during the British peri- od as part of the breakwater project. It was com- Both the restaurant and the observation deck pleted in 1910, having taking 7 years and 500 offer panoramic views of Bratislava. They are men to finish. It was intended as protection of reached using lifts located in the east pillar. The the Grand Harbor from intruders. west pillar of the bridge tower houses an emer- gency staircase with 430 stairs. Traditionally the Grand Harbor was protected by — from POFIS (Slovak Post) and Wikipedia a heavy chain barrier, which ran across the en- trance from Fort St Elmo to Fort Ricasoli. This bridge gave access to the breakwater, but it was destroyed by enemy action during World War II.

A replica bridge was inaugurated in 2011 and this was part of the plan to regenerate Valletta's Grand Harbor. The bridge was redesigned and modelled on the destroyed Victorian bridge while still keeping some of its features. — from Malta Post MAY—JUNE 2018 445-9 New Issues Europa 2018 "Bridges"

BELARUS 2v issued separately, and in a ms of Armenian Post of NAGORNO-KARABAKH 1 set and labels, as shown (now renamed the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH)

Issue date 30 April 2018 2v issued in ms of 10 stamps each, and in a ss of 4 se-tenant sets (shown)

Issue date 30 March 2018

The bridge on the “P” value (upper left) and label in lower right appears to be the Humpback Bridge to the Island of Courage and Sorrow Monument in Minsk.

According to Lonely Planet: “Standing on a small island connected to the Old Town by a walking bridge, this evocative Afghan war memorial is known colloquially as the Island of Tears by locals.

“Built in the form of a tiny church with four en- trances, the monument is surrounded by tower- ing gaunt statues of the sorrowful mothers and sisters of Belarusian soldiers who perished in the war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan (1979–89).”

The bridge on the “H” value (Upper right) and label in lower left appears to be the old bridge 350 drams: Jarvanes Bridge (13th century), on in Dzisna. the Tumi River in the village of Togh According to VEDAJ.BY (Architecture and Culture in Belarus), Dzisna is the smallest city in Belarus, 450 drams: Bridge of Karavaz, one of two arch and very picturesque. It is situated on a river bridges across the Aras River which connect the which is also called Dzisna, There is also a bridge territory of the Azerbaijan and Nagorno which crosses the river Dzisna that is one of the Karabakh Republic controlled by Armenian army oldest bridges in Belarus (built in the late 19th century). with Iran. The first one with 11 arches is shown in the selvage of the illustrated sheet and was built The Belpost (Belarus Post) website only shows in the 7th century; the second, shown on the sel- the stamp images, and does not provide back- vage of the illustrated sheet, has 15 arches and ground information. I’ll issue a correction if I mis- was built in the 13th century. identified anything. -ed. — from travel.am and Wikipedia MAY—JUNE 2018 445-10 New Issues sepac 2018 “Spectacular Views”

FAROE ISLANDS 1v ISLE OF MAN 1v from a set

Issue date 23 April 2018 of 10 stamps issued to celebrate 2018 as the “Year of “It is not unusual for wind and Our Island.” The Niarbyl sea to rise at Strond,” a popu- Coast stamp is their contri- lar campsite in one of the bution to the 2018 SEPAC more remote islands at the project. north of the Faroes. While Issue date 10 April 2018 the tourists come for the spectacular scenery, they “Isle of Man-based professional photographer must also run for cover when Simon Park has spent nearly 40 years photo- nature decides to put on a graphing the Island and we have selected images display.” for this vibrant 10 stamp collection that we hope — from Faroe Islands Posta and Wikipedia convey the variety of experiences and con- trasting scenery that Manx residents have at their LUXEMBOURG 1v disposal. The images range from ancient stones to sports festivals.” Issue date 15 May 2018 — from the Isle of Man Post Office One of the castles not included in the issue for Eu- ropa 2017, Chateau Beau- fort dates from the 11th century, During the first half of the 12th century, a keep was added, and various changes and addi- tions occurred at least until 1539. Today, The ruins are open to visitors every day from Easter until 1 November from 9 am to 6 pm. — from Wikipedia

New Issues European Sports BULGARIA 1v + label

Issue date 20 February 2018

Sofia—European Capital of Sport 2018

Sofia, the Bulgaria capital city, is the 2018 European Capital of Sport, after receiving the flag from Marseille, Capital 2017.

By choosing the Bulgarian capital in 2018, Sofia was placed among the cities that over the past century have proven their contribution to the development of many sports through conducting hundreds of national and world championships in the territory of these cities.

The title of European Capital of Sport is not given for hosting sports events, but rather aims to promote an active lifestyle, the development of sport policies and good facilities infrastructure, programs and ac- tivities. The focus is on grassroots sport and the importance of sport as a priority in people’s lives. — from the website of the European Olympic Committees MAY—JUNE 2018 445-11

New Issues Norden2018 “Fishes” NORWAY 1v FAROE ISLANDS 1v

Issue date Issue date 20 April 2018 23 April 2018

European Perch Atlantic Mackerel

Perca fluviatilis, otherwise commonly known as the redfin Scomber scombrus, perch, big-scaled redfin, English perch, Eurasian also known as Boston mackerel, Norwegian perch, or just common perch, is a predatory spe- mackerel, Scottish mackerel or just plain macke- cies found in Europe and northern Asia. rel, is a species found in the temperate waters of The species is a popular quarry for anglers, and the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the has been widely introduced beyond its native northern Atlantic Ocean, where it is extremely area, into Australia, New Zealand, and South Afri- common. It is a staple of the Faroes, where it is ca. They have caused substantial damage to na- one of the “big fish feeds” of the Islands. tive fish populations in Australia and have been — from Faroe Islands Posta and Wikipedia proclaimed a noxious species in New South Wales. — from Wikipedia

The Miscellaneous Box — Dana Roper

The nice cover to the right came from a dealer/ collector in Estonia, who was sending me a set of stamps from Finland promoting the World Wildlife Fund. So the envelope in which the stamps came was a nice bonus. The stamps he used for postage is a nice block of 4, cancelled squarely in the center, for the 50th anniversary of Europa postage stamps (Scott #528, Michel #537). The sender was on eBay, which along with delcampe, is another good source for Europa and other stamps.

No sooner did this cover show up than I received the envelope on the left from a sender in Greece. The large souvenir sheet survived intact with a couple of unobtru- sive cancels. The sheet is another 50th anniversary item: Greece Scott #2238, Michel #BL 57. Michel prices this at €30 (~$36) which is more than the stamps contained within. Not bad. ▬ MAY—JUNE 2018 445-12 New Issues European Anniversaries and Events

LUXEMBOURG 1v LUXEMBOURG 1v

Issue date 6 March 2018 Issue date 6 March 2018

60th Anniversary of the European Year of Cultural NATO Support and Heritage 2018 Procurement Agency

Founded in France in 1958 and based in Capellen Cultural heritage includes tangible heritage, in- since 1968, the NATO Support and Procurement tangible heritage and digital heritage. Luxem- Agency (NSPA) – originally the NATO Mainte- bourg has chosen for its launch the idea of cul- nance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) – has tural heritage as a cultural, social and economic evolved to become NATO’s premier logistics ser- resource for the future under the theme of vices provider and life cycle management agen- “Heritage for Future”. cy. — from Luxembourg Post

With its 1400 employees and technical operators the agency’s capability portfolio has expanded from its origins supporting NATO countries’ ROMANIA 1v weapon systems to offering an extensive range of products and services across three pillars of Issue date 5 Janu- activity: life cycle management, support to oper- ary 2018 ations & exercises, and services. The anniversary Romania - Slo- stamp is being issued to celebrate both the 60 vakia, 25 Years of years of the Agency’s support to NATO and to Diplomatic Rela- highlight its 50-year presence in Luxembourg. tions

— from Luxembourg Post

LUXEMBOURG 3v SLOVAKIA 1v Issue date 6 March 2018 Issue date 2 January 2018 50th Anniversary of the SOS Children’s 25 Years of Es- Initiative in Luxem- tablishment of bourg the Slovak Re- public Since 1968, “SOS Kannerduerf Lëtzebuerg” has undertaken to support children whose natural On January 1, 1993 the sovereign and independ- development is at risk as a result of traumatic ent Slovak Republic was established, who started experiences such as physical abuse or neglect. the processes to become a fully-fledged member At present, Kannerduerf Lëtzebuerg is monitor- of the European Union and other international ing some 300 children at its inpatient and outpa- organizations and treaties. tient facilities. “SOS Kannerduerf Lëtzebuerg” has The postage stamp bears the motif of Bratislava decided to illustrate its 50th anniversary stamp Castle as a symbol of Slovak statehood accom- with a picture drawn by a child living at Kanner- panied by the National Emblem and Flag that duerf Lëtzebuerg. The more you believe in a represents the Slovak Republic as part of the Eu- child and see the best in them, the more they will ropean Union. ultimately believe in themselves. — from POFIS (Slovak Post) — from Luxembourg Post MAY—JUNE 2018 445-13 Article Malta Postal Cards Redux — Bassan, Smith, Snellenberg

In the last issue I listed all of the Europa Postal Haim: Bassan weighed in shortly thereafter with cards from Malta of which I was aware. I noted his take: that they all seemed to start with No. 2, and I “Referring to the list of Malta postal cards, I wondered whether there was even a No. 1. Well, looked in my card collection and maybe the thanks to our members I can confidently say postal card that is scanned below can win #1 for that the answer is an unequivocal yes. I think. the list of postal cards of Malta. It is not a postal

It wasn’t long after I posed the query that I re- stationery; it has a set of "Europa" 1978 [Michel ceived no fewer than three emails, from Haim # 569-570] stamps and it is the first postal card Bassan, Don Smith and Hans Snellenberg. in line that was issued for stamp exhibitions. This postal card was prepared for LONDON 80.” Don’s was the first: “For Malta 1980 I have a postal card franked with the actual 1980 Europa stamps issued for Lon- don '80. It was sold with a souvenir sheet (that has nothing to do with Europa - it's on tapes- tries). But the card and ss are numbered with identical numbers - sold as a set. I would assume that all cards are identical with the same stamps. I can't see how this would be considered Malta's #1, but who knows?”

Don’s scan is shown below. It is a quadrille album page with the aforementioned items.

Finally, this from Hans Snellenberg, who sent a virtually identical scan, with the definitive answer: “Indeed, this postcard will be considered as number 1 from Malta. It had been issued during Lon- don 80. I send you a copy of my card, because there are different backsides of the card. Notice that the stamps are affixed to the card. With the later postal cards the stamps are a part of the card. If I can help you with further questions I am always willing to do.”

I double-checked Michel and this is not listed, presumably because it is not postal stationery per se, since the franking is not printed on the card itself. Still, that Malta considers this to be No. 1 is not in dispute. Thanks everybody! Our members are awesome! ▬ MAY—JUNE 2018 445-14

New Issues What Is It?

SOLOMON IS. 2ms TOGO 2ms The items below have shown up on eBay and

Issue date Issue date elsewhere from time to time, and look like they 4 September 2017 9 February 2018 belong in your Europa collection. Do they?

Concorde Concorde SI-17417a/b TG-18114a/b

DJIBOUTI 2ms

Issue date 19 February 2018

Concorde The first sampling of stamps is a set of various DJ-18104a/b incarnations of a single stamp modelled after the 1961 Doves In Flight issue. Instead of a country name, the stamps say “Ido”. So what is Ido? It’s a language. Ido, derived from Reformed Esperanto, was meant to be a universal second language for speakers of diverse backgrounds.

NIGER ss These labels were distributed to encourage a re- NE-1709a surgence of interest in this common language. Issue date They show up sporting various overprints. The 20 November 2017 sheet below came along a couple of years later, and promotes Ido in a number of different Euro- GUINEA-BISSAU pean languages. ▬ 1 ms from a set of 2

Issue date 15 March 2018

Eurostar GB-1309b

Eurostar is in the up- The Frecciarossa (Italy) is per right on the stamp in the lower left. MAY—JUNE 2018 445-15

Europa Briefs

These items showed up recently on eBay. I’ve never The item below was issued last year by the TAAF seen them before. Both seem to be from Israel, and (French Southern and Antarctic Territories) to are circa 1966. publicize protected animals. The hook here is that

The first is in- the animals live on “Ile Europa” (Europa Island), which lies in the Mozambique Channel. scribed “Inauguration of Our friend Laurent Villoinj penned an article for the John F. Ken- these pages recently (EN# 439-13) in which he nedy Memorial in made a case for a little sub-collection titled the USA Freedom “Places Called Europa.” Two of his examples high- Forestry in Jeru- lighted Ile Europa. So, here you go Laurent — an- salem Moun- other item for your collection. tains.”

The other sheet simply says “80th Anniversary of David Ben- Gurion,” which of course would be the anniversary of his birth.

Each sheet shows the 1960 For those who might be wondering where exactly Great Britain Eu- that location is, I offer the attached map, courtesy ropa issue with of (what else?) Wik- rather crude ipedia. The island is a overprints. On small atoll compris- closer inspec- ing 11 square miles. tion, I decided It was the setting of that these are a 1968 episode of trimmed from "The Undersea the privately World of Jacques printed souvenir Cousteau", partly sheet for London focusing on the Stampex 1962, breeding habits of as shown on the right. the green sea turtle.

Does anyone have any information that could shed Except for a weather station, it is uninhabited. ▬ more light on these things? ▬

The stamps below are just a sampling of last year’s offerings from little Liechtenstein. They too have an annual “most beautiful stamp” poll, and I’m hard-pressed to pick a favorite. Other countries do similar polls as well. Just go to the Europa Blogspot and click on a country link, then start exploring. Lots of fun! MAY—JUNE 2018 445-16 NEW ISSUES with Scott catalog numbers - Don Smith From Linn’s March & April Special Editions

• = position in proposed new HB outline

COUNTRY SCOTT # DATE OF ISSUE DESCRIPTION *

Albania 2997-8 18-Nov-17 Europa 2017 (2998 is a ss of 1) 1 Faroe Islands 678-9 15-May-17 Europa 2017 1 Faroe Islands 686 15-May-17 Royal 50th Anniv, in ss, joint w/Denmark 1777, 3b Greenland 754 EN 441-10 Faroe Islands 694 2-Oct-17 Sepac 2017 EN 437-4 1c Great Britain 3584 15-Feb-17 Europa 2017 (3584a is included in horiz strip of 3, 1 3587b is included in a bklt pane of 4) Guernsey 1384, 1386 4-May-17 Europa 2017 1 Guernsey 1390 17-May-17 Sepac 2017 EN 440-15 1c Iceland 1458-9 15-Feb-18 Europa 2018 1 Isle of Man 1843,1844 19-Jan-17 Europa 2017 ms of 10 )143a, 1844a) 1 Jersey 2023, 2026 2-Mar-17 Europa 2017 (2026a is a ss of 2: 2025 and 2026) 1 Jersey 2029 11-Apr-17 Sepac 2017 EN 439-20 1c Lebanon 775 8-Jul-17 EuroMed 2017 1d Liechtenstein 1744-5 5-Mar-18 Europa 2018 1 Luxembourg 1480 6-Mar-18 SOS Children’s Village EN 445-12 3b Luxembourg 1483 6-Mar-18 NATO Support & Procurement Agency 50th Anniv. EN 445-12 2b Luxembourg 1484 6-Mar-18 European Year of Cultural Heritage EN 445-12 3a Macedonia 743-4 5-May-17 European Capitals (Valletta, Malta & London) EN 440-16 3a Macedonia 745-7 8-May-17 Europa 2017 (747 a ss) 1 Macedonia 755 31-Aug-17 European Men’s Basketball Championships EN 442-14 3c Montenegro 398-398a 9-May-16 Europa 2016 (398a a ss) 1 Montenegro 406 5-Oct-16 Joy of Europe EN 439-7 3a Slovenia 1254 12-Dec-17 European Basketball Championships EN 444-8 3c Ukraine 1093 13-May-17 Maria Theresa, joint issue w/Austria 4677, Croatia 1038, 3b

A Few More Pictures

Too Good to Leave Out

MEGYERI BRIDGE SUNRISE OVER PUH BRIDGE SNP (UFO) BRIDGE MAY—JUNE 2018 445-17

Article Germany Postal Stationery — Hans Snellenberg

From time to time our friends at Grenzenloos (No Postal card, issued on the occasion of the 45th Boundaries) have featured some postal stationery philatelist day with the depiction of the seal ICE that has been issued with a Europa theme. I was (European High Speed Train) Michel #1530: reminded of this by ESU member Hans Snellen- berg, who is also on the Grenzenloos Editorial Committee and a frequent contributor. Your hum- ble editor obviously had a brain cramp when he wrote the recent article on this topic (EN #442-12).

Here are more examples from Germany that were shown in their issue #133 (Winter 2015). The cap- tions in blue are a direct lift from their magazine, after being pulled through the Google Translate filter and massaged just a little bit by me.

1975. Postal card, issued in the context of the Eu- ropean Monument to 1975 (with European Archi- tectural Heritage Year—EAHY—logo) of the exam- Editors Note: So far, I have featured only “European” ple city ALSVELD: trains such as Eurostar, Thalys, and the old TEE. ICE is mostly German, but obviously connects with other trains. This opens up another possible ancillary sub- topic of European Rail Transportation.

Postal card, issued in October 1995 on the occasion of 50 years of CARE (Marshall Plan):

Postal card, on which ALSFELD is mentioned as the European model city:

Letter cover (envelope), issued on the occasion of 40 years anniversary of the Council of Europe, at the Philatelia in Cologne from 3-5 November 1989:

Editors Note: That second postal card opens the door to a number of possibilities for collecting ancillary issues relating to European Cultural Heritage. E.g., see EN# 427-11 European Monument Year. MAY—JUNE 2018 445-18

Article Germany Postal Stationery — cont’d

Postal card issued in 1994 on the occasion of the Letter cover, issued to commemorate the intro- 45th anniversary of the Council of Europe: duction of the Euro:

Letter cover, issued on the occasion of ten years of Letter cover, issued on the occasion of the first Maastricht Treaty: general elections for the European Parliament 1979-2004, with the seal "Enlargement European Union", Michel #2400:

Letter cover, issued on the occasion of the stamp exhibition Bilaterale (Germany-France) in Bremen Letter cover, published on the occasion 35 years of from 28 February to 2 March 2005 with the seal European Twinning (Jumelage) of the Philatelisten- "40 years of Franco-German cooperation”, Michel verein from Hannover, De Cercle Philatelique from No. 2311: Strasbourg and our association. Commemorated at Kitzingen from November 2-4, 2001, with the seal "Europe 2000", Michel #2113:

MAY—JUNE 2018 445-19

Article Germany Postal Stationery — cont’d

Letter cover, issued on the occasion of the Interna- Letter cover, issued on 6 June 2013 on the occa- tional Briefmarkenborse in Sindefingen, October 27 sion of 50 years of German-French Youth Work, -29, 2006, with the stamp showing the "Trans Eu- with the stamp of 50 years Elysee Convention: ropa Express", Michel #2562:

Letter cover, issued on the occasion of the open- Letter cover, issued on the occasion of the 18th ing of the ADAC Postbus line on 1 October '13, international Briefmarken-Messe in Essen, with the stamp "PostEurop Postal Van”, Michel 8-10 May 2008, with the stamp showing the Euro- #3007: pean Football Championship 2008 in Austria and Switzerland:

Letter cover, published on the occasion of the In- ternational Briefmarken-Messe of 24-26 October 2013 in Sindelfingen, with the stamp "PostEurop Postal Van”: Letter cover, issued on the occasion of the Interna- tional Briefmarken-Messe in Sindelfingen 23-25 October 2009, with the seal stamp showing Post-Europ -Year of Astronomy), Michel # 2732:

Editors Note: The first ADAC postbus cover was shown in EN# 442-12. I now have had my eyes re- opened to the wealth of postal stationery that is out there. Thank you Hans. Other covers will be featured in upcoming issues. ▬ MAY—JUNE 2018 445-20 The Back Page

Two stamp shows are coming up at which the The second show is the biggie of the year, the ESU has asked for meeting time. National Topical Stamp Show (NTSS), which this year is being held in conjunction with the APS The first of these is NAPEX, a StampShow, the first time that World Series Philately Event these two big shows have serving the greater Maryland, joined together. Show dates Virginia and Washington D.C. are 9-12 August 2018. areas. Show dates are 8-10 June 2018. Show Venue is the Greater Co- lumbus Convention Center Ex- Show venue is the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, hibit Hall B, 400 N High St, Co- 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102. lumbus, OH 43215. The Show Hotel is the Special show rates are available. If you haven’t Crowne Plaza Columbus-Downtown, 33 E Na- been to the Tysons Corner area lately, you may tionwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215. Mention not recognize it at first, or even second. Addition "APS" for the show rate. of the Metro Silver Line has transformed the place considerably. The show will feature an all-thematic philatelic exhibition in addition to the outstanding exhibits At press time we have not heard whether we will of APS StampShow. A 100+ dealer bourse is get meeting time. Our preference was Saturday planned. There will be meetings, seminars, activi- morning, but who knows? By the time the next ties and special touring events for your pleasure. EN comes along the show will have passed, so if you are planning to attend, be sure to get a copy We have been given an hour for a Unit meeting, of the prospectus and look us up. on Saturday 11 August at 11 am, room B 231. The 11th at 11 — easy to remember. The meeting In the meantime, you can also check on show is open to anyone, so please come and bring a status on their website, napex.org. Dealer friend. We’ll have fun! ▬ booths include the USPS and the UNPA.

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