The Reveaer ISSN 0484·6125 QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE EIRE PHILATELIC ASSOCIATION
Vol. 48, No. 1 Whole Number 211 SAMHRADH - Summer 1998
That Was The Year That Was 1997 Most Popular Stamp Nolan for 1997 Irish 75th Anniversary Essays of State Issue
fJab-L£ of {!ont£nt1. Un adopted Essays by Edward Nolan for Irish Stamp Designs ...... 3 That Was The Year That Was ...... 4 News Flash ...... 6 Post Notes ...... 10 Commodore John Barry Chapter ...... 13 Letter to the Editor...... 16 Cathedral Stamps...... 17 Letter to the Editor ...... 18 We Lost A Friend ...... : ...... 47 Changes in Postal Rates...... 19
Affiliate No. 21 -- The American Philatelic Society • Affiliate -- Federation of Philatelic Societies of Ireland Member -- Council of Philatelic Organizations Page 2 THE REVEALER Summer ,1998 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE by David J. Brennan
It has been a busy time these past there will an BP A medal and certificates awarded. Please let me or two months making arrangements for one of your directors know of anything you would like to have the upcoming ~nnual General Meet brought up at the AGM. This is your time to be heard. Rooms are ing to be held at.Chicagopex.I am scarce, so make your arrangements early. . appealing to all of you exhibitors to I had the pleasure.ofbeing theguest of Peter Bugg and attending let me know; as soon as possible, how the Northestern Federation Show at Boxborough, Massachusetts. many frames and classes that you can We reserved rooms for the year 2000. More details will be available enter. We would like to have a good from both Peter Bugg, show chairman, and Joe Foley, general showing at this show. There will be a chairman for the 50th anniversary of the BP A. Mark your calendar, special award, a Cuchulainn Statue, this will be a very memorable occasion. Also, I attended the John . No, not the one in the GPO-lobby; it McCormack Chapter meeting and met several of our members is a limited edition replica being made available by AnPost. Also, whom I haven't seen in quite awhile. +
THE REVEALER ISSN 0484·6125 CIiAPTER COORDINATORS Published quarterly by the Eire Philatelic Association: Membership dues are as follows: U.S. ($12.00); Commodore John Barry Chapter CanadalMexico ($15.00); all other countries ($20.00). Members reside in NJ, NY, PA . Address Changes: Send address changes to the Publisher, Patrick J. Ryan, Sr., Box 2757, Universal p.a. Coordinator: David J. Brennan, City, TX, USA 78148. PO Box 704, Benardsville. NJ 07924
STAFF Connecticut Chapter Editor/Publisher/Djstributor: Assistant Editor: Associate Editor: Members reside in CT and Western MA Patrlck J. Ryan, Sr. Robert J. Joyce Anthony Finn Coordinator: Michael J. Conway, p.a. Box 2757 14302 Oak Shadow 19 Kennington Rd. 19 Pine Needle Or., Shelton, CT, USA 06484 San Antonio, TX, USA 78232 Universal City, TX, USA 78148 Templeogue, Dublin 6W, Ireland James Hoban Chapter (210) 658-9235 Members reside in MD, V A, DC Advertising Manager: THE REVEALER Back Issues: Coordinator: Robert E. Moskowitz, John L. McManus Patrick McNally 1634 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21231 100 Pamola Park p.a. Box 12143, Alcott Sta .. Millinocket, ME, USA 04462 Denver. co, USA 80212 John McCormack Chapter Members reside in the greater Boston area OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Coordinator: Peter E. Bugg, OFFICERS DIRECTORS 5 Forest St., Franklin, MA 02038 President: Honorary Chairman of the Board: Lone Star Chapter David J. Brennan Col. B.B. Zellers Members reside in Central TX p.a. Box 704. Bernardsville. NJ. USA 07924-0704 Peter Bugg Robert J. Joyce Coordinator: Robert J. Joyce [email protected] Peter J. Foote, Jr. Willian O'Connor 14302 Oak Shadow. San Antonio, TX 78232 Vice President, North America: Anthony J. Hughes Dr. Joachim Schaaf Northern California Chapter (NORCAL) Joseph E, Foley Auction & Trading Post ManaUr: p.a. Box 183. Riva, MD. USA 21140-0183 Joseph E. Foley Members reside in Northern CA [email protected] p.a. Box 183, Riva, MD, USA 21140-0183 Coordinator: David Laraway. jfoley4197 @aol.com 2070 N. Bechelli, #30, Redding, CA 96002 Vice President, Europe: Librarian & Special Offers: Ian Whyte Peter E. Bugg Rhode Island Chapter 30 Marlborough St.. Dublin 1, Ireland 5 Forest St., Franklin, MA, USA 02038 No Coordinator. write to Mr. Con way [email protected] [email protected] SecretarvlChl1J1ter Coordinator: Historian: Southern California Chapter (SOCAL) Michael J, Conway Garvin F. Lohman Members reside in Southern CA 19 Pine Needle Dr .• Shelton. CT, USA 06484 1543 Sacramento St., #3, San Francisco, CA, USA 94109 Coordinator: William A. O'Connor, Publicity: PO Box 1437, Fallbrook, CA 92088 Treasurer: Charles J, G. Verge Barney Clancy p.a. Box 2788, Postal Station '0' Philadelphia Area Chapter p.a. Box 76560, Washington, DC, USA 20013 Ottawa, Ontario. Canada KIP SW8 Members reside in Greater Philadelphia area Immediate Past President: Youth/School Program Manager: Coordinator: Richard O'Brien, Charles J. G. Verge IRELAND - Philip Quigley 26 Nine Gates Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 p.a. Box 2788, Postal Station '0' Rosslea Ten Acre, Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour, Ireland I I I I11 I I I 11 I I 1111111 I11 11 111111111 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIP SW8 V.s. - Robert Stewart [email protected] 12721 Paddle Ct., Orlando, FL, USA 32828 The Association Secretary will write the appropriate [email protected] coordinator when a new member joins the Associa EditorlPublisherlDistributor - THE REVEALER: APS Representative: Patrick J. Ryan, Sr. tion and provide the coordinator with the name and Joseph E. Foley address of the new member. The role of the coordi p.a. Box 2757, Universal City, TX, USA 78148 p.a. Box 183, Riva. MD, USA 21140-0183 [email protected] nator is to contact the new member. welcome the [email protected] member to the Association and invite the member to join the local chapter. ISSUE DEADLINES Summer - I June • Fall - I September • Winter - I December • Spring - I March Summer 1998 THE REVEALER Page 3
designing in an outmoded style based on a Victorian outlook, at SECRETARY'S REPORT a time when the Stamp Design Committee was a forward-look New Members ing body intent upon modern designs. New members are accepted subject to no objections received within 45 days For instance, among his essays for the definitive high values of publication. were designs depicting St. Patrick and St. Bridget in unimagina #2535 Stephen D. Serilla, 5211 E Coronado Cr., Phoenix, AZ. 85044. tive poses and the traditional symbolic Celtic Cross, Wolfhound #2536 Barbara Joan Poplawsky, 140·27 Benchley PI., Bronx, NY 10475. and the Irish Harp - all subjects which had been submitted in #2537 Henry Kuipers, Diepenbrockstr 109, Almelo, The Netherlands 760U connection with 1922 definitives and rejected. The selection of CX. the surrealist St. Patrick design for the 1937 high value indicates #F2538 William R. Schmidt, 509 North School Rd., Coventry, CT 06238·1130. that there was an adventurous spirit of modern thought in Ire #2539 Marg Wiley, 411vanhoe Tr., Bloomfield, NJ 07003. land, and having selected this bold style, it was obviously eco nomic for the government to use the same design for all three Reinstatements #2303 Sean Fitzgerald, 79 Sunnyridge Ave., Fairfield, CT 06430. values. Resignations #700 Waiter C. McCaw, Canada. Figure 2: Nolan's essay for Changes of Address the Gaelic Athletic Association #1292 Waiter J. Butler, 356 Fox Hill Rd., Chatham, MA 02633·1415. #2523 Edward A. Tjarks, 7790 Fairway Woods Or., Sarasota, FL 34238· 2868. #2491 Thomas R. Ogden Ill, 924 E 18th St., Chester, PA 19013. #F2515 Lawrence Taylor Jr., P.O. Box 8356, Spokane, WA 99203·0356. The Easter Rising took place on Easter Monday 1916, when #0067 Richard J. Swords, RR 4, P.O. Box 342, Elk City, OK 73644·9804. 2000 volunteers from Sinn Fein and the Irish Republican Broth #1878 Paul E. Wittreich, 1053 15th St. EXT, Franklin, PA 16323·2144. erhood occupied key points in the city of Dublin. The establish #2152 Christine Jolly, 44 Hudson PI., #2, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. ment of the Irish republic was proclaimed, and the insurgents Membership Status managed to hold out for five days before they were forced in"to Membership as of February 25,1998 ...... 561 unconditional surrender. Fifteen of the leaders were executed New Members ...... 5 and a further 3000 were interned, though the majority were soon Reinstated ...... 1 released. No doubt as a gesture of appeasement to the USA Resignations ...... 1 where there was much 'Irish sympathy and whose weight was Membership as of May 25,1998 ...... 566 + desperately needed to add allied wars strength against Germany. Nolan's essays for the Easter Rising Jubilee issue (Figure 1) showed an angel mourning over the names of the seven of the Unadopted Essays by Edward patriot martyrs. The sentiment was mawkish and hardly in keep Nolan for Irish Stamp Designs ing with the event or the times. It is not surprising that the de signs were rejected, but it was unfortunate that no commemora by Peter Collins tive stamp was ready in time for the occasion and the anniver Editor's Note: This article first appeared in The Essay Proof sary was marked by a provisional overprint on two stamps of the Journal, Official Journal ofthe Essay Proof Journal Society, win· current definitive type]' ter 1983 Vol. 40, No 1. Whole Number 157, pages 4·7. Your There were plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the editor attempted to obtain permission to republish by contact· Gaelic Athletic Association with a special stamp issue and, for ing the Editor of the Journal. However, the Society is not active this, Nolan submitted a portrait of the Rev. Thomas Croke who and she thought that the author was dead. She asked that if 1 had been Archbishop of Cashel, Tipperary, and was instrumen decided to reprint it that credit be given. tal in founding the G.A.A. (Figure 2) He was, in fact, a staunch Archives of the late Edward Nolan were sold by Robinson worker for Irish Nationalism and despite his Holy Orders took Lowe on April 12, 1983. They bring to light some interesting an active interest in political affairs. As a young man he had and, hitherto unrecorded, essays including drawings for the 1937 been a supporter of Daniel O'Connor, and in his later position of high value definitives and the 1941 Easter Rising influence, he befriended the Irish Parliamentarian Parnell. He commemoratives. On the whole, one feels that Nolan was still was a great worker with the Gaelic League, the Land League and the Irish Tenants' League. Fromall these activities he at tracted the anger and suspicion of the British government. It may be that when this essay was submitted he was still a politi cal hot potato and the stamp design which was adopted for the event showing a hurling player was certainly more innocuous. Following the Irish Famine of 1847-51, mjJJions of Irish emigrants crossed the Atlantic. The Sinn Fein "Free Ireland" Figure 1: Nolan's essay for the Easter Rising Jubilee movement started in the USA, so the bond between the two coun tries was very strong, It was appropriate for the "Old Country" (see NOLA N on page 15) Page 4 THE REVEALER Summer 1998 That Was The Year That Was - 1997 by Brian Warren
Once again, there was no general increase in po~tal rates (ex litho printed by Irish Security Stamp Printing Limited (ISSP) or cept SDS rates including parcels) during 1997. Letter and printed Walsall & Sons. Except as indicated below, al\ ful\ sized sheets paper rates have remained unaltered since 2 April 1991. A major contain 50 stamps in the usual 10 x 5 or 5 x 10 format with plate revision of the rates structure wil\ come into effect on 6 April numbers at top left ("A" or "B"), colour checks at top right and 1998. imprint at bottom left. I have now incorporated details of first day covers and addi First Day Covers: FDC's cost 27p (an increase of2p). Spe tional first day postmarks within the special/commemorative and cial covers were available for al\ special and commemorative definitive listings.
SPECIAL AND COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES
Greetings
issues except for the four individual stamps released on I July; the general purpose FDC was used for this issue. Different FDC's were used for each phase of the "75th Anniversary of the State" set. As referred to below, special arrangements applied in the case of the single stamp and sheetlet issued on 6 December. The illustration on the cover for the Europa set reproduces the "Great The 1997 programme, comprising 51 sheet stamps (includ Famine" design used on the 26p Europa stamp issued in 1982. ing the special "75th Anniversary of the State" sheetlet which Pictorial cancels were available for all issues. contains twelve separately identifiable stamps), 2 self-adhesive Maximum Cards: The price of mi nt cards was increased by stamps, 4 miniature sheets (excluding the Pacific '97 Date of Issue Description Cost Plate Numbers/Notes Paper Perforation Printer miniature sheet which is 28 Jan Love Stamp (13th Issue) ...... - Pair of Doves ...... 32p .... lA1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/L ...... ISSP included under the 28 Jan Greetings Booklet (6th Issue) ...... IR£2.56 .... Two panes - (8 x 32p) ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/L ...... ISSP definitives listing) and 3 28 Jan Year of the Ox ...... - Miniature Sheet ...... 96p .... 3 x 32p Greetings ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 ...... ISSP booklets, was issued over 18 Feb 75th Anniversary of the State ... - Legislature ...... 32P } se-tenant ...... CCP3 ...... 14:/4 x 14 ...... ISSP 11 release dates at a cost (Phase 1 - Democracy - Defense Forces ...... 32p lA1A1A1AI1B1B1 B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14/4 X 14 ...... ISSP ofIR£36.08. In addition to and State Institutions) - Garda Siochana ...... 52p se-tenant ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 X 14 ...... ISSP the "75th Anniversary of - Judiciary ...... 52p} lA1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP the State" sheetlet, the two 6 Mar Fauna and Flora ...... - Grey Seal ...... 28p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/L ...... ISSP Europa stamps were is (20th Issue -- Bottle Nosed Dolphin ...... 32p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/L ...... ISSP sued in sheetlet form at a Marine Mammals) - Harbour Porpoise ...... 44p .... lA1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14314 x 14 ...... ISSP - Killer Whale ...... 52p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 X 14 ...... ISSP cost of IR£7.60 for two - Miniature Sheet .. IR£1.56 .... One set ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 143/4 ...... ISSP sheetlets. The 1996 totals 3 Apr 75th Anniversary of the State ...... - Culture ...... 32p se-tenant ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP were 40 sheet stamps, 2 (Phase 11 - Sport, Culture, - Sport ...... 32p} 1AlA 1A 1AI1 B1 B 1 B 1 B ...... CCP3 ...... 14:/4 x 14 ...... ISSP self-adhesive stamps, 3 Commerce & The Arts) - Arts ...... 52P } se-tenant ...... CCP3 ...... 14/4 x 14 ...... ISSP miniature sheets and 3 - Commerce ...... 52p } 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP booklets at a cost of 3 Apr Millennium of Irish Coin ...... 32p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14314 x 14 ...... ISSP IR£28.64; ten of the sheet 14 May Europa (37th Issue - .... - The Children of Lir ...... 32p .... Sheetlets of ten ...... CCP3 ...... 133/4 x 14 .... Walsall 3 stamps were issued in Stories and Legends) - Oisin and Niamh ...... 44p .... Sheetlets of ten ...... CCP3 ...... 13 /4 x 14 .... Walsall 1 1 sheetlet form with a total - self adhesive ... 2 x 32p .... Same designs - IR£32 per box ...... 9 12 x 9 12 ...... ISSP 14 May An Gorta M6r (The Famine) ...... 28p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP cost of IR£19.52 for five 32p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP sheetlets. 52p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP Printers and Sheet Format: All stamps were (Table continued on next page) Summer 1998 THE REVEALER PageS
2p to 22p per card. Sets of cards were available for the Marine Mammals, Europa, Lighthouses and Bram Stoker issues. The cards were printed by ISSP. Love Stamp and Greetings Booklet: The two-pane booklet contains eight 32p stamps in se-tenant strips of four designs. The stamps feature various farm animals and are based on char acters from well known children's nursery rhymes and stories - (I) Cow Jumping Over Moon; (11) Pair of Love Doves; (Ill) Pig . Going to Market; and (IV) Cock Crowing. Each stamp has two greetings labels attached top and bottom and the outer edges of the pane are imperforate. One stamp in each pane has an imper forate edge giving a total of five stamps in addition to the sheet issue. The make-up of each pane is as follows:
Pane 1: 32p I; 32p 11, 32p III and 32p IV (right margin imperforate); 75th Anniversary of the State (Phases I & 11): Both 32p Pane 2: 32p IV, 32p Ill, 32p 11 and 32p I (right margin imperforate). and 52p values were printed se-tenant in horizontal and vertical As readers will note, pane 2 reverSeS the order of pane 1 and pairs in sheets of 40 stamps. Each sheet is set out in two panes of thus differs from the format of prior years. Each pane is rou 20 with a vertical gutter with each pane containing two columns letted in the binding margin and stitched into the covers. Three of ten stamps giving 10 gutter pairs in each sheet, five of each of the designs are included in the Year of the Ox miniature sheet design. Although not specifically referred to by An Post in their referred to below. Separate cancellations were used for the Love publicity literature, several designs include identifiable artists/ stamp and the booklet panes. athletes. In the second set, issued on 3 April, Linda Martin is the Lunar Year of the Ox Miniature Sheet: A special minia singer featured on one of the 32p values; the second 32p in ture sheet to mark the Chinese Lunar Year of the Ox was issued cludes Sonia 0' Sullivan (athlete), Alan Gough (goalkeeper with on the same day as the Love stamp and Greetings Booklet. The League of Ireland soccer club, Shelbourne) and a scene from the sheet contains three of the Greetings stamps - 32p 11, 32p III and 1995 All-Ireland Hurling Final between Offaly and Clare. The 32p IV (right margin imperforate). The left hand panel shows an 52p stamp featuring members of the Garda Siochana shows, ac ox and the logo for the Hong Kong '97 stamp exhibition. The cording to a report in the "Irish Independent" of 19 February, Greetings cancellation was used on FOC's. Garda Darnien Hogan (Skerries, Co. Dublin), Garda Marie Egan (Ardfert, Co. Kerry) and (continued from previous page) Garda Brendan Walsh Date of Issue Description Cost Plate Numbers/Notes Paper Perforation Printer (Rathrnines, Dublin). All 1 July Transport in Ireland - The Baily ...... 32p } se·tenant...... CCP3 ...... 143/. x 14 ...... ISSP are attached to the Garda (6th Issue - Lighthouses) • Tarbert ...... 32p 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/. x 14 ...... ISSP Press Office in Dublin • Hook Head ...... 38p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x W/4.o ...... ISSP where photographs for the • Fastnet...... 50p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x WI4...... ISSP stamp were taken by Q • Prestige Booklet.. IR£4.64 .. .. Four panes · see below ..... CCP3 ...... Various ...... ISSP Design. 1 July SI. Colmcille • 1400th Death Anniversary ...... 28p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x WI4...... ISSP 75th Anniversary of 3 Kate O'Brien· Birth Centenary ...... 28p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 13 /4.0 ..... Walsall the State (Phases ill and Daniel O'Connell·150th Death Anniversary ...... 32p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 141/4 x 141/4. Walsall IV): All four stamps were John Wesley· 250th Anniv. of first visit to Ireland .... 52p .. .. 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 133/4.0 ..... Walsall issued in the regular 50 27 Aug 75th Anniv. of the State • 1hd Micheal O'Clerigh ...... 28p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 14 ...... ISSP (Phase Ill· • 9d Catholic Emancipation ...... 32p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/. x 14 ...... ISSP stamp format with no gut Stamps on Stamps) -1/5Airmail ...... 52p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x14 ...... ISSP ter. There was no official 12 Sept SI. Patrick's Battalion (Mexico) -150th Anniversary first day of issue service (Joint Issue) ·An Post stamp ...... 32p .... 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP1 ...... 13 112 x 131h ...... ISSP for the single 32p stamp 1 1 - $3.40 Mexican stamp ...... 38p .... none ...... 13 /4 x 13 /L.. . Romo issued on 6 December fea 1 Oct Bram Stoker· 150th Birth Anniversary turing the G.P.O., Dublin • Dracula and bat...... 28p .. .. 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x WI4...... ISSP and the 2d map stamp . • Dracula with Lucy ...... 32p .. .. 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4.0 ...... rssp However, all account - Dracula rising from coffin ...... 38p .. .. 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 143/. x 14 ...... ISSP holders with a standing • Dracula and wolf...... 52p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 43/. x 14 ...... ISSP • Mars Miniature sheet...... 32p .. .. 32p stamp design ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x WI4 ...... ISSP order for FDC's, received • Miniature sheet .. IR£1 .50 .... one of each value ...... CCP3 ...... 143/4 x 143/4 ...... ISSP a complimentary cover 18 Nov Christmas (27th Issue) • The Holy Family ...... 28p .. .. 1A1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x W/...... ISSP bearing the final 32p • The Holy Family ...... 32p .. .. 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x WIc ...... ISSP stamp and cancelled with • The Holy Family ...... 52p .. .. 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x W/4.o ...... ISSP a Baile Atha Cliath first • Booklet (self-adhesive - Christmas tree) .. IR£5.32 .... (20 x 28p· one free stamp) ...... 9 x 10 ...... ISSP day cancel with the "75" 6 Dec 75th Anniversary of the State (Phase IV) design illustrated above. It • G.P.O. Dublin plus 2d Map stamp ...... 32p .... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1 B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 43/. x 14 ...... ISSP was not possible to pur • Sheetlet (12 x 32p) .. 1R£3.84 .... all twelve designs ...... CCP3 ...... 43/. x 14 ...... ISSP chase additional or Page 6 THE REVEALER Summer 1998 unserviced covers. Collectors could, however, hand in their own actual coin (and first day postmark). Special replica coins were personal covers for cancellation with the special first day post also available and An Post produced a different cover incorpo mark. As far as I'm aware, no pictorial first day postmark was rating both the coin and the stamp - cost: IR£4.95. The stamp available at any other location. A special event postmark was was cancelled with the same FDC cancel as used on ordinary available in Cork on the issue date which included the same "75" covers. design - see under Exhibition Souvenirs, PostmarkS and Cachets Europa (Stories and Legends): The sheet stamps were litho below. The official cover had an overall background design printed by Walsall Security Printing Limited in the usual sheetlet printed on the cover featuring the G.P.O.Dublin as well as re format comprising ten stamps with illustrated side panels. The productions of earlier definitive stamps. This is the first time I side panels are can recall the use of an overall printed design on an FDC. imperforate, all other margins ;;."t.1HA C'~~ are perforated. No plate num bers, imprint or colour controls ~7$) appear on is ~- v' sued sheetlets . ....,lJ£IS~~· As announced in advance by 75th Anniversary Phase IV An Post, a 12 Stamp Sheetlet @ £3.84 quantity of 50 Sheets per Pack both values Total Value £192.00 were delivered trim finished to 75th Anniversary of the State - Sheetlet: All twelve de an incorrect signs in the series were re-produced as 32p denominations in a size with narrow margins. The standard sheetlets have an overall sheetlet of twelve stamps which was on sale for a limited period measurement of 153mm x 177.5mm whereas trimmed sheetlets to 31 December 1997. Six of the stamps in the sheetlet were measure 142mm x 157mm. Supplies of both types were sup already issued in normal sheet form as 32p denominations; the plied for both philatelic and postal use. Individual stamps do not remaining six stamps were previously issued as 28p or 52p de differ although by reference to the author's own copies trimmed nominations, thus giving six new stamps viz. the Garda Sfochana, sheetlets of the 32p value are slightly more blue in appearance; Judiciary, Arts, Commerce, lhd MicheaI O'Clerigh and 1/5 Air however, I'm not aware if this is a constant feature. mail designs. The stamps are set out in a se-tenant format within The self-adhesive set was produced by ISSP. As usual, the a dark blue surround. As a result, all stamps can be differenti overall size is smaller than the sheet stamps - 37.5mm x 26mm ated from the sheet issue as any individual stamp taken from the and are perf. 8 x 9. The roll of 100 stamps plus two labels is split sheetlet has dark blue tips to the perforations on at least one into six strips of seventeen with the last two strips containing side. A total of 75,000 sheetlets were printed. sixteen stamps plus one of the reminder labels. The reminder labels are in black. Sold in strips of two by the bureau. The Da kota logo plus a number (nos: I and 2 seen to date) is on one of the bottom inner flaps; the second flap has the reference 024844. The box illustrates the 32p value - "The Children of Lir".
NEWS FLASH by Patrick J Ryan, Sr Dave Brennan advises me that Michael Giffney, long time ~.J.~~~~. EPA member and Irish dealer, has closed his commercial stamp shop located at 39 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin. He intends to Fauna and Flora ~ 4'~~~' ~~ continue to operate his mail order business out of his Post Office (Marine Mammals): ~ - 0\ C"'\ ... Box 1096, Dublin 1, Ireland. The individual stamps ~~ ~~. ~. Michael was one of the founding members of the EPA in within the miniature sheet "11J £lS~~:'J 3 Ireland and has been active in the organization from its' concep have a common perf. (14 /4) tion. He was also one of the dealers whose investigations led to due to the mix of horizontal and the recognition of the rare Irish coil, Scott 68b, Sg 74b - the 2p vertical formats and thus differ from the individual sheet stamps. Green Map of Ireland perf 15 x Imperf - by major catalogues all Millennium of Irish Coin: Keen eyed numismatists noted over the world. that the reproduction of the silver penny on the 32p stamp in We wish him many more years of success in his business. + cluded the head of King Sitric facing right and not left as on the Summer 1998 THE REVEALER Page 7
37p) by Royal Mail in March 1997 com · memorating the same saint - known as St. · Colu mba in Britain. · A special first day postmark was available · . · . ·:...... •....••...... :~h i':.1~W:!!lli~ · · s a i n t ·• f o und e d · ies. style two-line cachet "First Day Transport in Ireland (Lighthouses) • Sheet Issues: The 32p of IssuelLa a Chead Eisiuna" was also applied to covers posted stamps were printed se-tenant in horizontal and vertical pairs in at the office. I have noted use of the postmark on the Daniel sheets of 40 stamps. Each sheet is set out in two panes of 20 with O'Connell stamp issued on the same day. A newspaper report a vertical gutter with each pane containing two columns of ten (Irish Independent of 10 July 1997) stated that 5,000 postcards stamps giving 10 gutter pairs in each sheet, five of each design. were posted from Durrow; however, I have seen only plain cov The remaining values were printed in the usual 50 stamp format ers and the report did not indicate if the postcards were illus without a gutter. trated. Transport in Ireland (Lighthouses) • Prestige Booklet: There are four illustrated panes of stamps and eight pages of Kate O'BrienlDaniel O'ConnelllJohn Wesley Issues: All three stamps were printed in the usual 50 stamp format. The 52p bilingual text and/or photographs; the text/photographs also ex John Wesley stamp measures 28mm x 44.5mm. In addition to tend to inside the front and back covers. Both the front and back the usual sheet markings, all three values have the Walsall logo cover features Youghal lighthouse. The panes contain a total of thirteen stamps made-up as follows: printed twice on each sheet in the top margin above stamps 4 and 7. Pane 1: Three stamps in a horizontal se-tenant strip - 32p (The Baily), 32p (Tarbert) and 32p (The Baily) with a background map of Howth Head, location of The Baily lighthouse; Pane 2: 38p and SOp in a vertical pair with a background map of the West Cork coast location of the Fastnet lighthouse; Pane 3: Set of four values in a mixed format block with a background map of the Hook peninsula; and Pane 4: Se-tenant pair of 32p (Tarbert) plus se-tenant pair of 32p (The Baily) with a background map of Tarbert Island in the Shannon Estuary. The individual stamps within pane 3 have a common perf. (143/4) due to the mix of horizontal and vertical formats and thus St. Patrick's Battalion· Mexican Army: This was a joint differ from the individual sheet stamps. As a result, all four val issue with the Mexican Post Office who issued a similar stamp ues exist with perf. 143/4. In addition, the two stamps in pane 2 ($3.40) on the same day. Both stamps were designed by Lorenzo (38p and 50p) are also perf. 143/4 which suggests that both panes Rafael and incorporate the Clonmacnoise Cross. An Post sold 2 and 3 were perforated in the same operation. All panes are the Irish FDC complete with both stamps and an Irish (Dublin) rouletted at left and stitched into the covers. cancel for 97p. A Mexican cancel was also available for use with A series of cards which featured all major Irish lighthouses, the Mexican stamp on plairi covers; the Mexican cancel was not including the four depicted on the stamps, was produced by John available on the Irish FDC. The Irish stamp measures 28mm x Eagle, a photographer based in Co. Cork. There were two differ 44.5mm and is perf. 13'12 ; it was distributed in sheets of 50 com ent cards of the Fastnet lighthouse. The cards were normally prising two panes of 25 (5 x 5) with gutter with the usual sheet sold as a complete set, but certain individual cards (including markings. those depicted on the stamps) were sold as individual cards by The slightly smaller Mexican stamp (24mm x 40.5mm) was the National Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. printed in the same but somewhat deeper colo·urs and incorpo The Hook Head card (No: 15) was wrongly captioned "Co. rates the name of the designer and the Mexican printer (Romo) Waterford" and gave incorrect historical information. A revised and is perf. 13'/4 x 13'12. It was distributed in sheets of 50 (5 card (No: 15A) was subsequently issued with revised wording rows of to stamp) with no gutter. Sheets available at the phila and the correct geographic caption of "Co. Wexford". telic counter in Dublin were imperforate through the left mar St. Colmcille: This was one of two late additions to the 1997 gin; all other margins perforated. Apart from thin lines in all stamp programme. There was considerable public pressure to margins, there were no sheet markings. A separately applied issue an Irish stamp following the issue of two stamps (26p and number in black (probably a sheet number) was applied on the Page 8 THE REVEALER Summer 1998
gummed side of the lower Date of Paper left margin. Issue Description Value Plate Numbers/Notes &Gum Perforation This issue was a further 16 Jan ..... New Definitives - Birds of Ireland late addition to the 1997 Sheet Issue - Phase I ...... - Blue Ti!...... 28p ...... lA1A1A1AI1B1B1Bl B ...... CCPl ...... 143/4 X 14 stamp programme. An - Robin ...... 32p ...... lA1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP1 ...... 14 x 143/4 Post informed collectors - Puffin ...... 44p ...... lA1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP1 ...... 14 x 143/4 of the issue by mailing out - Barn Owl ...... 52p ...... 1A1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP1 ...... 14 x 143/4 - Greenland White-fronted Goose ...... IR£l ...... lA1A1A1A11 B1B1B1B ...... CCPl ...... 143/4 x 14 a large postcard (211 mm 6 Mar ...... £1 Booklet (1/97) ...... - Robin ...... IR£1.00 ...... 3 x 32p plus 4p Heritage ...... CCP3 ...... 15 x 14 x 147mm) complete with 6 Mar ...... Self-Adhesives - ISSP pre-printed stamp - see . - Robin and Peregrine Falcon ...... 2 x 32p ...... IR£32 per box of 100 (50 x 2) ...... 9 x 10 under Miscellaneous Apr ...... Self-Adhesives - SNP Printset Cambec Items. - Robin and Peregrine Falcon ...... 2 x 32p ...... IR£32 per box of 100 (50 x 2) ...... 11'12 x 11 '/2 Bram Stoker - 150th 29 May .... San Francisco - Pacific '97 Birth Anniversary: The - Freshwater Duck ...... IR£2.00 ...... Miniature Sheet format ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 14 An Post FDC was printed 27 Aug ..... Sheet Issue - Phase 11 ...... - Magpie ...... lp ...... lA1AI1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 on buff coloured paper. - Ganne!...... 2p ...... lA1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 - Corncrake ...... 4p ...... lA1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 This is the first time I can - Kingfisher ...... lOp ...... lA1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 recall the use of paper - Lapwing ...... 20p ...... lA1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 other than white for an of - Shelduck ...... IR£5.00 ...... lA1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 ficial first day cover. The act ...... Reprints on CCP3 paper ...... - Robin ...... 28p ...... lA1A1A1A11B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 individual stamps within - Blue Ti!...... 32p ...... lA1A1A1AI1B1B1B1B ...... CCP3 ...... 14 x 143/4 the single set miniature 6 Dec ...... £1 Booklet (2/97) ...... - Peregrine Falcon ...... IR£ 1.00 ...... 3 x 32p plus 4p Corncrake ..... CCP3 ...... 15 x 14 sheet bleed into the sur- rounding design and, as a result, have a grey rather than the white 6.7% for a sheetlet of fifteen stamps in 1996. Each booklet con border which is found on the sheet stamps. In addition, the stamps tained one pane of 20 stamps, folded twice; each pane contains in the miniature sheet have a common perf. (143/4 x 143/4) due to 2 columns of 10 stamps. No variations of significance were noted the mix of horizontal and vertical formats on the panes of stamps. Individual stamps which also differentiates them from the _~ ~'IHA C~~ measure 25mm x 30mm i.e. the same
individual sheet stamps. ~ '- \ I / ~ as the definitive self-adhesives. There The special "Mars" miniature sheet ~ ~\ I~ ~ was widespread criticism from the incorporates a single 32p stamp with _ _ __ ~ general public due to the difficulty in 3 or - the regular perforation of 14 x 14 /4 but, ~ / /1I \''\..'\.. .:"!,..... extracting individual stamps from the once again, the design bleeds into the ~b ~~.:r surrounding selvedge. The cover of the surrounding design. The individual stamp EISI~~· booklet varied in colour shading from is thus readily distinguishable from the dark blue to dull violet. Different qualities equivalent value from sheets or from the single set miniature of paper appear to have been used for the combined coverlback sheet. The miniature sheet incorporates the "Mars" logo and ing sheet which is probably one of the causes of the colour was used as part of an in-store promotion by the confectionery shading. firm of their fun-size chocolate bar packs. Despite regular visits DEFINITIVES - BIRDS OF IRELAND to several supermarkets at the time, I never saw evidence of the promotion. I understand from one collector that the purchase of Sheet Issues: A new series featuring Irish Birds was launched two fun-size packs of Mars products entitled you to a special in January 1997. It is the first set of definitives to utilise full plastic carrier bag (available in-store) which contained a free colour printing for all values. All values are double pane print miniature sheet - the packs retail at circa IR£1.70-IR£2.00 per ings with both "A" and "B" sheets as before but the format/size has been altered for both low and high values. The low values pack. One further connected item was promoted by the Voyager (I pto 52p) measure 27mm x 24mm (28p - horizontal format) or Club and was available either from their stand at Stampa or by 24mm x 27mm (32p, 44p and 52p - vertical format) and are post. A set of six plastic-coated mini-cards (89mm x 63mm) was issued in sheets of 100 (10 x 10); the IR£ I and IR£5 values which sold for IR£2. Four of the cards reproduced the individual stamps are in vertical format measures 27mm x 48mm and are issued in superimposed on a blow-up of the main element of the design; sheets of 50 (5 rows of 10). There are no gutters. The position the fifth card reproduced the miniature sheet and the sixth fea ing of the marginal markings is the same for both low and high tured a further Dracula image. Thee cards were printed by values irrespective of format and for both "A" and "B" sheets - Nicolson & Bass. Clear stamp mounts were provided for the plate numbers in top margin at left, colour controls at top right, four stamps and the Mars miniature sheet. The stamps had to be and imprint in bottom margin at left. This is the same layout as purchased separately at an additional cost of IR£I.82. on the majority of speciallcommemorative issues. The CCP I gum Christmas: An Post's first self-adhesive stamps in booklet varies can be found either mottled green or near white with slight form replaced the normal discount sheetlet, first introduced in blue tinge. The initial five values (28p, 32p, 44p, 52p and IR£ I) 1985. Each booklet contained 20 x 28p stamps giving one free issued in January 1997 were printed on CCPI paper. The 28p stamp per booklet, an effective discount of 5% as compared to and 32p values have now appeared on CCP3 paper with the same ! Page 9 I Summer 1998 THE REVEALER
plate numbers (circa October 1997). The second phase of five values were printed on CCP3 paper. A special first day of issue cancellation was produced on behalf of the conservation organisation "Bird watch Ireland" to coincide with the first phase of the definitives. In strict postaJ terms, it is a cachet given that there is no reference to a postal town or city within the can- . cellation. IR£l Booklet (Robin): The book let was litho printed by ISSP in the same layout/format as the previous series except that the designs are all vertical format. The binding margin is at the top of the pane with a narrow selvedge at foot. The pane cover features a robin and the content is 3 x 32p Robin plus 4p Dunamase ISSP Printset Cambec Food Vessel from the Heritage and Treasures series. All stamps measure 21mm x 24mm and are perf. 15 x 14. As The Australian printing of the same rolls were not available the overall size of the booklet, and thus the until April (earliest date noted - 16 April in Galway). The phila stamps, remains the same in order to fit telic bureau stated in "Collectors News" (4/97) an issue date of . the dispensing machines, the stamps dif 6 March (as for the ISSP printing) but they were not avai·lable at fer in size from the equivalent sheet val the Dublin bureau counter·on that date. Can any member ·con ues. There are two new identifiable firm an earlier date than 16 April? Although the stamps are of stamps - 32p Robin imperf. left and 32p the same size as the ISSP printing, there are several other id~nti- Robin imperf. right (both CCP3). The fiable differences: I 4p imperf. left on CCP3 paper was first • the simulated line-type perfor~!ions are I11h ~ I1 1h ; . issued in booklet form in 1990; however, the .waste paper ~as been. rem~ved from ar04 ~ d the stamps the colour is somewhat more intense than (as In aB previou~ Australian printings); . ~~'tHA~ the previous issue. the design element bleeds into the margins and in particular, J> ~ IR£l Booklet (Peregrine Falcon): the birds are larger in size; ~~,. The cover reproduces the "Peregrine the shading of the colours differ, particularly the redbreast of ~. ~ ... i Falcon". The vertical four stamp pane the Robin; and ('\ ~ contains 3 x 32p of the Peregrine Fal- the IrishlEnglish inscriptions of Robin/Spideog and Fabhcun % f\~ . con plus 4p Corncrake, giving three new gormlPeregrine Falcon are smaller. ~ ~/SIO~~:l' booklet stamps - 32p Peregrine Falcon The words "Sprintpak - SNP" plus a black box are printed on imperf. left, 32p Peregrine Falcon imperf. right the backing strip of each stamp in similar manner as the previ and 4p Corncrake, imperf. right - all perf. 15 x 14 and printed on ous Australian printing. The rons are reeled vertically with top CCP3 paper. delivery commencing with the Peregrine Falcon design. There Self-Adhesives: The initial rolls issued on 6 March were pro are four coil joins with strips of 25125/26124 + 2 reminder labels duced by ISSP. This was the first appearance of the Peregrine (in black). The box is similar to the Irish printing except that: Falcon design (not available in regular sheet format), but no first the reproduced stamp design is larger; day cancel was provided. The stamps measure 25mm x 40mm • the shading of the bird is darker; and are perf. 9 x 10 i.e. the same as 32p Broighter Collar print a number appears on one of the inner bottom flaps (number ings, except the designs are in vertical format. The rolls are reeled 12 seen to date) but no logo on the second flap; vertically with top delivery, commencing with the Peregrine Falcon design. The waste paper around the stamps was not re • . the inscription "Produced by Irish Security Stamp Printing moved, as is now the case for all ISSP self- adhesive printings. Limited" appears on the top "C" fl ap, but is hidden by the The joins are every 20th stamp with the usual 10 and 20 re "D" flap, and thus, cannot be seen until the box is opened. minder labels (all in black). There is a yellow strip at the join This would appear to indicate that whereas the stamps are between stamps 60 and 61. The box only illustrates the Peregrine printed in Australia, ISSP arranged for the printing of the Falcon design, and the wording "Produced by Irish Security boxes and presumably placed the rolls within the boxes. At Stamp Printing Limited" can be clearly seen on the top "C" flap the time of writing, the Australian printing is only sold in wi thout opening the box. The Dakota logo plus a number appear complete rolls by the bureau. on the inner bottom fl aps (nu mbers 1,4,5,8 and 9 seen to date). The ISSP definitive self-adhesives are more commonly seen The stamps are sold in strips of two by the bureau as well as on commercial mail and therefore, presumably, they are respon complete rolls. sible for the majority of the printings. Page 10 THE REVEALER Summer 1998
Pacific '97 Miniature Sheet - IR£2 (Pintail): This major IRf9.00 - total face value ofIR£8.0l. At the time of issue of the FIP World Stamp Exhibition took place in San Francisco (29 pack, the Pacific '97 miniature sheet was "sold out" and was May - 8 June). A special exhibition miniature sheet containing only available on purchase of the complete pack. the IRf2 "Birds" definitive Pintail design was produced for the 1 October - Dracula Presentation Pack: The single-set min show. This is the first time that a definitive value has appeared in iature sheet from the Bram Stoker set was included in the pack. miniature sheet format. The Pintail stamp has yet t~ be issued in Cost: IRf3 - face value IR£1.50. sheet format, and as a result, the stamp was available on FDC 1 October - The "Horror" Collection: A special "Horror complete with special insert and cancelled with a San Francisco Collection" pack included the Bram Stoker set as well as the "La A Chead Eisiuna" postmark. The 29 May cancel incorpo Horror stamps issued by Canada, G.B. and U.S.A. One stamp in rates an illustration of the Golden Gate bridge. This was the only each set of four had a Dracula connection - 4Sc Vampire (Canada), first day cancel available. A special cachet in similar design, to 26p Dracula face (G.B.) and 29c Bela Lugosi as Dracula (U.S.A.). gether with a special card illustrating the sheet, was also avail Romania's Europa set for 1997 was also on the Dracula theme able - see under Exhibition Souvenirs, Postmarks and Cachets. but this was not included in the pack. The special pack also in DEFINITIVES - HERITAGE AND TREASURES cluded a board game and a Dracula poster. Cost: IRf8.95. 52p - ISSP Printing: I can now confirm that plate IAIA as 6 December - 75th Anniversary of the State Presentation well as plate IBIB of the CCPl printing exists. Pack - Sheetlet: The sheetlet in the presentation pack was spot IR£5 - ISSP Printing: In October 1997, the IR£5 value was gummed to the card and cancelled with the same first day post noted on CCPl paper (plates lAIA and IB IB). Presumably this mark as used for the individual 32p stamp issued on the same was printed prior to the issue of the new Shelduck design in day. Cost: IRfS.OO - face value IR£3.84. August 1997. Can anybody confirm an earlier date? 6 December - Year Pack: The Year Pack contains one each 20p - Enschede Printing: In a prior report, I referred to im of the special and commemorative stamps issued during the year. perforate as well as the usual perforated margins on certain val This pack includes both the sheet and self-adhesives for the ues of the Enschede printings. Plate I B 1B sheets of the 20p value Europa set; a pair of the Christmas self-adhesive (cut from a were already reported with either perforated or imperforate top normal booklet with backing); and the Mexican St. Patrick's Bat margin. The top margin incorporates the plate numbers (top left) talion stamp, but excludes the Greetings booklet panes; minia and colour circles (top right). I can now report that plate lA lA ture sheets; and 7Sth Anniversary of the State sheetlet - a total of sheets also exist in both formats, and as a result, the plate block 44 stamps with a face value ofIRfI6.32. Cost: IRfI6.50. exists both with perforated and imperforate top margin. 6 December - Year Book: Each book contains all special Many post offices are still selling values from the "Heritage and commemoratives issues (as per the year pack) together with and Treasures" series, even though there is often an equivalent the 75th Anniversary of the State sheetlet, three of the four min "Birds of Ireland" stamp. New finds can still be found. I would iature sheets (Year of the Ox, Marine Mammals and the full set welcome details of any new items noted by members. Dracula sheet, but not the "Mars" sheet) plus one of the Greet ings booklet panes - total face value of IRf25.46. A numbered FRAMA LABELS During December, whilst travelling through Dublin Airport, black print of the 32p stamp issued on 6 December featuring the G.P.O. and the 2d Map stamp is also included in the book. Total I obtained examples of Frama labels from both of the machines printing of 3,000 standard copies (1995/96: 3,000) and 120 (1995/ (01 and 02) situated in the airport. Subsequent examination un 6: 130) half-bound leather editions. The books cost IRf30 and der U.v. light revealed that a different paper appears to be in use. The paper used since introduction of the current series in IRflOO respectively. 1992 has a yellow-green reaction under U.v. light, whereas the current paper has a yellow reaction. Subsequently, I have seen examples obtained from the 002 machine in May 1997 on the new paper. Labels recently obtained from the Bray machine are =~ =~POSt NOTES printed on similar paper with the yellow reaction, but Sligo la by Patrick J Ryan, Sr bels were on the older yellow-green paper. As yet, I have not been able to check examples from the remaining six machines at (Ed Note: This article is compiled from various new sources Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Killarney, Limerick, and Waterford. emanating from An Post.) PRESENTATION BOOKS AND PACKS New Self-Adhesives: The Goldcrest and the Blackbird men 16 January - Definitives (Phase I): The initial set of five tioned above will be issued as self-adhesives. As with the last stamps was also available in a presentation pack which included self-adhesives, these will be printed by two printers: Cambrec the Ducks miniature sheet issued in September 1996. Cost: IRf PrintsetlSprintpak, and the Irish Security Stamp Program. In the .50 - face value: IRf4.22. Cambrec version, the design bleeds off the edge of the stamp 6 March - Marine Mammals: The miniature sheet was also while the ISSP version has a white margin. It is unclear if An available in a presentation pack. Cost: IR£3.00 - face value Post will honor requests for Specific Printers. IRf1.S6. St Patrick's Day Cards: New sets of both Greeting Cards 27 August - Definitives (Phase 11): The second definitive and Post cards - 6 each - were issued on 14 February 1998. The presentation pack contains one of each of the six sheet values complete set costs £5.00. issued on the same day plus a pair of the 32p self-adhesives (ISSP (see "Notes" on page 12) printing) together with the Pacific '97 miniature sheet. Cost: I- -
Summer 1998 THE REVEALER Page 11
POSTAL STATIONERY AND GREETING CARDS (overall size 20.5mm x 39mm), were also available. The cards feature (1) St. Patrick (stained glass window); (2) Candle and POSTCARDS Shamrock; (3) Celtic Motifs (4) Shamrock, flower and ribbon; and (5) Flying bird with greetings. The typeface used for the "Postage Paid" indicator is the same as prior years and thus dif fers from the postcard design. None of the designs (postcards or greeting cards) were used in prior years. The usual green first day of issue cancel was avail able from the Philatelic Bureau for use on both cards and enve lopes. Although a large number of the cards are sent overseas, and the cost of the cards includes airmail postage, neither the postcards nor the envelopes bear a pre-printed airmail label, which became normal practice for all overseas airmail as from 1 Janu ary - see note under Miscellaneous Items. ENVELOPE ==POSt EIRE ==POSt €) ;;;POSt _==POSt ~ Postage Paid 1"'- Postas loctha Ireland Roman "a" (heads joined)
In addition to the above listed items which were generally available, An Post also sent collectors on their mailing list in the New York/New Jersey area, a special postcard to publicise their weave pattern attendance at the Postage Stamp Mega Event show in New York "A" Envelope: In June::;:§p()St (see under Exhibition Souvenirs for further details). A second EIRE 1997, I first noted a new print- §§post postcard was produced by the Philatelic Bureau to publicise the ing of this envelope. The "Post- §::post St. Patrick's Battalion stamp. Finally, a special postcard was pro age Paid" imprint has been re- -=~ duced by the FAI with the permission of An Post. Further details ===v-- set and the lettering now incor- of the latter two items are included under Miscellaneous Items. ~p05[ =:e~ porates a roman "a". The previ- St. Patrick's Day Cards: Five postcards were available fea ous printings were with a mod- modern "a" turing (1) Country scene and rainbow with shamrock in silver ern·"a". The envelope is printed on white paper and the former bowl in foreground; (2) The Brian Boru Harp; (3) Peace and "all blue" inner lining has been altered to a blue "weave" type Celtic motif; (4) Stonechat (bird) on gorse bush with background pattern (as illustrated). Initial supplies were noted with the con ofCroagh Patrick; and (5) Flying letters and ribbons ("Thinking ventional type of folding whereby the back of the envelope was ofYou"). All cards bear a misspelling on the reverse "BennachtaI'" gummed down over the side flaps. Subsequently, the same enve should read "Beannachtaf". The Postage Paid imprint is the same lope was noted with the side flaps gummed down over the back R.J. King design first used in 1995, except that the "Postage of the envelope. Paid" indicator is in a different typeface as compared to prior In October, the fonner printing with "all blue" inner lining years. All cards feature the new Bord Failte logo of "heads appeared on white paper; the initial supplies which were first joined" (see illustration). The new logo has been subject to wide noted in 1995 were on cream paper. The imprint has a modern spread criticism within Ireland and subsequently, a revised Sham "a" as per the cream paper printing. rock design was re-introduced alongside the new logo. This new Oireachtas Card: The 1997 Oireachtas was held in Belfast Shamrock logo does not appear on the cards. (24 October to 2 November). The undenominated card features Five greetings cards, complete with prepaid envelope bear a firework display over a dol~en. ing the same R.J. King stamp design in slightly larger format Exhibition Cards: A set of three exhibition cards were is InD=at:-e-=o;-f ------=-:.:.::..:::.::..:...~=.: . sued by An Post at Stampa '97 Issue Description Cost Notes Printer - full details are set out under 20 Feb ..... SI. Patrick's Day Exhibtion Souvenirs, Post- - set of five prep~id postcards...... : ...... 39p .. .. per card ...... Colorprint marks and Cachets. ? ,; ~~t of five greetings ~a~ds With prepaid envelopes .... 65p .... per card/envelope ...... Colorprint Plastic Registered Enve- June; .) ... "A" Envelope - nev.: pnnt.'n~ - see no~es ...... 36p .... inner lining altered - two subtypes .. Trimfold lope: This envelope, which Oct (.) .... . A Envelope - earlier pnntlng on white paper ...... 36p .. .. blue inner lining (as before) ...... Trimfold was released in 1996 and re- 240ct .... . Oireachtas '97 (Beal Feirste) ... - postcard ...... - .... no charge ...... Printstone 7 Nov ...... Stampa Exhibition Cards ..... _set of three ...... 32p .... per card ...... BCR Press ferred to in my article last year, is printed by Globophan. Page 12 THE REVEALER Summer 1998
HONG~'fKONG Irish Post , g Office t.g 12-16'11,1997
PARAVlON AERPHOST
"stamp" on the card was a full colour pre-printed 52p definitive Irish Post in MOSCOW1tn.~ ("barn 1 7·26 October 199 7 ~ owl" ) from the rv1CXJ Souvenirs, Postmarks and Cachets· Republic of Ireland Philatelic facilities were available at all of the Irish shows referred to below. All overprints on booklet panes and miniature sheets are in black unless otherwise indicated. Numbers printed and printer details given, if known. Date of Number Issue Description Cost Printed Printer 8 Mar ...... IPTNCollectors' Road Show, Dundalk - Irish TT Winners miniature sheet with olp ...... IR£2.00 ...... 400 ...... Mahons cover of the booklet reproduces the 23 Mar ..... IPTNCollectors' Road Show, Limerick show cancel. -Year of the Ox miniature sheet with olp ...... IR£2.S0 ...... 200 ...... Mahons Stampa '97: The souvenirs 12 Apr ...... IPTNCollectors' Road Show, Dublin ("Stampania") were distributed to members prior - Marine Mammals miniature sheet with olp ...... 1R£3.00 ...... SOO ...... Mahons to the show on 28 October. Mem 6 Sept ...... IPTNCollectors' Road Show, Sligo ...... IR£2.S0 ...... 400 ...... Mahons bers received three souvenirs this 21 Sept .... IPTNCollectors' Road Show, Tralee - Lighthouses booklet pane 2 with olp ...... IR£2.S0 ...... 400 ...... Mahons year (1,100 of each printed) plus, 11 Oct ...... Cork Philatelic Society -Annual Exhibition- Booklet ...... IR£2.00 ...... 1S0 at no extra cost, the general sou 28 Oct .... . Stampa '97 . - Lighthouses booklet pane 1 with olp } Members' Mahons venir (2,000 printed) which was on - Lighthouses booklet pane 3 with olp IR£1S.00 Souvenirs Mahons public sale at the show. None of - Lighthouses booklet pane 4 with olp } Mahons the souvenirs were numbered. A - Lighthouses booklet pane 2 with olp ...... 1R£2.00 ...... Ordinary ...... Mahons large cream coloured card was also 7 Nov ...... Stampa '97 ...... - Large postcard ...... 40p ...... 300 ...... Reprint available at the exhibition which - Exhibition handbook/catalogue ...... IR£1 .00 ...... 3,000 ...... All Print & Design reproduced the three exhibition - Norwegian Post Office postcard ...... 1R£1.S0 cancels. The large size was to fa 23 Nov ..... IPTNAn Post Collectors' Road Show, Galway - Lighthouse booklet pane 3 with olp in red ...... IR£2.S0 ...... 400 ...... Mahons cilitate collectors who wanted to 6 Dec ...... Cork Stamp Show ...... - Booklet ...... IR£1 .00 ...... 2S0 ...... Raven Stamps affix any of the souvenirs to ob tain the show cancel(s). A similar ~HA ~ . card was provided in 1996. ~ Ct.t.,~ An Post issued a set of three ~ UU~f:. exhibition cards on the opening ~ ... a\ day of the show. The three post- ~ M ~ card themes, pre-printed stamps, , .!:J and matching postmarks were as 3'.. ~ follows: ....O-"D 5\\Q" 7 November: 75th Anniversary of Irish Stamps/32p Legislature stamp/ Harp postmark; 8 November: 150th Anniversary of Bram Stoker's Birthl32p Dracula stamplDracula postmark (8 November was Bram Stoker's actual birth date); and 9 November: 25th Anniversary of the First Stampa / 32p Robin definitive / 25 Years IPTA/Collectors' Road Shows: The Dublin show (also of Stampa postmark. known as "Stampania" or "Spring Stampania '97") was a two The stamp designs are the same as day event and was held at the Riverside Centre, Dublin 2. The the sheet issues complete with issued provincial shows were all one-day shows and were held at Im values and simulated perforations but perial Hotel, Dundalk; Jury's Hotel, Limerick; Silver Swan Ho reduced in size. The standard of print tel, Sligo; Brandon Hotel, Tralee; and Great Southern (Eyre ing of the stamp element was poor. The Square), Galway. Special postmarks as well as souvenirs were illustrations were once again on the available for all shows. All souvenirs were numbered. The Dublin obverse of the cards and incorporated and Tralee cancels were new designs. The illustration in the Tralee reproduc postmark features the refurbished windmill in nearby tions of the Blennerville. 2d Map stamp, 32p Commodore John Barry Chapter Dr a cula A meeting was held on May 23rd at NOJEX, at the Hilton in stamp and Secaucus, NJ and a slide show, "Postal Boxes of Ireland" the 1972 produced by Peg (RIP) and Bill Zellers. Plans for the annual miniature summer picnic were organized and a date set. '" sheet featur- Page 14 THE REVEALER Summer lYYA ing the lIlap design respectively. A slogan die was used during no extra charge. There was a separate page for Ireland, the Crown October in Dublin to publicise the show - see Slogan Postmarks Agents, plus the six other postal administrations who attended below. the show and provided cachets and/or cancellations. The Crown Agents, Isle of Man, and Norway stands were staffed by their own personnel; Canada, Finland, Mexico and U.s.A. were rep resented by An Post. Norway also produced an attractive card 5TAMPA'97) .' " featuring a view of O'Connell Bridge, Dublin. Two stamps were 21th .·l,mipl'r::odrv I);mlo'r affixed to the picture side of the card and were cancelled with M/Sl/' (It,A ~')fl:\k,J ;,!~I; S.;!'Jlon their show cachet. Cachets were also available from Canada, [)"i."r l"ri,'.' !1nl' [J'dh '- 1Jr./k:i:lllil ~:U':I· Crown Agents, Isle of Man, Mexico, and United States of ~·,tfJ·:";'i!t.,, !;:~:;:'~/::.~~'~':~I:I,~': Pi~m 5,I!4U' America. Finland did not provide a cachet - stamps were can SU;:···.·)I,· 0: ~ '!J;,-;,,'t! <~',!J: .~·:i(:.it~('.t:r; 41'11 celled with a Helsinki steel dates tamp (as illustrated below). Ch::.,- f..I:/~r· H.. ~c! rl,I"":I' ,'/ :::iin!l,'l! j i;~//:]ld 11:!' ,) In the case of the Isle of Man, the special Stampa cachet was A~f·.',j:::r'th ';: E:c,f.m !',li:.u' !(".bt I;,:I!I.I, '1;;;-1< £)-;;,1, :L'il:) {"\"',/::;:.',i!id ;.. STAMPA 97 AWARDS DINNER normally applied to the envelope/passport with a rubber bureau :: :, JI~, i A ~.I·'; !," : t SNIPES RESTAURANT CDS with moveable date used to cancel the stamp(s). However, ELY PLACE DUBliN 2 the bureau cancel was giving poor impressions and was rarely ,. used. As a result, the Stampa cachet can be found cancelling the SIH;:,',,' ~)I,:;;d,I."· "/"Jft ~ I'lt":>!: }"rl.:t :'11£:,1 ~;:}: /(t·-C~c.jlr. stamps. Envelopes handed in for subsequent cancellation in the Br:J1;,f:, :\JI'r;I"S;/:' C~tlf ~IAI. ~ f STAMPAW)\ \'99711.07-09H ~ DUBLIN ~~ ~o~ Summer 1998 THE REVEALER Page 15 OTHER SPECIAL POSTMARKS AND CACHETS I set out below details of spe- " • 8~ cial postmarks other than the exhi- 9JV ~4I~ ~\)SSEl.$ bition items referred to above. ..:) ~ 0 q., ~ ~ A number of new air services Q -::::;..~ ...'~ -=-~. ~ ~" were introduced in May and sev- /i:J ~ r- e? Ol f7J eral dealers organised "First Flight" :s.. ? - O~ covers. An Post provided a num- 0 berof cachettype postmarks for the 1·"-1~ 'elle19<11 ~ "First Flights" as follows: L' 1 May 1997: ~ftt,R'; e~ _ . ~ C ~1'.y • Dublin to Bristol (Ryanair) S-~ ""V~ ~~ ~ '''t • Dublin to Brussels Charleroy (Ryanair) Ql -:::::::. ~ ~ ~~ • Dublin to Helsinki (Finnair) :l 4 2 ;:~ . -~ • Dublin to Paris (CityJet) Cl £' j e Of ~. ~.~ ( • Dublin to Paris Beauvais (Ryanair) ~1 All cance I s are of the same format with the same ,_" '\~~,~ J.t. V. \9~ envelope plus plane illustration. As members will - note, they are not a "true" postmark given the absence of the John Wesley: To coincide with the place of posting in Irish _ Baile Atha Cliath. 250th Anniversary of John Wesley's first " 15 May 1997: visit to Ireland, a special cancellation was • Dublin to Newark (Aer Lingus) provided by the philatelic bureau on the ac- tual date of the visit, Saturday 9 August 1997. You will note that there is no reference to "Baile Atha Cliath" in the post mark. The postmark was requested by the Methodist Phila MURjHYS C/LL CHOMHGHAJLL telic Society who also produced a special illustrated cover. India: To IRISH I mark the 50th An I uva 111T niversary of the ¥-A~~m establishment of I SO ' GOLDEN~ India's indepen I INDEPENDENCE ~~ CO. CHILL MHANTAIH OFIIIDIA dence, a special I lteland-lndla CUII&nI ~ Murphy's Irish Open: No special postmark Dublin postmark 15..,.7 incorporating a I was available this year although post office fa I cilities were available at the venue (Druid's Glen, map of India was Delgany, Co. Wicklow); the Bray 5 (Bre 5) self sponsored by the India-Irish Cultural Society and was avail inking datestamp (SID) was used at the tempo able on the actual anniversary date, 15 August 1997. The rary post office (2-6 July incl. Pro-Am day). In Society also produced a special illustrated cover. the absence of a special postmark, one enterpris ing collector arranged a private cachet, similar in format to the postmark used in 1996. Covers bearing this ca NOLAN chet exist with the stamp cancelled with the Bray 5 SID. This is (continued from page 3) the first time since 1976 that a special cancel was not available. Scout Jamboree - Lough Dan, Co. Wicklow: Post office facilities were provided at this event which was held from 30 July to 4 August. A special postmark/cachet as illustrated was avai lable. 75th Anniversary of the Air Corps: A special Dublin postmark was available Figure 3: Nolan 's essay for Figure 3a: Second Nolan essay on 6 July 1997 to mark the 75th anniver the U.S. Constitution issue for the U. S. Constitution issue sary of the fou ndation of the Air Corps. In to want to mark the 150thAnniversary of the U. S. Constitution addition, a special official cover depicting in 1939. For this issue Nolan submitted two designs. (Figure 3 three different aircraft was produced by the and 3a) Both tended to be rather in draft fonn, for there was not Air Corps (lOO produced); each cover bears inscription included with the designs. At best, one can say, they the lOp and 17p stamps issued in 1978 to are a little worse than the design that was accepted for the issued commemorate the 50th anniversary of the stamp and, as with so many unaccepted designs, one wonders first East-West transatlantic flight from what internal politics, nepotism and infighting may have affected Baldonnel to Greenly Island, Canada. the acceptance of the stamp which we actually see. + Page 16 THE REVEALER Summer 1998 SLOGAN POSTMARKS Please don' C 334 - Please don'tIIeave the elderly/ leave the elc!.rly ALONE: In use in Dublin since January 1997 (dies D and F). E 335 - InterlMedia InterlMedia: Used AlON in Cork during March and April (also noted in use in June). I have been unable to ascertain the significance of the term "Inter Media". 336 - COUNTY WICKLOW/THE GARDEN OF IRELAND: Used in Wicklow during the months - ~ . - of May and June. -. .• ~ ~ ---- 337 - Nestle© Kit Kat© Have a Break ... : This ~."., , - CI,,",,:~·,; ...: . ...." .. slogan was introduced countrywide in late July com- it - H.,v~ • b'~31r._ - mencing on 21 July in Cork. Also noted in Cavan, - - Donegal, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. the FAI's publication "75 Years ofIrish Stamps". Both the book The slogan was due to continue in use until October 1997 but and the card were printed by Laekamp GmbH of Osnabrueck. remains in use at the time of writing (February 1998). The word This is probably the first time that an Irish stationery item has ing and layout is identical to the U.K. slogan used nationwide in been printed outside of Ireland or Britain 1996. 338 - STAMPA '97 - NATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION December - An Post Christmas Cards: No separate card was forwarded by the philatelic bureau to customers this year. NOVEMBER 7-9. RDS, DUBLIN.: Used at the Dublin Mail However, as already referred to earlier, the special 75th Anni Centre (one die) during Oc versary of the First Irish Postage Stamp FOe. A special insert tober but appears to have ~ NATIONAL card was included bearing Christmas greetings and a reproduc been withdrawn before the JrAMPA '97/ STAMP tion of the 28p self-adhesive Christmas tree design. However, end of the month. All ex EXHIBITION this FOC was only forwarded to account holders who had stand amples seen were of very NOVEMBER 7-9. RDS, DUBLIN. ing orders for FDC's. poor quality. The illustra tion is taken from the original artwork and does not exactly match the type font used on the actual die. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 16 January - Definitives - Fine Art Prints: Three Fine Art Prints were available at IR£15 per print (IR£40 the set) featur ing the Greenland White Fronted Goose (per the IR£1 value), Letter To The Editor Pintail (IR£2) and Shelduck (1R£5). 5 September - St Patrick's Battalion Issue Notification - April 30, 1998 Postcard: An Post informed collectors of the St Patrick's Bat Dear Editor: talion joint issue by I am delighted to see that you are now giving some promi mailing out a large post nence to modern postal history; this is my favourite collecting card (211 mm x 147mm) interest and is, I feel, much neglected. complete with pre In relation to the DUBLINIRETURNED LETTER SECTION printed stamp. The dates tamp, it would appear that most of these RLS dates tamps stamp reproduced the are now inscribed solely in English with no Irish. The explana 32p design which incor tion given to me by An Post for this is that so many postal items porated the 9d Catholic are returned overseas where people may not understand Irish. Emancipation stamp and An Post believes there is a need to provide explanations for non issued as part of the 75th delivery in English. The particular DUBLIN dates tamp was, I Anniversary of the State think, first used at the Dublin Mails Centre in about April 1997 set the previous month. and all examples that I have seen have been in blue. "Postas foctha" was in As regards the delay between posting (15 December 1997) cluded under the design and return (27 January 1998), this is by no means unusual, even instead of a figure of value. The stamp was "cancelled" with a for national mail. It may be partly explained by the Christmas preprinted Baile Atha Cliath COS of 5.Ix.97. The pre-printed holidays and by the absence of a district number in the Dublin "Par Avion/ Aerphost" sticker was the old O.E.78 type rather than address. You note there are no backstamps - more usually the the "Priority Aerphost" label introduced in February 1997. dates tamp would have been applied on the back rather than the 7 November - FAI Postcard: A special postcard was pro front of the cover. duced with the co-operation of An Post to mark 75 years of Irish Regards, stamps. The card incorporates the normal An Post Postage Paid Maurice Barrett indicator as used on regular postcards. It was only available with Summer 1998 THE REVEALER Page 17 The general card used by An Post incorporated the same Notes Christmas tree design behind a cut-out window. The actual stamp (continued from page 12) was also reproduced on the back of the card without the value indication. Both SDS and the Post Offices Operations Division 1998 Stamp Programme Details: also produced cards, but neither had any philatelic connection. Subject December - Santa Christmas Envelope: The 1997 postage Date of Issue paid envelope once again reproduced the same design as used Birds Definitives Phase III ... 5p, 30p, 35p, 40p, 45p, 50p, £2 .... 2nd April both in 1995 and 1996 featuring Santa pulling a sleigh together Equestrian Sports ...... 30p, 32p, 40p, 45p .... 2nd April with a pre-printed "NORTH POLE 12:00 PM Dec CHRIST Eurpoa (Festivals) ...... 30p, 40p ...... 6th May MAS" postmark (in red). The postmark was repositioned and Bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion ..... 4 x 30p se-tenant strip ...... 6th May now covers a greater proportion of the An Post Postage Paid Centenary of Local Government (Ireland) Act ...... 30p .... 2nd June indicator. 25th Anniversary of Ireland's Accession to the EU ...... 32p .... 2nd June Swiftpost Labels: A revised printing of both Swiftpost la Centenary of Women's Vote in Local Elections ...... 35p .... 2nd June bels have appeared on matte paper with an off-white backing 50th Anniversary of the Republic of Ireland Act ...... 45p .. .. 2nd June paper. The labels were first issued on shiny paper with a yellow Tour de France (Ireland) ...... 4 x 30p se-tenant .... 2nd June ish backing paper. This follows a similar change with the Regis Tall Ships, Dublin '98 ...... 2 x 30p se-tenant, 45p, £1 .... 20th July tration labels. The layout and inscriptions etc. remain unaltered. I first noted the change in both labels in February 1997, but a Irish Postboxes ...... 30p, 32p, 40p, 45p ..... 3rd Sept fellow collector has noted use of the revised inland type in De Centenary of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick ...... 30p ..... 3rd Sept cember 1996. Can any member confirm any earlier dates of use? 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights .... 45p ..... 3rd Sept Registration Labels: There have been no major changes Endangered Animals ...... 2 x 30p se-tenant, 40p, 45p ...... 8th Oct noted. However, due their high usage there are constant new print Christmas ...... 30p, 32p, 45p.... 17th Nov ings which can give rise to minor variations. Towards the end of 1997, a new printing appeared with a revised setting of the text New Postal Rates effective 6 April 1998: on the reverse. IrelandlUK ...... Basic Letter rate reduced from 32p to 30p. Valentine's Day Labels: Europe(EU) ...... No Change. In order to encourage advance EuropelNon-EU .... Basic Letter rate reduced from 44p to 32p. posting of Valentine's Day Rest of World ...... Basic letter rate reduced from 52p to 45p. cards, An Post distributed spe cial self-adhesive labels to post Registered ...... £1.70 (Max compensation £100) offices in advance of 14 Febru Letters £2.20 (Max compensation £500) ary. The red heart shaped labels £2.70 (Max compensation £1,000) were printed in sheets of 24 (6 (Editor's Note: See, everyone! Postal rates can really go DOWN!) rows of 4). The inscription on the label reads "Deliver On Valentine's Day 14th Feb". There New Letter Rate Greetina: Booklet: With the reduction in was no charge for the labels. the basic domestic letter rates of 6 April, AnPost considered it Airmail Labels: A new necessary to reissue the very popular Greeting Booklet. The new type of self-adhesive airmail version (above) retains the same four designs and two panes of four stamps (Bill Aspery's "Love is ..." design) but will be de label was distributed to post PRIORITY nominated at 30p each or £ 1.50 for the book. It will be available offices in the week commenc AERPHOST ing 24 February. The dark blue from the Philatelic Bureau throughout the remainder of the year. labels with white lettering are available in sheets of 48 (16 rows + of3labels). The white backing paper is rouletted. The labels are also distributed in rolls of 500 which are on a buff coloured back Cathedral Stamps ing paper. The inscription on the label reads "Priority/Aerphost" . Declan 0'Kelly, Padraig 0' Shea Railway Preservation Society of Ireland Issues: No new 78 Marlborough St., Dublin 1 issues were released during 1997. TellFax + 353 1 878 6384 CONCLUSION EMail: [email protected] Once again, I wish to thank An Post and my many philatelic Formed as a direct result of Ian Whyte's decision to concen friends for their help in producing this article. Particular thanks trate on the auction market, Cathedral Stamps, the newest name to Maurice Barrett, Jim Derwin, Bemard Donohoe, Tony Finn, in Irish Philately, brings together two dealers with almost 50 Peter Geoffroy, Heinz Grunz, John Holman, Otto Jung, Jimmy years experience in the Irish stamp trade. Kelly, Michael Kelly, Gene Labiuk, John Lennon, Gerry Mooney, They aim to provide the Irish stamp collector with both a John Mullen, BiII Murphy, Jim Ryan, David Turner, Ronny Vogt retail and mail order service that is second to none. Declan and Ian Whyte for their never-ending patience in answering my O'Kelly, who has extensive experience in stamp dealing, having queries and providing much valuable information. + worked with David Feldman and MacDonnell Whyte, will handle the Retail premises at 78 Marlborough St. He will be delighted Page 18 THE REVEALER Summer 1998 to assist you with any queries you may have, especially those involving the specialised gums and papers involved in the Irish The Giant Flying Boat " CALCUTTA" definitive series. The mail order side of the business will be Continues Service for a further Week! handled by Padraig 0' Shea, of Raven Stamps, from his Cork base at 12C Washington St. West. He will provide the prompt BOOK your ticket NOW through and reliable service that has become his forte. W. W. JONES, DOOLY & CO., Ltd. Cathedral will carry a general, all-world stock in addition to Steamship, Airline, Passenger and Freight Agents, Ireland, together with the complete Lindner range of philatelic 28, BRUNSWICK ST., LIVERPOOL (Tel. 9072 Bank) accessories. In fact, if it is philatelic, you will probably find it at Cathedral Stamps. For those visting Dublin, the opening hours OCTOBER 1st-6th Inclusive BELFAST I LIVERPOOL. are as follows: Out. Depart ALBERT SQUARE. BELFAST 9-30 a.m. No. 3 QUAY. BELFAST 9-45 a.m. Monday to Friday, lO:OOam to 5:00pm, Saturday lO:OOam to .. MUSGRAVE CHANNEL 10-0 a.m. 1:30pm. Arrive LIVERPOOL MOORINGS 11-45 a.m. " ROCK FERRY PIER 12 noon We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in Home. Depart ROCK FERRY PIER 2-45 p.m. iliefurure. + .. LIVERPOOL MOORINGS 3-0 p.m. Arrive MUSGRAVE CHANNEL 4-45 p.m. No. :1 QUAY. BELFAST 5-0 p.m. ALBERT SQUARE. BELFAST 5-15 p.m. Single Fare £3 1 Os. Od. Return Fare £6 1 Os. Od. Letter To The Editor The .. CALCUTTA." 27 Belmont Close Burscough, Ormskirk Lanes England L40 7TR 16 Apri11998 Dear Editor, Further to your article "Irish First Flight Cover" Spring Issue G. 1998 of The Revealer, it may prove of interest to you and members to see the advertisement for additional flights between Belfast and Liverpool, October 1-6, 1928. We now know from Wm. F. Murphy's Irish Airmails 1919- 1990 that the additional flights proved unsuccessful. Due to inclement weather in the Liverpool area, flights were reversed in the second week leaving Belfast in the morning and returning from Liverpool in the afternoon. The late~t addition to illlperial .\irways' Fle~t---ollC ni three :-;imilar erait now In fact, flights in both directions were only possible on on order. a:1l1 d,>:-;tillcd to operate long-distance Empire sea rout(>:5. is illu .. tratctl ahm·e. (nl1"trll1.. ·h~ll cntireh' of metal, the" Calcltttn" hns a win:..:-~nan of Ha fcet October 2. Following the flight from Belfast to Liverpool on equal in \"idth l~):1I1 .. \.tlatltit'lincr--:lncl ha~ a relllarkahl~' rl)llIl\.'· ,·;ti)iil. .:tt.'t·Ol1llllo.\alillt..: 1.1 pa", ...a:'tH!l:r~. .\ ~tc\\'ar(l ha.-; charge of a fllll~·-eqllippt·d hlllh: 1•. and provision ila...; October 4, the program was canceled. l.H.:CIl lIIade tll in...;t;d "il-t~fI()kcr~ and :o-t!'rn:o hnt meals en route. Each annt'\lair ~cat is IIphlllstercfl with pneul11:\tic cushioll..... ,llld has .:t he;ul-re ... t Other points of interest: adjustahle tt) indiddnal n:qnirclllcnts, .\ small {ollling metal taL·le is prm·i<.J.eu {,If each passl'llgcf. The Short "Calcutta" flying boats 58 range were first test The ,:nhill i~ dccornt('il in rO~'allllue and. white, and the rnof i:-lineri with buff telt. flown by John Lancaster Parker at Rochester, Kent, on February gidtll! all t'tted "i ~oftl1e"'s and comfort nnd prl"Yentinl! the IIIl·tnl irom " I inlll1ll1iIl\.! ... l'ower i ...... ;upplictl hy tllrec Ilri",tDI .. Jupiter" cngim's. with ~carcd propt'llt:r 15, 1928. The manufacturer, Shorts Bros., Ltd., commenced shaits. ,lIltl titt~d with silenccrs. The total htlr:o\c-power cXI:eell~ 1.:Wo. En~lI wh~ll in tlight, conn'r!lation is easily carried out in the cabin, and no great business making balloons inside two railway arches at Battersea, etlort is r~q\lireu to converse Q\'er a clistnnce of se\'eral fect. The steadine!ls and comfort of the craft e\'oke the admirntion of all who tra\'el in her and can appreciate London. They later established what is thought to be the world's the enormO\1~ :'uh'ance in passenger-carrying aircraft that ~he represents. first airplane production line at Leysdown, Kent, in 1909. Charles BirchDII. Ltd .• Typo, Llverlllllll. Imperial Airways was formed on 1 April 1924 by the amalgamation of four British pioneering airlines: Handley Page Transport (1919); The Daimler Airways (1921); The AGM meeting sites are asfollows: Instone Airlines (1920); and, British Marine Air Navigation 1998 (1923). Nov 6 - 8, Chicagopex, Rosemont, IL Best Wishes, 1999 Eddie Savage Fall, Philadelphia National Stamp Exhibition, PS: Being a relatively new member, may I say how much I King of Prussia, PA look forward to my receipt of The Revealer. 2000 May 5 - 7, Boxborough, MA EDITOR'S NOTE: You may - You certainly may!!!!!!! + Summer 1998 THE REVEALER Page 19 Changes in Postal Rates Maurice Barrett Postal rates were adjusted from 6 April 1998. The significant overseas mail. Swiftpost, SDS and registration rates also changed. changes were the amalgamation of the Letter Post rate and Printed The new rates will be covered in detail by Brian Warren in Matter rate into a single Letter Post rate of 30p for domestic his regular "TWTYTW" article, but in the meantime, the fol mail, and the introduction of Priority and Economy rates for all lowing table sets out the main changes. Zone 1: Ireland Zone 2: United Kingdom Zone 3: Zone 4: (32 counties) (excluding NJ.) Europe Rest of the World1 Weight 1st Class Priority I Economy Priority I Economy Priority I Economy not over letter rate (Airmail) I (Surface) (Airmail) I (Surface) (Airmail) I (Surface) 25g2 30p 30p 32p 45p 50g 35p 40p 35p 65p 40p 75p 40p 100g 45p 55p 45p 95p 55p 135p 75p 250g 70p SOp 65p 160p 110p 400p 135p 500g 115p 135p 110p 320p 200p SOOp 300p 1kg3 1S0p 330p 250p 640p 320p 1,600p 500p 1kg4 300p 330p 250p 640p 320p 1,600p 500p 11hkg 400p 440p 375p 960p 440p 2,400p 700p 2kg 500p 550p5 500p 1,2S0p 560p 3,200p6 900p Each Add'l. V2kg 100p Postcard 30p Books: 3kg 600p 600p 1,OOOp 4kg SOOp SOOp 1,200p 5kg 1,OOOp 1,OOOp 1,400p Registration: Fee (in addition to normal postage) is £1.70 (compensation £100); £2.20 (compensation £SOO); £2.70 (compensation £1,000). Swiftpost National: Fee (inclusive of postage) is £2.00 up to lOOg; £3.00 up to 2S0g; £4.00 up to SOOg; £S.OO up to lkg; £6.00 up to I1hkg; £7.00 up to 2kg (maximum weight limit). Swiftpost International: Fee (in addition to postage) is £2.00. 'ROW weights are in steps of SOg up to SOOg and steps of IOOg up to 2kg. Only certain of the weight steps are shown above. 2This 2Sg rate applies only to POP items. To qualify for POP rate, items must be no larger than CS size (i.e. 23Srnrn X 162mm) and no heavier than 2Sg in weight. 3This rate applies to "flats", i.e. items which weigh between SOOg and lkg and dimensions not exceeding 400mm X 300mm X 25mm. 4This rate applies to "packages", i.e. items which weigh between SOOg and lkg and dimensions exceeding 400rnrn X 300mm X 25mm. 5Maximum permissible weight for Letter Post service. 6Maximum permissible weight for Letter Post service. E.P.A. SPECIAL OFFERS The/ollowing items may be ordered/rom Peter Bugg, 5 Forest St. , Franklin, MA 02038 U.S.A. All prices include postage and handling (except as noted below). Overseas add $1.00 per item/or air mail. Make all cheques and money orders payable to Peter Bugg. Dublin Penny Post This booklet has been produced by FAr of West Gennany. In English and - by Manfred Dittmann German and records the colours, periods of usage on the various types of Originally prepared for a lecture at the FAJ meeting in 1990. Manfred undated namestamps. Price $7.00. Dittmann spent many hours in the postal archives and museums in Ireland The Post Offices and Datestamps of the County of Leitrim and Great Britain researching this subject. Many unknown documents were Original study of Dr. Brian de Burca, updated by James T. Howley. A very discovered and are shared with the public in this fine publication. Published informative book showing 72 illustrations of hands tamps, a map and de by the FA!. Price $35.00. scriptions of post office locations. A very useful item for postmark and postal Die Gerlmarken history buffs. Published by EPA, 23 pages. Price $6.00. - by Otto Jung Irish Postal Rates Before 1840 A comprehensive listing of the Gerl issues. Published by the FA!. Price $3.50. - by FE Dixon The Irish Architecture Definitives Produced by FAI it is in Gennan and English. This publication lists the Irish - by Otto Jung Postal Rates from 1657 to 1840. A superb guide for Postal Historians. Price $6.00. The author, our world-wide well-known FAI member Otto Jung, also the au E.P.A. Official Pin thor of the catalogue of the Postal Stationary of Ireland, shows again his re A handsome metal pin replica of the E.P.A. logo. Available to members search work on this definitive series as a consequence of the various types of only at $1.25 each. papers, perforations and other peculiarities. Published by the FA!. Price $6.50. A Listing of Irish Postmarks in Gaelic from 1922 The Maritime Postmarks of Ireland - by James T. Howley - by Bemt Dienelt Produced by the E.P.A., Irish Postmarks are listed alphabetically in Gaelic The author attempts to compile as accurate a listing as possible of all the with their English translations. It is a most comprehensive Guide to post Paquebot Postmarks of Ireland. The author also asks for assistance in filling marks available. 82pps. $6.00. in some gaps and other possible discoveries. Published by the FA!. Price $6.50. The Revealer Index and Addendum 1 The First 55 Years of Irish Coils - by Patrick J. Ryan, Sr. - by Peter Bugg A comprehensive index of all philatelic articles appearing in THE A comprehensive listing of all Irish coils with a check list of all leaders and REVEALER from the first issue through the end of 1990. Articles are listed tab ends. Published by the EPA. Price $8.50. by subject matter. Cost: $12.00. 75 Years of Irish Stamps An Introduction of Irish Mileage Marks Produced by members of the FAI to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Irish - by W. E. Davey Post Office. Each book includes a specially printed post card from An Post. Published by the EPA, 1989 Edition, 22 pages. An excellent book for the Published by the FA!. Price $17.50. beginning collector of Irish Mileage Marks. Price $5.00. Irish Overprint Identifier Introduction to The Post Offices of County Clare,)reland A clear plastic overlay to help sort out your overprint issues. With it is a - by John Mackey & Tony Cassidy chart giving Scott and Gibbons numbers and an article on identifying the Text in German & English. Published by FA!. A study developed from the overprints. Price $4.50. postal archives of Dublin & London. A must for the student of Postal His Die Meilenstempel Oer Irischen Post - (The Mileage Marks of tory. 94 pp Price $9.00. Ireland) 1808-1839 The Dublin Spoon -1855-57 - by Hans G. Moxter - by Dr. C. I. Dulin 1994 Edition. 57pp. Text in German and English. Published by FAJ, the A comprehensive study that should be in every Philatelic Library. A must Irish Philatelic Group in Gennany. Most informative and well illustrated. A for postal history students. Softbound 48 pages $6.00 prepaid. complete listing of all known Irish mileage marks. Price $6.50. "Die Ganzsachen Irlands" (The Postal Stationery of Ireland) Ireland-Catalogue of Perfins - by alto Jung - compiled and edited by Richard L. Mewhinney 1994 Edition. Text in German & English. Published by FAI, the Irish Phila Published by The Perfins Club - 1994.38 pp. punched for 3 ring binder. The telic Group in Germany. This latest edition is by far the most specialized catalogue is designed for use as an album as well as catalogue. Only ob and authoritative and gives' a very complete listing of Irish postal stationery served Perfins are catalogued. Price $9.00. available. Well illustrated. Prices for mint and used in DM. Price $14.00. The Adhesive Revenue Stamps of Ireland: 1858-1925 Irish Slogan Postmarks 1918-1994 - by James J. Brady - by Uwe Netzsch Detailed study of the Irish Revenue Stamps. All are in easy-to-follow cata Published by FAI of Germany. 116 pages. Text in both German and log form with many details. A must for the Auction. Price $2.25. English. Over 300 illustrations by County, dies and type. Cost $17.50. E.P.A. Rubber Stamp Irish Airmail 1919-1990 The Official Seal of the Association as seen on the front of all official Soci - by Bill Murphy ety papers has been made into a rubber stamp available to our members. Joint publication by the EPA and the Irish Airmail Society. This book cov Dress up your envelopes and correspondence. Sold only to members at $6.00. ers all known mail-carrying flights to and from Ireland since the first suc The Maltese Cross in Ireland cessful non-stop trans-Atlantic flight of Alcock and Brown in 1919. Each listing includes information on date of flight, the itinerary, the airline, and, - by Hans Moxter G. if available, a 50% reduced illustration. Price US $15, plus $1.25 postage. 1988 Edition. Published by FAI , text of the 80 page book is in both German and English. This is probably the most comprehensive review of this post The Rare Coil mark to date. Price $9.00. - by Joe Foley Undated Namestamps of Ireland 1823-1860 This publication brings together several articles and correspondence and documents from the archives of the Irish Post Office, pertaining to the 2d - by William Kane vertical coil issue of 1935. Price US $12. 9 8 · t