World of Stamps: Four Princes: A Century of Stamps (Part 2) By Geir Sør-Reime

In 1940, a set of six stamps com- memorating the birth centenary of Prince John II was issued. It showed portraits of the Prince from different periods of his life, and a commemora- tive plaque set up in his memory. 1940 birth centenary of In 1941, stamps Prince John II (Sc.163) were issued to promote domestic food produc-

1941 Food Production, 1941, Madonna & 1941, Prince John gathering corn (Sc. 166) Child (Sc. 171) Adam (Sc. 172) tion, and there also was a stamp featuring a Madonna statue and the first four stamps of a series portraying the Princes of Liechtenstein (this series featured Prince John Adam, ruled 1699-1712, Prince Wenzel, 1712-18 and 1748-72, Prince Anton Florian, 1718- 21 and Prince Joseph, 1721-1732). Two 1942-43 series portrayed the remain- ing Princes (John Charles, 1732-48, Francis Joseph I, 1772-81, Alois I, 1781-1805, John I, 1805-36; and the second series: Alois II, 1836-58, John II, 1858-1929, Francis I, 1929-38 and 1942, Prince Francis Francis Joseph II, from 1938). Joseph (Sc. 191( In 1942, the 600th anniversary of the division of the territory between the Counts of Montfort- Werdenberg and of Sargans was commemorated with a

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 21 If you enjoy this article, and are not already a subscriber, for $12 a year you can enjoy 60+ pages a month. To subscribe, email [email protected] set of five stamps, and in 1943, the wedding of Prince Francis Joseph II and Countess Gina of Witczek was celebrated with three stamps. In 1943, stamps were also issued for the completion of an irrigation canal, as 1942 commemorating well as two scenic definitives. 600th anniversary of A new scenery creation of Liechten- definitive series ap- stein as a separate entity (Sc.180) p e a r e d in 1944, w h e n t w o 1 9 4 4 , B e n d e r n stamps scene Sc. 199) portray- ing the Princely couple were also issued. 1944, Prince Francis Joseph II and The birth of Crown Prince Princess Gina John Adam (the current Prince) was marked with three 1945 stamps, a stamp featuring the Princely arms and was also issued, as well as three semi-post- als for the Red Cross.

Left to right: 1945 birth of Prince John Adam (Sc.212); 1945 coat of arms and (Sc.217); 1945 “Protect the Child” (Sc. B15)

St. Lucius, the patron of Liechtenstein, appeared on the first 1946 stamp. Later that year, a souvenir sheet (page 23) marked the 4th Liechtenstein stamp exhibition and the

1946. St. Lucius, (Sc. 218)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 22 1946, Post Coach on semi-postal (Sc. B18) 25th anniversary of the postal convention with .

The first series featuring game ani- mals also was released in 1946. The 1946 Animals, Red second series appeared 1947, and the Deer (Sc. 219) third in 1952. An air mail series portraying aviation pioneers appeared 1948-50, and start- ing in 1949, stamps showing paintings 1948, Icarus Aviation from the Princely col- Pioneer (Sc. C33) lections, the largest 1949 Portrait of private art collection in the world, started Ginevra dei Benci to appear. by Leonardo da The lowest value of this series showed Vinci, previously Da Vinci’s “Ginevra de Benci”, which the in the Princely col- Prince sold to the National Gallery in lections (Sc.227) Washington in 1967. Additional stamps featuring paint- ings from the Princely collections ap- peared 1951, 1952, 1953, and again in 1985. Most of the older paintings of the Princely collections are in fact housed in the Liechtenstein Palace in Vienna, and from 2005 onwards, joint Liech- tenstein-Austria stamps were issued 2010, Ceiling fresco in showing some of the masterpieces of Liechtenstein Palace the collection. in Vienna (Sc. 1487)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 23 Left, 1949, UPU 75th An- niversary (Sc. 237); right, 5th Philatelic Exhibition souvenir sheet (Sc. 238) The centenary of the Universal Post- al Union was celebrated with a single 1949 stamp, and a souvenir sheet was issued for the 5th Liechtenstein stamp exhibition, containing stamps from the paintings series. 1949 250th anniver- An important 1949 issue was also sary of the Liechten- stein family’s pur- the three stamps commemorating the chase of the Lord- 250th anniversary of the Liechtenstein ship of , family’s acquisition of the Lordship of showing church at Schellenberg. (Sc.241) I n 1956, two s t a m p s m a r k e d the 150th anniver- sary of the full s o v e r - Left, 1956, 159th Anniversary of independence (Sc. 302); eignty of center, 1987, 275th anniversary of County of Vaduz L i e c h - purchase (Sc. 871); right, 1992, 650th anniversary of tenstein. County of Vaduz (Sc. 990) In 1987, two stamps commemorated the 275th anni- versary of the acquisition of the County of Vaduz by the Liechtenstein family. A 1992 single marked the 650th an- niversary of the County of Vaduz. The 275th anniversary of the elevation of Liechtenstein to a principality again was marked with a 1994 stamp. In 1999, the 300th anniver- sary of the acquisition of Schellenberg, or Unterland (‘lower

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 24 land’) was commemorated with a souvenir sheet of five stamps (Part 1, page 3). Similarly, the 300th anniversary of the acquisition of Vaduz, or Oberland (upper land) was commemorated with a souvenir sheet of three stamps in 2012. The bicentenary of full sovereignty was celebrated 2006 with four stamps (Part 1, p. 3). A 2008 souvenir sheet marked the 400th anniversary of the Princely . Prince Charles I (1569-1627) was depicted on the stamp (Part 1, page 2). A definitive series featuring working people appeared in 1951, and in 1952, a definitive high-value stamp showing Vaduz Castle was issued. In 1953, stamps were issued for the 14th International Scouting Conference and the opening of the National Museum in Vaduz. Stamps fea- turing various sports appeared 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1958.

Left to right: 1953, Scouting (Sc. 273); 1956, sports (Sc. 297); 1951, tractor with potatos (Sc. 258) The 6th Liechtenstein stamp exhibition in 1956 was commemorated with a single stamp (issued in sheetlets of six) showing a portrait of Crown Prince John Adam. 1956, single 1955 Prince John He and his two brothers from sheetlet of Adam (as crown and sister were also por- six (Sc. 307) prince) (Sc.293) trayed on a series of semi-postals issued 1955 for the Red Cross. The first Liechtenstein Christmas stamps were issued 1957 (see page 26), and from then on, annual Christmas stamps were issued.

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 25 Left to right: 1957 Christmas, Sc. 318; 1960 Europa (Sc.356); 1964 Europa (Sc. 390) Liechtenstein issued its first Europa stamp in 1960, and because of the great interest in Europa stamps and the low printing, this is one of the most difficult Europa stamps ever issued. The 1964 Europa stamp showed a reconstruction model of the Roman castle in Schaan. In 1962, a souve- nir sheet was issued for the 50th anniver- sary of Liechtenstein stamps. It contained three semi-postals portraying the three

1962 50th anniversary of Liechtenstein stamps, stamps featuring portraits of 1963 25th accession an- the three princes reigning during these niversary of Prince Francis 50 years (Sc.369) Joseph II (Sc.375)

Princes reigning over Liechtenstein during those 50 years. The 25th ac- cession anniversary of Prince Francis Joseph II was marked with a 1963 single, and his 60th birthday with a 1974 Prince Francis Joseph II and Princess Gina (Sc.557)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 26 1966 single. The silver wedding anniversary of the Princely couple was marked with a 1968 single. They were also por- trayed on a 1974 definitive (page 26), and individually on 1983 definitives. For the 70th birthday of the Prince, a souvenir sheet was issued 1976, with stamps reproducing a com- memorative coin. His 40th accession 1977, stamps from souvenir sheet for 70th birth- anniversary was day of Prince Francis Joseph II (Sc. 621-23 c o m m e m o r a t e d 1978 with four stamps showing Vaduz Castle, exteriors and interiors. His 75th birthday was marked with a souvenir sheet containing three stamps showing him with his par- ents, his father and a more recent portrait. Princess Gina in 1985 appeared on three stamps marking her 40th an- niversary as President of the Red Cross of Liechtenstein.

Left to right: 1978 40th accession anniversary of Prince Francis Joseph II (Sc.651) showing inner court of Vaduz Castle; 1985, Princess Gina with child refugee (Sc. 815); 1981 75th birthday of Prince Francis Joseph II, here with his parents, Prince Alois and Princess Elisabeth (his father transferred his right to the throne to his son) (from S/S Sc.710)

In 1986, the 80th birthday of the Prince was marked with a single stamp. His 50th accession anniversary in 1988 was marked with a souvenir sheet containing stamps

1986 80th birthday of Prince Francis Joseph II (Sc.848)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 27 portraying him, Crown Prince Hans Adam and his son, Prince Al- ois, the current Crown Prince. Both Prince Francis Joseph II and Princess Gina died in 1989 and they were both honored with 1990 stamps. 1988, succession to the throne souvenir sheet (Sc. 885) Crown Prince Hans Adam mar- ried Countess Ma- rie Aglae Kinsky in 1990 death of Prince Francis Joseph II and 1967, and a souve- Princess Gina (Sc.928-29) nir sheet marked this event. Crown P r i n c e H a n s Adam was por- trayed on a 1974 definitive, and three of his chil- dren appeared on 1975 stamps. Left to right: 1967 pair for wedding of Crown The fourth child, Prince Hans Adam and Countess Kinsky Princess Tatja- (Sc.424); 1974 Crown Prince (now Prince) Hans na, appeared on Adam (Sc. 556) a similar, 1977 stamp.

Left to right: 1975, the grand-children, Prince Constantin, Prince Maximillian and Prince (now Crown Prince) Alois (Sc.553-555); 1977 Princess Tatjana, youngest child of Crown Prince Hans Adam (Sc.631)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 28 For the 10th Liechtenstein stamp exhibition, in 1982, stamps portraying the Crown Princess and the Crown Princess were issued. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess again appeared on 1984 definitives. When Francis Joseph II died 1989, his son, Hans-Adam II then took over, and he is still the reigning prince of Liechtenstein. He is the first ever Prince of Liechtenstein who grew up in the Principality. He also takes an active role in the governing of the country.

Center, 1992 Silver Wedding of Princely Couple (Sc.985), flanked by 1991 Prince Hans Adam (Sc.968) and Princess Marie (Sc.967) In 1991, the new Princely couple appeared on definitive stamps. Their silver wedding was celebrated with a 1992 souvenir sheet with two stamps, one showing the couple, the other the arms of their families. The cou- ple again appeared on 2002 d e f i n i - tives. T h e i r four chil- dren were each por- trayed on 2002 Princess Marie four 2011 (Sc.1235), Prince Hans 2011, the children of the Adam (Sc.1236) s t a m p s Crown Prince

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 29 that were issued both in individual sheets of 20 and to- gether in a souvenir sheet.

1993 Marriage of Crown Prince Alois and Duchess Sophie of Ba- varia (Sc.1005) 2002 Crown Princess Sophie (Sc.1239) , Crown Crown Prince Alois Prince Alois (Sc.1240) appeared on a 1992 definitive stamp, and in 1993, he married Duchess Sophie from Bavaria, and a sou- venir sheet was issued to celebrate their wedding. The Crown Prince couple were also featured on 1992 Crown 2002 definitives. Prince Alois A special tribute to phi- (Sc.994) lately was made in 1968 and 1969, when “Pioneers of Philately” like Sir Rowland Hill, Phillip von Ferrari, Maurice Burrus, Carl Lindenberg and Théodore 1972 Famous Champion were portrayed on Liechtenstein philatelists: The- stamps. Further pioneers were added in odore E. Stein- way (Sc.511) 1972, including Theodore E. Steinway. During 1972-73, definitive stamps showing scenery of the Principality were issued. It was replaced 1978 by a series showing architectural heritage of the country (page 31). The 1984 definitives were devoted to people at 1972 scenery defini- work (page 31). tive, Mittagspitz (Sc. Besides Vaduz Castle, the most 521) prominent castle of Liechtenstein is

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 30 Right, first day cover for six of the 1978 Architec- tural Heritage definitives (Sc. 638 // 649; below, Maximum card for one of the 1984 definitives, this one Post & communi- cations (Sc. 798)

Prestamped postal card with stamp and picture side showing Vaduz Castle and cancelled with datestamp showing Va- 2009 Vaduz Castle duz Castle (Sc. 1449) in the south. It was fea- tured on a 1981 set of four stamps. Vaduz Castle has appeared on numerous stamps, including 2009 and 1981 Gutenberg Castle, clockwise from top left: ex- ternal view, yard, parlor, Great Hall (Sc. 718-21)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 31 2010 sets of stamps and prestamped postal cards. A 2011 set of four stamps showed four of the of Liechtenstein, besides Vaduz and Gutenberg, Schellenberg Castle and Schalun Castle were also included. Liechtenstein is a mountainous country, 2011 Castles, clockwise from top left: and in 1989-90, three Gutenberg, Schellenberg, Schalun, Vaduz (Sc. 1527-30) stamp sets showed some of the breathtak- ing mountain scenery of the country. There- after, several definitive stamps showed moun- tain scenery. From 1996 onwards, de- finitives showing views of the villages of the country were issued, 1989, Mountains (Sc. 911-14) and from 2004, sets were issued showing aerial views from all parts of the country. Mountain scen- ery also appeared on a 2009 set of four stamps.

Top, Maxicard with 2007 pan- orama of Liechtenstein stamp (Sc.1393); right, 2006 maxi- card for Rhine valley stamp (Sc.1341) showing panorama of Liechtenstein Rhine valley

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 32 R i g h t , 2 0 1 2 mountain pan- orama of Liech- tenstein; below, 1 9 9 7 w i n t e r sports (for Na- gano Olympics) (Sc.1111) Naturally, Liechtenstein is also a country for winter sports, and several stamps have been devoted to skiing and other winter sports, including stamps honoring Liechtenstein’s champions in these sports. Liechtenstein has no longer any military forces, and the last campaign of its forces, in 1866, was commemo- rated on three 1991 stamps.

1991, Military uni- forms (Sc. 965) In 1991, a single stamp was issued for the national stamp ex- hibition, LIBA 92. A special 1993 stamp was the ‘homage to 1991, LIBA ’92 exhibition single (Sc. Liechtenstein’ stamp 969) on first day cover designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. In 2000, he designed three additional stamps for the World Fair in Hanover.

Left to right, 1993 Hundertwasser design single (Sc.1004); set of three 2000 Hundertwasser designs for Expo 2000 Hannover (Sc.1179-81)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 33 Left: 1994 Life cycle of the grape vine (Sc.1029-32); below, 2003, viticul- ture throughout the year (Sc. 1253-55)

L i e c h t e n - s t e i n , l y i n g along the Rhine river, is also a wine-producing country, with the Princely vineyards as the most important ones. Several stamps have been is- sued showing viticulture throughout the seasons, starting with a 1994 set showing the vines in all seasons. In 2003, four sets of stamps featured viticulture in winter, spring, summer and fall. T h e c l o s e Swiss-Liechten- stein relations were marked in 1995 with a stamp that was valid in both countries. In

Above, panorama of Liechtenstein on maxicard for 1995 joint Liech- tenstein-Switzerland stamp (Liech- tenstein Sc.1055 & Switzerland Sc. 960); right, 2011 joint issue, “Fruit” by Shirana Shahbazi (Liechtenstein Sc.1522 & Switzer- land Sc. 1423)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 34 2011, a joint issue with a common de- sign also celebrated these relations. There is a railway line going through the country, and the 125th anniversary of the line was celebrated on three 1997 stamps. A 2000 stamp marked the found- 1997, railway at ing of Liechtenstein Post that took S c h a a n w a l d ( S c . 1104) over the postal operations of the country. Its 10th anniversa- ry was marked with three 2009 stamps. A LIBA 2002 stamp exhibi- 2009, 10th anniversary of Liechtenstein Post tion was also (Sc. 1434-36) organized and honored with two 2002 stamps. In 2003, the National Museum in Vaduz was re-

2002 for LIBA ‘02 stamp exhibition showing selections of previous is- 2008 Vaduz Castle (Sc.1410) sues (Sc.1237-38) opened after a complete renovation which included a new extension wing, and two stamps were issued to mark this event. Being one of the small states of Europe, Liechtenstein i n 2 0 1 1 hosted the 14th Euro- pean Small S t a t e s G a m e s , 2011, Games of the Small States (Sc. 1506-08)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 35 and three stamps were issued for this occasion. Liechtenstein also hosted the 8th Games in 1999, when nine stamps were issued. In 2012, a single stamp was issued for the inauguration of the new Land- 1999, Small States tag (Parliament) building in Vaduz, Games, table tennis (Sc. 1148)

and two stamps were issued for the 150th an- 2012, Parliament and Constitution 150th An- niversary of the niversary with excerpts from Constitutional country’s Con- Charter and authorization of Parliament (Sc. stitution and the 1540-41) establishment of the Landtag. Liechtenstein is currently one of only four full members of the European Free Trade Association (founded 1960). Until 1991, Liechtenstein was only an indirect member through its customs union with Switzerland. In 1994, Liechtenstein, along with Norway and Iceland, joined the European Eco- nomic Area agreement with the European Union. Liechtenstein already in 1967 issued a stamp honor- ing the EFTA co-operation, which at that time comprised much more countries than today, as most of the former EFTA members have joined the European Union. In 2010, Liechtenstein issued a single stamp for the 50th anniversary of EFTA, with the stamp motif graphically illustrating Liechtenstein’s gradual integration into the organization.

Left to right, 1967, EFTA emblem (Sc. 425); 2001, Liechtenstein’s Presidency of Council of Europe (Sc. 1200); 2010, EFTA 50th Anni- versary (Sc. 1484)

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 36 The way leading to full international recognition of the Principality in 1978 led to Liechtenstein becoming a mem- ber of the Council of Europe. In 2001, Liechtenstein in fact held the Presiden- cy of the Council of Europe. This was celebrated with a single 2001 stamp (page 36). 1991 Liechtenstein In 1990, Liechtenstein even became membership in the a member of the United Nations, cel- U n i t e d N a t i o n s ebrated with a 1991 stamp. (Sc.959) In 1995, Liechten- stein is- sued its first set of computer generated post- age, with 11 dif- ferent stamps, each featuring the arms of one of the country’s 11 municipalities. A new series, showing 1996, computer vended stamps, Arms sceneries of each of the municipalities was issued 2003, and is still on sale from vending machines. From 1932 until 1994, special stamps for use by the Government were issued. The first issues (1932-1950) were simply overprints on current definitive issues reading ‘REGIERUNGS- DIENSTSACHE’ (On Government Service), the 1947 issue was however overprinted DI- ENST MARKE (Service Left, 1932 Official (Sc. O3); right, 1934 Official (Sc. O20) Stamp) (page 38).

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 37 Left to right: 1947 Official (Sc. O30); 1950 Official (Sc.O38); 1976 Official (Sc.O59) In 1950, distinct stamps showing the Princely crown were issued, replaced 1976 by stamps showing the Government House in Vaduz. Between 1920 and 1958, special postage-due stamps were also issued, three sets were made, one in 1920, one 1920 postage due in 1928 and one (Sc.J2) in 1940. Liechtenstein has produced a number of post- al stationery items. The first postal card was issued in 1918, and thereafter, a wide variety of cards have been made, several 1987 postal card with 1912 stamp as imprint with pictorial (with denomination now in Swiss currency), cachets. The lat- similar to 1918 card, but with different stamp est postal cards imprint were issued to publicize the LIBA 12 stamp exhibition. In 1987, a postal card with a stamp imprint similar to the 1912 series was issued, publicizing the Vaduz 87 stamp exhibition for the 75th anniversary of Liechtenstein stamps. A novelty product from Liechtenstein Post is the per-

Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 38 sonalized postal card, the so-called ePostcard, where you can SMS or e-mail your own photo which is then printed to a pre-stamped postal card (see Part 1, page 6).

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Issue 25 - January 4, 2013 - StampNewsOnline.net 40