STAMP NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 64, 13 February 1936, Page 2

STAMP NOTES

VALUE. (By “Philatelist.”) The’New Zealand Cd Jubilee stamp of 1935 is apparently worth more than a used copy of the world’s first postage stamp, the Id black of Great Britain, issued 96 years ago! This is but one illustration that upsets the idea held by many people that all old stamps are valuable. Age does not count. Stamp values depend on two things: (1) Popularity, which regulates the demand for a stamp, and (2) scarcity, which determines whether the supply is sufficient to meet the dedemand. Common stamps, even if 30 or 40 years old, are worth only a few pence a hundred, while various stamps which are in shorter supply are worth progressively more, while rarities realise high figures. At the very top for value is the famous 1 cent. British Guiana of 1856, of which only one copy is known, and this was withdrawn from sale last year, the highest bid being £7500 sterling (over £9OOO in New Zealand currency), while the present owner, the widow of the late Arthur Hind (who has an exceptionally valuable collection) expected this stain]: to realise £IO.OOO. OLYMPIC GAMES. An interesting series of stamps jus! issued consists of three values issued by Germany in connection with tin International Winter Sports l>einf held this month. The stamps (sold at a premium) are 6 and 4 pfennig, dari green, depicting an ice-skater; 12 and 6 pf., dark red, depicting ski-ing; and 25 and 15 pf., dark blue, hob-sleigh-ing. The designs are most effective consisting of the main feature withou' border or ornament, and just- the value and the words “Deutiche; Reich” and !< olympische Spiele 1936.’ There is also to be a special set in connection with the Internationa Olympic Games and the Germans can be relied on to give a fine pictorial set that will be worthy of inclusion in any collection.

The Olympic Games stamps of various nations form a most interesting collection that would appeal, not only to stamp enthusiasts, but also to those keen on sports. (This might be a sng gestion for an entry in tlie stamp die play at the next Manawatu Show, ii the proposed exhibition is held ac cording to the tentative plans of the Manawatu Philatelic Society). “Philatelist” is uncertain of the definiti origin of the Olympic Games, but they were apparently held l>v the anciem Greeks, when the foremost athletes ol this athletic nation met in tests oi strength and skill. They were re vived on an international scale in 1896. A splendid set of specia, stamps was issued by Greece, depict ing gladiators, discus thrower, quad riga or chariot driving, “Hermes after the statue by Praxiteles, “Vic tory” after the statue bv Paeomus the Acropolis and Stadium, and flu famous Acropolis with Parthenon With the exception of the two highest values, this series, designed by 1 10 fessor Gillieron, is readily obtainable, and is very handsome. In March, 1906, for the Olympic Games at Athens, another fine series in ancient Greek style, was issued. The designs include wrestlers, a race between ancient Greeks, etc., tne whole set being listed to-day by Gibbons at 15s. For the Olympic Games at Antwerp in 1920, the Belgium Government issued three stamps, in-designs modelled after the Greek style, depicting discus thrower, runner, and chariot race. These were sold at a premium ot .. centimes each for the benefit 01 tie wounded in the war. - . Then in 1924 comes a set of tour stamps designed by M. E. Becker, foi the VHlth Olympiade, held in 1 aris These depict 10c. the Stadium and Arc de Triomplie, with an athlete, laurel-crowned, giving the ancient Roman (or present Nazi) salute m aj.c foreground; 25c. Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pont (bridge) Neut, with a female figure in the foiegiound. holding a model of “Victory ; Mean athlete; 50c. laurel-crowned ath etc in .salute. All are readily obtamab e. In 1928 comes a set designed bj Fokko Mees and L. 0. Wenckebach, in utlra modern style, depicting rowing, footballer, boxer, yachting etc., to mark the 9tli Olympiade held in Holland. ■. „ i ia The 1932 Olympic Gaines were held in US.A. and are represented in tne stamp album by a 2c. stamp depicting a ski-jump for the winter sports at Lake Placid; and two values—3c. sprinter, and sc. discus-thrower-for the summer games at Los Angeles. Nov come the 1936 series from Geim In' 1924 and 1928, Uruguay issued sets of three stamps to commemorate the victory of the Uruguayan football team in the Olympic Games ol those years. . The States of Central America run a series of Cental American Olympic Games, and have issued several sets in this connection, including a trigiitfully crude imitation of the handsome Greek style, bv Costa Rica, m IJ2o. Altoo-ether, 'these Olympic Games stamps provide material lor a most interesting, yet inexpensive, display. AUTOGRAPHS. An interesting variation of the stamp-collecting has come to the notice of “Philatelist.” An overseas collector has written to see if he can get tne autograph of little Joan whose porrait appears on the 1930 health stamp. This enthusiast collects postage stamps bearing portraits together with the autographs of the persons illustrated. Quite an interesting and novel hobby, and one that would require a great deal of patience. [These notes are published with the co-operation of the Manawatu Philatelic Society. Queries and items of interest for publication should be addressed to the stanip iLclitor, c<ire “Standard” Office.]