STAMP NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 248, 17 September 1936, Page 2

STAMP NOTES

“Forgeries of the 5 pf. and 10 r>f. were made to deceive the postal authorities. The 10 pf. (and the 15 pf. No. 101) were also forged in England during the war for use by British intelligence agents in Germany.” So runs a footnote in Gibbons’s catalogue under the “Germania” type stamps of Germany, 1905-1921, referring to tlie 5 pfennig green, 10 pf. red, and 15 pf. slate-violet. This illustrates just one of the thousands of interesting facts hidden in a good stamp collection—revealed by a good catalogue and well-informed stamp monthlies. German stamps deliberately forged by the British Government for use by British spies—unpleasant word, hut with practically the same meaning as “intelligence agents” —in Germany during the War I What a story some of these stamps could tell —of cool-nerved bravery of men masquerading in enemy territory.

1914—VIMY—1918. France has just issued two special stamps in a design engraved by M. Cheffer, presenting a striking view of the Canadian War Memorial on Vimy Ridge, which was unveiled by His Majesty King Edward VIII as King of Canada, towards the end of July last. The border consists of Canadian maple leaves. The values are 75 centimes, carmine, representing the special rate of postage between France and Canada, and 1 franc 50 cents, blue, for international postage. It will be remembered that a large number of ex-members of the Canadian forces made a pilgrimage to France to attend the unveiling of this memorial. They were not all Canadians either, for many British residents in the United States crossed the borders to join Canadian units on the outbreak of war. AIR STAMP,

France has issued several very interesting stamps just lately. In a particularly fine design is an air stamp issued on July 10, depicting an aeroplane in flight over Paris—this in blue—with a most effective engine turned border in rose. The face value is 50 francs —unfortunately too high for the majority of collectors with the franc at approximately 01 to the pound. FIRST DAY COVERS. With the Chamber of Commerce “commemoratives” due in a fortnight’s time, and no official first-day covers l>eing issued, special covers are being prepared privately by enterprising collectors and societies. However, there seems to be some doubt as to what constitutes a “first-day cover.” There are only two essential requirements that must be complied with. (1) It must bear a new postage stamp; and (2) the official post-mark or cancellation must be dated the very first day on which the stamp on the envelope is on sale at any post office. It does not matter whether a cover is blank except for the address ; or has a specially printed design on it; or is a special cover with a design officially prepared by the postal authorities. The only guide is the dated postmark. The envelope, in which you .receive an account, bearing the new id stamp and posted on the day of issue is just as much a first-day cover as the most elaborate official envelope. Collectors are not at liberty to collect just what they please. If they are collecting firstday covers they may collect all first day covers; or limit themselves to covers with specially printed wordings or designs; or may go further still and collect only “official first-day covers.” But collectors who save several different covers bearing the same stamp are, to use the words of a writer in the A.S.M., placing the cover before the stamp. The same writer adds “as first day covers they are worth a 6mall amount, and command a limited sale, but for investment they offer little promise.” In “Philatelist s” opinion, thev are merelv a passing craze. ' ADEN. The cable news this week announced that certain values of stamps bearing the likeness of King Edward VIII would be placed on sale about the time of the Coronation in a whole list of Colonies—these stamps not being special commemoratives, but being part of the new regular issue. The men tion of Aden in the list of Colonies rouses interest as previously special stamps have not been issued for this delightful spot, regular Indian (?) stamps being on sale for the prepayment of postage.

(By “Philatelist.”)