Monthly Archives: September 2017

History of Hockey (U.S. & Canada 2017)

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Updated December 4th: The Scott catalogue numbers for the U.S. issues are:

5252 (49¢) History of Ice Hockey – Player Wearing Helmet and Protective Gear
a. As No. 5252, matte-finish paper
5253 (49¢) History of Ice Hockey – Player Wearing Hat and Scarf
a. As No. 5253, matte-finish paper
b. Vert. pair, #5252-5253
c. Souvenir sheet of 2, #5252a-5253a

The numbers for the Canadian issues have not yet been assigned.

Updated October 20th:
Here are the designs for the souvenir sheets:

[Canada Post press release]
History of Hockey stamps go on sale in Canada, the U.S.
Sixth joint issue celebrates pure love of the game in both countries

DETROIT – History of Hockey stamps went on sale in Canada and the United States today after being unveiled at the Belfor Training Center at the Little Caesars Arena complex, which is home to the Detroit Red Wings.

“The joint stamp issue is the sixth by Canada Post and the United States Postal Service (USPS). The subjects chosen for the joint issues highlight how much our nations have in common. Hockey is one of those things,” said Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra. “These stamps celebrate the shared love of hockey, a game now firmly rooted in the lore of both nations.” (The Canadian booklet pane is shown on the right.)

Generation after generation, across North America and much of the world, hockey has thrilled boys and girls, young and old. As the decades have glided by, equipment has evolved and styles have changed, but the excitement of playing remains ingrained in us.

Hockey Hall of Famer Red Kelly (below right, photo by Daniel Afzal,USPS), who was honoured in the 2014 Original Six™ Defenceman issue of Canada Post’s five-year NHL® series, spoke at the unveiling ceremony.

“There is nothing like the game of hockey. It’s the greatest game in the world. Having played professional hockey in both the United States and Canada, it is wonderful for me to see the United States Postal Service and Canada Post unite to produce the History of Hockey stamps, depicting hockey at its purest roots,” said Mr. Kelly, who won the Stanley Cup® Championship four times with the Detroit Red Wings and another four with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I am pleased to be back in Detroit and part of this occasion.”

“The Howe family applauds Canada Post and the United States Postal service for their tremendous collaborative efforts and vision to create the History of Hockey stamp set,” said Dr. Murray Howe, Gordie Howe’s youngest son. “The stamps will serve as a beautiful symbol of the bond between our two nations, and as a tribute to the players, teams, officials, concessioners, broadcasters, reporters, sponsors, and fans who all play an integral role in this sport we love so much. We owe much to the game of hockey, and feel blessed to be a part of this momentous occasion.”

The Canadian stamps are sold in booklets of 10, the U.S. stamps in panes of 20. In Canada, consumers can purchase a souvenir sheet of two Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover souvenir sheet with two Canadian Permanent™ stamps. There is also a joint Official First Day Cover, with two Canadian stamps and two U.S. Forever stamps (shown above).

About the History of Hockey stamps
Available in a self-adhesive booklet of 10 for $8.50, the two domestic rate Permanent™ stamps measure 26 mm x 40 mm with simulated perforations and are printed in four-colour process plus two special inks. Designed by Roy White of Subplot Design Inc. of Vancouver, the issue features photography by KC Armstrong, with retouching by Brad Pickard, and was printed by Lowe-Martin. The issue also includes a gummed souvenir sheet, featuring a gummed tête-bêche pair. This souvenir sheet also appears on an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Windsor, Ontario. The joint Official First Day Covers feature two tête-bêche pairs, one pair at the Canadian domestic Permanent rate and one at the United States’ Forever domestic rate. The joint cover also features two cancels, one from Detroit, Michigan, and one from Windsor, Ontario.

Les timbres sur l’histoire du hockey sont en vente au Canada et aux É.-U.
Cette sixième émission conjointe célèbre la passion des deux pays pour le hockey.

DÉTROIT – Les timbres sur l’histoire du hockey ont été mis en vente aujourd’hui au Canada et aux États-Unis après avoir été dévoilés au Belfor Training Center du complexe Little Caesars Arena, domicile des Detroit Red Wings.

« Cette nouvelle émission conjointe est la sixième que proposent Postes Canada et le United States Postal Service (USPS). Les sujets qu’ils ont choisis soulignent l’importance de ce que nos deux pays ont en commun. Le hockey en est un exemple », a déclaré Deepak Chopra, président-directeur général de Postes Canada (droit, Daniel Afzal, USPS, photographer). « Ces timbres mettent en valeur la passion que nous partageons pour le hockey, un sport bien ancré dans la tradition des deux côtés de la frontière. »

D’une génération à l’autre, le hockey fascine jeunes et moins jeunes d’Amérique du Nord et d’une grande partie du monde. Les décennies passent, l’équipement évolue et les styles changent, mais l’enthousiasme demeure.

Un des grands défenseurs des Original Six et membre du Temple de la renommée, Red Kelly, lui-même immortalisé dans l’émission de 2014 de la série quinquennale sur la LNHMD, a pris la parole à l’occasion du dévoilement des timbres.

« Rien ne se compare au hockey, a-t-il déclaré. C’est le meilleur jeu jamais inventé. En tant que joueur professionnel ayant évolué tant aux États-Unis qu’au Canada, je suis très heureux que le United States Postal Service et Postes Canada se soient unis pour produire les timbres consacrés à l’histoire du hockey et nous la faire revivre dans sa plus pure expression », a ajouté celui qui a remporté le championnat de la Coupe StanleyMD quatre fois avec les Detroit Red Wings, puis quatre autres fois avec les Toronto Maple Leafs. « C’est un plaisir d’être revenu à Détroit et de prendre part à cet événement. »

« La famille Howe applaudit Postes Canada et le United States Postal Service pour leur formidable collaboration dans la création d’une émission conjointe de timbres sur l’histoire du hockey », de dire Murray Howe, le plus jeune fils de Gordie Howe. « C’est là un beau symbole de ce qui unit nos deux pays, et un bel hommage à ceux et celles qui font partie intégrante de ce sport si rassembleur : joueurs, équipes, arbitres, commissaires, diffuseurs, reporters, commanditaires et amateurs. Le hockey a transformé nos vies. C’est tout un honneur d’avoir été invité à prendre part à cette impressionnante cérémonie. »

Les figurines canadiennes sont offertes en carnet de 10 et celles des États-Unis, en feuille de 20. Au Canada, les consommateurs peuvent se procurer un bloc-feuillet orné de la paire de timbres PermanentsMC, ainsi qu’un pli Premier Jour officiel garni des deux versions gommées de la paire. Un pli Premier Jour officiel conjoint est également offert, composé des deux vignettes tête-bêche canadiennes et des deux motifs U.S. Forever. À propos des timbres sur le hockey
Offerts en carnet de 10 vignettes auto-collantes au coût de 8,50 $, les deux timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur mesurent 26 mm sur 40 mm, comportent une dentelure simulée et sont imprimés en quadrichromie et au moyen de deux encres spéciales. Cette émission a été conçue par Roy White de Subplot Design Inc. à Vancouver, à partir de photos prises par KC Armstrong et retouchées par Brad Pickard. Elle a été imprimée par Lowe-Martin. Elle comprend aussi un bloc-feuillet des versions gommées des deux timbres tête-bêche. Ce bloc-feuillet orne également un pli Premier Jour officiel portant la mention « WINDSOR ON ». Un pli Premier Jour officiel conjoint est orné des deux figurines PermanentesMC tête-bêche canadiennes et des deux motifs américains United States’ Forever. Le PPJO conjoint porte un cachet de Windsor (Ontario) et de Détroit (Michigan).

[U.S. Postal Service press release]
U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post
Jointly Dedicate The History of Hockey Stamps
Share the news: #HockeyStamps

DETROIT — Today, the U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post jointly issued The History of Hockey stamps that now are available nationwide. Hockey fans are asked to share the news using the hashtag #HockeyStamps.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony took place at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena Belfor Training Center. (Left to right above, master of ceremonies Paul Gross; Deepak Chopra, Canada Post President and CEO; Megan Brennan, USPS Postmaster General and CEO; Leonard “Red” Kelly, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame; Dr. Murray Howe, Gordie Howe’s son. Photo by Daniel Afzal, USPS.)

Joining Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan and Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Choprain dedicating the stamps were eight-time Stanley Cup champion Red Kelly, formerly of the Detroit Red Wings; and author and sports medicine physician Murray Howe, son of NHL legend Gordie Howe. WDIV-TV meteorologist Paul Gross served as the master of ceremonies.

“Hockey is the perfect subject for Canada and the United States to honor through these stamps,” said Brennan. “These unique commemorative stamps capture the history and tradition that have defined our shared winter pastime and symbolize the people, places and events that connect us.”

“The joint stamp issue is the sixth by Canada Post and the United States Postal Service,” said Chopra. “The subjects chosen for the joint issues highlight how much our nations have in common. Hockey is one of those things. These stamps celebrate the shared love of hockey, a game now firmly rooted in the lore of both nations.”

The souvenir sheet (above) features a scene that illustrates the evolution of the sport across generations. The selvage — the area outside of the stamps on the souvenir sheet — depicts a father teaching his daughter how to play hockey on a pond.

“There is nothing like the game of hockey. It’s the greatest game in the world,” said hockey legend Kelly. “Having played professional hockey in both the United States and Canada, it is wonderful for me to see the United States Postal Service and Canada Post unite to produce the History of Hockey stamps, depicting hockey at its purest roots. I am pleased to be back in Detroit and part of this momentous occasion.”

“The Howe family applauds Canada Post and the U.S. Postal Service for their tremendous collaborative efforts and vision to create the History of Hockey stamps,” said Howe, son of Gordie, one of the greatest hockey icons of all-time. The stamps will serve as a beautiful symbol of the bond between our two nations, and as a tribute to the players, teams, officials, concessioners, broadcasters, reporters, sponsors, and fans who all play an integral role in this sport we love so much. We owe much to the game of hockey, and feel blessed to be a part of this momentous occasion.” (Above left, Kelly and Howe. Photo by Daniel Afzal,USPS)

The U.S. Postal Service is offering two stamp products with this issuance: a souvenir sheet and a pane of 20 stamps. (The pane is shown on the left.)The souvenir sheet, available only at usps.com/shop, contains two commemorative Forever stamps. The scene on the first stamp, which portrays a modern hockey player, is one of the issuance’s two se-tenant Forever stamps. Se-tenant stamps are pairs that differ in design and are attached in strips.

The second stamp pictures a vintage player representing the game’s past set against a snowy background. One player is wearing a contemporary uniform and using modern equipment, and the other is wearing vintage garb and using old-fashioned equipment. The two vertically stacked stamps in the souvenir sheet, which are arranged to mirror each other, are identical to those sold also as a pane of 20. “The History of Hockey” appears in the bottom left corner of the sheet under the flags of the United States and Canada.

As Forever stamps, The History of Hockey stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

Designed by Subplot Design Inc. for Canada Post, the artwork on the stamps is intended to celebrate and reflect on the history of hockey. KC Armstrong of Toronto, ON, shot the photographs. Susan Gilson was the art director of the Canadian version of the stamps. William J. Gicker was the art director of the American version of the stamps.

Updated October 11th: No design for the U.S. souvenir sheet, but some specifications from the Postal Bulletin.

On October 20, 2017, in Detroit, MI, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue The History of Hockey stamps (Forever® priced at 49 cents) in two designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 475500) and a souvenir sheet of two stamps (Item 564600). This is a joint issue with Canada Post, who will issue their stamps on the same day.

The stamps will go on sale nationwide October 20, 2017.

With the issuance of these two se-tenant stamps, the U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post join in celebrating ice hockey, the fast-paced sport played on frozen ponds and in rinks across North America. One of the issue’s two stamps portrays a modern hockey player skating on a pond in present day. The second stamp pictures a vintage player, who represents the game’s past, set against a snowy background. The pane of 20 stamps includes 10 of each design. The two vertically stacked stamps are arranged to mirror each other. “The History of Hockey” appears in the center of the pane flanked by the flags of the United States and Canada.

The History of Hockey souvenir sheet features a scene that illustrates the evolution of the sport across generations. The selvage area depicts a father teaching his daughter the skills of the game. The scene also includes one of the issue’s two se-tenant stamps, which portrays a modern hockey player. The second stamp pictures a vintage player, who represents the game’s past, set against a snowy background. The two vertically stacked stamps are arranged to mirror each other. “The History of Hockey” appears in the bottom left corner of the sheet under the flags of the United States and Canada. The stamps are identical to those sold as a pane of 20 stamps.

Designed by Subplot Design, Inc., for Canada Post, the artwork on the stamps and souvenir sheet is intended to celebrate and reflect on the history of hockey. K.C. Armstrong was the photographer. Susan Gilson was the art director of the Canadian version of the stamps. William J. Gicker was the art director of the American version of the stamps; Greg Breeding designed the typography.

Available to Post Offices: Item 475500, $9.80 The History of Hockey (Forever priced at 49 cents) Commemorative PSA Pane of 20 Stamps. Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™.

Not Available to Post Offices: Item 564600, $0.98 The History of Hockey (Forever priced at 49 cents) Commemorative Souvenir Sheet of 2 Stamps. Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices. These stamps will only be available for ordering through The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop or by phone on our toll-free number at 800-782-6724.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office (for the PSA pane of 20 stamps), at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – The History of Hockey
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 20, 2017.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

  • 475506 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $58.80.
  • 475510 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $13.95.
  • 475516 First-Day Cover (set of 2), $1.86.
  • 475521 Digital Color Postmark (set of 2), $3.28.
  • 475524 Framed Art, $39.95.
  • 475530 Ceremony Program, $6.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: The History of Hockey Stamps
Item Number: 475500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (2 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 20, 2017, Detroit, MI 48233
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Art Director: Susan Gilson
Designer: Subplot Design, Inc.
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Photographer: K.C. Armstrong
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): .84 x 1.42 in/21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): .98 x 1.56 in/24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.00 x 7.50 in/152.40 x 190.50 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 12.00 x 22.50 in/304.80 x 571.50 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: The History of Hockey
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS Logo • two barcodes (475500) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional Text

Souvenir Sheet Technical Specifications:

Issue: The History of Hockey Stamps
Item Number: 564600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 2 (2 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 20, 2017, Detroit, MI 48233
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Art Director: Susan Gilson
Designer: Subplot Design, Inc.
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Photographer: K.C. Armstrong
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 2
Print Quantity: 500,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): .84 x 1.42 in/21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): .98 x 1.56 in/24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.12 x 3.54 in/130.05 x 89.92 mm
Plate Size: 60 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: The History of Hockey
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS Logo • one barcode (564600) • Promotional Text

Updated October 5th:

A joint issue is “two countries celebrating their relationship and the unity that bonds them together,” Mary-Anne Penner, Director of Stamp Services for the U.S. Postal Service, told The Virtual Stamp Club. “Hockey is very well-known sport in both places and we both embrace the sport enthusiastically, and it’s a fun subject.”

 

[from the USPS; Canada’s press release and design are below:]
U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post Preview The History of Hockey Joint-Issuance Stamps

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post previewed The History of Hockey stamps that will be dedicated Oct. 20 and available nationwide that day.

Postmaster General and CEO Megan Brennan will be joined by Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra for the 11 a.m. ET ceremony at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena Belfor Training Center. The event is free and open to the public. Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS. Please share the news using the hashtag #HockeyStamps.

“The Postal Service is honored to partner with Canada Post to produce The History of Hockey stamps,” said Brennan. “This sport exemplifies a wonderful tradition of competition and camaraderie between our nations, and these commemorative stamps are a special way to celebrate the game that transcends borders.”

The souvenir sheet, which will be revealed during the Oct. 20 dedication ceremony, features a scene that illustrates the evolution of the sport across generations. The selvage — or area outside of the stamps on the souvenir sheet — depicts a father teaching his daughter how to play hockey on a pond.

The second stamp pictures a vintage player representing the game’s past set against a snowy background. One player is wearing a contemporary uniform and using modern equipment, and the other is wearing vintage garb and using old-fashioned equipment. The two vertically stacked stamps in the souvenir sheet, which are arranged to mirror each other, are identical to those sold also as a pane of 20. “The History of Hockey” appears in the bottom left corner of the sheet under the flags of the United States and Canada.

As Forever stamps, The History of Hockey stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

Designed by Subplot Design Inc., for Canada Post, the artwork on the stamp and stamps is intended to celebrate and reflect on the history of hockey. KC Armstrong of Toronto, ON, shot the photographs. Susan Gilson was the art director of the Canadian version of the stamps. William J. Gicker was the art director of the American version of the stamps

In the 1800s, the sport truly began to take shape in Eastern Canada. By the late 19th century, the game had grown popular in the United States. American Malcolm Greene Chace became interested in the game and assembled a group of players from various universities. In 1896, a team from Yale, which included Chace, faced Johns Hopkins University in the first college hockey game. Soon, professional leagues formed in North America. And today, women’s hockey is thriving. The National Hockey Association began play in 1910 and evolved into the National Hockey League in 1917. In 1924 the Boston Bruins became the first American team to join the National Hockey League.

[from Canada Post:]
History of Hockey stamps celebrate game with deep roots in Canada and the U.S.
Canada Post, United States Postal Service release sixth joint issue

OTTAWA – Today, Canada Post and the United States Postal Service (USPS) previewed a joint stamp issue celebrating the countries’ shared love of hockey, a game firmly rooted in the lore of both nations.

The History of Hockey stamps will be released at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena October 20, 2017 and available nationwide that day.

This is the sixth joint issue for Canada Post and the USPS dating back to 1959, and the first in more than a decade. It’s also their first celebrating a sport.

“The subjects chosen for joint issues highlight how much our nations have in common, and the love of hockey is one of those things,” says Canada Post’s President and CEO Deepak Chopra. “Hockey has captured the imagination of millions in both countries. It stirs a passion that for many borders on obsession, and these stamps celebrate the pure love of the game.”

Almost 1.2 million people in Canada and the United States are registered in minor and adult hockey leagues, and millions more play recreationally on outdoor rinks and ponds. Both countries have men’s and women’s national teams that have medalled at the Olympics and World Championships, and there are more than 100 professional or semi-professional teams in North America, including in the premier National Hockey League, which has expanded successfully into the American sunbelt.

The stamp format is tête-bêche – a joined pair of similar images in which one is upside down – and the design is strong on nostalgia. On an open pond, a player in modern equipment reflects, literally, on the past. Mirrored in the ice beneath him is a player in vintage gear. The imaginative imagery gives a visual sense of looking back through time. The paired images also depict the game’s evolution and its continuing presence in the lives of players and fans alike.

The selvage – or area outside the stamps on the souvenir sheet – depicts a father teaching his daughter how to play on a pond. “History of Hockey” appears on the bottom left corner of the sheet, with the flags of Canada and the United States in the top right-hand corner.

The first joint issue released by the two postal administrations marked the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Since then, they have jointly commemorated the United States Bicentennial (1976), the 50th anniversary of the Peace Bridge (1977), the St Lawrence Seaway’s 25thanniversary (1984) and the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the east coast of North America (2006).

About the History of Hockey stamps
Available in a self-adhesive booklet of 10 for $8.50, the two domestic rate PermanentTM stamps measure 26 mm x 40 mm with simulated perforations and are printed in four-colour process plus two special inks. Designed by Roy White of Subplot Design Inc. of Vancouver, the issue features photography by KC Armstrong, with retouching by Brad Pickard, and was printed by Lowe-Martin. The issue also includes a gummed souvenir sheet, featuring a gummed tête-bêche pair. This souvenir sheet also appears on an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Windsor, Ontario. The joint Official First Day Covers feature two tête-bêche pairs, one pair at the Canadian domestic Permanent rate and one at the United States’ Forever domestic rate. The joint cover also features two cancels, one from Detroit, Michigan, and one from Windsor, Ontario.

[en Francaise:]
Les timbres L’histoire du hockey célèbrent ce sport bien ancré au Canada et aux États-Unis
Postes Canada et l’United States Postal Service présentent leur sixième émission conjointe

OTTAWA – Aujourd’hui, Postes Canada et l’United States Postal Service (USPS) ont donné un aperçu de l’émission de timbre conjointe qui célèbre la passion que les deux pays voisins vouent au hockey.

Les timbres L’histoire du hockey seront dévoilés le 20 octobre 2017 au Little Caesars Arena à Detroit et seront mis en vente à l’échelle nationale le même jour.

Il s’agit de la sixième émission conjointe de Postes Canada avec l’USPS depuis 1959, et la première en plus de dix ans. C’est également la première émission conjointe célébrant un sport.

« Nos émissions conjointes visent à souligner les points que nos pays ont en commun, et la passion du hockey en fait certainement partie, affirme le président-directeur général de Postes Canada, Deepak Chopra. Le hockey a su captiver l’esprit de millions de personnes au Canada comme aux États-Unis. Il suscite un enthousiasme sans borne chez de nombreux partisans du sport, et ces timbres veulent célébrer notre passion commune du hockey. »

Près de 1,2 million de personnes au Canada et aux États-Unis sont inscrites dans des ligues mineures ou pour adultes, et des millions d’autres pratiquent le sport de façon récréative, sur des patinoires extérieures ou sur des étangs. Les deux pays ont des équipes nationales féminines et masculines qui ont remporté des médailles lors des Jeux olympiques et des Championnats du monde. On dénombre plus de 100 équipes professionnelles ou semi-professionnelles en Amérique du Nord, y compris dans la célèbre Ligue nationale de hockey, qui a réussi son expansion jusque dans le sud des États-Unis.

Les timbres sont présentés en format tête-bêche : une paire d’images semblables attenantes et dans le sens inverse l’une de l’autre. La conception des vignettes, elle, est empreinte de nostalgie. Sur un étang gelé, un joueur de hockey moderne se reflète sur la glace, qui lui renvoie l’image d’un joueur en habits d’autrefois. Cette représentation imaginaire, tout en exprimant l’idée de rétrospection, suggère l’évolution du sport et sa présence continue dans la vie des joueurs et des partisans.

La marge, ou zone à l’extérieur des timbres sur le bloc-feuillet, montre un père enseignant à sa fille comment jouer au hockey sur la glace d’un étang. Le titre « L’histoire du hockey » figure dans le coin inférieur gauche du feuillet et les drapeaux du Canada et des États-Unis, dans le coin supérieur droit.

La première émission conjointe créée par les deux administrations postales a souligné l’ouverture de la Voie maritime du Saint-Laurent. Depuis, Postes Canada et l’USPS ont lancé des émissions conjointes pour commémorer le Bicentenaire des États-Unis (1976), le 50e anniversaire du pont de la Paix (1977), le 25e anniversaire de la Voie maritime du Saint-Laurent (1984) et le 400e anniversaire de l’exploration de la côte est de l’Amérique du Nord par Samuel de Champlain (2006).

À propos des timbres L’histoire du hockey
Offerts en carnets de 10 timbres autocollants au prix de 8,50 $, les deux timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur mesurent 26 mm sur 40 mm et sont dotés d’une dentelure simulée, et sont imprimés au moyen d’un procédé lithographique en quatre couleurs et avec deux encres spéciales. Conçue par Roy White de Subplot Design Inc. à Vancouver, cette émission a été imprimée par Lowe-Martin. Elle illustre une photographie de KC Armstrong, retouchée par Brad Pickard. L’émission comprend aussi un bloc-feuillet gommé mettant en vedette la paire de timbres attenants et inversés gommés. Ce bloc-feuillet figure également sur le pli Premier Jour officiel oblitéré à Windsor, en Ontario. Les plis Premier Jour officiels conjoints mettent en vedette deux paires de timbres attenants et inversés : un libellé au tarif Permanent du régime intérieur canadien et l’autre libellé au tarif « Forever » du régime intérieur américain. Le PPJO conjoint est également orné de deux cachets d’oblitération : un de Detroit, au Michigan, et l’autre de Windsor, en Ontario.

Announced September 28th:
[USPS press release] (see below for more information)
U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post
to Celebrate the History of Hockey on Stamps
Share the news: #HockeyStamps

WASHINGTON — Attention sports fans — the U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post have jointly created stamps to celebrate the history of ice hockey, the fast-paced sport played on frozen ponds and in rinks across North America and around the world.

Postmaster General and CEO Megan Brennan will be joined by Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra for an 11 a.m. ceremony at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI, on Oct. 20 to dedicate The History of Hockey stamps. The event is free and open to the public. Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

The stamp images will be previewed at a later date.

In the 1800s, the sport truly began to take shape in Eastern Canada. By the late 19th century, the game had grown popular in the United States. American Malcolm Greene Chace became interested in the game and assembled a group of players from various universities. In 1896, a team from Yale, which included Chace, faced Johns Hopkins University in the first college hockey game. Soon, professional leagues formed in North America. And today, women’s hockey is thriving. The National Hockey Association began play in 1910 and evolved into the National Hockey League in 1917. In 1924 the Boston Bruins became the first American team to join the National Hockey League.

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The National Hockey League was established in November 1917 with four Canadian teams. Its first U.S. team was the Boston Bruins in 1924. Teams in both countries came and went until there were just six teams for the 1942-43 season: The Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston. These “Original Six” were the only NHL teams for 25 years.

These stamps are different than the six stamps issued by Canada on September 27th, described here. This will be a joint issue.

This issue was not previously announced for either country’s 2017 stamp program.

NHL Hockey Legends (Canada 2017)

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[press release]
Canadian Hockey Legends stamps immortalize the best ever to don a jersey in the NHL®
Final instalment of five-year series commemorated during the League’s Centennial, and the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup®

TORONTO – Exactly one week before the NHL® drops the puck on the 2017-18 season, Canada Post lifted the veil September 27th on the final instalment of its five-year NHL stamp collection at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The 2017 Canadian Hockey Legends issue celebrates the best players ever to don a jersey in the NHL®: Maurice (Rocket) Richard and Jean Béliveau (Montreal Canadiens); Gordie Howe (Detroit Red Wings); Bobby Orr (Boston Bruins); Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins); and Wayne Gretzky (Edmonton Oilers).

“The players we immortalized on this year’s stamps redefined hockey over careers that spanned more than 60 years. They inspired us – and each other – with feats that boggle the mind. They are the Ultimate Six,” says Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra. “We hope that by issuing these stamps during the NHL’s Centennial, we have helped make this milestone year for the NHL even more special.”

“As kids, Canadians dream about playing in the NHL and doing what they’ve seen their heroes do on the ice,” says the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, who is responsible for Canada Post. “But these six legends did things that amazed even their fellow NHL players in game after game and throughout their stellar careers.”

“On January 1st, we began our year-long Centennial celebrations. With 100 years of history, traditions, and memorable moments behind us – and a thrilling future ahead – we have a lot to celebrate,” said Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Branding Officer. “We’re fortunate to partner with great brands like Canada Post, which shares our passion for this beautiful game.”

As a group, the all-star lineup scored more than 9,500 points in almost 7,000 regular-season games, won 40 Stanley Cup Championships – 30 as players and another 10 as management – and more than 80 individual awards.

Designed by Avi Dunkelman and Joe Gault for Mix Design Group of Toronto, each stamp features a head-and-shoulders image of the player in uniform, with the Stanley Cup image ghosted in the background.

Hockey-card souvenir sheets show the players holding the Cup; they are only available in packs of six, like hockey cards. [The cards are illustrated below with the French press release.]

The 2017 NHL Canadian Hockey Legends issue builds on the NHL Team Jersey stamps released in 2013, the Original Six™ Defenceman stamps released in 2014, the NHL Great Canadian Goalie stamps in 2015 and the NHL Great Canadian Forwards issue last year.

BACKGROUND
Maurice (Rocket) Richard played 18 NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. In 978 regular-season games, he scored 544 goals, 422 assists and 966 points. The Rocket had three famous firsts: 50 goals in a season; 50 goals in 50 games (1944-45); and 500 career goals. He won eight Stanley Cup Championships, including five in a row from 1955-56 to 1959-60, and the Hart Trophy as the League’s most valuable player in 1946-47. He led the League in goals five times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961. The Canadiens retired his No. 9 in 1960.

Jean Béliveau played 18 full NHL seasons and parts of two more with the Montreal Canadiens. In 1,125 regular-season games, he scored 507 goals, 712 assists and 1,219 points. His name is on the Stanley Cup an unprecedented 17 times – 10 as a player and seven as an executive for the Canadiens. He won the Art Ross Trophy as League-leading scorer in 1955-56, the Hart Trophy twice (1955-56 and 1963-64); and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1964-65. He was honoured with the NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972. His No. 4 was retired by the Canadiens in 1971.

Gordie Howe played more than 30 seasons of professional hockey, including 26 in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers. In 1,767 regular-season NHL games, he scored 801 goals, 1,049 assists and 1,850 points. At the time of his retirement, Howe was the NHL’s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists and points. He won four Stanley Cup Championships, the Art Ross Trophy six times, the Hart Trophy six times, the Lester Patrick Trophy for his contribution to hockey in the United States and was the inaugural recipient of the NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972. The Detroit Red Wings retired his No. 9 in 1972.

Bobby Orr played 657 regular-season games with the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks across 12 NHL seasons from 1966 to 1978. He scored 270 goals, 645 assists and 915 points. In 10 seasons with the Bruins, he had six consecutive 100-point seasons. In 1969-70, he was the first player to win four individual awards in one season: Conn Smythe, Norris, Art Ross, and Hart. He’s the only NHL defenceman to have nine hat tricks in his career and, in 1970-71, he set the single-season record for assists (102) and points (139) by a defenceman while recording an NHL-record plus-124 rating. He won two Stanley Cup Championships and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy on both occasions. His eight Norris Trophy wins as the League’s top defenceman remains a record. Orr was also awarded the Hart Trophy three times, and the Art Ross Trophy twice. He was inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979. The Bruins retired his No. 4 in 1979.

Mario Lemieux played 17 NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1984 to 2005. In 915 regular-season games, he scored 690 goals, 1,033 assists and 1,723 points. He won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1984-85 and had 10 NHL seasons of 100 points or more. He has his name engraved on the Stanley Cup five times – two as a player and three as an owner – was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy twice, the Art Ross Trophy six times and is a three-time recipient of the Hart Trophy. The Pittsburgh Penguins retired his No. 66 in 1997. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

Wayne Gretzky played 20 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers from 1979 to 1999. In 1,487 regular-season games, he scored 894 goals, 1,963 assists and 2,857 points – all NHL records. Even if he had never scored a goal, his career assists total would rank him above all other players in points. He retired holding more than 60 NHL records, including the fastest player to score 50 goals in a season, accomplished in a remarkable 39 games during the 1981-82 campaign. Gretzky is a four-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, captured the Art Ross Trophy 10 times and the Hart Trophy nine times. Gretzky was also recognized on five occasions with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, and honoured with the Lester Patrick Trophy for his contribution to hockey in the United States. Gretzky’s No. 99 was retired League-wide upon retirement and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.

About the Canadian Hockey Legends stamp
Available in a mixed booklet of six, containing all six players, the stamps measure 40 mm x 32 mm with simulated perforations, and are printed by Lowe-Martin on Tullis Russell paper with seven-colour lithography. Oversized-rate hockey-card-size souvenir sheets are available in a pack of six, as well. Each includes a chance to win: one in 40 packs has a signed and authenticated souvenir sheet. Related products: A gummed mini-pane collectors’ item featuring all six players. The mini-pane features a silver foiled and embossed Stanley Cup. The Official First Day Covers – one for each player – will be cancelled in the birthplaces of the player: Montréal, Que. (Richard and Lemieux); Trois-Rivières (Béliveau); Floral, Sask. (Howe); Parry Sound, Ont. (Orr); Brantford, Ont. (Gretzky). Limited edition numbered framed prints are available for each player

NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and Original Six is a trademark of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2017. All Rights Reserved.

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Des timbres consacrés aux légendes canadiennes du hockey rendent hommage aux meilleurs joueurs de la LNHMD
Dernier volet d’une série de cinq ans soulignant le centenaire de la Ligue et le 125e anniversaire de la Coupe StanleyMC

TORONTO – Postes Canada dévoile aujourd’hui, une semaine jour pour jour avant la première mise au jeu officielle de la saison 2017-2018 de la Ligue nationale de hockeyMD, le dernier volet de sa collection de timbres sur la LNH de cinq ans au Temple de la renommée du hockey.

L’émission Légendes canadiennes du hockey de 2017 rend hommage aux meilleurs joueurs ayant porté un chandail de la LNH : Maurice « le Rocket » Richard et Jean Béliveau (Canadiens de MontréalMD), Gordie Howe (Detroit Red WingsMD), Bobby Orr (Boston BruinsMD), Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh PenguinsMD) et Wayne Gretzky (Edmonton OilersMD).

« Les joueurs à qui nous rendons hommage cette année ont façonné le hockey sur plus de 60 ans. Ils nous ont inspirés, et se sont inspirés les uns les autres, en réalisant des exploits extraordinaires. Ce sont les six légendes, explique Deepak Chopra, président-directeur général de Postes Canada. Nous espérons que l’émission de ces timbres rendra cette année charnière encore plus spéciale pour la LNH. » « Enfants, les Canadiens rêvent de jouer dans la LNH et de reproduire les prouesses de leurs héros sur la patinoire, raconte l’honorable Carla Qualtrough, ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement, qui est la ministre responsable de Postes Canada. Ces six légendes ont accompli des exploits qui ont impressionné leurs coéquipiers et adversaires match après match tout au long de leur brillante carrière. »

« Le 1er janvier, nous avons donné le coup d’envoi aux célébrations du centenaire qui dureront toute l’année. Cent ans d’histoire, de traditions et de souvenirs mémorables, un avenir palpitant qui nous attend… Il y a de quoi célébrer, souligne Brian Jennings, directeur du marketing de la LNH. Nous avons la chance de collaborer avec de grandes marques comme Postes Canada, qui partage notre passion pour ce beau sport. » Ensemble, ces joueurs étoiles ont accumulé plus de 9 500 points en près de 7 000 matchs de saison régulière. Ils ont remporté 40 championnats de la Coupe Stanley, dont 30 en tant que joueurs et 10 en tant que membre de la direction, et plus de 80 honneurs individuels.

Conçues par Avi Dunkelman et Joe Gault de Mix Design Group à Toronto, les vignettes présentent toutes un portrait en buste de chaque joueur en uniforme et la Coupe Stanley en arrière-plan. Les blocs-feuillets aux dimensions d’une carte de hockey montrent les joueurs tenant la Coupe Stanley. Tout comme les cartes de hockey, ils ne sont offerts qu’en paquet de six.

L’émission Légendes canadiennes du hockey suit celle de 2013 qui portait sur les chandails des équipes de la LNH, celle de 2014 qui mettait en vedette les défenseurs de l’époque des Original SixMC, celle de 2015 qui rendait hommage aux grands gardiens de but canadiens et celle sur les grands attaquants canadiens lancée l’année dernière.

CONTEXTE
Maurice « le Rocket » Richard joue pendant 18 ans au sein de la LNH avec les Canadiens de Montréal. En 978 matchs de saison régulière, il marque 544 buts, reçoit 422 mentions d’aide et accumule 966 points, en plus d’établir trois records célèbres : 50 buts en une saison, 50 buts en 50 matchs (1944-1945) et 500 buts en carrière. Il remporte le championnat de la Coupe Stanley à huit reprises, dont cinq fois de suite de 1955-1956 à 1959-1960, ainsi que le trophée Hart à titre de meilleur joueur de la Ligue pour la saison 1946-1947. Il arrive cinq fois en tête des marqueurs de la Ligue. Les Canadiens retirent son chandail numéro 9 en 1960 et il est intronisé au Temple de la renommée du hockey un an plus tard.

Jean Béliveau joue 18 saisons complètes et deux saisons partielles au sein de la LNH avec les Canadiens de Montréal. En 1 125 matchs de saison régulière, il marque 507 buts, reçoit 712 mentions d’aide et accumule 1 219 points. Son nom est gravé sur la Coupe Stanley à 10 reprises en tant que joueur et à 7 autres reprises à titre de membre de la direction des Canadiens, pour un total record de 17 fois. Il reçoit le trophée Art-Ross remis au meilleur marqueur de la Ligue pour la saison 1955-1956, le trophée Hart à deux reprises (1955-1956 et 1963-1964) et le trophée Conn-Smythe remis au joueur le plus utile en séries éliminatoires pour la saison 1964-1965. Les Canadiens retirent son chandail numéro 4 en 1971, puis il est intronisé au Temple de la renommée du hockey en 1972. On lui remet le Prix de la LNH pour l’ensemble de sa carrière en 2009.

Gordie Howe joue plus de 30 saisons dans les ligues professionnelles, dont 26 saisons au sein de la LNH avec les Detroit Red Wings et les Hartford Whalers. En 1 767 matchs de saison régulière, il marque 801 buts, reçoit 1 049 mentions d’aide et accumule 1 850 points. Lorsqu’il accroche ses patins, Gordie Howe trône en tête de la Ligue pour le nombre de matchs joués, de buts, de mentions d’aide et de points. Il remporte quatre championnats de la Coupe Stanley, il reçoit les trophées Art-Ross et Hart à six reprises, ainsi que le trophée Lester-Patrick pour sa contribution au hockey aux États-Unis. Gordie Howe est également le premier lauréat du Prix de la LNH pour l’ensemble de sa carrière en 2008. Il est intronisé au Temple de la renommée du hockey en 1972. La même année, les Red Wings retirent son chandail numéro 9.

Bobby Orr joue 657 matchs de saison régulière avec les Boston Bruins et les Chicago BlackhawksMD au cours de 12 saisons, de 1966 à 1978. Il marque 270 buts, reçoit 645 mentions d’aide et accumule 915 points. En 10 saisons avec les Bruins, il en termine 6 de suite en ayant atteint 100 points. En 1969-1970, il est le premier joueur à remporter quatre honneurs individuels en une seule saison, soit les trophées Conn-Smythe, Norris, Art-Ross et Hart. Il est le seul défenseur de la LNH à réussir neuf tours du chapeau au cours de sa carrière. En 1970-1971, il établit le record de mentions d’aide (102) et de points (139) inscrits en une saison par un défenseur tout en enregistrant un différentiel de +124, du jamais vu dans la Ligue. Il remporte deux championnats de la Coupe Stanley et reçoit le trophée Conn-Smythe à ces deux occasions. On lui remet le trophée Norris, décerné au meilleur défenseur de la Ligue, à huit reprises, un record toujours inégalé. Bobby Orr reçoit aussi le trophée Hart trois fois et le trophée Art-Ross à deux reprises. Il est intronisé au Temple de la renommée du hockey en 1979. La même année, les Bruins retirent son chandail numéro 4.

Mario Lemieux joue 17 saisons au sein de la LNH avec les Pittsburgh Penguins de 1984 à 2005. En 915 matchs de saison régulière, il marque 690 buts, reçoit 1 033 mentions d’aide et accumule 1 723 points. Il remporte le trophée Calder de la recrue de l’année pour la saison 1984-1985 et termine 10 saisons de la LNH avec 100 points ou plus à sa fiche. Son nom est gravé cinq fois sur la Coupe Stanley : deux fois en tant que joueur et trois fois en tant que propriétaire. On lui remet le trophée Conn-Smythe à deux reprises, le trophée Art-Ross à six reprises et le trophée Hart à trois reprises. Les Penguins retirent son chandail numéro 66 en 1997. La même année, il est intronisé au Temple de la renommée du hockey.

Wayne Gretzky joue 20 saisons au sein de la LNH avec les Edmonton Oilers, les Los Angeles KingsMD, les St. Louis BluesMD et les New York RangersMD de 1979 à 1999. En 1 487 matchs de saison régulière, il marque 894 buts, reçoit 1 963 mentions d’aide et accumule 2 857 points, des records dans la Ligue. Même en n’ayant marqué aucun but, il aurait devancé tous les autres joueurs au classement des points grâce à toutes ses mentions d’aide en carrière. Lorsqu’il prend sa retraite, il détient plus de 60 records de la LNH, dont celui du joueur ayant marqué le plus rapidement 50 buts en une saison, un exploit accompli en seulement 39 matchs durant la saison 1981-1982. Wayne Gretzky remporte quatre championnats de la Coupe Stanley, et reçoit le trophée Conn-Smythe à deux reprises, le trophée Art-Ross à dix reprises et le trophée Hart à neuf reprises. Le trophée commémoratif Lady Byng, remis au joueur ayant fait preuve du meilleur esprit sportif tout en se distinguant par la qualité de son jeu, lui est décerné à cinq occasions et on lui remet également le trophée Lester Patrick pour sa contribution au hockey aux États-Unis. Son chandail numéro 99 est retiré à l’échelle de la Ligue lorsqu’il prend sa retraite et il est intronisé au Temple de la renommée du hockey en 1999.

À propos des timbres Légendes canadiennes du hockey
Offerts en carnet de six timbres (un pour chaque joueur représenté) mesurant 40 mm sur 32 mm et dotés d’une dentelure simulée, ils sont imprimés par Lowe-Martin sur du papier Tullis Russell au moyen d’un procédé lithographique en sept couleurs. Les blocs-feuillets surdimensionnés de la taille de cartes de hockey sont aussi offerts en paquets de six. Chacun offre une chance de gagner : un paquet sur 40 contient un bloc-feuillet signé et authentifié. Produits connexes : Un feuillet miniature sur papier gommé met en vedette les six joueurs. Il est orné d’une Coupe Stanley gaufrée à estampage argenté. Les plis Premier Jour officiels – un pour chaque joueur – seront oblitérés au lieu de naissance des joueurs : Montréal QC (Maurice Richard et Mario Lemieux), Trois-Rivières QC (Jean Béliveau), Floral SK (Gordie Howe), Parry Sound ON (Bobby Orr) et Brantford ON (Wayne Gretzky). Des reproductions encadrées et numérotées à tirage limité seront offertes pour chaque joueur.

APS Names New Editor: Martin Kent Miller

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[press release]
American Philatelic Society Names New Editor

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania — Today, the American Philatelic Society announced that Martin Kent Miller of Greer, South Carolina would become the new Editor for the Society. Miller will serve as Editor of the APS flagship publication, The American Philatelist, a monthly journal dedicated to stamp collecting and the Philatelic Literature Review, the quarterly publication of the American Philatelic Research Library.

Miller, 49, joined the APS in 2008, but has been a stamp collector since 1974. His collecting interests include philatelic materials related to the USS North Carolina, the 1934-35 National Parks series, and a single-issue collection of the 1937 West Point commemorative. He is currently President and Founder of The Image Forge, a corporate communications firm in Greer in operation since 2003. In 2012, Miller branched out into the social media world as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing for Socialtopias in Charlotte, NC. He was Global Communications Manager for Michelin Aircraft Tire Corporation in Greenville, SC from 2000 to 2003 and Vice President and General Manager of Hell Gravure Systems, North America in Schaumburg, IL and through their relocation to Inman, SC. Miller holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Harding University in Searcy, AR where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

“We’re excited to have Martin joining the team,” said Scott English, Executive Director of the APS, “He brings a wide range of experience in publication, marketing, and branding to our organization. We hope to leverage his talents not only with the publications, but leading the way in growing our online presence to promote the APS and the hobby.”

While Miller’s primary responsibilities will be managing the two publications of the APS and APRL, he will also lead the efforts to revamp the APS website and develop the online strategies for promoting the APS and the hobby to a whole new audience.

“Philately has always been the unifying point of my varied interests — art, design, printing and history,” commented Miller. “I’m honored to now have the opportunity to combine my professional experience with the hobby that holds my love and passion.”

Miller officially joins the APS team on October 1, 2017, but will begin working with current Editor Jay Bigalke immediately.

Hotchner: Stamps As Art

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Stamps As Art
By John M. Hotchner

We as stamp collectors have a narrow focus on stamps. We think of them as stamps that belong in a given space in an album, rather than as miniature art works. The difference may be critical to our ability to repopularize stamp collecting.

As stamp collectors, we certainly notice and have opinions on design and general attractiveness. But we are not professional art critics. Each of us knows what he or she likes. But we come at the subject from a hard-wired view that is heavily influenced by what we grew up with in the hobby, and by what we saw as we used stamps before getting into philately.

What this means is that most of us who are 50 and above long for the good old days of engraved stamps; which we think of as more intricately designed, and with ink raised off the paper that gives both a feel and a visual impression of quality. Indeed, a well-designed stamp produced by intaglio is a thing of beauty.

But this is not what I am talking about when I speak of Stamps as Art. As a percentage of our population of roughly 320 million, people with an interest in stamp collecting who have gone beyond throwing the occasional interesting stamp in a box, probably are less than half of 1%. But the figure is much, much higher for people who have enough interest in art to visit an art museum, buy prints to collect, or even buy art to decorate their homes.

How wonderful would it be for our hobby if even a small percentage of that much larger group could be lured into stamp collecting using as a hook, the beauty of these miniature art works. Virtually every type of art with a following in the general population can be found on many stamps. So, how do we appeal to those who love art?

I think we have to start with the fact that most people have only the sketchiest idea of what it means to be a stamp collector; and a good share of those impressions are wrong. A part of this ignorance is that many think of stamp collecting as an expensive hobby; yet art-oriented folks don’t know that the form of art in which they have an interest is available for relatively pennies on the dollar, as compared to what original art, and even prints, can cost.

Perhaps the closest model we have within the hobby today is the people who collect Christmas subjects on stamps, especially those who collect traditional religious images which are overwhelmingly classic artworks.

A good share of these collectors don’t fit the mold of the classic collector, but they love their stamps; yet without those subjects most would not be stamp collectors. But having started with the theme, many have become collectors who appreciate and are interested in stamp printing, seek varieties, like first day covers and commercial usages, bid in auctions, join clubs and societies, and come to be both stamp collectors and art appreciators. I’d also suggest that we need to think of art on stamps writ large: not just works using brush strokes, but other forms of art including sculpture, ballet, stage and screen, photography, the artists themselves, and many other categories. And yes, even art produced specifically as models for stamp designs and the stamp designs themselves.

So, I will posit that one major way to improve the reach of our hobby is for those of us in it to put a great deal more emphasis on outreach to non-collectors appealing principally to their love of art and the arts — both in terms of themes, and in terms of artistic styles.

How? Here are a few ideas:

1. The USPS/CSAC might consider issuing more stamps showing artworks, and in larger formats (One thinks of the beautiful and immensely popular large French stamps releases.)
We can look for opportunities to hold rstor second-day ceremonies at institutions displaying and promoting art and the arts—especially those with large public support/volunteer groups behind them.

2. Let’s have much more publicity by the USPS about the design process, the rejected designs, and why the design chosen was selected. As part of this effort (which stamp collectors also find fascinating), have the CSAC Design Coordinators make “YouTube” videos on their craft to circulate to art appreciation groups, and have them address conventions of appropriate groups.

3. The Postal Service, which already sells greeting cards, can expand that product line using stamp images.

4. Hobby institutions (USPS/APS/Specialty societies focused on a design theme that includes art) can partner with art museums to present the art of philately in featured exhibits.

5. Specialty societies with a design theme that includes art also can present philately in the institutional publications of non-collecting affinity groups (e.g., American Medical Association for medical related, DAR and others for history related, religious groups for Christmas related, aeronautical groups for airplane illustrations, U.S. Naval Institute for stamps honoring naval history, ornithological groups for bird designs, etc.)

6. We can work with school art appreciation programs/teachers to include the miniature art of stamps in the curriculum, and use stamp design contests to teach elements of composition. There could even be doctoral dissertations looking into the progression of artistic style in U.S. stamps, and other art/stamps subjects.

7. Posters featuring the art of stamps can be provided by the USPS to post offices and libraries.

8. Collectors/stamp clubs can make presentations to art appreciation societies.
Production of coffee table books emphasizing different themes and art styles can be co-sponsored by a philatelic organization and an art museum.

9. We also could have more articles in the philatelic press and society journals that focus on the art of the stamp, art and the arts. This need not be every issue, but often enough to support and encourage those whose collecting motivation is in this sector.

10. Finally, let’s moderate the complaining about artistic style within the hobby. There needs to be more recognition that it is legitimate to portray a wide range of artistic style. Like what you like and ignore what you don’t. Issuing broadsides against what you don’t like simply leaves a poor impression of the hobby — especially among those who might get serious about it.

Blaise Pascal is quoted as saying that “All the great maxims have been written. It only remains to put them into practice.” I am certain that there are more ideas that readers can think of to add to the dozen above, so let’s hear from you! But all the ideas in the world remain sterile unless they are put into practice. So, I am hoping that those who can move these ideas forward will try them out, improve on them, and help us grow the hobby!

Should you wish to comment on this column, or have questions or ideas you would like to have explored in a future column, please write to John Hotchner, VSC Contributor, P.O. Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or email, putting “VSC” in the subject line.

Or comment right here.

Diwali (Canada/India 2017)

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From Canada Post, posted September 23rd:

[press release]
Canada Post and India Post mark Diwali, Festival of Lights
Joint stamp issue is a historic first for these two postal services

TORONTO – Canada Post and India Post are joining hands to issue stamps that celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, an important annual observance for many Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in Canada and around the world. The joint stamp issue is a historic first between these postal services and reflects our country’s diversity in the year of Canada 150.

The stamps were unveiled September 21st at Toronto City Hall by Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra; His Excellency, Mr. Vikas Swarup, the High Commissioner of India to Canada; and His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.

“The Diwali stamps express our pride in Canada being a land of diverse faiths, customs and celebrations,” says Mr. Deepak Chopra. “It is fitting that this historic first joint issue celebrates the strong relationship between Canada and India.”

About a month ahead of Diwali celebrations, which will be held from October 19 to 23, two domestic-rate stamps are available in Canada. A stamp with a red background is the Canadian design, while one with a gold background was designed by India Post. The souvenir sheet has a Canadian international rate stamp and an Indian stamp.

Diwali, a five-day celebration, begins on the 15th day of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. Its main theme is the triumph of light over darkness. The celebration traditionally includes fireworks. In Canada, people often light candles in their homes, while in India, they light small clay lamps filled with oil; illumination is believed to ward off evil and attract happiness and good fortune. Believers also display colourful geometric rangoli patterns to decorate entrances. Families and friends also share sweets and gifts with one another and with those in need.

About the stamp
Designed by Doreen Colonello of Entro Communications and India Post, and printed by Lowe-Martin, the Permanent domestic-rate stamps measure 30 mm by 35 mm. They are printed in five colours plus a varnish, and are available in booklets of 10. The Official First Day Cover is cancelled in Toronto, ON.

Background: Stamps for other major religious celebrations
The Diwali stamps are among several that reflect Canada’s religious diversity 150 years after Confederation. They include our annual Christmas stamps with a Christian image and another with a secular holiday theme. In May, our Eid stamp recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two important festivals for Canada’s more than one million Muslims and those worldwide. A Hanukkah stamp will recognize the Jewish faith’s eight-day celebration in December. •

LE 21 SEPTEMBRE 2017 – COMMUNIQUÉ – POSTES CANADA

Postes Canada et India Post soulignent Diwali, la fête des Lumières
C’est la première émission conjointe des deux services postaux

TORONTO – Postes Canada et India Post s’unissent pour émettre des timbres en l’honneur de Diwali, la fête des Lumières, événement annuel important pour de nombreux hindous, sikhs, bouddhistes et jaïns partout dans le monde. L’émission conjointe est la première de l’histoire de ces administrations postales et témoigne de la diversité de notre pays en cette année de Canada 150.

Les vignettes ont été dévoilées aujourd’hui à l’hôtel de ville de Toronto par Deepak Chopra, président-directeur général de Postes Canada, Son Excellence Vikas Swarup, Haut-Commissaire de l’Inde au Canada, et Monsieur le Maire de Toronto, John Tory.

« Les timbres consacrés à Diwali évoquent notre fierté de vivre dans un pays aux diverses religions, cultures et traditions, souligne M. Deepak Chopra. Le lancement de cette première émission conjointe est de circonstance, puisqu’elle met en valeur les excellentes relations qui existent entre le Canada et l’Inde. »

À peu près un mois avant les célébrations, qui auront lieu du 19 au 23 octobre, deux figurines au tarif du régime intérieur sont offertes au Canada. Le motif de l’une, conçu au Canada, est présenté sur fond rouge, alors que l’autre, sur fond doré, a été élaboré par India Post. Le bloc-feuillet est orné d’un timbre canadien du régime international et d’un timbre indien.

Diwali, festival d’une durée de cinq jours, commence le 15e jour de Kartika, dans le calendrier hindou. Il a pour principal thème le triomphe de la lumière sur l’obscurité. Des feux d’artifice font traditionnellement partie des festivités. Au Canada, les gens allument souvent des bougies dans leur maison alors qu’en Inde, ils allument de petites lampes en terre cuite remplies d’huile; on dit que la lumière éloigne le mal et attire le bonheur et la chance. Les croyants dessinent aussi des rangolis aux contours géométriques pour décorer les seuils. Familles et amis partagent des friandises et échangent des cadeaux entre eux et avec des nécessiteux.

À propos des timbres
Conçus par Doreen Colonello d’Entro Communications et par India Post, les timbres sont imprimés par Lowe-Martin. Ces timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur mesurent 30 mm sur 35 mm. Ils sont imprimés en cinq couleurs et vernis, et ils sont offerts en carnets de 10. L’oblitération Premier Jour porte la mention « Toronto ON ».

Renseignements généraux : Timbres célébrant d’autres fêtes religieuses importantes
Les vignettes consacrées à Diwali font partie des quelques émissions de 2017 qui témoignent de la diversité religieuse du Canada 150 ans après la Confédération, comme nos timbres de Noël, dont l’un représente une image sacrée et l’autre, un thème profane. En mai dernier, notre émission de l’Aïd soulignait deux importants festivals, l’Aïd al-Fitr et l’Aïd al-Adha, en l’honneur des musulmans du Canada – qui sont plus d’un million – et de tous les musulmans du monde. Un timbre marquant la Hanoukka sera émis pour célébrer la fête religieuse observée en décembre par la communauté juive.

Northern European Architecture (Netherlands 2017)

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[press release]
Architecture highlighted on Multilaterale Hertogpost stamp sheetletThe Hague, 25 August 2017 – PostNL and Post Luxembourg are to issue the Multilaterale Hertogpost stamp sheetlet today. The stamp sheetlet features illustrations of iconic buildings and towers in Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. These countries are taking part in the international Multilaterale Hertogpost stamp exhibition in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Deputy Major of ‘s-Hertogenbosch Jan Hoskam, and King’s Commissioner Wim van de Donk of North Brabant, today received the first stamp sheetlet during the official opening of the exhibition.

Designer Linda Bos received the commission from PostNL and Post Luxembourg to highlight the seven countries participating in the Multilaterale Hertogpost exhibition. “Architecture makes it eminently possible to establish a relationship between countries that at first glance don’t appear to have a great deal in common with each other. The strength of this stamp sheetlet is that the whole composition is in balance, but the individual relationships between the buildings don’t always correspond,” says Bos.Special role for ’s-Hertogenbosch
The municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch is responsible for a large part of the Dutch contribution to the iconic buildings depicted on the stamp sheetlet. Deputy Major Jan Hoskam is proud that his municipality is so visible among the illustrations from all of the participating countries. “Our Sint-Janskathedraal (St John’s Cathedral) dating back to 1380, and the statue of Zoete Lieve Gerritje from 1958 will have a new appeal. They are depicted among icons such as the Berlin Brandenburger Tor and the Luxembourg monument, Gëlle, commemorating the 20th century victims of war.”

Global attention
Multilaterale Hertogpost is an international exhibition for stamp dealers, auction houses and postal services. Interested parties from all over the world will meet in ‘s-Hertogenbosch from 25 to 27 August. The Multilaterale Hertogpost was organised for the first time in the Netherlands 12 years ago.

Availability
The Multilaterale Hertogpost stamp sheetlet has two stamps. One stamp is marked ‘Nederland 1’, the denomination for mail items up to 20g in weight destined for mail within the Netherlands. The other stamp is marked ‘Internationaal 1’, and is intended for mail items weighing up to 20g with worldwide destinations. These stamps will be available to purchase at all Bruna shops and via Collectclub.nl from 25 August. The stamps are valid until further notice.

Australia’s First Satellite (Australia 2017)

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[press release]
Australia Post launches anniversary of Australia’s first satellite

Australia Post is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Australia’s first satellite with the release of a new stamp issue.

Launched on 29 November 1967 from the Woomera Rocket Range in South Australia, the Weapons Research Establishment Satellite (WRESAT) was designed to carry scientific instruments for upper-atmosphere research.

Designed, constructed and launched in just 11 months, WRESAT eventuated from the collaboration of scientists at the Weapons Research Establishment Salisbury (now the Defence Science and Technology Group) and the University of Adelaide.

Australia’s launch of WRESAT made it the third country in the world – after USA and USSR – to design and launch a satellite from its own territory. Completing 642 orbits, WRESAT remained in orbit until 10 January 1968, before re-entering the atmosphere.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said, “The launch of Australia’s first satellite WRESAT was a major scientific achievement. This stamp issue marks an important milestone in the history of Australia’s space programs.”

Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky said, “We are delighted Australia Post is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Australia’s first satellite with a commemorative stamp issue. The WRESAT project was a significant demonstration of Australian ingenuity in building and launching a satellite. It is important for us to celebrate such remarkable advances in science which serve as an inspiration to our future challenges in science, technology and innovation”.

The domestic base-rate ($1) stamp was designed by Australian designer Nigel Buchanan. The stamp design has been based on original drawings and diagrams relating to the WRESAT launch, and shows the launch rocket and the satellite orbiting Earth.

The products associated with this stamp issue are a first day cover, sheetlet pack, booklet of 20 x $1 self-adhesive stamps and a maxicard.

The 50th Anniversary of WRESAT stamp issue is available from participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps from 12 September 2017 while stocks last.

U.S. Scott Catalogue Numbers (September 2017)

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5212 Paintings by Andrew Wyeth pane of 12
a. (49¢) Wind from the Sea
b. (49¢) Big Room
c. (49¢) Christina’s World
d. (49¢) Alvaro and Christina
e. (49¢) Frostbitten
f. (49¢) Sailor’s Valentine
g. (49¢) Soaring
h. (49¢) North Light
i. (49¢) Spring Fed
j. (49¢) The Carry
k. (49¢) Young Bull
l. (49¢) My Studio

5213 (49¢) Disney Villains – The Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
5214 (49¢) Disney Villains – Honest John from Pinocchio
5215 (49¢) Disney Villains – Lady Tremaine from Cinderella
5216 (49¢) Disney Villains – Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland
5217 (49¢) Disney Villains – Captain Hook from Peter Pan
5218 (49¢) Disney Villains – Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty
5219 (49¢) Disney Villains – Cruella De Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians
5220 (49¢) Disney Villains – Ursula from The Little Mermaid
5221 (49¢) Disney Villains – Gaston from Beauty and the Beast
5222 (49¢) Disney Villains – Scar from The Lion King
a. Block of 10, #5213-5222

5223 (49¢) Sharks – Mako Shark
5224 (49¢) Sharks – Whale Shark
5225 (49¢) Sharks – Thresher Shark
5226 (49¢) Sharks – Hammerhead Shark
5227 (49¢) Sharks – Great White Shark
a. Vert. strip of 5, #5223-5227

5228 (49¢) Protect Pollinators – Monarch Butterfly on Purple Coneflower
5229 (49¢) Protect Pollinators – Western Honeybee on Golden Ragwort
5230 (49¢) Protect Pollinators – Monarch Butterfly on Red Zinnia
5231 (49¢) Protect Pollinators – Western Honeybee on Purple New England Aster
5232 (49¢) Protect Pollinators – Monarch Butterfly on Goldenrod
a. Vert. strip of 5, #5228-5232

Star Wars Aliens & Droids (UK 2017)

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[press release]
Star Wars Droids and Aliens Celebrated on Royal Mail Special Stamps

Royal Mail is to issue a set of eight Special Stamps to mark the upcoming release of the new Star Wars movie, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”The stamps feature images of droids and aliens that have appeared in the iconic film series.

The stamps will feature a mix of new and classic characters: Maz Kanata; Chewbacca; Supreme Leader Snoke; Porgs; BB-8; R2-D2; C-3PO; and K-2SO.

The stamps are illustrated by British artist Malcolm Tween who also designed the hugely popular Star Wars stamp set issued in 2015.

The four ‘droid’ stamps include design features that become visible only under a UV light

  • Each stamp will also feature a scene created by Malcolm Tween especially for the stamps that includes the hero character as well as an iconic spaceship or vehicle
  • The stamps celebrate the British expertise behind the Star Wars films as each episode was made with a large British cast and crew
  • The style of the ‘1st‘ value on each of the stamps will replicate the iconic font used for the films

Fans can pre-order the stamps in advance from 4 September by visiting www.royalmail.com/starwars

The stamps will be on sale from 12 October 2017 at www.royalmail.com/starwars and from 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK and by calling 03457 641 641

Royal Mail today announces it will issue a set of eight Special Stamps to mark the upcoming release of the latest Star Wars movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi which launches this December.

The stamps feature images of new and classic droids and aliens that have appeared across the iconic films.

Included in the set are: Maz Kanata; Chewbacca; Supreme Leader Snoke; and from the new movie, a Porg. The droids are: BB-8; R2-D2; C-3PO; and K-2SO.

The stamps are illustrated by British artist Malcolm Tween who also designed the hugely popular Star Wars stamp set issued in 2015 to mark the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Each stamp will also feature a scene created by Tween especially for the stamps that includes the hero character as well as an iconic spaceship or vehicle.

The four ‘droid’ stamps include fluorescent ink to emphasise some of the design features of the stamps. These will become visible only under a UV light.

In addition, the font used for the ‘1ST’ value of the stamps will replicate that of the iconic typeface used for the films.

DROIDS AND ALIENS
Aliens are non-human species who live alongside humans, speaking either human languages or languages of their own. Many aliens have distinctive anatomies, from the tall, hair-covered Wookiees, such as Chewbacca, to the diminutively shaped, short-sighted Maz Kanata.

Droids are everywhere in the galaxy. First developed in the distant past, they assist humans and aliens in every way, from flying spaceships and providing power to spreading war and terror. Most droids speak only in electronic sounds to other droids and have their memory wiped when passed to a new owner. However, some droids escape memory wipes and can appear to develop personalities of their own and even form bonds with their owners.

The new stamps reflect the passion of the British public for the movies, and celebrate the major British contribution to the film series.

Maz Kanata
Deep within the fringes of the galaxy lies a secret castle hideaway presided over by the wise, boisterous figure of Maz Kanata. Over a thousand years old and an ex-pirate herself, Maz holds court within the galaxy’s underworld: smugglers, bounty hunters and thieves. Maz has also been a friend to Jedi, and her castle contains secrets that tell of one Luke Skywalker.

Chewbacca
Faithful co-pilot and companion to Han Solo for many years, Chewbacca was one of the heroes of the Rebellion. Brought back into the orbit of the Resistance after many years of freelance adventuring, Chewbacca witnesses the tragic death of his best friend, Han Solo. All he has left is his ship, the Millennium Falcon, and a new companion, a Force-attuned loner named Rey.

Supreme Leader Snoke
A shadowy figure who leads the First Order, Snoke trained Kylo Ren in the dark side of the Force. He orders the creation of a giant planet-sized superweapon called Starkiller to destroy the New Republic government and commands Ren to hunt down the last Jedi Knight, Luke Skywalker. Next, he issues a chilling command: Ren is ready to complete his training…

Porg
Small, flightless birds called porgs are native to the remote planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker is living in exile. The planet is covered with water and rocky islands and is home to the ruins of the first Jedi Temple, where porgs have peacefully made their home. The birds are ill-prepared for the arrival of strangers when Rey and Chewbacca land there in the Millennium Falcon.

BB-8
The plucky droid named BB-8 is a loyal companion to Resistance fighter Poe Dameron in the fight against the First Order. Assigned to Poe to provide flight assistance when piloting his X-wing fighter, BB-8 is separated from his master in a deadly battle with Kylo Ren. Forced to seek new allies, the droid runs into a scavenger named Rey and a renegade stormtrooper called Finn.

R2-D2
This trusty little droid has had an adventurous life, first on board Queen Amidala’s ship during the Battle of Naboo, then in the Clone Wars alongside Anakin Skywalker, and with Luke Skywalker in the fight against the Empire. In recent years, R2-D2 has been in a state of semi-retirement, secretly harbouring the only map that pinpoints the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker.

C-3PO
As a boy on Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker built a protocol droid as a helper for his mother. C-3PO became an expert in matters relating to diplomacy, but he was not equipped for a life of excitement, danger and adventure. Thrust into battles during the Clone Wars and the Rebellion against the Empire, this reticent, nervous droid has time and again helped his friends save the day.

K-2SO
A reprogrammed Imperial security droid with a bluntly honest way of talking, K-2SO is firmly on the side of the Rebel Alliance in the fight against the Empire. K-2SO’s ability to blend in when doing reconnaissance work behind Imperial lines is a distinct advantage. He can pilot many types of spaceship and scan and access Imperial communications systems.

Out in cinemas this December, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is the hugely anticipated next chapter in the Skywalker saga, following “The Force Awakens” – the UK’s biggest film of all time.