Battle of Britain (stamp info) (UK 2015)

[press release]

The Battle of Britain
Issue Date: 16th July 2015 uk_battle_sheet2Reason and inspiration
This miniature sheet commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which was fought in the skies over southern England from July to late October 1940 and was a key turning point of the Second World War. The six stamps feature photographic imagery from this period, showing some of the many aspects of the battle and the people involved, including pilots, ground crew, observers and Operations Room staff. The miniature sheet border features an image of Prime Minister Winston Churchill at a coast defence position near Hartlepool on 31 July 1940, alongside his famous quotation about ‘the few’. [Additional historic information and photos here.]

Stamp Details

  • RAF fighter pilots rush to their Hurricanes after receiving the ‘scramble’ call to engage enemy aircraft.
  • Supermarine Spitfires of 610 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, patrol the skies in close formation.
  • Armourer Fred Roberts re-arms a Supermarine Spitfire while the pilot, Sergeant Bernard Jennings, talks to his mechanic.
  • Recruits of the Auxiliary Territorial Service receive their first lesson in identifying enemy aircraft.
  • The Operations Room at Bentley Priory, the headquarters of Fighter Command, was part of a complex air defence system.
  • Fighter pilots of 32 Squadron relax between flying missions at RAF Hawkinge in Kent.

The miniature sheet border features an image of Prime Minister Winston Churchill at a coast defence position near Hartlepool on 31 July 1940, alongside his famous quotation about ‘the few’.

Miniature Sheet Price: £5.88 Code: MZ108

Miniature Sheet Technical Details

  • Number of stamps: six
  • Stamp Design: The Team
  • Miniature Sheet Design: Supple Studio
  • Acknowledgements: pilots and Hurricanes photo © William Vandivert/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images; Supermarine Spitfires photo © IWM CH741; Armourer photo © IWM CH1458; Auxiliary Territorial Service photo © Associated Press/Daily Mail/Rex Features; Operations Room photo © IWM C0018701; Squadron 32 photo © Fox Photos/Getty Images; Winston Churchill photo © IWM H 2628; Winston Churchill quotation reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Ltd, London, on behalf of The Estate of Winston Churchill, copyright © Winston S Churchill
  • Miniature sheet size: 179mm x 74mm
  • Stamp Format: landscape
  • Stamp Size: 41mm x 30mm
  • Printer: International Security Printers
  • Print Process: lithography
  • Perforations: 14.5 x 14
  • Phosphor: bars as appropriate
  • Gum: PVA

Miniature Sheet First Day Cover uk_battle_fdcThe First Day Envelope, designed by The Team, features a photograph of Supermarine Spitfires in formation during the Battle of Britain.

uk_battle_fillercardThe filler card includes a brief overview of the Battle of Britain, written by Peter Devitt, Curator at the RAF Museum in London, alongside a photograph of pilots of 303 (Polish) Squadron, the Fighter Command’s most successful individual unit during the battle.

With Tallents House Postmark

Filler Card
Price: £7.53 (Inland) £6.28 (Overseas) Code: MF107

First Day Envelope Price: 30p Code: ME106

Presentation Pack
In the presentation pack, designed by The Team to recall the posters and publications of the era, RAF Museum Curator Peter Devitt offers a look at how the Battle of Britain unfolded and what it meant. The main narrative is complemented by a detailed timeline and an overview of each of the key British and enemy aircraft involved in the battle, accompanied by silhouettes of each plane. In addition, the pack explores the contribution of ‘the many’, not just ‘the few’, with sections on ground crew, intelligence officers, the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Transport Auxiliary recruits.
Price: £6.40 Code: AP405

Stamp Cards
The six special stamps and the complete miniature sheet are reproduced at postcard-size in this collectable set of stamp cards.
Price: £3.15 Code: AQ224

Coin Cover uk_battle_coincoverissue date 15th September 2015
The product code will be available on the system for pre-orders on 1st July 2015. Product can be ordered but will not be despatched until the issue date.

This coin cover, issued on Battle of Britain Day, includes a special 50p coin issued by the Royal Mint and a cancelled miniature sheet commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The insert focuses on the contribution of ‘the many’: among other topics, Historian James Holland describes the air defence system designed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, the role of the Bentley Priory (which served as headquarters of Fighter Command during the battle) and the key part that Royal Observer Corps played during the summer and autumn of 1940.

Designed by Supple Studio and richly illustrated with historic photographs as well as images from Bentley Priory Museum, the coin cover offers a fitting tribute to those who helped ensure that the Hitler’s plans to invade Britain had to be cancelled.

Coin Specifications

Diameter: 27.30mm
Weight: 8.0g
Alloy: cupro-nickel
Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated
Obverse design: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Reverse design: Gary Breeze
Limited edition of 10,000
Price: £17.50 Code: AN120

Postmarks uk_battle_pmkTallents House Postmark
The Tallents House handstamp features a graphic image of the Supermarine Spitfire.

Alternative Postmark
The alternative location is London NW9, the home of the RAF Museum. The alternative handstamp includes a graphic image of the Hawker Hurricane. The design alludes to the story of Sergeant Raymond Holmes of 504 Squadron, who on 15 September 1940 took off from Hendon as part of an action to intercept a large formation of Dornier bombers over London. After seeing a Dornier that looked like it was about to bomb Buckingham Palace, Sergeant Holmes decided to ram it. He was forced to bale out of his damaged aircraft and landed by parachute in Hugh Street, where the colourful story continued. In 1994, shortly before Ray Holmes died, his Hurricane, which had crashed into the Ebury Bridge Road, was excavated on live television, and when that evening Holmes was handed the control column, he discovered it was still set to ‘fire’.

TALLENTS HOUSE Pictorial FD- 1519- TH
Alternative Pictorial FD – 1519- PL
Non Pictorial Non-pictorial FD – 1519- NP

First Day Facilities
Unstamped Royal Mail First Day Cover envelopes (price 30p) are available from main Post Offices and philatelic outlets approximately one week before the stamps go on sale.
Serviced (i.e. stamped and postmarked) Royal Mail First Day Cover is available by Mail Order from Royal Mail, Tallents House priced £7.53 (overseas £6.28). Orders for serviced First Day Covers have to reach Royal Mail by 16th July 2015. Customers may also send stamped envelopes on the day of issue to Royal Mail, Tallents House for the Tallents House, Edinburgh postmark. The address for Royal Mail is as follows:

Royal Mail
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
EDINBURGH
EH12 9PB

Customers who hand in or post stamped Royal Mail First Day Cover envelopes at main Post Offices® on the day of issue will receive the pictorial Waterloo, Liverpool first day postmark.

Alternatively, customers may send stamped envelopes to any of the Special Handstamp Centres for the pictorial or plain Waterloo, Liverpool postmark quoting the reference number of the postmark required.

Special Handstamp Centres:

The Special Handstamp Centre
Royal Mail,
St Stephens Street,
BIRMINGHAM B6 4AA

The Special Handstamp Centre
Royal Mail,
220 Penarth Road,
CARDIFF,
CF11 8TA

The Special Handstamp Centre
Royal Mail
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
EDINBURGH
EH12 9PB

The Special Handstamp Centre
Royal Mail,
Mount Pleasant
Farringdon Road
LONDON
EC1A 1BB

The Special Handstamp Centre
Royal Mail,
South Shields DO,
Keppell Street,
SOUTH SHIELDS
NE33 1AA

Canada Post Seeks Nickel Rate Hike

[press release]
Canada Post Proposes 2016 Postage Rates

can_mailboxquebecCanada Post is proposing to increase postage rates in 2016 as declining mail volumes continue to have a significant impact on its financial situation.

Canada Post proposes to increase the postage rate for Domestic LettermailTM items weighing 30 grams or less when purchased in a booklet, coil or pane to $0.90 from the current rate of $0.85. The price of a single stamp would remain $1.00. The rate change would take effect on January 11, 2016 and replace rates that will have been in effect for 21 months.

Lettermail volumes have been declining for almost a decade. In 2014, Canada Post delivered 1.4 billion fewer pieces of Domestic Lettermail than in the peak year of 2006. Some of the biggest declines have occurred in 2015, accelerating the erosion of Canada Post’s core business. As mail volumes fall, the number of addresses served also rises every year, affecting Canada Post’s cost of doing business.

The Corporation is taking every action necessary to secure postal service for all Canadians and to avoid becoming a drain on taxpayers. It is proposing these new postage rates to help achieve its long-standing mandate of remaining financially self-sufficient.

Canada Post estimates the average Canadian household purchases fewer than two stamps a month, while the typical small business purchases fewer than 250 stamps per year.

can_retailquebeccity2aCanadians can avoid the cost increase by purchasing PermanentTM stamps at the current rate of $0.85 in advance of the proposed rate changes coming into effect. Permanent or “P” stamps always retain their value and are valid postage regardless of when they were purchased.

Canada Post is also proposing to increase rates for other domestic Lettermail, U.S. and international Letter-post items and Domestic Registered MailTM.

The rate changes are one of several actions the Corporation is taking to achieve financial self-sufficiency. In December 2013, Canada Post announced its Five-point Action Plan to transform its business and preserve postal service for all Canadians. As part of the Plan, Canada Post introduced a new tiered pricing structure for Domestic Lettermail that provided discounts to customers who purchase stamps in booklets, coils or panes.

The current proposals were published July 11, 2015 in the Canada Gazette Part I.

Writer Alice Munro Honored (Canada 2015)

[press release]
Stamp celebrates Alice Munro, Nobel Prize-winning writer

can_munroeAlice Munro, the recognized master of the exquisitely honed short story and the first Canadian woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, is celebrated on a new stamp that pays homage to elements of her work.

The stamp incorporates a photograph of Munro that was taken by her daughter Sheila, a sample of the author’s handwriting from archival material, and vintage images of Wingham, Ont., the small town in which Munro was born. Many believe that Wingham inspired her fictional town of Jubilee, in which many of her stories are set. The stamp was designed by Marcio Morgado and Paul Haslip of Toronto’s HM&E Design.

“Alice Munro is not only one of Canada’s most critically acclaimed writers but also one of the most popular,” says the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and responsible for Canada Post. “Her stories have garnered recognition worldwide and this tribute adds to her lifetime of honours.”

can_munroefdc“Our stamp program recognizes the achievements of Canadians,” says Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada Post. “As fans of this prolific author know, Ms. Munro’s literary talent, wisdom and humanity, reflected in her stories over several decades, have earned her recognition that few writers in any language or country attain.”

Alice Munro’s early works found their way into Canadian literary journals and CBC Radio’s Anthology. Her first collection, Dance of the Happy Shades, was published in 1968. In the mid-1970s, her short stories began appearing regularly in The New Yorker, bringing her a broader, international audience. She has been awarded three Governor-General’s awards in 1968, 1978 and 1986, Giller prizes in 1998 and 2004, and the Man Booker International Prize for lifetime achievement in 2009.

When she was presented with her Nobel Prize in 2013, a representative of the Nobel Committee for Literature said, “Reading one of her texts is like watching a cat walk across a laid dinner table. … Alice Munro is often able to say more in 30 pages than an ordinary novelist is capable of in 300.”

The stamp’s release date of July 10 marks Munro’s birthday.

About the stamp
The pressure-sensitive stamp – printed by Colour Innovations Inc. on Tullis Russell paper using lithography in five colours – is available in booklets of 10 and measures 26 mm x 32 mm (vertical), with simulated perforations. The Official First Day Cover will be cancelled in Wingham, Ont. To purchase philatelic products, please visit canadapost.ca/shop.

  • ISSUE DATE: July 10, 2015
  • STAMP DESIGNER: Marcio Morgado and Paul Haslip of Toronto’s HM&E
  • STAMP VALUE: Permanent™ (domestic)
  • NUMBER OF STAMPS INCLUDED: 10
  • QUANTITY PRODUCED: 150,000
  • DIMENSIONS: 26mm x 32mm

U.S. Scott Catalogue Update (July 2015)

4822b (49¢) Navy Medal of Honor, dated 2015
4823b (49¢) Army Medal of Honor, dated 2015

Screen Shot 2015-02-20 at 10.00.01 AM4986 (49¢) Special Olympics World Games
4987 (49¢) Help Find Missing Children

4988 (49¢) Air Force Medal of Honor
a. Horiz. strip of 3, #4822b, 4823b, 4898

4989 (22¢) Emperor Penguins, serpentine die cut 10¾
4990 (22¢) Emperor Penguins coil stamp, serpentine die cut 11 vert.

4991 (35¢) Coastal Birds – Red knot, serpentine die cut 11¼x11
4992 (35¢) Coastal Birds – King eider, serpentine die cut 11¼x11
4993 (35¢) Coastal Birds – Spoonbill, serpentine die cut 11¼x11
4994 (35¢) Coastal Birds – Frigatebird, serpentine die cut 11¼x11
b. Block or vertical strip of 4, #4991-4994

4995 (35¢) Coastal Birds coil stamp – Spoonbill, serpentine die cut 9½ vert.
4996 (35¢) Coastal Birds coil stamp – Frigatebird, serpentine die cut 9½ vert.
4997 (35¢) Coastal Birds coil stamp – Red knot, serpentine die cut 9½ vert.
4998 (35¢) Coastal Birds coil stamp – King eider, serpentine die cut 9½ vert.
a. Horiz. strip of 4, #4995-4998

4999 (71¢) Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
5000 (71¢) Wedding Cake
5001 (71¢) Flowers and “Yes, I Do”
5002 (71¢) Tulip and Heart
5003 (93¢) Flannery O’Connor

U692 (49¢) Help Find Missing Children stamped envelope

More Hotel Rooms for APS StampShow 2015

The APS has obtained three more “blocks” of rooms at discounted prices for those attending StampShow 2015 in Grand Rapids in August: [Holiday Inn information updated on July 2nd]

JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Group rate: American Philatelic Society: $169.00 plus tax – Rate valid through July 26th or until full
235 Louis St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
1-877-901-6632
(616) 242-1500
www.ilovethejw.com
· 4-min walk to Amway via Skywalk; 7-min walk to DeVos via Skywalk
· Parking special rate – $12/night (self or valet parking). Because of limited space, parking in the Hotel ramp is NOT guaranteed.
· 100% Smoke-Free. (Violators will be fined up to $250.00.)
· Wifi – FREE in for overnight guests

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
Group rate: “STP” $129.00 plus tax – Rate valid through August 3rd or until full
310 Pearl St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 235-7611
guestservices@higrdt.com
direct web link
· Across either Pearl Street Bridge or Gillett Pedestrian Bridge from Ford Museum; 5-min walk to Amway; 10-min walk to DeVos along Riverwalk
· FREE Parking
· FREE Wifi

Country Inn & Suites East Beltline – NOT within walking distance
StampShow rate: $159.00 plus tax
3251 Deposit Drive NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 942-7000
cx_gami@countryinns.com
www.countryinns.com/grand-rapids-hotel-mi-49546/migreast
BY CAR: 4.68 miles (6 min. drive)
· FREE Parking
· FREE Wifih

Paul Newman (U.S. 2015)

Updated October 2nd: The colors and press sheet size initially reported by the USPS were incorrect. We have updated the information below in Technical Specifications.

Updated September 20th: Photos from the first-day ceremony, courtesy VSC member Chris Lazaroff: laz_newman01laz_newman02laz_newman03Chris himself at the ceremony.

Updated August 18th: From the Postal Bulletin:
s_newmanOn September 18, 2015, in Cleveland, OH, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Paul Newman First-Class Mail® (Forever® 49-cent stamp), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 473400).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide September 18, 2015.

More than just a film icon, Paul Newman (1925–2008) used his success as an actor, writer, producer, and director to promote and fund foundations and institutions that benefit many causes worldwide. The stamp art features a 1980 photograph of Newman taken by Steve Schapiro. Text that reads “actor/philanthropist” appears on the left side of the stamp and Newman’s name scrolls across the top. The stamp pane includes verso text. Newman’s SeriousFun Children\u0027s Network has helped more than 600,000 children and families in the United States and beyond. Since its inception in 1982, Newman\u0027s Own food brand has donated its profits — more than $430 million — to charity. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

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, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

s_newmanPaul Newman Stamp
Customer Relations Coordinator
Cleveland Post Office
2200 Orange Avenue, Room 234
Cleveland, OH 44101-9998

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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by November 17, 2015.

There are twelve philatelic products for this stamp issue:

  • 473406, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $58.80 (print quantity 250)
  • 473408, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $58.80 (print quantity 500)
  • 473410 Keepsake with Digital Color Postmark, $11.95
  • 473416 First-Day Cover, $0.93
  • 473418 First-Day Cover Full Pane, $12.30
  • 473419 Cancelled Full Pane, $12.30
  • 473421 Digital Color Postmark, $1.64
  • 473424 Framed Art, $39.95
  • 473430 Ceremony Program, $6.95
  • 473431 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95
  • 473432 Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $1.99
  • 473433 Panel, $10.95

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Paul Newman Stamp
Item Number: 473400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: Cleveland, OH 44101
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Steve Schapiro
s_newmanEngraver: N/A
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 12 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 8.00 in./150.37 x 203.20 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.84 x 24.00 in./ 300.74 x 609.60 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in two corners
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • (2) UPC Barcodes (473400) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text • Paul Newman Bio

Updated August 18th: Here are the first day postmarks for this issue:newman_dcp_vscIt measures 2.63″x1.31″
newman_bw_vsc It measures 2.54″x1.36″.

Updated July 31st:
[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Paul Newman Forever Stamp Dedication Ceremony to be Held in Cleveland, OH, Sept. 18

s_newmanWASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service announced today the Forever Stamp honoring award-winning actor and philanthropist Paul Newman will be officially dedicated Sept. 18 in the Playhouse Square District in Cleveland, OH.

The first-day-of-issue ceremony location is U.S. Bank Plaza on E.14th Street & Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH. The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. A proclamation will be issued proclaiming Sept. 18, “Paul Newman Day.”

Clea Newman, daughter of Paul Newman, is scheduled to attend the ceremony along with Joshua Colin, area vice president, Eastern Area, U.S. Postal Service, who will serve as the dedicating official; Janet Klug, chairman of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee; and

Mary-Anne Penner, director, Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service.

More than just a film icon, Newman used his success as an actor, writer, producer and director to advance his philanthropic endeavors funding charitable causes in an effort to make the world a better place.

SeriousFun Children’s Network, which Newman founded, has helped more than 600,000 children and their family members in the United States and beyond since inception in 1988. Perhaps Newman’s boldest action on the philanthropic stage came in 1982, when he founded the Newman’s Own food company. Beginning simply with a single product of oil-and-vinegar salad dressing and a commitment to quality and charitable giving over profit, the company has since grown into an international business with more than 200 products. Along the way, more than $430 million was donated to thousands of charities from the profits and royalties earned from the sale of Newman’s Own products.

In 1998, Newman helped create the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, an organization composed of board chairs and CEOs of major corporations that focuses on corporate philanthropy and citizenship. In 2006, he co-founded the Safe Water Network, which provides market-based safe water solutions to people in the developing world.

Newman’s legacy will be honored the night before the stamp release at Campfire, a charity dinner and show on Sept. 17 that benefits Flying Horse Farms — the SeriousFun Children’s Network camp in Newman’s home state of Ohio. Guests at the event will see a sneak peek at the Paul Newman stamp. Tickets cost $200 and will be available in early August at flyinghorsefarms.org.

Updated July 9th: This stamp will be issued in Cleveland, zip 44101, according to the Postal Bulletin.

[USPS press release – June 29th]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue Paul Newman Forever Stamp
Dedication ceremony is Sept. 18

s_newmanWASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service announced today that award-winning actor and philanthropist Paul Newman will be honored on a Forever Stamp. The stamp will go on sale Sept. 18.

The stamp art features photographer Steve Schapiro’s 1980 photograph of Newman accompanied by text that reads “Actor/Philanthropist.” The photo credit is Paul Newman photo/© Steve Schapiro/Corbis. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

With his blue eyes and on-screen charisma, Newman enthralled American moviegoers for six decades. Over the course of his decorated movie career, he received 10 Academy Award nominations, including eight for best actor. He won an Oscar for his role in the 1986 film “The Color of Money.” At the Oscars in 1994, Newman was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Newman stayed active in the arts and also embraced his many passions, particularly auto racing, which he took up in his 40s. Each year the number on his race car was changed to match his age. The last car he raced was number 82. He also served as the president of the board of the famed Actors Studio, which he helped support financially.

More than just a film icon, Newman used his success as an actor, writer, producer and director to advance his philanthropic endeavors funding charitable causes in an effort to make the world a better place.

s_newmanNewman’s SeriousFun Children’s Network has helped more than 600,000 children and families in the United States and beyond. Perhaps Newman’s boldest action on the philanthropic stage came in 1982, when he founded the Newman’s Own food company. Beginning simply with a single product of oil-and-vinegar salad dressing and a commitment to quality and charitable giving over profit, the company has since grown into an international business with more than 200 products. Along the way, Newman’s Own has donated more than $430 million to thousands of charities.

In 1998, Newman helped create the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, an organization composed of board chairs and CEOs of major corporations that focuses on corporate philanthropy and citizenship. In 2006, he co-founded the Safe Water Network, which provides market-based safe water solutions to people in the developing world.newman_dcp_vsc

Ingrid Bergman, Legends of Hollywood (U.S. 2015)

Updated August 18th: From the USPS: The Ingrid Bergman Forever Stamp goes on sale Aug. 20. Since there is no first-day-of-issue ceremony, the Postal Service decided to give the stamp visibility in a “Hollywood” setting where Bergman became famous as well as an opportunity to sell stamps and products.

On Aug. 20, a special retail station will be set up at the West Hollywood Library between 4-7 p.m. PT. A stamp enlargement will be displayed, and stamps and products will be sold, including the Swedish stamps (in strips of four) and a special first-day cover with both U.S. and Swedish stamps.

Here is the location:

West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

[USPS press release]
Ingrid Bergman First Day of Issue Stamp Sales Event in West Hollywood August 20
The 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series honors the Swedish-born actress

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — On August 20, 2015, the U.S. Postal Service and Posten AB of Sweden will jointly honor Swedish-born actress Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982), who lit up American and European films for decades.

The U.S. Postal Service’s issuance will be a 49-cent commemorative Forever stamp, featuring a circa 1940 image of Bergman taken by Laszlo Willinger, well known for his portraits of celebrities. Artist Kristen Monthei digitally colorized the image. Monthei also colorized a still of Bergman from the film Casablanca, which is featured on the stamp pane selvage. Art Director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane.

In celebration, a special Ingrid Bergman stamp and philatelic product sales event will be held at the West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., on August 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition to the stamps, First Day covers, Digital Color Postmark covers and Framed Stamp Art will be available for purchase. The Postal Service will also offer a unique collectible — a joint U.S.–Sweden First Day of Issue cover containing both U.S. and Swedish stamps and Los Angeles and Stockholm postmarks. First Day of Issue hand-postmark service will also be available at the event.

The Ingrid Bergman commemorative Forever stamp, the 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, goes on sale nationwide in the U.S. on August 20, with Posten AB of Sweden issuing their Bergman stamps on the same day. The U.S. stamp will be available at Post Offices, online at USPS.com or by calling 800-STAMP-24.

During her career, Bergman won three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Tony Award for best actress. She is best remembered for her timeless portrayals of Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (1942); Paula Alquist in Gaslight (1944); Anna Koreff in Anastasia (1956); and Alicia Huberman in Notorious (1946).

Updated August 1st: The first day postmarks: bergman_dcp_vscThe DCP measures 3.00″x1.32″.bergman_bw_vscThe B&W cancel measures 2.43″x1.02″.

The Swedish cancel measures 48mm in diameter: IngridBWSwedensampleUpdated July 23rd from the Postal Bulletin:

Ingrid BergmanOn August 20, 2015, in Los Angeles, CA, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Ingrid Bergman commemorative 49-cent (Forever®) First-Class Mail® stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 473300). This is a joint issue with Posten AB of Sweden who will issue their stamps on the same day.

The stamp will go on sale nationwide August 20, 2015.

With this issuance, the U.S. Postal Service and Posten AB of Sweden join in honoring actress Ingrid Bergman (1915–1982). The 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series celebrates the Swedish-born star who lit up the screen for several decades winning three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Tony Award for Best Actress. The stamp art features a circa 1940 image of Bergman taken by Laszlo Willinger, known for his portraits of celebrities. Artist Kristen Monthei digitally colorized the image. Monthei also colorized the selvage photograph, a still of Bergman from Casablanca. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane.

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, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Ingrid BergmanIngrid Bergman Stamp
Manager, Retail
U.S. Postal Service, Los Angeles District
7001 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90052-9614

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 October 19, 2015.

There are 12 philatelic products for this stamp issue:

  • 473306, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $88.20 (print quantity 250).
  • 473308, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $88.20 (print quantity 500).
  • 473310 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
  • 473316 First-Day Cover, $0.93.
  • 473317 Joint First-Day Cover, set of 2 (1 U.S. & 1 Sweden), $7.56.
  • 473318 First-Day Cover Full Pane, $12.30.
  • 473319 Cancelled Full Pane, $12.30.
  • 473321 Digital Color Postmark, $1.64.
  • 473324 Framed Art, $39.95.
  • 473331 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
  • 473332 Stamp Deck Card/Digital Color Postmark, $1.99.
  • 801216 Sweden Strip of 4 (2 designs), $7.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Ingrid Bergman Stamp
Item Number: 473300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Legends of Hollywood
Issue Date & City: August 20, 2015, Los Angeles, CA 90052
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Ingrid BergmanExisting Photo: Laszlo Willinger
Artist: Kristen Monthei
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive adhesive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.47 x 7.17 in./215.24 x 182.09 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 25.92 x 22.01 in./ 658.42 x 558.98 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by Four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in two corners of pane • Legends of Hollywood
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS Logo • (1) UPC Code (473300) • Promotional Text • Ingrid Bergman Bio • Ingrid Bergman is a trademark of the family of Ingrid Bergman, Licensed by CMG Brands, LLC • CASABLANA licensed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. • All Rights Reserved • Plate Position Grid • Plate position diagram

Low-resolution versions of the first-day postmarks: bergmandcpbergmanbwUpdated July 9th: The first-day postmark for this stamp will say “Hollywood, CA 90052,” according to the Postal Bulletin, although we understand the U.S. first day ceremony is unlikely to be held on the actual first day of issue.

Updated June 26th: PostNord, Sweden’s postal agency, is issuing two stamps honoring Bergman on August 20th. The press release is below, but here are the designs. First, the matching stamp: swe_ingrid1And the second stamp: swe_ingrid2USPS press release June 25th:
U.S. Postal Service and Sweden Post to Jointly Issue Ingrid Bergman Stamp
Forever Stamp to be Dedicated Aug. 20 in Sweden

Ingrid BergmanWASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service and Posten AB of Sweden announced today that award-winning actress Ingrid Bergman will be honored as the 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series.

The stamp will be issued jointly by the Postal Service and Sweden Post and go on sale Aug. 20. Special ceremonies will be held later.

The stamp art features a circa 1940 image of Bergman taken by Laszlo Willinger, known for his portraits of celebrities. Artist Kristen Monthei digitally colorized the image. Monthei also colorized the selvage photograph, a still of Bergman from Casablanca. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane.

Bergman lit up the silver screen for decades, starring in a variety of European and American films. She won three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Tony Award for best actress. She is best remembered for her timeless portrayals of Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (1942); Paula Alquist in Gaslight (1944); Anna Koreff in Anastasia (1956); and Alicia Huberman in Notorious (1946).

Bergman joins Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Alfred Hitchcock, John Wayne, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis, among many others, with a Legends of Hollywood stamp in her honor.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Sweden’s press release, in Swedish:

Filmstjärnan Ingrid Bergman porträtteras på nya frimärken

PostNord ger den 20 augusti ut två frimärken som uppmärksammar 100-årsminnet av skådespelerskan Ingrid Bergmans födelse. Frimärksutgåvan är ett samarbete med US Postal Service, som ger ut ett motiv.

Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982) var en av de starkast lysande stjärnorna i den internationella filmvärlden. Tre Oscarstatyetter erövrade hon – två för bästa kvinnliga huvudroll i ”Gasljus” 1944 och ”Anastasia” 1956 – och den filmintresserade publikens hjärta.

Hennes karriär inleddes i Sverige, nådde toppen i Hollywood och American Film Institute rankar henne som den fjärde största stjärnan genom tiderna i amerikansk film.

Ingrid Bergman var en naturlig gemensam nämnare för PostNord och US Postal Service i detta frimärksprojekt som är en fortsättning på samarbetet för tio år sedan kring Greta Garbo-frimärkena.

– Med frimärkena Ingrid Bergman 100 år har vi nöjet att presentera ett nytt samarbete, med US Postal Service. Visst är dessa frimärken lika vackra som de i vårt samarbete kring Greta Garbo-frimärkena för tio år sedan. Vi valde valören 14 kronor, portot för utrikes brev, för att de ska kunna ge ett bidrag till att visa en bild av Sverige ute i världen genom något av de miljontals brev som skickas till mottagare utomlands, säger Britt-Inger Hahne, frimärkschef i PostNord.

Fakta om frimärkena Ingrid Bergman 100 år – PostNord
Frimärkena har formgivits av Gustav Mårtensson. Förlagor är ett porträttfotografi av Laszlo Willinger/Heritage/TT, och en akvarell av Stina Wirsén efter foton av Sven-Gösta Johansson/TT. Lars Sjööblom graverade Willinger-porträttet. Tryckning har skett i kombination ståltryck och offset (Willinger-porträttet) och offset (Wirsén-porträttet). Förpackningen är rulle med 100 frimärken och två motiv. Valören är 14 kronor, för utrikes hälsningar och brev.

Fakta om frimärket Ingrid Bergman 100 Years – US Postal Service
Frimärket har utformats av Ethel Kessler efter ett fotografi av Laszlo Willinger. Tryckning har skett i offset och förpackningen är ark med 20 frimärken.

Digitala foton av de tre frimärkena bifogas.

Följande text måste finnas med i anslutning till frimärket från US Postal Service när detta avbildas: Ingrid Bergman™ is a trademark of the family of Ingrid Bergman, licensed by CMG Brands, LLC. And CASABLANCA – Licensed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Of particular interest to American collectors, the press release points out that the USPS and PostNord collaborated ten years ago for Greta Garbo stamps, and says the denomination is 14 kronor, the international rate.

The Swedish stamps were designed by Gustav Mårtensson. One is based on a photo by Laszlo Willinger, the other a watercolor by Stina Wirsén for Photos by Sven-Gösta Johansson. The Willinger design was engraved by Lars Sjööblom and is printed in a combination recess and offset process. The watercolor design is printed by offset. I believe the stamps are being issued in coils of 100, possibly with the both designs in both rolls.

Congressman Calls for U.S. World War I Stamps

lowresCleaverRep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Missouri, is calling on the U.S. Postal Service to issue stamps in 2017, 2018 and 2019 commemorating the country’s involvement in World War I. He has been active in commemorating World War I in other ways, from commemorative coins to designating existing monuments and parks as national monuments for the war.

“These stamps will allow us to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of World War I,” Cleaver said in a press released posted on his Congressional website.

Why 2019, when the war ended in 1918?

“The Treaty of Versailles, formally ending the war, was signed by Germany and the Allied Nations on June 28, 1919,” the press release says.

$_57In a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, Cleaver says, “no stamp exists to honor the brave veterans of World War I.” He or his staff must have missed Sc. 2154, issued in 1985, and shown on the left, or some of the other World War I-related stamps, such as the “I Want You” Uncle Sam poster in the Celebrate the Century series.

He may also be unaware that the USPS would never (well, hardly ever) announce plans for a stamp this far in advance. We’ll learn about 2017 stamps in 2016 or, more likely, 2017.

We talked about why the U.S. hasn’t yet issued any World War I stamps a year ago in a radio feature.

Here’s the complete text of his letter:

ctc_samEarlier this month, I had the pleasure of being present at the White House when President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army Sergeant William Shemin and Army Private Henry Johnson for conspicuous gallantry during World War I. The year 2017 will mark the centennial of America’s first engagement in World War I and commemoration of the anniversary will consist of educational and interactive events nationwide, including the construction and dedication of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Mint will begin circulation of a WWI Commemorative Coin in 2018 to celebrate those who served. It seems fitting for the United States Postal Service to join in honoring the memory of World War I, its role in American and world history, and its veterans with a commemorative series of stamps from 2017-2019.

The United States Postal Service has a history of memorializing significant historical events through stamps, including the 100th Anniversary of the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam War Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Desert Storm-Desert Shield, Rough Riders 50th Anniversary, and the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, but no stamp exists to honor the brave veterans of World War I.

More than four million men and women from the United States served in uniform during World War I and over two million American soldiers served overseas in our pursuit for peace. Issuing a series of stamps would allow us to pay tribute to the diversity of American involvement in World War I hostilities while honoring the memory, service, and sacrifice of over four million outstanding Americans.

Once again, I ask the Committee to give careful consideration to a series of postage stamps commemorating World War I. Between the World War I Centennial Commission, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and the hundreds of state and local organizations working on this effort, I believe there would be significant interest in these stamps. It is time to pay tribute to the great sacrifices made by these brave Americans.

Reinhard Won’t Run For APS Reelection

ReinhardThe cat is out of the bag: After Alex Haimann and Yamil Kouri they would run for re-election as vice presidents with a new member (John Barwis) on their team, speculation was the Mick Zais would run for president. However, incumbent Steve Reinhard is in his first term and could run again. He told The Virtual Stamp Club in e-mail that he won’t:

“…I will not run for re-election. Also, it is my understanding that Mick will be a candidate for President. I will remain on the Board as Immediate Past President.

“Three years is a long time. In fact, so is two years. I believe that I have made a positive impact. Our membership decline has decreased considerably, our finances have improved significantly, we have made some important improvements in our program offerings and have added some wonderful new staff.

“There are many other ways, outside of the APS Board, that I can help the hobby that I love. I plan to devote the time that I now give to APS governess to other involvements in our hobby. I also plan to get back to collecting!”

Reinhard is an accredited philatelic judge (a chief judge, in fact) but few if any APS presidents have had time to critique formally the exhibits at a stamp show while in office. He is a retired public school mathematics teacher.

Reinhard was a vice president himself before his 2013 election also Chairman of the APS Committee on the Accreditation of National Exhibitions and Judges (CANEJ). Outside the APS, he has been president of the Collectors Club of New York, the American Air Mail Society, the International Federation of Aerophilatelic Societies (FISA) and Chairman of the International Federation of Philately (FIP) Aerophilately Commission. He is also a member of the organizing committee for the next international stamp show in the U.S., World Stamp Show-New York 2016.

Zais is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General who saw service in Kuwait and Macedonia, and also taught at West Point. After his military service, Zais was president of a private college and then elected as South Carolina Superintendent of Education

Weather Wonders (Canada 2015)

[press release]
Canada’s striking weather wonders highlighted in new set of stamps

can_wx_frostCanada Post unveiled on June 12, with help from The Weather Network and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, five new stamps designed to showcase one of Canadians’ most popular topics: the weather. The five stamps, issued to coincide with the 175th anniversary of continuous weather observing in Canada, feature weather phenomena in all their photographic splendor.

From brilliant flashes of lightning to crystal-clear ice veneers, the images on these stamps showcase the incredible variety of weather we experience in Canada – all thanks to the photographers who braved the elements to capture these meteorological marvels.

can_wx_fogThe five photographs come from every corner of the country. Daryl Benson snapped hoar frost covering a tree near Beaumont, Alberta. Geoff Whiteway focused on hazy, early-morning fog at Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site in Newfoundlandand Labrador. In Saint-Gédéon, Quebec, Mike Grandmaison chased a rain shower to shoot a double rainbow, while Dave Reede captured radiant flashes of lightning near Winnipeg, Manitoba. Further north, in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Frank Reardon caught rarely witnessed sun dogs, created by ice crystals in the air, and posted the photograph on The Weather Network, where Canada Post discovered it.

can_wx_lightning“From coast-to-coast-to-coast Canada is known for its diversity, and weather is no exception. The images captured in weather wonders illustrate the natural beauty that can be seen across our country,” says the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, responsible for Canada Post.

“Canadians love to talk about the weather,” says Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra. “Our stamp program celebrates the people, stories and attributes that capture the Canadian experience and we can all reminisce on a special weather moment.”

can_wx_rainbow“The Weather Network and MeteoMedia have a 26-year history of providing weather to Canadians, and we reach over 20 million people each month,” says Pierre L. Morrissette, CEO, Pelmorex Media Inc. “In that time, our team has experienced first-hand how deep Canadians’ fascination with weather truly runs and this stamp series is the perfect reflection of the diverse and unique conditions our country experiences.”

Armed with these spectacular visuals, Kosta Tsetsekas and Defne Corbacioglu – of Vancouver-based Signals – designed a set of stamps that are tied together seamlessly. They used themed icons as a nod to the long history of weather iconography – the small suns, clouds and raindrops you see in your daily weather forecast. The icons add spice to the stamps without clouding the stunning photography.

About the stamps
can_wx_sunThe 48-mm-by-26-mm stamps are available in booklets of 10. They were printed by Canadian Bank Note in lithography with six colours. They were designed by Kosta Tsetsekas and Defne Corbacioglu of Vancouver-based Signals. The souvenir sheet of five stamps measures 130 mm by 95 mm. The uncut press sheet of six souvenir sheets measures 616 mm by 483 mm and features the image of the double rainbow. The Official First Day Cover features the souvenir sheet and measures 191 mm by 113 mm. The cancellation site is Toronto, chosen because it was the location of Canada’s first weather observatory, which marks its 175thanniversary this year.