The Do’s & Don’ts of Philately — With an Emphasis on The Latter By John M. Hotchner
There are any number of “How To” books created over the years to help the beginner to learn about collecting stamps. They are bright, cheerful, accurate and helpful — so far as they go. But most of them don’t go to the trouble of warning the new collector off certain practices and behaviors that can result in a rude shock as the new collector gains experience, builds a collection, and eventually shares it with other collectors.
Only then are they likely to find out the unexpected consequences of doing what seemed reasonable early in their philatelic life; hopefully at a time before they have put serious money into a collection. So, I thought I’d devote this column to outlining some of the “Dont’s” of stamp collecting, and we’ll jump right in with:
Your album: Whether you use a printed album, or blank sheets of paper, don’t lick the back of your stamps and paste them down on the paper; not even just a corner. This ruins the value of mint stamps, and makes it likely that you will “thin” even used stamps if/when you try to take them off. The same is true of using cellophane or other sticky tape or gummed labels. Use only “stamp hinges” made for the purpose. Also, don’t use self-stick photo albums for stamps or covers. The part that starts out sticky ages over time, and stains the back of the philatelic material.
Using hinges:Some collectors put the hinge in the middle of the stamp, fold it over, and lick the part that will adhere to the page. In doing so they get moisture on the stamp, which then sticks the stamp as well as the hinge to the paper. Hinges should be placed flush with the top of the stamp; or as my father taught me, fold the hinge first, and carefully place it so that there is a millimeter of space between the fold and the stamp, as shown nearby. [You can click on this picture to make it bigger.] I’d add that collectors should not be eating, drinking, smoking or vaping while hinging. Whatever is in your mouth, from chemicals to salt to artificially-colored cherries, will transfer to the hinge, and maybe to the stamp. Unless the collector is extremely careful, the stamp may get stained.
If you care about the resale value of your stamps, don’t hinge modern mint or older stamps that have value (anything with a value over 25¢ in the Scott Catalogue). When it comes time to sell a collection, the competition and prices offered will be a good deal reduced if mint stamps are hinged.
Mounts for mint (or any other) stamps: If you use mounts for your stamps, don’t buy the cheapest ones you can find, and do ask your philatelic supplier if the mount itself and the part of the mount that sticks to the page will hold up over time. Avoid Crystal Mounts, a product that is no longer available but may lurk in accumulations or old collections you acquire. They shrink over time, “crunching” the stamps within; and the adhesive can discolor and stain your stamps.
Storage: Moisture is an enemy, as are rodents and other smaller pests that find paper a tasty treat. Don’t store your stamps where they will be exposed to moisture, even moderate amounts. In this category are basements where there is a seepage or humidity problem. Always avoid storage on the floor or even close to the floor; and directly against external walls that are below ground level.
If possible, avoid any space where there is no air conditioning. And don’t place albums or mint sheet files one on top of the other. They should be stood up vertically with some breathing space between them.
Why? Pressure combined with moisture will stick your stamps to the album page or each other, and can discolor stamps.
When you work on your stamps: As noted above, food or anything else that can get onto your hands and stain your stamps/covers, or spill onto your workspace should be avoided. If you use watermark fluid, or some other chemical for watermarking or separating self-stick stamps from paper, do your due diligence to make certain they are not toxic or flammable. Even then, don’t use them in confined spaces where there is little movement of air. There is risk to inhaling chemicals.
Working with stamps: Don’t “reduce” items you have to be able to fit them into an album space. The two biggest problems here are blocks and imperforate stamps. Blocks of mint or used stamps, especially those issued before 1950, are likely to have extra value as blocks. Removing a single stamp to place in an album ruins the value of the block.
The standard for collecting imperforate stamps is pairs, but a great many albums have space only for a single. Collectors may be tempted to cut a single from a pair or strip of imperfs (or even worse, a block). Don’t, unless you truly care nothing about resale value. And even then, for stamps from the beginning of stamps to roughly the 1920s, you may be ruining a scarce item.
An additional problem has come along recently with the increased number of stamps that can’t be washed off paper: clipping them from the envelope. Many collectors try to save weight by clipping very close to the stamp, and if not careful, into the stamp. Stamps with their perforations clipped off are damaged and worthless. Allow a couple of millimeters of paper all the way around.
When you work with covers:Typically, new stamp collectors have little or no interest or appreciation for the envelopes that carried stamps through the mail (unless the collector began as a First Day Cover collector). Thus, covers are seen as a source for stamps for the album, not as objects of interest in themselves. Don’t cut the stamps off every cover you get! The older the cover, the more likely it is to have value as a cover, but even modern covers can have value if the stamp on it is unusual, if it has decorations, postal markings showing some sort of special handling in the mail, or was readdressed and forwarded. [The window envelope shown here is actually a first day cover.]
Don’t join a stamp club! (I hope you appreciate the wry humor here.) Not getting involved with other collectors is probably the worst decision a collector can make. The most effective way of learning about the hobby, including its do’s and don’ts, is to befriend other collectors. A stamp club is the perfect place to make those connections.
Should you wish to comment on this editorial, 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.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] APS/APRL Officers Elected Final Results Certified by APS Board of Elections
The American Philatelic Society announced the results of the officers’ elections for the APS Board of Directors and the American Philatelic Research Library Board of Trustees. Ballots were mailed with the May 2022 issue of The American Philatelist or sent separately to those who do not receive the monthly journal.
Ballots Received
In 2022, 3,846 APS members cast ballots for the election, a 15 percent participation rate. By comparison, 1,986 members (7 percent) voted in 2019 and 3,961 members (13 percent) in 2016.
Start of the Term and Organizational Meetings
Newly elected APS and APRL Boards officers will take the oath of office following the annual membership meeting on Saturday, August 27, 2022, during the Great American Stamp Show held in Sacramento, CA. The APS and APRL Boards will hold an organizational meeting on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 1 pm.
Election Results
The election results were certified by the 2022 Board of Elections, APS members Rick Banks, Darlene Bloom, Leonard Bloom, and Tom Horn. Woodycrest United Methodist Church members in State College, Pennsylvania, assisted in counting ballots.
Vote Totals by Candidate (3,846 votes cast, 3,810 declared valid)
President: Robert Zeigler, 3,793 (14 votes for “Other”)
Board of Vice Presidents:The slate of Mark Banchik, Cheryl Ganz, and Yamil Kouri, 3,799 (6 for “Other”)
Secretary:Peter McCann, 3,775 (6 votes for “Other”)
Treasurer:Kathryn Johnson, 3,786 (4 votes for “Other”)
Directors-at-Large:Elizabeth Hisey (3,713), Matthew Kewriga (3,664), Michael Cortese 3,639), and Evan Siegling (3,622).
APRL Trustees elected by APS membership: John Barwis (3,718) and Charles Epting (3,705). (17 votes for “Other”)
[press release] [click on the picture for a larger version] Wolfersberger Is 2022’s Top Topicalist
David Wolfersberger has been named the American Topical Association Distinguished Topical Philatelist for 2022. The association’s highest award will be presented at the awards ceremony at the Great American Stamp Show on August 27, 2022.
Wolfersberger has been instrumental in re-activating two topical study units and forming a new one. Study units are small groups of collectors of specific topics who want more information and opportunities to interact with others.
In 2003, he led the effort to activate the CartoPhilatelic Society, a group that studies maps on stamps, which had been dormant since 1995. Since then he has been vice president and president, and is currently editor of the group’s quarterly journal. In 2006, he initiated efforts to restart the Wine on Stamps Study Unit after a two-year hiatus. He is president and journal editor for that group.
In 2017, Wolfersberger worked with others in forming the Gastronomy on Stamps Study Unit, and is president and past journal editor of the unit.
“Today, three important study units are going strong, thanks to the tireless work of this ATA leader. As a life-long stamp collector, David has found stamp collecting to be an invaluable way to learn about his favorite topics and countries. His leadership skills have immeasurably expanded and improved topical philately,” said ATA president Dawn Hamman.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Royal Mail Issues the Purr-Fect Set of Special Stamps
The eight-stamp set show cats doing what they do best: grooming; stalking; playing; sleeping; staring; being on alert; being curious; and stretching
Cats shown on the stamps are: Siamese; Tabby; Ginger cat; British Shorthair; Maine Coon; Black-and-white cat; Bengal; and a Tabby-and-white
Both pedigree breeds and moggies represent the most popular owned cats in the UK
There are over 10.2 million cats in the UK. Almost one in four UK households owns a cat* – or a cat owns them
It is thought that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East
Royal Mail worked with author and animal expert, Tamsin Pickeral, author of The Grace of the Cat: An illustrated History, on the stamp issue
The stamps are available at www.royalmail.com/cats, by phone on 03457 641 641 and at 7,000 Post Offices. A Presentation Pack, containing all eight stamps, is priced at £12.96
Royal Mail has launched the purr-fect new set of eight stamps featuring beautiful images of cats doing what they do best.
The images show cats: grooming; stalking; playing; sleeping; staring; being on alert; being curious; and stretching.
Cats shown on the stamps are: Siamese; Tabby; Ginger cat; British Shorthair; Maine Coon; Black-and-white cat; Bengal; and a Tabby-and-white.
The cats include a mix of pedigree breeds and moggies representing some of the most popular owned cats in the UK – each is then shown on the stamps in characteristic behaviour.
Royal Mail worked with author and animal expert, Tamsin Pickeral, author of The Grace of the Cat: An illustrated History on the stamp issue.
Domestic cats have a broad range of language to let their owners know what they do – or don’t want! After birds, they have the widest range of vocalisation of any domestic pet. Some breeds are far chattier than others, for example, the Siamese and Burmese are particularly vocal.
Some amazing cat facts include:
Domestic cats share 96% of their genes with tigers
Sir Isaac Newton is credited with inventing the cat flap
There are over 10.2 million cats in the UK
Almost one in four UK households owns a cat* – or a cat owns them
The Post Office formally employed cats between 1868 and 1984 to keep out mice
Cats have only a few hundred taste buds compared to a human’s 9,000
Cats have up to 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to humans who have just 5 million
Cats also have a ‘second nose’, the vomeronasal scent organ, located on the roof of their mouth, which is able to detect pheromones
A brief history of the cat:
It is thought that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East. This coincided with the establishment of settlements and farming, and the subsequent rise of the rodent. Genetic analysis confirms the domestic cat is a descendent of the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), a native of that area.
The earliest evidence of the human–cat relationship is a grave in Cyprus of an adult human and a kitten carefully placed together, thought to date from around 9,500 years ago. Fast forward to ancient Egypt, some 4,000 years ago, and cats appear frequently in artworks depicting domestic settings. They were associated with the Goddess Isis and her daughter Bastet. These depictions show a striking similarity to the modern Egyptian Mau.
Cats spread through Greece and Rome, transported on grain ships to keep mice at bay, and with the expansion of the Roman Empire they were soon to be found across Europe and the British Isles. These short-haired cats are believed to be the ancestor of the British Shorthair. Just as cats were populating the West, they were also spreading eastwards as trade routes opened with the Far East.
Cats were highly valued for their rodent control, but it was their enigmatic nature that led to their reverence as magical beings and association with myths and legends – particularly in China, Japan, India and Persia (modern-day Iran). It was here that the Persian breed evolved with its thick coat to keep out the biting cold.
The Middle Ages in Europe was a dark period for the cat. As Christianity rose, their links to pagan religions and misplaced associations with magic and witchcraft saw them being systematically culled. Unsurprisingly, there was simultaneously a huge increase in rat-borne plagues, culminating in the Black Death, which is thought to have killed up to 60 per cent of Europe’s population.
Cats were on board the first ships sailing to the New World from England in the 1620s; these hardy creatures were most likely the ancestors of today’s Maine Coon and American Shorthair. By the 18th century, the fortunes of cats changed forever, and they were favoured by literati like Byron, Keats and Sir Walter Scott.
By the time of the inaugural cat show in London’s Crystal Palace in 1871, there were Russian Blues, Abyssinians, Persians, Siamese and Angoras in the country alongside British Shorthair and Manx. The show proved a great success and was a key moment in modern cat history, followed closely by the establishment of a number of cat clubs and finally, in 1910, by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), which took over as the sole registry for pure-bred cats in Britain.
David Gold, Director External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “These beautiful stamps showing cats being cats, show why as a nation, we are besotted with them. Their enchanting, independent and quirky ways are perfectly captured in these images that all animal lovers will adore.”
The stamps are available now at www.royalmail.com/cats and by phone on 03457 641 641, with a Presentation Pack, containing all eight stamps, priced at £12.96.
*Source: PDSA UK pet populations of dogs, cats and rabbits 2021
Shown below: The official first day cover and the “collectors sheet.”
The Governor General’s Foot Guards have participated in every engagement undertaken by the Canadian Army since Confederation, served abroad as peacekeepers, and provided emergency assistance to communities at home. Known for their scarlet tunics and tall bearskin caps – seen in ceremonies, on sentries and at regimental band performances – the Guards’ citizen soldiers have served with precision, pageantry and pride for 150 years.
The USPS has found a willing partner in Disney for its “affinity” tie-ins. Disney is all about cross-promotion: All of its product lines help promote all of its product lines. I was at ABC News when the “final trilogy” (HA!) of “Star Wars” movies were released. Disney owns ABC. The anchors on several programs wore Star Wars costumes! No Disney event would ever go unmentioned in the newscasts.
Was this ordered From Above? I don’t know. After a while, a smart manager knows what the employers want and often delivers it without being asked. I’m pretty sure renting the costumes didn’t come out of our show’s meager budget.
I caught a promo the other night on ABC-TV for some sort of an “event” involving ABC Sports anchors and the Muppets. I think it was happening at Disneyland or Disney World or Disney Empire. Certainly somewhere in the Disney Empire!
The UPSPS loves announcing and issuing stamps at related events. If a pop-culture icon’s manufacturer offered an opportunity, I’m sure the USPS would jump at it. It’s all about publicity for the Postal Service (what I call “Hey! Look at me! We’re still relevant!” stamps, of which the USPS is not the greatest offender) and selling stamps and “philatelic products” at the event.
Will the Buzz Lightyear stamps sell well? Yes. Will they sell well to philatelists? Who cares. We are a small part of the market.
With a little extra work, the USPS could use these affinity issues to help create more stamp collectors, who would eventually branch out into other parts of philately. That would pay off down the road. But that payoff might come after the current postal management is gone, so it’s not considered.
Meanwhile, “serious” stamp collectors turn up their noses at Buzz and Droids and Hot Wheels and the Hogwarts crowd, as did our grandparents when the first commemoratives were issued in 1892.
These stamps will be issued Wednesday, August 3. Other additional information is below the horizontal line, with the most recent nearest the top.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Stamps To Take Your Mail From ‘Infinity to Forever’ This Summer Add a Pop of Color and a Bit of Fun with Stamps Featuring the Iconic Buzz LightyearWASHINGTON — Far from the confines of Andy’s room, a sneak peek of new Forever stamps from the U.S. Postal Service was revealed at the red-carpet premiere of Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” the new movie featuring Buzz Lightyear.
“Go Beyond” is a pane of 20 stamps arranged in four horizontal rows of five stamps uzzfeaturing the image of Buzz Lightyear, a Space Ranger marooned on a planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth.
Greg Breeding was the art director using illustrations from Pixar Animation Studios.
Additional details about the “Go Beyond” commemorative stamp collection, including the release date, will be announced later this year.
Linn’s Stamp News reports the approximate issue date was given as “summer,” and the new movie “Lightyear” will debut June 17. (Summer technically begins June 21.) Linn’s also says the announcement was made at the premiere of the movie on June 8th.
Another possible first-day date and location is D23 Expo 2022, billed as “the ultimate Disney fan event.” The USPS really, really likes affinity events. D23 Expo 2022 is being held September 9-11 in Anaheim, CA.
Updated September 8th — Scott Catalogue Numbers:
5709 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Head in Profile
a. Imperforate
5710 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Standing With Legs Visible
a. Imperforate
5711 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Running
a. Imperforate
5712 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Standing, Feet Not Visible
a. Imperforate
b. Vert. or horiz. strip of 4, #5709-5712
c. Imperforate vert. or horiz. strip of 4, #5709a-5712a
Updated July 7th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.91″ x 1.50″ The B&W Pictorial Postmark measures 2.69″ x 1.10″
Updated June 30th from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 3, 2022, in Los Angeles, CA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Go Beyond stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 482500). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 3, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Go Beyond commemorative pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.
Four exciting new stamps in a pane of 20 feature the famed Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear, as seen in Disney and Pixar’s 2022 film, Lightyear. Known until now as the coolest character in the toybox, the Buzz seen on these stamps is the hero whose origin story inspired the Toy Story action figure. Each stamp features a different view of the brave, galaxy-defending hero along with the phrase “GO BEYOND.” The selvage features the full-body Buzz Lightyear against a graphic background and the slogan “From Infinity to Forever,” with the word “Lightyear” enhanced by a spaceship streaking through the letters. Art director Greg Breeding, working closely with Pixar Animation Studios, designed the stamps using artwork provided by the studio.
No automatic distribution.
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – Go Beyond Stamps
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 3, 2022.
Updated June 28th:
The time for the first-day ceremony has changed from 11 a.m. PDT to 9 a.m. PDT
Updated June 21st:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] ‘Go Beyond’ Your Typical Forever Stamps with Buzz Lightyear
What: The iconic image of Buzz Lightyear has been captured in the newest Forever stamps from the U.S. Postal Service and Disney and Pixar.
Go Beyond is a colorful pane of 20 stamps arranged in four horizontal rows of five stamps featuring the image of Buzz Lightyear, a Space Ranger marooned on a planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth.
Greg Breeding was the stamp art director using illustrations from Pixar Animation Studios.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Go Beyond stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #GoBeyondStamps.
Who:Isaac Cronkhite, chief processing and distribution officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service
When:Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET [note changed time]
Where:
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
RSVP:Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at: usps.com/gobeyond.
Background: The U.S. Postal Service celebrates new commemorative Forever stamps featuring Buzz Lightyear, who is the star of his own feature film this summer — “Lightyear.” The sci-fi action-adventure movie gives audiences insight into Buzz’s past and brings to the big screen the intergalactic exploits of the hero.
Buzz is known for being Woody’s best friend in the “Toy Story” movie franchise from Disney and Pixar.
Preorders for the Go Beyond stamps can be made online at usps.com/stamps beginning July 3.
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Updated June 16th:
With the release of the Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier stamp, Canada Post revealed it is also issuing a souvenir sheet featuring all three stamps: Posted earlier:
This news release is also available to read in Michif, Cree and Inuktitut (click here).
OTTAWA – On June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – Canada Post will issue a new set of stamps to pay tribute to the lives and legacies of three Indigenous leaders. Harry Daniels, Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier and Jose Kusugak will each be featured on a stamp in recognition of their incredible commitment and contributions to strengthening the Métis, First Nations and Inuit communities they served.
The upcoming stamp set is the inaugural release in Canada Post’s new Indigenous Leaders stamp series. Prior to issuing the set on June 21, the stamps will each be unveiled at local events in Regina and Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Harry Daniels stamp unveiling event: June 13, 11 am, Regina, Sask.
Harry Daniels (1940-2004) was a politician, activist, writer and actor who dedicated his life to the rights and well-being of Métis and non-status Indians in Canada. Among his most important contributions was ensuring their inherent rights as Indigenous Peoples by lobbying to have them included as one of the Indigenous Peoples recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982, and recognized as “Indians” under the British North America Act, 1867. In March 2004, he was awarded the Order of the Métis Nation by the Métis National Council.
Jose Kusugak stamp unveiling event: June 14, 6 pm, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Jose Kusugak (1950-2011) was an Inuit activist, linguist and broadcaster who played a critical role in the efforts that led to the creation of Nunavut in 1999 – for which many consider him a Father of Confederation. He dedicated his life to raising awareness of Inuit identity and issues in Canada, as well as promoting and preserving Inuit language and culture, and coined the phrase “First Canadians, Canadians First” to describe his people. Kusugak was also part of the first generation of Inuit children who were sent to residential schools.
Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier stamp unveiling: June 15, 2 pm, Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.
Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier (b. 1954) spent nearly 40 years as leader of the Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan – the most consecutive terms ever served by an elected First Nations chief in Canada. She led several projects related to education, wellness and social reform, while also working to preserve the culture, language and traditions of her people. In 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. This spring, she was in the Indigenous delegation that met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system, of which she is a survivor.
Stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada starting June 21.
Images of the stamps and other products, and other resources will be available on the day of the local events.
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Postes Canada émettra des timbres en hommage à des dirigeants autochtones Un jeu de timbres soulignera les réalisations de Harry Daniels, de la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier et de Jose Kusugak
Ce communiqué est aussi disponible en michif, cri et inuktitut (cliquer ici).
OTTAWA – Le 21 juin, à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones, Postes Canada émettra un nouveau jeu de timbres pour rendre hommage à la vie et à l’héritage de trois dirigeants autochtones. Harry Daniels, la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier et Jose Kusugak seront chacun en vedette sur un timbre émis en reconnaissance de leur engagement incroyable et de leur contribution aux communautés métisses, inuit et des Premières Nations qu’ils ont servies.
Lancé prochainement, ce jeu de timbres constitue le premier volet d’une nouvelle série de Postes Canada consacrée aux dirigeants autochtones. Avant le 21 juin, jour d’émission, les vignettes seront dévoilées lors d’événements qui se tiendront à Regina et à Fort Qu’Appelle, en Saskatchewan, et à Rankin Inlet, au Nunavut.
Dévoilement du timbre consacré à Harry Daniels : le 13 juin, à 11 h, à Regina, en Saskatchewan
Politicien engagé, militant, écrivain et acteur, Harry Daniels (1940-2004) a consacré sa vie aux droits et au bien-être des Métis et des Indiens non inscrits au Canada. Parmi ses contributions les plus importantes, il a veillé à ce que leurs droits inhérents en tant que peuples autochtones soient inclus dans la Loi constitutionnelle de 1982 et à ce qu’ils soient reconnus en tant qu’Indiens en vertu de l’Acte de l’Amérique du Nord britannique, 1867. En mars 2004, il a été décoré de l’Ordre de la Nation métisse par le Ralliement national des Métis.
Dévoilement du timbre consacré à Jose Kusugak : le 14 juin, à 18 h, à Rankin Inlet, au Nunavut
Activiste, linguiste et communicateur inuit, Jose Kusugak (1950-2011) est considéré par certains comme un Père de la Confédération pour son rôle clé dans la création du Nunavut en 1999. Il a voué sa vie à sensibiliser les gens à l’identité et aux enjeux des Inuit au Canada, de même qu’à promouvoir et à préserver la langue et la culture de son peuple, qu’il qualifiait de premiers Canadiens et de Canadiens en premier. Jose Kusugak faisait également partie de la première génération d’enfants inuit envoyés dans les pensionnats autochtones.
Dévoilement du timbre consacré à la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier : le 15 juin, à 14 h, à Fort Qu’Appelle, en Saskatchewan
La cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier (née en 1954) passe près de 40 ans à la tête de la Première Nation d’Okanese, en Saskatchewan. Aucun autre chef des Premières Nations élu au Canada n’exerce autant de mandats consécutifs qu’elle. Elle dirige plusieurs projets liés à l’éducation, au bien-être et à l’aide sociale, tout en travaillant à préserver la culture, la langue et les traditions de son peuple. En 2018, elle est reçue Membre de l’Ordre du Canada. Ce printemps, elle faisait partie de la délégation autochtone qui a rencontré le pape François au Vatican pour discuter du rôle de l’Église catholique dans le système des pensionnats, dont elle est une survivante.
Les timbres et les articles de collection seront en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays à partir du 21 juin.
Added June 13th: [press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Canada Post issues commemorative stamp recognizing Métis leader Harry Daniels The new issue honours Daniels’ work to advance the rights and well-being of Métis in Canada
REGINA – At an event today in Regina, Canada Post unveiled a new commemorative stamp recognizing the accomplishments of Métis leader Harry Daniels. A politician, activist, writer and actor, Daniels dedicated his life to the rights and well-being of Métis and non-status Indians in Canada.
This is one of three stamps that will officially be released on June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – in recognition of the contributions each Indigenous leader has made to their communities.
About Harry Daniels
Born in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan, Daniels (1940-2004) – known for his quick wit and joie de vivre – served as an outspoken advocate for his people for more than 40 years. Many consider his contributions to Métis rights to be without equal in modern-day Canada.
First elected to office in 1972 as vice-president of the Métis Association of Alberta (now Métis Nation of Alberta), Daniels would go on to represent Indigenous and Métis Peoples provincially, nationally and internationally. He was elected secretary-treasurer of the Native Council of Canada (now Congress of Aboriginal Peoples) in 1974 and later served as its president and chief executive officer.
One of Daniels’ most important contributions was successfully leading an effort to convince the federal government to enshrine the inherent rights of Métis and non-status Indians in the new Constitution. As a result, Métis are included, along with First Nations (named as Indians) and Inuit, as Indigenous (identified as Aboriginal) Peoples in the Constitution Act, 1982.
For Daniels, however, constitutional recognition was just a first step. Since 1867, the federal government had recognized only “status Indians” as being its jurisdictional responsibility. The provincial governments had also not claimed responsibility for Métis and non-status Indians. To this end, in 1999, Daniels and several other plaintiffs launched Daniels v. Canada to determine the federal government’s relationship with the two groups. The case was not decided until 2016, 12 years after Daniels’ death, when the Supreme Court upheld the Federal Court ruling that Métis and non-status Indians are Indians under the British North America Act, 1867, and therefore, come under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
Over his lifetime, Daniels wrote several books on Métis issues and many articles and papers on the Constitution and Indigenous rights. An actor of both stage and film, he also held degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa (honorary doctorate). During his later years, he taught Métis history at the University of Saskatchewan and guest lectured at universities across Canada. In March 2004, Daniels was awarded the Order of the Métis Nation by the Métis National Council.
About the Indigenous Leaders stamp series
This stamp set is the inaugural release in Canada Post’s new multi-year Indigenous Leaders series. On June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – Canada Post will issue three stamps in honour of Indigenous leaders Harry Daniels, Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier and Jose Kusugak.
Stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada beginning June 21.
Canada Post video:
Added June 14th: [press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Canada Post unveils new stamp honouring Inuit leader Jose Kusugak Considered a Father of Confederation for his role in the efforts that led to the creation of Nunavut
RANKIN INLET, NUNAVUT – At an event today in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada Post unveiled a new commemorative stamp recognizing the accomplishments of Jose Kusugak. An Inuit activist, linguist and award-winning broadcaster, Kusugak played a critical role in efforts that led to the creation of Nunavut in 1999, for which many consider him a Father of Confederation.
This is one of three stamps that will officially be released on June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – in recognition of the contributions each Indigenous leader has made to the communities they have served.
About Jose Kusugak (1950-2011)
Born in Repulse Bay, Northwest Territories (now Naujaat, Nunavut), Jose Kusugak dedicated his life to raising awareness of Inuit identity and issues. He coined the phrase “First Canadians, Canadians First” to describe the place of his people within Canada.
A survivor of the residential school system, Kusugak began his own career as a teacher. He worked at the University of Saskatchewan’s Eskimo Language School and the Churchill Vocational Centre in Manitoba, where he taught Inuktitut and Inuit history and later served as a cultural and linguistic adviser. As head of the Inuit Language Commission in the 1970s, he was involved in developing a standardized, dual writing system for Inuktitut, using Roman orthography and syllabics.
In 1971, he joined the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada (ITC), where his natural abilities as a communicator helped in his efforts to disseminate and explain the concept of land claims to Inuit communities. To further spread the land claims message across the Arctic, Kusugak joined CBC North in 1980 as area manager for the Kivalliq region. After 10 years with CBC, he joined the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, introducing new areas of programming in Inuktitut.
From 1994 to 2000, Kusugak was president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. The organization played a pivotal role in negotiating the land claim that created Nunavut, which became a territory on April 1, 1999.
In 2000, he was elected president of the ITC, whose name was subsequently changed to the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), which means “Inuit are united in Canada.” After leaving the ITK in 2006, Kusugak continued to work in regional politics, negotiating on behalf of the Inuit on a variety of important issues.
About the Indigenous Leaders stamp series
This stamp set is the inaugural release of Canada Post’s new multi-year Indigenous Leaders series.
On June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – Canada Post will issue three stamps in honour of Indigenous leaders Harry Daniels, Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier and Jose Kusugak.
The Canada Post video:
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Postes Canada dévoile un nouveau timbre en l’honneur du dirigeant inuit Jose Kusugak Il est considéré par certains comme un Père de la Confédération pour son rôle clé dans la création du Nunavut
RANKIN INLET, NUNAVUT – Postes Canada a dévoilé aujourd’hui un nouveau timbre commémoratif soulignant les réalisations de Jose Kusugak lors d’un événement qui s’est tenu à Rankin Inlet, au Nunavut. Activiste, linguiste et communicateur primé, Jose Kusugak est considéré par certains comme un Père de la Confédération pour son rôle clé dans la création du Nunavut en 1999.
La vignette qui lui est consacrée est l’une de trois qui seront officiellement lancées le 21 juin à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones. Cette émission vise à souligner la contribution de chacun des dirigeants autochtones à leur communauté.
À propos de Jose Kusugak (1950-2011)
Né à Repulse Bay, aux Territoires du Nord-Ouest (aujourd’hui Naujaat, au Nunavut), Jose Kusugak voue sa vie à sensibiliser les gens à l’identité et aux enjeux des Inuit au Canada. Grand défenseur de son peuple, il le qualifie de premiers Canadiens et de Canadiens en premier.
Survivant du système des pensionnats autochtones, Jose Kusugak entame sa carrière comme enseignant à l’Eskimo Language School de l’Université de la Saskatchewan et au Churchill Vocational Centre du Manitoba, où il devient ensuite conseiller linguistique et culturel. En tant que chef de la Commission de la langue Inuit dans les années 1970, il participe à la création d’un système d’écriture unifié basé à la fois sur l’alphabet romain et l’écriture syllabique.
En 1971, il se joint à l’Inuit Tapirisat du Canada (ITC), où son talent de communicateur l’aide à expliquer le concept de revendication territoriale aux communautés inuit. Pour répandre encore davantage son message sur le sujet dans l’Arctique, Jose Kusugak se joint à CBC North en 1980 à titre de chef de secteur pour la région de Kivalliq. Dix ans plus tard, il se joint à l’Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, où il introduit de nouveaux segments de programmation en inuktitut.
De 1994 à 2000, Jose Kusugak est président de la Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., une organisation jouant un rôle essentiel dans la négociation de la revendication territoriale du Nunavut, qui devient un territoire le 1er avril 1999.
En 2000, il est élu président de l’ITC, qui est par la suite renommée l’Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), ce qui signifie « les Inuit sont unis au Canada ». Après son départ de l’ITK en 2006, Jose Kusugak continue à travailler en politique régionale et à mener des négociations au nom des Inuit pour divers enjeux d’importance.
À propos de la série de timbres sur les dirigeants autochtones
Ce jeu de timbres constitue le premier volet d’une nouvelle série pluriannuelle de Postes Canada consacrée aux dirigeants autochtones.
Le 21 juin, à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones, Postes Canada émettra trois timbres en l’honneur des dirigeants autochtones Harry Daniels, la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier et Jose Kusugak.
Added June 15th: [press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] New stamp commemorates extraordinary leadership of Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier The champion of social reform served the most consecutive terms by an elected First Nations chief in Canada
FORT QU’APPELLE, SASKATCHEWAN – Today, at an event in Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask., Canada Post unveiled its commemorative stamp recognizing the incredible 39-year leadership of Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier. As leader of the Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan, she served the most consecutive terms ever by an elected First Nations chief in Canada.
A committed advocate of social reform, Day Walker-Pelletier was part of the Indigenous delegation that met with Pope Francis at the Vatican earlier this year to discuss the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system.
This is one of three Indigenous Leaders stamps that will officially be released on June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – in recognition of the contributions each Indigenous leader has made to their communities.
About Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier
During her nearly 40 years as leader of the Okanese First Nation, on Treaty 4 territory near Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask., Day Walker-Pelletier – who was born in 1954 in Regina – forged her reputation as a matriarch and champion of her people. She led numerous projects related to education, wellness and social reform, while also working to preserve the culture, language and traditions of her people.
In 1981, Day Walker-Pelletier ran for and took office as Chief of the Okanese First Nation. Initially, she intended to serve a single term. However, the community repeatedly asked that she retain her position and she ended up serving 15 two-year terms along with three three-year terms. After her last term ended in 2020, she did not seek re-election.
Throughout her leadership, she fought to improve the quality of life of the Okanese and to protect the culture, rights and traditions of all First Nations people through her involvement in numerous tribal, provincial and national initiatives on social reform, health and wellness, and education. She was an advocate of many important issues including violence against women, drug abuse, economic development, housing, health and education.
A survivor of the residential school system, Day Walker-Pelletier was particularly passionate about improving the lives of women and children. In 2021, a year after she retired, her decade-long dream to reintegrate Indigenous foster children into their families culminated in the opening of the Day walker Home Fire Family Centre.
Day Walker-Pelletier was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018 and invested in 2019. She also received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2021.
About the Indigenous Leaders stamp series This stamp set is the inaugural release of Canada Post’s new multi-year Indigenous Leaders series.
On June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – Canada Post will issue three stamps in honour of Indigenous leaders Harry Daniels, Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier and Jose Kusugak.
Canada Post video on Walker-Pelletier:
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Un nouveau timbre souligne le leadership exceptionnel de la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier La défenseure de l’aide sociale a exercé plus de mandats consécutifs qu’aucun autre chef des Premières Nations élu au Canada
FORT QU’APPELLE, SASKATCHEWAN – Postes Canada a aujourd’hui dévoilé son timbre commémoratif soulignant les 39 ans de leadership de la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier lors d’un événement qui s’est tenu à Fort Qu’Appelle, en Saskatchewan. À titre de leader de la Première Nation d’Okanese, elle a exercé plus de mandats consécutifs qu’aucun autre chef des Premières Nations élu au Canada.
Ardente défenseure de l’aide sociale, Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier faisait partie de la délégation autochtone qui a rencontré le pape François au Vatican plus tôt cette année pour discuter du rôle de l’Église catholique dans le système des pensionnats.
La vignette qui lui est consacrée est l’une de trois qui seront officiellement lancées le 21 juin à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones. Cette émission vise à souligner la contribution de chacun des dirigeants autochtones à leur communauté.
À propos de la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier
À la tête de la Première Nation d’Okanese du territoire du Traité no 4 situé près de Fort Qu’Appelle, en Saskatchewan, pendant près de 40 ans, Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier (née en 1954 à Regina) se forge une réputation de matriarche et de militante. Elle dirige plusieurs projets liés à l’éducation, au bien-être et à l’aide sociale, tout en travaillant à préserver la culture, la langue et les traditions de son peuple.
En 1981, Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier se présente aux élections et devient la cheffe de la Première Nation d’Okanese. Elle a d’abord l’intention d’exercer un seul mandat, mais la communauté lui demande à plusieurs reprises de rester en poste; elle finit par cumuler 15 mandats de deux ans et trois mandats de trois ans. À la fin de son dernier mandat en 2020, elle décide de ne pas se représenter aux élections.
Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier se bat pour améliorer la qualité de vie du peuple d’Okanese et protéger la culture, les droits et les traditions des Premières Nations en dirigeant plusieurs projets tribaux, provinciaux et nationaux liés à l’aide sociale, à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation. Elle défend ainsi de nombreuses causes importantes, notamment la violence faite aux femmes, la toxicomanie, le développement économique, le logement, la santé et l’éducation.
Survivante du système des pensionnats autochtones, elle est particulièrement déterminée à améliorer la vie des femmes et des enfants. Souhaitant depuis une décennie voir les jeunes Autochtones placés dans des foyers d’accueil retrouver leur famille, elle voit son rêve se réaliser un an après son départ à la retraite avec l’ouverture du Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre en 2021.
Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier est nommée membre de l’Ordre du Canada en 2018 et est investie en 2019. Elle reçoit également l’Ordre du Mérite de la Saskatchewan en 2021.
À propos de la série de timbres sur les dirigeants autochtones Ce jeu de timbres constitue le premier volet d’une nouvelle série pluriannuelle de Postes Canada consacrée aux dirigeants autochtones.
Le 21 juin, à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones, Postes Canada émettra trois timbres en l’honneur des dirigeants autochtones Harry Daniels, la cheffe Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier et Jose Kusugak.
Updated June 9th: [press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Five eye-catching stamps depict 20th-century travel posters from a stylish, golden age of commercial art in Canada
TORONTO, June 9, 2022 /CNW/ – Canada Post released five new stamps today featuring nostalgic travel posters from a golden age of commercial art and tourism marketing in Canada.
With railway expansion and, later, the advent of the automobile, Canada’s popularity as a tourist destination surged in the early 20thcentury. Railways and steamship companies promoted the burgeoning industry by commissioning illustrators and designers to target globe-trot ing tourists and Canadians alike. Ad campaigns beckoned people to explore Canada’s wild beauty and urban attractions by promising world-class adventure, scenery and luxury.
The boom in travel advertisements with a distinctive and elegant style fostered a golden age of commercial art in Canada. The five posters chosen for the issue evoke nostalgia for an era of glamorous travel:
An observation car on the Canadian, Canadian Pacific Railway’s premier transcontinental train, in the Rocky Mountains (1955, by Canadian artist Roger Couillard).
The breezy glamour of cruising the Great Lakes with Canadian Pacific (circa 1937, after the work of British artist Tom Purvis).
The Royal York – now the Fairmont Royal York – a landmark hotel in downtown Toronto (circa 1935, by Norman Fraser, birthplace unknown).
Skiing in style at picturesque Mont-Tremblant ski resort, Quebec (1939, by Austrian-born artist Herbert Bayer).
The welcoming sandy beaches and lighthouses of Canada’sspectacular east coast (circa 1950, by Saskatchewan-born artist Peter Ewart).
The stamps were unveiled at the inaugural CAPEX 22 International One Frame Stamp Championship Exhibition held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, June 9-12.
About the stamp issue
The Permanent domestic rate stamps are available in booklets of 10. They were designed by Paprika of Montréal and printed by Lowe-Martin. There is also an Official First Day Cover (above), a souvenir sheet of all five stamps, prepaid postcards (sold separately or in a set of five) and a souvenir sheet overprinted with the CAPEX 22 logo (below).Technical Details:The reverse of one of the postcards. The face is identical to the stamp and indicia:[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Cinq timbres attrayants illustrent d’élégantes affiches touristiques d’une période du XXe siècle très prospère pour l’art commercial au Canada
TORONTO, le 9 juin 2022 /CNW/ – Aujourd’hui, Postes Canada a émis un jeu de cinq nouveaux timbres illustrant des affiches touristiques créées à une époque prospère pour l’art commercial et le marketing touristique au Canada.
Avec l’expansion des chemins de fer et, plus tard, l’avènement de l’automobile, la popularité du Canada à titre de destination touristique bondit au début du XXe siècle. Les compagnies de chemins de fer et de navires à vapeur encouragent l’essor de cette industrie florissante en retenant les services d’illustrateurs et de designers de talent en vue de cibler les touristes d’ici et d’ailleurs. Les campagnes publicitaires invitent les gens à découvrir la beauté naturelle du Canada et ses attraits urbains, vantant ses paysages, sa richesse et ses expériences de calibre mondial.
La multiplication de ces affiches touristiques élégantes au style distinctif contribue à une époque prospère pour l’art commercial au Canada. Les cinq affiches sélectionnées pour cette émission nous rappellent avec nostalgie les voyages de luxe de cette époque. Voici les cinq affiches représentées:
Un wagon panoramique du Canadien, train transcontinental vedette du Canadien Pacifique, traversant les montagnes Rocheuses (1955, de l’artiste canadien Roger Couillard).
La croisière luxueuse sur les Grands Lacs à bord d’un navire du Canadien Pacifique (vers 1937, d’après l’œuvre de l’artiste britannique Thomas Purvis).
Le Royal York (renommé le Fairmont Royal York), un somptueux hôtel au centre-ville de Toronto (vers 1935, de Norman Fraser, lieu de naissance inconnu).
La mode du ski à la superbe station de Mont-Tremblant, au Québec (1939, de l’artiste autrichien Herbert Bayer).
Les plages accueillantes et les phares de la magnifique côte est du Canada (vers 1950, de l’artiste saskatchewanais Peter Ewart).
Les timbres ont été dévoilés à l’occasion de CAPEX 22, première exposition philatélique du concours monocadre international au monde tenue du 9 au 12 juin au Palais des congrès du Toronto métropolitain.À propos de l’émission de timbres
Les timbres PermanentMC au tarif du régime intérieur sont offerts en carnets de 10. Ils ont été conçus par la maison montréalaise Paprika et imprimés par Lowe-Martin. Un pli Premier Jour officiel, un bloc-feuillet composé des cinq timbres, des cartes postales port payé (vendues à l’unité ou en jeu de 5) et un bloc-feuillet avec surcharge orné du logo de CAPEX 22 sont aussi offerts.
Updated June 7th:
[press release] Canada Post to unveil five nostalgic travel posters of popular tourist destinations at CAPEX 22
TORONTO – Canada Post will unveil five new stamps featuring nostalgic travel posters of popular Canadian tourist destinations, including an iconic Toronto hotel, on Thursday, June 9, as part of the opening ceremonies at CAPEX 22, an international philatelic convention. The Vintage Travel Posters stamps feature bold and colourful ads from a golden age of commercial art and tourism marketing in Canada.
WHEN: Thursday, June 9, at 9:30 am
WHERE:
CAPEX 22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Room 104D
255 Front Street West
About CAPEX 22
CAPEX 22 International One Frame Stamp Championship Exhibition will be held June 9-12, 2022 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) in downtown Toronto. It will host more than 80 Canadian and International dealers and feature exhibitors from five continents. For additional information, visit https://capex22.org/.
5684 (10¢) Flags on Barns – Flag on Red Barn Near Well
5685 (10¢) Flags on Barns – Flag on White Barn in Winter
5686 (10¢) Flags on Barns – Flag on White Barn with Gambrel Roof
5687 (10¢) Flags on Barns – Flag on Barn Near Windmill
a. Horiz. coil strip of 4 #5684-5687
5688 (58¢) Paintings by George Morrison – Sun and River a. Imperforate
5689 (58¢) Paintings by George Morrison – Phenomena Against the Crimson: Lake Superior Landscape
a. Imperforate
5690 (58¢) Paintings by George Morrison – Lake Superior Landscape
a. Imperforate
5691 (58¢) Paintings by George Morrison – Spirit Path, New Day Red Rock Variation: Lake Superior Landscape
a. Imperforate
5692 (58¢) Paintings by George Morrison – Untitled
a. Imperforate
b. Vert. strip of 5, #5688-5692
c. Imperforate vert. strip of 5, #5688-5692
they go. But most of them don’t go to the trouble of warning the new collector off certain practices and behaviors that can result in a rude shock as the new collector gains experience, builds a collection, and eventually shares it with other collectors.
lick the part that will adhere to the page. In doing so they get moisture on the stamp, which then sticks the stamp as well as the hinge to the paper. Hinges should be placed flush with the top of the stamp; or as my father taught me, fold the hinge first, and carefully place it so that there is a millimeter of space between the fold and the stamp, as shown nearby. [You can click on this picture to make it bigger.] I’d add that collectors should not be eating, drinking, smoking or vaping while hinging. Whatever is in your mouth, from chemicals to salt to artificially-colored cherries, will transfer to the hinge, and maybe to the stamp. Unless the collector is extremely careful, the stamp may get stained.
moderate amounts. In this category are basements where there is a seepage or humidity problem. Always avoid storage on the floor or even close to the floor; and directly against external walls that are below ground level.
or used stamps, especially those issued before 1950, are likely to have extra value as blocks. Removing a single stamp to place in an album ruins the value of the block.
began as a First Day Cover collector). Thus, covers are seen as a source for stamps for the album, not as objects of interest in themselves. Don’t cut the stamps off every cover you get! The older the cover, the more likely it is to have value as a cover, but even modern covers can have value if the stamp on it is unusual, if it has decorations, postal markings showing some sort of special handling in the mail, or was readdressed and forwarded. [The window envelope shown here is actually a first day cover.]
