JeffS
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What I collect: Oranges Philately, US Slogan Cancels, Cape of Good Hope Triangulars, and Texas poster stamps and cinderellas
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Post by JeffS on Sept 25, 2020 21:37:33 GMT
If you were to send just one stamp to someone who knew nothing about your country...
What would it be?
And why.
(And of course post a pic )
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philatelia
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Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
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What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Sept 25, 2020 22:37:43 GMT
While an interesting idea, let's be cautious that this doesn't become a political discussion.
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renden
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What I collect: World W collector with ++ interests in BNA (Canada etc) and USA
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Post by renden on Sept 25, 2020 22:41:29 GMT
No politics here - Canada is well known for its allegiance to the Queen but the 1st stamp had nothing to do with the Monarchy Unitrade Spec Canada Catalog/Scott/etc.... # 1 the Beaver !! our symbol..
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JeffS
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What I collect: Oranges Philately, US Slogan Cancels, Cape of Good Hope Triangulars, and Texas poster stamps and cinderellas
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Post by JeffS on Sept 25, 2020 23:54:46 GMT
For me, it would be the se-tenant block for the Boston Tea Party, the event which to me epitomizes the spirit which began my country, the United States.
(Yea I cheated a bit )
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Beryllium Guy
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What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Sept 26, 2020 7:36:29 GMT
Thanks, JeffS. I agree that this is an interesting idea for a thread, but it also seems like it may be a bit self-limiting the way it is set up. I am from the US, of course, and you have now made a nice post for the US, so there it is.... not much left for me to contribute, unless I want to post some other US stamp. It's too bad, because I can imagine other stamps that I see as quintessentially associated with particular countries, but as I am not actually from any of those places, there's really nothing more I can contribute on the subject and be consistent with the stated theme of the thread. So, I will sit on the sidelines and observe what others post about their countries of origin.
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JeffS
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What I collect: Oranges Philately, US Slogan Cancels, Cape of Good Hope Triangulars, and Texas poster stamps and cinderellas
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Post by JeffS on Sept 26, 2020 9:10:32 GMT
Beryllium Guy - there’s no reason not to submit your suggestion of a US stamp. I think different ideas will be interesting. I, too, look forward to posts for other countries.
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philatelia
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Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
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What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Sept 26, 2020 9:22:17 GMT
Ok - here’s my entry The First Man on the Moon Stamp exemplifies the best of America. This event was the culmination of the work of the brilliant immigrant minds that fled Europe after the war, of amazing women of color like mathematician Katherine Johnson, of the quiet engineers with their pocket protectors, of the best of the best from our universities, of thousands of our finest scientists, of our military who trained the pilots who became astronauts and of tens of thousands of American workers. The basic research needed to achieve this goal catapulted our scientific and technical knowledge ahead by decades and we are still benefiting even today. THIS is what America can achieve when we set aside politics and focus on science and engineering and (literally) reach for the stars. Yo! Ad Astra!
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cursus
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What I collect: Catalan Cinderellas. Used Switzerland, UK, Scandinavia, Germany & Austria. Postal History of Barcelona & Estonia. Catalonia pictorial postmarks.
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Post by cursus on Sept 26, 2020 9:42:47 GMT
As my country, Catalonia, has not (by now!) the power of issuing its own stamps I've choosen a stamp issued by Barcelona's City Council, our capital and my hometown. The use of these stamps was compulsory on all domestic mail going out of Barcelona's area between 1929 and 1947. This stamp, issued on 1936, shows our townhall Gothic façade (mid XIV century). On the upper left of the door it can be seen Santa Eulàlia's window; there, city's flag was hoisted whenever the city was at war, allways to defend Catalonia's freedom. So, to me, it's a symbol of our constant fight.
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Londonbus1
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Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
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What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 26, 2020 11:44:38 GMT
I have chosen the stamp issued by Israel Post on 31st March 1949. It celebrates the 1st year of Independence, and depicts the Flag of the State of Israel. Someone who knows nothing about a country must first learn about it's Flag ! (Being a Flag collector I may be a little biased !!). The centre of the Flag shows the 'Shield of David' (Magen David) a Jewish symbol for over 700 years. The Blue and white bands derive from the Prayer Shawl, the 'Tallit'. The design has Zionist origins, the Nationalist movement being at the forefront for the establishment of a Jewish State. The flag was adopted after Independence in May 1948. I have chosen this specific stamp NOT ONLY for the reason of learning. But also for the reason of understanding........of understanding that something may be missing. So my interpretation of this stamp goes further. The missing bar of the 'E' in Israel should symbolize that something is still has to be achieved. Peace with our immediate neighbours. Only then can we replace the missing bar in that 'E'. Londonbus1
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vikingeck
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What I collect: Samoa, Tobacco theme, Mail in Wartime, anything odd and unusual!
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Post by vikingeck on Sept 26, 2020 11:49:23 GMT
since JeffS has loaded 4 stamps I hope I am allowed the Robert Burns Mini sheet ...... It has , in addition to the man , his statement of the worth and quality of the individual , rich or poor , plus the usual symbols of Scottish identity. The two flags , the cross of St Andrew and the Lion Rampant, with the thistle proclaiming our prickly nature, and of course where would we be without our tartans ( which some of you call Plaid) Burns also wrote the words " Should Auld acquaintance be forgot ............for Auld Lang Syne!" sung as an anthem of friendship all round the world even if folks don't know the correct words!
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hrdoktorx
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What I collect: France (and French territories), Africa, Canada, USA, Germany, Guatemala, stamps about science, flags, maps, stamps on stamps...
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Post by hrdoktorx on Sept 26, 2020 12:04:37 GMT
A tough question! As with Chris ( Beryllium Guy), for me the concept of "home country" is somewhat ill-defined. I have lived long-term in seven countries, am a citizen of two, and have not spent more than 1/3 of my life in any of them. Every day I go to work, I cross into an international enclave where we forget our national identities and work together to the "benefit of all mankind" (quote from our founding treaty). So I consider myself a citizen of the world, and my home "country" is the worldwide scientific enterprise. So my choice is the United Nations 15c stamp issued for Expo'67 in Montréal (both aspects which also have special meaning for me) and depicting "Truth" which associates itself best with the goals of science:
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Londonbus1
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Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
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What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 26, 2020 12:33:17 GMT
Dual Nationality should give me the right to post again here shouldn't it ? Yeah, why not !! Anyway, I am always calling England, 'home'. There are many stamps to choose from including those of any of the Monarchs. But I have chosen a block I like very much which epitomizes the spirit and determination of the British (football aside)........The Battle of Trafalgar issue of October 2005. One that gave continued freedom from the French . (I might have been a Frenchman, consider that!?) Someone who knew nothing about Britain would be fascinated by the Battle of Trafalgar and the Naval Commander who went against the Navy Rules to win a great victory, Admiral Lord Nelson. The stamps depict scenes from the battle at Cape Trafalgar where Nelson defeated the French & Spanish without the loss of a single ship. But I could always post a Flag.................
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anglobob
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What I collect: France and French Colonies,French cinderellas British Commonwealth QE2
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Post by anglobob on Sept 26, 2020 12:42:11 GMT
I do not live in England now but always consider it my home.As Londonbus1 says,there are so many stamps and topics to choose from---so much history and tradition.I have chosen the set of British Design Classics showing various British icons...although some may disagree with the term classic for some of the items!!
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Londonbus1
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Cinderella Stamp Club Member 3059
Posts: 4,884
What I collect: Cinderellas and some Ephemera from Great Britain, France and Israel plus a few beautiful bits from elsewhere !! Topical interests include Flags & Judaica, the latter with an emphasis on the Jewish National Fund.
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Post by Londonbus1 on Sept 26, 2020 13:19:59 GMT
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renden
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What I collect: World W collector with ++ interests in BNA (Canada etc) and USA
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Post by renden on Sept 26, 2020 13:32:14 GMT
If you were to send just one stamp to someone who knew nothing about your country...
What would it be?
And why.
(And of course post a pic )
Jeff - I have to congratulate you on this thread - Posts, up to now, have been quite interesting and I hope more members participate Thanks again ! René
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vikingeck
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What I collect: Samoa, Tobacco theme, Mail in Wartime, anything odd and unusual!
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Post by vikingeck on Sept 26, 2020 14:45:12 GMT
Well Rene, renden, I know you North Americans do a lot more Huntin' and Shootin' than we do over here in this little island, but I can't help being amused at your targetting the poor little beaver's backside ! ( Seriously it is a rather nice example of a rather fine stamp!)
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renden
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What I collect: World W collector with ++ interests in BNA (Canada etc) and USA
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Post by renden on Sept 26, 2020 15:04:27 GMT
Well Rene, renden , I know you North Americans do a lot more Huntin' and Shootin' than we do over here in this little island, but I can't help being amused at your targetting the poor little beaver's backside ! ( Seriously it is a rather nice example of a rather fine stamp!) I quoted your post, Alex, since it touched points for my rebuttal: 1) Canada, as a Country, has way less guns and shooting(s) than our neighbors to the South and the term North American is rarely used here LOL ! We just finished "Moose hunting week" (very popular) 2) I like the target cancel on my "beaver stamp" and thanks for pointing this out 3) Finally, since I have no rebuttals, I like your "humor" side as you are in general a very serious person www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/official-symbols-canada.htmlHoping not to receive a scolding by ADMIN (for the quote), Thanks !
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Admin
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Post by Admin on Sept 26, 2020 15:12:14 GMT
No scolding from Admin today as he's grown tired of trying to get members to understand that using the quote to respond to the post that immediately precedes the response is not necessary. What is that French term that describes the futility of my quest? Perhaps, c'est la vie.
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Sept 26, 2020 15:25:31 GMT
Here is one of my favourites, the 20¢ Harvesting Wheat definitive (issued December 4, 1930) overprinted for the Grain Exhibition and Conference in Regina, Saskatchewan, issued on July 24, 1933. Canada was, and still is the breadbasket to the world. Wheat was a major crop back then & is still widely grown. Different plants are grown all over the Prairies now, and shipped to many countries around the world.
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rex
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Post by rex on Sept 26, 2020 19:50:21 GMT
Hoping to be allowed to post a series, here it is "The Michelangiolesca " the ordinary series issued 60 years ago on march 6 1961. This is the series of my childhood that for me represent Italy and turned on the fire of collecting monuments of paper.
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kasvik
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What I collect: Cancels mostly, especially Sweden Gävle and Lidingö, Switzerland Geneva, Germany Pforzheim
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Post by kasvik on Sept 27, 2020 2:47:44 GMT
My American nominee is the one penny Washington from the 1954 Liberties. Washington is what the country is all about; aspirations and stumbles. And this is my personal Washington. It was a brave stamp, a deliberate effort to humanize the barely-human Washington. I guess that was behind the choice of the Stuart portrait from 1795. The engraving is marvelous. It shows him quickly growing old—Washington lived fast and aged fast—his best years were over. You see the man’s power, his remoteness, and something else; maybe his departing uncertainty about the future of his creation.
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hrdoktorx
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What I collect: France (and French territories), Africa, Canada, USA, Germany, Guatemala, stamps about science, flags, maps, stamps on stamps...
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Post by hrdoktorx on Sept 27, 2020 6:20:12 GMT
Like some other bi-nationals, I'll allow myself some reposting on this thread. If I reinterpret JeffS 's question to mean how I would describe FRANCE in a single stamp, then my choice is immediately the "Appel du 18 juin" issue from 1964. Not only for the rousing of French national spirit it represents, even though, to be fair, it took quite a while for most in France and its colonies to answer the call. The modern identity of France is wholly centered about the mythology of General de Gaulle, and his influence is still felt in bedrock aspects of current French society: our current Constitution and strong presidential mode of government, socialized healthcare, women's suffrage, state-management of retirement accounts, regional decentralization, etc...
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hrdoktorx
Member
Posts: 6,616
What I collect: France (and French territories), Africa, Canada, USA, Germany, Guatemala, stamps about science, flags, maps, stamps on stamps...
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Post by hrdoktorx on Sept 27, 2020 6:26:24 GMT
But if I interpret "home country" to mean "the place where you come from", and since like cursus, I've had some independency militancy in my past, then I must describe QUEBEC, for which I choose the 1934 Jacques Cartier issue from Canada. Because this is Jacques Cartier discovering the St-Lawrence, the cultural lifeblood of the province, and claiming the area for France, which is so critical to the identity (some might even say "distinct") of the region:
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hrdoktorx
Member
Posts: 6,616
What I collect: France (and French territories), Africa, Canada, USA, Germany, Guatemala, stamps about science, flags, maps, stamps on stamps...
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Post by hrdoktorx on Sept 27, 2020 6:36:08 GMT
Of course, if one must be constrained by the strict political definition of "country", then I must describe CANADA, in which case I choose the 1935 RCMP issue. It's pure Canadiana mythology, but also embodies the wide open spaces of the country, the spirit of adventure and resilience of Canadians, tempered by orderliness and tradition:
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Post by clivel on Sept 27, 2020 6:59:36 GMT
As another dual national it was a choice between my land of birth, or my adopted homeland, but as the latter, Canada, is already very well represented in this thread, I chose the country I was born and raised in, South Africa. As to the choice of stamp, I could have chosen one from one of the four founding colonies, or the Union Of South Africa, or the Republic Of South Africa that came later. All of which make for a very rich postal history, but don't all really convey the essence of the country. So instead, what I chose was a souvenir sheet commemorating Mandela's 90th birthday.
I chose this particular sheet for two reasons, firstly, Mandela truly united the country, and secondly the portrait of Mandela on this sheet, was painted by my wife's first cousin. Clive
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cjoprey
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Scanning stamps for my website...
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What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
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Post by cjoprey on Sept 27, 2020 12:29:18 GMT
OK - this is a great idea, and also proved to be very hard. First I had to choose which country - I'm tri-national Belgian, British and Irish. I decided to go with Belgium as it is the country I was born in. Then I had to decide what it was about Belgium that I loved and therefore considered to be the most important to share. There is the rich long history, the chocolate and pastries, the Europe-wide organisations based in Brussels, the vibrant transport hubs of the Antwerp ports, the famous statue of "Manneken Pis" in Brussels, the huge number of breweries, the birthplace of the saxophone, etc, etc, etc... I eventually decided that the one thing which is so special about Belgium for me is the vibrant community and culture around dining out with good food, beer, friends and family. Most town squares are essentially a series of cafes and restaurants, and every evening you will find them filled with people enjoying the company and the atmosphere. Now I had to find a stamp that showed this, and I finally found one:
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Post by stamphinger on Sept 27, 2020 15:22:00 GMT
The write-ups and reasons for choosing the stamps selected for this thread are excellent!
SH
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salentin
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collecting Germany,where I live and about 20 more countries,half of them in Asia east of the Indus
Posts: 5,633
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Post by salentin on Sept 27, 2020 17:17:30 GMT
Luther probably was the German,who had the biggest impact on to the world.At least the Western World. Highly educated and a very sharp mind,he translated the bible into German.However at the time there was
no single one german language.Only by his bible a unified modern German (language) was established. Being german is identical with the german language.So he became the founder of the nation.
He embodied the characteristics of Germans: straight forward to rudeness and taking on a fight with a seemingly allmighty adversary: the roman church. However he also was the personification of Germany´s dark side.He was an outspoken anti-Semit. He declared the freedom of all people.But when this led to an huge uprise of the country-folk against their rulers, he took the side of the establishment. He was no Messias.But he also was no devil. He also was,what would be called today,a great entertainer.One of his many sayings,the one I like most:
"Aus einem traurigen Arsch kann kein fröhlicher Furz entweichen".
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Sept 27, 2020 17:48:15 GMT
Geeze!
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Post by stamphinger on Sept 27, 2020 18:37:26 GMT
Aus einem traurigen Arsch kann kein fröhlicher Furz entweichen
That Luther, besides being a theologian, he was a philosopher to boot! LOL
Don StampHinger
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