Stamp Column Archives

The Glassine Surfer Column Archive

This column originally appeared in the American Philatelic Society's monthly magazine, "The American Philatelist." Since then some of the information may be out-of-date depending on how far back you're reading.

January 2002

Later this month

The USPS is waiting with three new issues: "Winter Sports" from Salt Lake City, Utah, which is rushing to get ready for the Winter Olympiad opening 8 February; the "Mentoring A Child" issue; and one of the most popular new stamp series continues with this latest lunar new year issue, "Year of the Horse," which starts 12 February.

New Years Day will again be filled with the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Sugar Bowl games, and the Tournement of Roses Parade from Pasadena, California, and later in the month, your representatives in Washington will attend a joint session of Congress to hear the annual "State of the Union Address."

And the country focuses on tolerance and acceptance by celebrating Martin Luther King Day on January 21st.

Philatis

Collectors of Canadian issues are indeed lucky that the National Archives in Ottawa have devoted so much time and money to putting the country's philately and postal history online.

There are also several pages of introductory material to the postage stamps of Canada for the uninitiated but curious visitor. Under "Preview of the Collections" are several pages dealing with topics such as production and preservation, using photos and video clips.

Then there's the "Exhibition" with Canada's stamp issues grouped into thematic collections, such as New France, national parks, and prime ministers, but for a complete online showing of all of Canada's issues, just hit "Canadian Stamps."

But the real gem is the research link that leads to "Philatis," Canada's postal archives, which houses a wealth of data, much of it available for viewing online.

You can search the database with a visual or a keyword search. The visual search presents users with the complete list of Canada's annual issues, as well as the pre-Confedration issues.

Just click on a stamp issue for details about that stamp. For example the half-pence Victoria of 1852-57 appears with a date of issue and printer's credit along with a link to documents related to the stamp.

In this case they were 20 stamps, seven of which were then available as online scans, ranging from a single issue and three different plate proofs. A random choice brought up a 640x641 pixel scan of a pane of 120 overprinted "SPECIMEN" with various details about the ink and cardstock.

Canadian Postal Archives
http://www.archives.ca/08/080608_e.html

Another important site for Canadian philately is the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. The site is a good place to get acquainted with Canadian stamps as well as the RPSC.

They have several detailed articles from their journal online, such as "The Small Queens Issue: 1870-1897," "The Admiral Stamps of Canada," "The Stamps of Kaulbach Island," and "Grizzly History."

It's a good place to find out what's happening in Canadian philately.

The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada
http://www.rpsc.org/

Teacher note: be sure to check the "Games" at the Canadian Archives for interactive learning resources.

GCPS

The Germany and Colonies Philatelic Society features member stamp exchanges, auctions, a lending library, "Germania" magazine, and regional and study groups among other services.

Their Web site is innovative and polished, putting the Hollenzollern eagle and Java to good use, and there is a password protected member's bulletin board. And for anyone just stopping by there's an open visitor's board.

Founded in 1947, membership is international, and it is home to both beginning and specialized German area collectors.

Germany & Colonies Philatelic Society
http://www.germanphilately.org