Does anyone know about any weird stamps? When I say weird I guess I mean something that deviates from the norm. For instance, this particular Swiss stamp is actually made of wood...very thin birch! I think it's such a unique idea, I would love to hear more instances of stamps that are made from different things (if they exist!)
Here is one I just read about: These Swiss postage stamps LOOK and smell like chocolate - and they are even wrapped in foil like an actual chocolate bar would be! I would loooove to find a mint condition collection of these!
Several countries made decalomania postage stamps. Here are some U.S. essays that used the technique. A short description of the process is at the bottom of the page on the link. I have a couple of Prussian State decalomania stamps. https://www.mysticstamp.com/Products/United-States/79-E8a/USA/#
I did not know,that other countries but Prussia have issued stamps printed by the Löwenberg- technic. Obviously the US don´t have.The above are essays only.What are the other countries, who have ? I personally own the 30 Gr. (Prussia) only. It is mint,but pasted on some paper.Probably the best way to collect these extremely delicate stamps.
This Austrian release stamp was made from soccer ball material!! I think this is amazing - way to really make it unique!
I guess you are right Werner. The U.S. made a few essays using that technique, but never issued any as postage. The two Prussian stamps I found are the only examples that were issued as postage. The technique has been broadly used in labels, decals and other such material, but I suppose found unsuitable for public use. http://picclick.com/70E-1864-LOWENBERG-PATENT-ESSAY-XF-A-GEM-170988800791.html Interestingly as I looked around I found modern decalcomania uses. The cigarette revenue emblems on cellophane wrappers are a prime example. http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1938/04/23/fascinating https://www.google.de/patents/US3025211
I would not call it a unique idea.Odd materials were used for stamps long before. In 1963 the DDR (GDR) issued a souvenir sheet printed on Dederon,a polyamide similar to Perlon or Nylon. In 1969 Bhutan issued stamps and s.s. printed on a steel-folio. In the same year again Bhutan issued a set and s.s. printed on artificial silk showing Thangkas.One of the most appealing stamp series I know.The colouring of these stamps is unrivaled. In 1973 Bhutan issued roses on stamps,scented like roses. In the same year they issued a set of seven,called "speaking stamps".These were seven small records with different songs.Face value was 20.60 Nu. (Ngultrum = Indian Rupee) Then about US $ 3.-. Today they are valued around $ 300.- ! So the "wooden" stamp from Switzerland is not that original.By the way it is not made from birch but from pine-wood.It is said,that the wood is going to "mature" in different ways,so that in a not too far future the stamps will be discoloured and probably became unstable.
You can smell the chocolate-smell only,if you rub the stamp,what likely will damage it´s surface ! Just another gimmick-issue.
I know,why I ended my Austria-cllection with the introduction of the Euro ! Just another tasteless stamp of a greedy administration,aming to milk stamp-collectors.
Werner do you remember the 22 carat gold foil stamps that seemed to plague the market for many years? That I believe was the epitome of the "milk the collector" period. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YdbI7KXoL._SX300_QL70_.jpg
Is it okay to collect stamps that have been cancelled? Like from old letters in the attic? I know they may not be worth any money (or are they?) because they are not in mint condition, but they are sometimes pretty interesting. Does anyone else do this?
Yes,I have some rememberance of the gold-foil stamps.However I connected them mainly with a number of former french colonies in Africa. As I do not collect any african countries apart from Mauritius,I have no up-to-date catalogue for Africa. My 1989 Michel does amazingly list the above stamp.It is part of a set of 25 stamps (Mi.no.A380-Y380),all valued Kwacha 1.50.Issued on Feb.19th, 1987.No price is given,but a note,reading: "It is doubtful that these stamps were ever used for postal purposes" Sure they were issued for milking collectors only. But I have no problems,if dirt-poor countries,like most in Africa,try to get money by any means. However I resent the rich countries,like Switzerland, doing the same !
Yes, I think most of us here collect cancelled or used stamp. I personally prefer used stamps over mint ones.
Hello all, Thailand has issued a number of metal foil stamps over the years. This set issued 1999-12-05. The foils are Gold, Silver and Vermeil (copper). These are from my 1999 yearbook but I have a number of used examples too. postage value is 100 Baht each (about 6$us) (international postage or parcels over 2Kg (4.4lbs). I believe that the foil image and text are three microns thick. These were issued to celebrate King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej 72nd Birthday I have some more examples which I will sort out and post later. Regards, James
Hello JudyD, some of those letters from the attic could contain the most valuable stamp that you will ever own, it has happened before. If you find one of these I'll let you buy me a bottle of bubbly There were 240 printed in 1847, and there are only 26 known examples today. The current estimated value is us$1.67 million. Good luck in your search. Regards, James
