December 2024

British Occupation

British Occupation of Italian Colonies – Somalia

East African Forces (E.A.F.) Issue – 1943 Stamps: Overprinted E.A.F. on Great Britain stamps (SG Nos. S1-S9). Background: During World War II, these stamps were issued for use in territories under British military control in East Africa, including Somalia. Uniquely, these overprinted stamps were also authorized for use in the United Kingdom starting in the […]

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Italy 1932 – Dante Alighieri Society Stamp Issue

In 1932, Italy released a series of postage and air mail stamps celebrating the Dante Alighieri Society, a prominent institution dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture globally. The set, catalogued as SG Nos. 314-325 (Postage) and 326-332 (Air), features some of Italy’s greatest historical figures, including poets, philosophers, and writers, alongside iconic works by

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The French Sinking Fund Semi-Postal Stamps (1927-1931)

The French government issued a series of semi-postal stamps between 1927 and 1931 to support a sinking fund created to reduce the national debt after World War I. These stamps not only served their primary postal purpose but also contributed an additional surcharge directed towards the fund. Historical Context The First World War left France

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Wartime Correspondence: A Glimpse into 1940s Alexandria

In the early 1940s, amidst the backdrop of World War II, a photograph postcard depicting the serene Stanley Bay Beach in Alexandria, Egypt, was sent to the United States. This postcard not only captures a picturesque moment of Alexandria’s coastline but also serves as a testament to the era’s postal practices, featuring a distinctive Retta

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British Military Postcard from Kantara – The Suez Canal (1919)

This postcard provides a fascinating glimpse into the British military’s postal activities in Egypt during the immediate post-World War I period. Sent from Kantara, a critical location along the Suez Canal, it showcases not only the importance of the region but also the pivotal role played by the Army Post Office in facilitating communication between

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Austrian Painters

Austria 1932: Honouring Austrian Painters Through Stamps

In 1932, Austria issued a commemorative set of six stamps to honour some of its most celebrated painters. This series, known as the Austrian Painters Issue, combines stunning portraiture with fine detail to pay tribute to individuals who have contributed to Austria’s rich artistic legacy. Each stamp carries a surcharge to support arts and culture,

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The Story of Bantams: Postage Stamps and Poultry

South African Bantam Stamps (1942–1944) The term Bantams is famously associated with the reduced-size postage stamps issued by South Africa during the years 1942 to 1944. These miniature stamps were introduced as part of wartime conservation measures to save paper during World War II. Their compact design not only symbolized practicality but also represented a

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Mustafa Kamil

Egypt – 1958: 50th Death Anniversary of Mustafa Kamil

In 1958, Egypt issued this commemorative stamp to honor the 50th death anniversary of Mustafa Kamil Pasha, a distinguished lawyer, journalist, and fervent nationalist. The stamp, valued at 10 milliemes, features a dignified portrait of Mustafa Kamil in traditional Egyptian attire, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to the nation and his role as a voice for

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Beirut International Airport

Lebanon – 1954 Airmail Stamps: Commemorating the Opening of Beirut International Airport

On April 23, 1954, Lebanon inaugurated Beirut International Airport, a modern and strategic air hub that would later play a significant role in the Middle East’s aviation landscape. To celebrate this milestone, Lebanon issued a series of airmail stamps showcasing the newly constructed terminal and its state-of-the-art facilities. About the Stamps Design and Features: The

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