Owney the Postal Dog FDC from USA

FDC Name:Owney the Postal Dog 
Issue Date:27th JULY'2011
Details:

Commemorating the unofficial mascot of the Railway Mail Service and an icon of Postal lore, this envelope carries an affixed Owney the Postal Dog (Forever®) stamp and a First Day of Issue postmark.The stamp design features an illustration of Owney against a gleaming background of some of his famous tags and medals. The First Day of Issue postmark includes the date and location of the stamp issue: July 27, 2011, Washington, DC 20066.(Source-USA Post)

Remark:Many thanks to Renate H Thompson, Managing & Membership Director CCCC for sending this nice FDC to me.

FDC from AUSTRIA

Issue Date:20th DEC'2011.
Remark:Thanks Gunter Seiler for sending this self made Christmas FDC with nice first day cancellation on the issue date.

FDC from ARGENTINA

Issue Date:29th OCT'2011
Details:Representative pictorial illustration of the Magi following the star to Bethlehem to the birth of the Child.
Stamp size:35 x 50 mm
Remark:Thanks Viviana for sending this FDC.Please vist Vivina blog http://filateliaparaelmundo.blogspot.com

100th Anniversary of the Alishan Forest Railway minitature sheet registered post FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:100th Anniversary of the Alishan Forest Railway
Issue Date:25th DEC'2011

Details:Alishan, with its beautiful natural scenery and rich ecological resources, is a world famous tourist destination. The Beimen to Erwanping section of Alishan Forest Railway officially opened to traffic on December 25, 1912. Along with the mountain’s sacred trees, sunrise, sunset, and sea of clouds, the railway is one of the “Five Wonders of Alishan.” The Alishan Forest Railway was once a very busy train track because of logging on the mountain. With changes to Taiwan’s economic structure, the railway’s role has shifted from a transporter of lumber to a cultural asset with its scenic spots and historical architecture dating from a century ago. To mark the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the railway, Chunghwa Post has issued a souvenir sheet with two stamps on December 25, 2011.

The souvenir sheet has a bright color scheme with mountains and a route map in the background. Four different trains are featured. One of the two stamps features one train pulled by a No.31 steam engine passing through flowering cherry trees (NT$25); and the other, headed by a diesel engine, is coming out of the No.1 tunnel (NT$5). Elsewhere on the sheet there is a train on the No.13 Bridge over the Niuchou River and a train being pulled by the No. 25 steam engine. With its images of trains traversing the forest, the sheet is imbued with a great sense of dynamism. The beautiful golden emblem on the upper left corner signifies the railway’s glorious service over the last hundred years.

The souvenir sheet is designed by Mr. Tseng Kai-chih and printed by China Color Printing Co., Ltd. in offset.

Remark:Thanks Chen for sending this beautiful miniature sheet FDC by registered post.

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STRIKE IN THE HIGHER MILITARY SCHOOL OF FIRE SERVICE IN WARSAW FDC from POLAND

FDC Name:30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STRIKE IN THE HIGHER MILITARY SCHOOL OF   FIRE  SERVICE IN WARSAW.

Issue Date:2nd DEC'2011

Details:

author: Maciej Jędrysik
number of stamps: 1 in form of block
denomination: PLN 4.15
print run: 400.000
printing technique: offset
stamp size: 31,25 x 43 mm
block size: 70 x 90 mm
paper: fluorescent

Remark:Thanks Andrzej for sending this miniature sheet FDC after long time.I hope we will have good exchange in the year 2012.May The Year 2012 Bring for You, Happiness,Success and filled with Peace,Hope & Togetherness of your Family & Friends....Wishing You a... Happy New Year-2012.

Merry Christmas from INDIA

Merry Christmas to All

World Book Day FDC from CHINA

FDC Name:World Book Day
Issue Date:23-04-2011

Technical Details:

Serial number: 2011-7
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 1.20 yuan
Date of issue: April 23, 2011
Size of stamp: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 170 * 160 mm
Designer of stamp: Hao Ou
Editor in Charge: Tong Liying
Printing process: offset
Printer: Shenyang Posts and Telecommunications Printing House, Liaoning Province

Remark:Though it is difficult to get FDC from Fan Ming who is great real posted FDC collector & sender.For last few months I am not receiving any FDC from him but this FDC I have received from him in the month of MAY.Thanks Fan for sending this FDC by registered post.

New Year’s Greeting(Year of Dragon) FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:New Year’s Greeting
Issue date:1st DEC'2011

Details:

To welcome the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, Chunghwa Post has issued a set of two New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps (Issue of 2011) and a souvenir sheet featuring the upcoming year’s animal sign. The two stamps have denominations of NT$3.50 and NT$13.00, and the souvenir sheet has a denomination of NT$12.00. 

Continuing the pop modern art and traditional Chinese ink-wash styles of the 2010 issue, the vignette of each of the stamps features a dragon or dragons colored with regal purple and nature’s green against an orange background with random yellow splatters. The bright color scheme brings a joyous atmosphere to the Year of the Dragon. The designs follow:

1. NT$3.50 Stamp: Staring into each other’s eyes, this pair of dragons represents the idea of “belonging to each other” and symbolizes that “all one’s wishes will come true.”

2. NT$13.00 Stamp: Holding its head up high and ready to spring into action, the image of this dragon represents “pride” and symbolizes “joy and good health.”

3. NT$12.00 Souvenir Sheet: The image of a proud dragon soaring in the sky conveys the idea of “promotion” and “success.”

This set of stamps features the work of Chen Peiyi, who won a competition to design the stamps. They are printed by China Color Printing Co., Ltd. in color offset.

Remark: Thanks ShChin Chen for sending two FDC on the issue date by registered post.It is a point to be note that, there is two different size for stamps & miniature sheet FDC.Where as India Post never do this so the bigger Miniature sheet  in the most of the case never fit into the FDC.

I have analyzed the stamps issued by India Post in the year-2011 to till date & found that more than 50 % of the stamps issued were on personalities.

Christmas, 2011 FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:Christmas, 2011

Issue date: 2nd DEC'2011

Details: A set of two stamps was issued for Christmas 2011 Printed at "Baltic notes".The details are as follows

1.Face value (Lt): 0.60 

   Mākslnieks Ludis Danilāne

   Print run of 300,000

2.Face value (Lt): 0.35
   Mākslnieks Ludis Danilāne
   Print run of 2,000,000

Remark:Thanks Juris fro sending this year my 1st Christmas FDC.Wish you a Happy & prospers Christmas.

Struve Geodetic Arc FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:Struve Geodetic Arc.
Issue Date:5th MAY'2011

Details:

The stamp block Struve Geodetic Arc, designed by artist Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja, includes two stamps with a face value of LVL 0.35 (corresponds to the cost of mailing a regular letter within Latvia) and LVL 0.55 (corresponds to the cost of mailing a regular letter to a European Union member state). The print run of the stamp block: 70,000.

The new stamp block shows the path of the Struve Geodetic Arc through ten countries, highlighting Latvia's geodetic points Jēkabpils and Sestukalns. These sites are not only parts of the national geodetic chain, but also notable cultural monuments.

Along with the release of the stamp block in Latvia, other countries - Finland, Sweden, Estonia - will also issue stamps on the same subject. Stamps depicting the Struve Geodetic Arc have already been released by the neighboring Lithuania, as well as Moldova and Ukraine. The Struve Geodetic Arc was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.

The Arc, stretching 2822 km through ten countries from the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Norway to the mouth of River Danube at the Black Sea, reminds about the international geodetic surveying works organized by the astronomer F. V. G. Struve in the beginning of the 19^th century. They significantly influenced the course of development of science and helped establish the exact size and shape of the Earth.

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending this beautiful miniature sheet FDC of UNESCO World heritage list.

100th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia FDC issued on 11-11-11

FDC Name:100^th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia
Issue Date:11-11-11

Details:Latvia (Latvian: Latvija), officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Republika), is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia (border length 343 km), to the south by Lithuania (588 km), to the east by the Russian Federation (276 km), to the southeast by Belarus (141 km) and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden. With 2,229,641 inhabitants and a territory of 64,589 km² (24,938 sq mi) it is one of the least populous and least densely populated countries of the European Union. The capital of Latvia is Riga, the official language Latvian and the currency Lats (Ls). The country has a temperate seasonal climate.

The Latvians are a Baltic people, culturally related to the Estonians and Lithuanians. Together with the Finno-Ugric Livs (or Livonians), the Latvians are the indigenous people of Latvia.Latvian is an Indo-European language and along with Lithuanian the only two surviving members of the Baltic branch. Indigneous minority languages are Latgalian and the nearly extinct Finno-Ugric Livonian language. In terms of geography, territory and population Latvia is the middle of three Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Latvia and Estonia share a long common history: historical Livonia, times of German, Polish-Lithuanian, Swedish, Russian, Nazi German and Soviet rule, 13th century Christianization and 16th century Protestant Reformation. Both countries are home to a large number of ethnic Russians (27.3% in Latvia and 26% in Estonia) of whom some are non-citizens. Latvia is historically predominantly Protestant, except for the region of Latgalia in the southeast which is historically predominantly Roman Catholic.

Latvia is a unitary parliamentary republic and is divided into 118 administrative divisions of which 109 municipalities and 9 cities. There are five planning regions: Courland (Kurzeme), Latgalia (Latgale), Riga (Rīga), Vidzeme and Zemgale. The Republic of Latvia was founded on November 18, 1918. It was occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union between 1940–1941 and 1945–1991 and by Nazi Germany between 1941-1945. The peaceful "Singing Revolution" between 1987 and 1991 and "Baltic Chain" demonstration on August 23, 1989 led to the independence of the Baltic states. Latvia declared the restoration of its de facto independence on August 21, 1991.

Latvia is a member of the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, NATO, OSCE, IMF and WTO, and is part of the Schengen Area. It was a member of the League of Nations (1921–1946) and the Baltic Free Trade Area (1994–2004). Latvia is also a member of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and Nordic Investment Bank, and is together with Estonia and Lithuania involved in trilateral Baltic States cooperation and Nordic-Baltic cooperation.

After economic stagnation in the early 1990s, Latvia posted Europe-leading GDP growth figures during 1998–2006. In the global financial crisis of 2008–2010 Latvia was the hardest hit of the European Union member states, with a GDP decline of 26.54% in that period.However by 2010 commentators noted signs of stabilisation in the Latvian economy.The United Nations lists Latvia as a country with a Human Development Index (HDI) of "Very High"(Source-Wikipedia)
Three stamps were issued on 11-11-11 with FDC,These are

1. The Latvian Naval Forces       - Ls 1.00
2. The first Latvian Naval School- Ls 0.60
3. The Latvian Naval Forces       - Ls 0.35 

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending the registered FDC on the issue date 11-11-11.The local and special cancellation is very clear.

75 years of Warrior's Cemetery monument Special Post Mark Cover from LATVIA

FDC Name:75 years of Warrior's Cemetery monument
Issue Date:11-11-11
Remark:Thanks Juris for the nice official special cancellation cover posted on the issue date = 11-11-11

Railway Branch Lines FDC from Taiwan

FDC Name:Railway Branch Lines.
Issue Date:12th NOV'2011

Details:Railway branch lines in Taiwan were originally built to serve specific industries, although they later also began to provide regular and economical passenger services for residents along the lines. After a century or so of operation, the branch lines went into decline due to economic transformation, the rise of highway transport, and the rapid development of cities. But in recent years, as people have demonstrated a greater demand for recreational opportunities, some of these branch lines reopened as heritage railways. Furthermore, in order to provide access to high-speed-rail stations, new branch lines have also been built.

In order to raise understanding about these railway branch lines, Chunghwa Post has issued a set of five stamps, printed in the format of a vertical Se-tenant strip, on November 12, 2011. The designs follow:

1. Shalun Branch Line (NT$5): This 6.52-kilometer branch line in Tainan runs between Zhongzhou Station and Shalun Station, where there is access to Taiwan High Speed Rail’s Tainan station. Aimed at better meeting the Tainan metropolitan area’s transportation needs by linking the high-speed rail line with traditional rail and the planned mass transit system, the building of the branch line required reconstructing the Zhongzhou Station and building two new elevated stations: the aforementioned Shalun Station and the Chang Jung Christian University Station. The line was completed and opened to traffic on January 2, 2011.

2. Jiji Branch Line (NT$5): This 29.7-kilometer branch line runs between Changhua’s Ershui Station and Nantou’s Checheng Station. Originally built for transporting building materials, the line would later carry regular passenger trains and freight trains. Today, it has been transformed into a tourist line. This branch line offers great scenic vistas. Its “green tunnels” is a tourist-worthy attraction. In April of 2010, the section between Longquan and Checheng was closed for tunnel renovations. On July 9, 2011, the project was completed, and the line was once again fully opened.

3. The Neiwan Branch Line (NT$12): This 29.9-kilometer branch line runs between Hsinchu Station and Neiwan Station. Originally built for the agriculture, logging, and mining industries, the line gradually shifted its focus to passenger service. There’s a plethora of natural beauty, cultural assets, and ecological resources along the way. In accordance with a plan to improve this line as well as the Liujia Branch Line, beginning in March of 2007, a section on the line between the Hsinchu and Zhudong stations was closed. It is scheduled to reopen on November 12, 2011.

4. Liujia Branch Line (NT$12): This 11.28-kilometer branch line runs between Hsinchu Station and Liujia Station. To meet the transportation needs in the area between Hsinchu and THSR’s Hsinchu Station in Liujia, the Taiwan Railways Administration has undertaken a project to connect its TRA system to the THSR. This project involves elevating the section between the Bei Hsinchu Station and Zhuzhong Station, a section to connect the Zhuzhong Station to the Liujia Station, and building five new stations. The line is expected to open on November 12, 2011.

5. Pingxi Branch Line (NT$15): This 12.9-kilometer branch line runs between Sandiaoling and Jingtong of New Taipei City. Originally a railroad built exclusively to ship coal, it was later for passenger and freight trains. The line boasts views of enchanting rural landscapes. The quaint old streets of the towns along the line, the old train stations, and folk customs such as the releasing of sky lanterns in Pingxi have all contributed to make this branch line a popular and unique tourist line. 

Remark:Nice Se-tenant strip FDC posted by Chen on the First day by registered post.The FDC is larger in size to accommodate the 5 strip of stamps with very good railway cancellation.

Save Vansinshing Species-TIGER FDC from USA

FDC Name:Save Vanishing Species
Issue Date:20th SEP'2011
Details: 

A new U.S. postage stamp featuring a tiger cub that went on sale is a first of its kind stamp that will allow purchasers to support international wildlife conservation. Net proceeds from sale of the Save Vanishing Species stamp directly support efforts to save beloved species like elephants, tigers, and great apes.

The Save Vanishing Species stamp now available at Post Office locations in USA and USPS.com. It will sell for 11 cents more than a First Class Mail stamp — 55 cents — and $11 for a sheet of 20.

The stamp is the result of a 10-year effort led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other international conservation organizations, including Wildlife Conservation Society.

All proceeds raised will benefit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multinational Species Conservation Funds, which support efforts by numerous conservation organizations, including WWF, to protect wild populations of tigers, rhinos, elephants, great apes and marine turtles. Some of these efforts by WWF have included:

•     Surveying tigers and their prey in Nepal
•     Collaring and tracking elephants in Mozambique
•     Reducing marine turtle bycatch in Gabon
•     Restoring rhino populations to protected areas in India
•     Preventing the spread of tuberculosis in elephants in Nepal

“This is an easy way for individuals to use their purchasing power to help save vanishing species every time they mail a letter,” said Ginette Hemley, senior vice president of conservation strategy and science at WWF. “By purchasing these stamps, anyone can play a direct role in protecting some of our most iconic and endangered wildlife. As Congress considers deep funding cuts to federal programs that protect these species, this stamp is an innovative way to ensure that species conservation continues to receive the support it needs.”

The stamp was created by the Multinational Species Conservation Funds (MSCF) Semipostal Stamp Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support last year. WWF played a major role in the approval of the stamp, including proposing the original idea in 2000. The program, which is administered by the USFWS, supports the conservation of many of the world’s most charismatic species. Despite its modest size, this program has broad support, including more than 20 million members of the organizations that comprise the Multinational Species Coalition. The program also stimulates public‐private partnerships and has leveraged more than three times as much in matching funds from conservation groups, corporations and other governments.

The Amur tiger cub featured on the stamp is an iconic symbol of the plight of endangered species around the world. Fewer than 3,500 tigers remain in the wild and WWF is working with other conservation groups, governments and local communities throughout their range to protect these remaining tigers from poaching and habitat destruction.

“We are extremely grateful to the U.S. Postal Service for creating a wildlife stamp that is not only beautiful, but also gives the public a chance to help preserve these magnificent animals in the wild,” said Hemley.

The stamp can be ordered today from the USPS website. Visit WWF's website to learn more about endangered species and ways that you can help.

ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit http://www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.(Source-US Postal Service)

Remark:Thanks AW Welch for sending such beautiful official FDC.This is will enhance my Tiger collection.This is a great effort by USPS & we philatelist contribute for the great cause.

11-11-11 Cover form LATVIA

Thanks Juris for the nice 11-11-11 cover from Latvia.I hope you must have received my cover posted to you on 11-11-11.

BOURDELLE - MAILLOL Miniature sheet FDC from FRANCE

FDC Name:BOURDELLE - MAILLOL

Issue date:4th NOV'2011

Details:Aristide Maillol, French sculptor and painter of Catalan origin born in 1861 in Banyuls sea.He died in 1944.The work of Aristide Maillol sculpture is almost entirely based on the study of the female body: most often depictions of naked women body strong and solid, standing, sitting or lying.(Source-France Post)

Remark:Thanks Eric for sending such Nice miniature self made First day Cover on the issue date.

Renewed Latvian Republic the first postage stamps FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:The renewed Latvian Republic the first postage stamp-20.

Issue Date:19th OCT'2011

Remark:This special cancellation has been done on 19th Oct'2011 in Riga & was sent on the issue date by Juris.

Birds of Latvia- Off White Warbler FDC from LATIVA

FDC Name: Birds of Latvia- Off White Warbler
Issue Date:23rd SEP'2011

Details:

In the newly issued stamps Icterine Warbler and Snake Eagle, artist Ģirts Grīva has depicted the beautiful birds found also in the territory of Latvia. The stamp with the image of the Icterine Warbler is particularly notable, as this bird has not previously been depicted in a stamp of any other country; therefore, it could be of particular interest to collectors.

The face value of the stamp Icterine Warbler is LVL 0.35 (corresponding to the cost of mailing a regular letter within Latvia), its print run - 800,000 stamps. The denomination of Snake Eagle is LVL 0.98 (corresponding to the cost of mailing a registered letter within Latvia), with a print run of 300,000 stamps.

The Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) is a small songbird, found in the territory of Latvia from early spring to fall. The bird is most frequently found in bushes of woodland, as well as in parks and gardens; it loves being near water. Like other warblers, the Icterine Warbler is insectivorous, but also takes other food items, such as berries. The Icterine Warbler's song sounds like a fast murmur. (Source-Lativa Post)
Remark:Thanks Juris for sending this FDC but you have send only one FDC with two stamps.I would love to get the other FDC of-The Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus).

ROCUPEX'11 TAIPEI Postage ATM Label(Formosan Samber Deer) FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:ROCUPEX'11 TAIPEI Postage ATM Label-Formosan Samber Deer
Issue Date:7th OCT'2011
Details:

The Formosan Sambar is a subspecies of sambar found in Taiwan. It is the largest native herbivore there. Its fur color changes with season to provide camouflage, it is yellowish brown in the summer and dark brown in the winter.

Remark:This is my 6th ATM Label stamp from Taiwan.All the ATM stamps I have received by registered post.Many many thanks for Chen.The first day cancellation of Formosan Sambar is excellent.

2nd Print of the National Flower FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:2nd Print of the National Flower
Issue Date:10th OCT;2011

Details:

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Republic of China, Chunghwa Post is issuing a 2nd print of a single “National Flower Postage Stamp” with a denomination of NT$100 on October 10, 2011, ROC’s national day. The design of the stamp follows:

Printed in intaglio combined with offset, this high face value stamp incorporates several different printing techniques. The two blooming plum blossoms on the lower right corner and the frames of the stamp are printed in offset, while the plum blossoms and the branches in the center as well as the stamp’s denomination are printed in intaglio. The plum blossoms, branches and the line frame are printed in gold; and the denomination is, for the first time in Chunghwa Post’s history, printed with variable ink which is for anti-counterfeiting and normally used on banknotes. The sheet contains ten stamps arranged in a double-ten pattern, while the marginal inscriptions are of different plum blossom ink-wash paintings. This classic, exquisite sheet is well worth collecting.(Source-Chunghwa Post).

Technical Details:

Paper used:	Phosphorescent stamp paper	Designer:
Printer:	Central Engraving and Printing Plant	Stamp size:	30 × 40（毫米）
Color:	Colorful	Process:	Intaglio/offset
Perforation:	131/2	Back:

Remark:This is a high value stamp & FDC sent by Chen on the issue date by registered post.Chunghwa Post has adopted lot of new printing technology for this stamp.India post should learn from this.