Philosateleia
Kevin Blackston
PO Box 217
Floresville TX 78114-0217
United States of America

Philosateleian Blog

Another Fellowship BRE features preprinted faux stamps

I wrote last month of receiving a business reply envelope from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. That envelope bore four preprinted stamp-sized designs--two copies of each of two different designs—featuring various Jewish symbols.

Last week, I received a different BRE in another mailing from The Fellowship. This envelope featured four copies of two new preprinted designs: one pictures a menorah shield design, while the other has an illustration of the Old City of Jerusalem with the Wailing Wall.

International Fellowship of Christians and Jews business reply envelope with four preprinted stamp-sized designs featuring Jewish symbols
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews business reply envelope with preprinted stamp-sized designs

Technically, I suppose the two copies of the Old City design could be considered different since one has blue shading throughout, and the second has blue shading only in the sky, but other than that they look identical.

The earlier envelope had simulated preprinted die cuts around the designs printed on it, and this one has simulated preprinted perforations. While I probably would have omitted the drop shadow behind the designs, I like the overall look.

Como Park Post issues new stamps, reprints official seal

On February 26, 2024, Como Park Post issued a set of three new local post stamps. The various designs featuring symmetrical vignettes have 1¢, 3¢, and 5¢ face values.

Como Park Post 1¢, 5¢, and 3¢ stamps
Como Park Post 1¢, 3¢, and 5¢ stamps

The 3¢ value is printed on a very thin paper. Each of the stamps appears to be printed in at least two colors.

Como Park Post operator Tom B. also sent along a sample of a new printing of an official seal that I first mentioned last April. This one appears to be in a maroon or burgundy color, and features a profile of George Washington.

Como Park Post official seal picturing George Washington
Como Park Post official seal

If you’re not familiar with this modern local post, Como Park Post has operated in the Saint Paul, Minnesota, area for years, and it’s good to see Tom is still producing new material.

Bermagui Local Post issues stamps picturing dragon, blue pool

Bermagui Local Post in February issued two new stamps, and I recently received on-cover copies of both.

The first, a 40¢ Year of the Dragon stamp, was issued February 4.

Bermagui Local Post 40¢ Year of the Dragon stamp
Bermagui Local Post 40¢ Year of the Dragon stamp

The second, also a 40¢ stamp, pictures the Blue Pool, an ocean swimming pool in Bermagui, New South Wales, Australia. The stamp was issued February 11.

Bermagui Local Post 40¢ Blue Pool stamp
Bermagui Local Post 40¢ Blue Pool stamp

Bermagui Local Post operator Miro J., who makes local deliveries in the immediate Bermagui area, designed both of these stamps. In addition to his local post activities, Miro also manages the Universal Register of Local Posts.

As an aside, Philosateleian Post played a small role in making these stamps happen, handling printing and perforating for both issues.

Purgatory Post commemorates Winnie-the-Pooh’s centennial

New Hampshire’s Purgatory Post on February 29 commemorated the centennial of the beloved bear Winnie-the-Pooh. The 6-sola stamp features two illustrations of Winnie-the-Pooh—accompanied by Piglet in one—as well as a photo of author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, after whom the boy in the stories is named.

Purgatory Post 6-sola Winnie-the-Pooh Centennial stamp
Purgatory Post Winnie-the-Pooh Centennial stamp

The first reference to Winnie-the-Pooh appeared in a February 1924 edition of Punch, and he later appeared in other magazines and books. To modern audiences, the Walt Disney version of Pooh wearing a red shirt is probably best known, and I’m quite certain that was the earliest version of which I was aware.

I know this because of a small book that I have on display in my home office, Winnie-the-Pooh and the Pebble Hunt. Judging by the inscription inside the front cover, I think it was probably one of my first books, being presented to me by Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Wileen when I was less than 16 months old.

Cover of Winnie-the-Pooh and the Pebble Hunt
Winnie-the-Pooh and the Pebble Hunt

The book reminds me of dear friends who are no longer with us, and Purgatory Post operator Scott A.’s new stamp reminded me of the book. Very nice.

Angeles City Local Post celebrates sisig

My post office box contained several interesting items when I checked it last Thursday, and I plan to share them with you over the next few days. The first is this postcard from Jamos C., the operator of Angeles City Local Post in Angeles City, Philippines. It bears a copy of a 1-peso local post stamp.

Angeles City Local Post 1-peso Sisig stamp on postcard
Angeles City Local Post Sisig stamp on postcard
Angeles City Local Post 1-peso Sisig stamp
Angeles City Local Post Sisig stamp

The text within the design reads “sisig”; when I enter that in Google Translate, it returns a translation of “head cheese,” which Wikipedia further defines as a cold cut terrine or meat jelly. Doesn’t really sound like my sort of food, but it does probably explain the presence of the pig in the lower right corner of the stamp.

I don’t have any other information (such as first day of issue and so forth) about this local post stamp, but I’m quite certain I don’t have many local post stamps from that part of the world—and no others picturing this particular dish.

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