Why the Fourth Bureau Issue Is So Complex Presentation By: Tara Stewart The Fourth Bureau Definitive Issue (often just called the “Fourth Bureau” or the “Regular Issue”) covers a series of U.S. stamps printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) from 1922 to 1930. At first glance, many of these stamps share the…

Presentation by Phil Pritchard Introduction French West Africa holds a special place in the world of philately due to its many territorial shifts and rebranding of colonies. Names like French Sudan, Upper Volta, and Dahomey have been replaced by the modern-day Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin, respectively. As a stamp collector, it’s easy to feel…

World War II left its mark on nearly every aspect of life in Europe, and Greece was no exception. For philatelists, Greek WWII stamps tell a unique story of national pride, resistance, and eventual liberation. This article explores how stamps from the Greek-Italian War, the Axis occupation, and the post-occupation resistance periods reflect a turbulent…

Italy’s philatelic history is rich with both artistry and significance, and its first airmail stamp issue after World War II is no exception. Released in October 1945, this post-war set of airmail stamps reflects a transitional period in both the country’s history and its postal system. In a recent presentation, Roger Mooney offered insights into…

In this presentation Allan Smith explores the complex history of Greek and Albanian stamps, focusing on the turbulent period from 1912 to 1916. This historical journey begins with a simple letter containing a Greek stamp purchased on eBay and quickly unfolds into an exploration of the stamps from the island of Kastellorizo, the region of…

Allan Smith’s recent presentation explored a remarkable piece of postal history—a military letter from 1913, sent during the First Balkan War. This rare artifact offers a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent period when Greece briefly controlled territories that would later become part of Albania. Despite the unfinished nature of Allan’s presentation, it provides valuable insights…

Philately offers an intriguing way to explore the rise and fall of empires, and the stamps issued by the Portuguese Empire tell a vivid story of its global presence. In his recent presentation, Phil Pritchard guides us through the fascinating history of Portuguese colonial expansion, its key treaties, and the rich variety of stamps that…

The world of stamp collecting offers endless opportunities to discover rare varieties and historical nuances. In a recent presentation by Arnie Janson, we took a closer look at some fascinating varieties of Queen Victoria stamps, from the iconic Three Penny Beaver to the intricate Large and Small Queen series. With a focus on specific varieties,…

Exploring Greenland Stamps: A Philatelic Adventure with Sam Vascones Greenland, the world’s largest island, holds a unique place not only geographically but also in the world of philately. Sam Vascones’ presentation takes us through the fascinating history of Greenland’s stamps, showcasing their rich connection to the island’s past and its intriguing global ties. This blog…

Discovering Saseno: A Hidden Gem of Stamp Collecting Saseno, a small island off the coast of Albania, might not be on the radar for most people, but its rich history and unique stamps make it a fascinating topic for collectors. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Saseno’s history, its strategic importance in the…