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Postmark Identification with the Postmark Reveal: A Philatelic Tool
Introduction In a recent presentation, Tara Stewart introduced the Postmark Reveal tool, a free online service that helps philatelists decipher hard-to-read postmarks. The tool was brought to the philatelic community’s attention by Edward Grabowski and has quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Tara provided a live demonstration, illustrating how this tool can…
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Rare Avis de Réception (AR) Markings From French Colonies
Introduction to the French Colonial Group Type In this presentation, philatelist Edward Grabowski shares his extensive knowledge and personal collection of French colonial stamps, focusing on the “Group Type” and locally produced return receipt (AR) markings. Between 1976 and 2019, Grabowski built an impressive collection, studying the locally produced hand stamps and AR markings used…
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From Greece to Korytsa: Exploring a Recent Philatelic Acquisition
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…
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Korçë (Korytsa) 1912-1917: Postal History Amidst Balkan Turmoil
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…
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A Comprehensive Reference on Portuguese Colonial Stamps
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…
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Canadian Queen Victoria Stamps and Covers: A Study in Rare Varieties
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,…
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Exploring Greenland Stamps: Vikings, Polar Bears, Missionaries and More
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…
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Saseno Island Stamps: A Complete Collector’s Guide
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…
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Washington Bicentennial Stamp Covers: The Peebles Institute Scam
In his presentation, Edward Grabowski explores the intriguing story of the Peebles Institute of Health and its fraudulent operations, which spanned from the late 19th century to the 1930s. Run by Dr. Peebles and Dr. Bobo from Battle Creek, Michigan, this institution specialized in quackery—offering dubious “cures” for various ailments, including goiter and diabetes. The…
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Discovering WWII’s Postal Innovation: Airgraph Letters
The Fascinating History of WWII Airgraph Letters: Postal Innovation on Microfilm During World War II, communication between soldiers on the frontlines and their loved ones was vital. However, the logistical challenge of sending physical letters across oceans presented significant hurdles, especially given the limited space available on military aircraft. To solve this problem, the British…
