Latest update of this archive: 17 April, 2017
For older items, see News Archive January - June 2016
News Archive July - December 2015
News Archive January - June 2015
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News Archive January - June 2014
News Archive July - December 2013
News Archive January - June 2013
News Archive July - December 2012
News Archive January - June 2012
News Archive July - December 2011
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News Archive 2006-2007.
Armenia: Van Cat on Children's Philately Stamp
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Algerian Atlas Lion
Tajikistan Wild Cats
25 Years of Kazakh Independence
Reported by D.G.Naryshkin
Brunswick Christmas Market
For the traditional Christmas market in Brunswick, the German Post has anounced a special postmark to be used on 23 November 2016. The postmark shows the famous Brunswick Lion statue.
You can obtain this postmark by sending addressed envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:
Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung BRIEF Berlin 1
Sonderstempelstelle
DE-11508 BERLIN, Germany
The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 24/364", and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last day of use.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.70
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.90
Reported by Geir Arveng
Sweet Kisses Duostamps from Belgium
Belgium's bPost issued a set of 5 pre-personalised stamps on 22 November 2016 called Sweet Kisses, showing various animals "kissing". Two of the stamps show cats - one shows two kittens, and the other one a cat and a rabbit.
The stamps are issued in packs/booklets of 10 (two of each design), and are denominated 1 for inland postage (EUR 0.74 on issue) and is sold at a EUR 1.00 premium at EUR 8.40.
Reported by Geir Aveng
Trapezitsa Museum Azeri Version
The Trapezitsa Museum in Veliko Tyrnovo, Bulgaria has been restored with financial aid from the Azeri Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and to mark this event, the Azeri Post issued a single-stamp miniature sheet denominated AZN 1.50. The MS was issued 22 November 2016. The MS is issued in both perforate and imperforate versions. The selvedge shows a Lion Statue. The MS is issued both in perforate and imperforate versions.
This is a joint issue with Bulgaria, whose version was issued 22 September 2016.
Reported by Geir Arveng
New Big Cats from Israel
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Ukrainian Year of the Rooster Stamp
Ukaraine issues a stamp for the Year of the Rooster on 11 November 2016. There's a tiny tiger at 11 o'clock on the zodiac circle in the background. The stamp is issued in sheetlets of eight, and the zodiac circle is also in the margin. The publicity picture is, however, not good enough to decide whether the Tiger is visible there…...
Reported by Geir Arveng
Dutch Children's Welfare Stamps
The Netherlands will issue a busload of storybook characters on November 7 for the 100th anniversary of illustrator Sophia Maria Westendorp. Two cats are included on this fun, semipostal 6-stamp miniature sheet for child welfare. All stamps are denominated 1 (inland postage - EUR 0.73 on issue) + EUR 0.39.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Austrian Animalistic Christmas Booklet
50th Lonigo Philatelic and Numismatic Exhibition
For the 50th Lonigo Philatelic and Numismatic Exhibition, a special postmark will be in use on 29 October 2016.
The postmark shows a Lion Rampant from the Lonigo CoA.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Vicenza
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Viale Venezia 6
IT-36100 VICENZA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 938 ("Bollo N. 938")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
22 October 2016:
Santa Margherita di Belice Philatelic Exhibition
The Association for Collectors and Miniature Model Fans of Santa Margherita di Belice in Sicily organizes a philatelic exhibition under the motto "Santa Margherita Yesterday and Today" during the weekend 22-23 October 2016.
On the 22 October, the Italian Post takes part with a commemorative postmark showing the silhouette of a Lion.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
U.P. Agrigento Centro
Sportello Filatelico
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 7
IT–92100 ARGRIGENTO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 910 ("Bollo N. 910")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
PhilaTaipei 2016
On 22 October 2016 - as part of the PhilaTaipei 2016 stamp programme - Chungwa Post on Taiwan issues a TWD 47, 2-stamp MS dedicated to Environmental Protection. The TWD 15 stamp as well as the selvedge shows animal silhouettes, among them several wild cats. There's a Cheetah at nearly twelve o'clock, with a male Lion just below. Another Cheetah can be found in the stamp's upper right corner. A cat slihouette can also be found partly covered by the exhibition logo (I think), and there's another one at three o'clock on the stamp walking onto the selvedge. The tree with animal silhouettes can also be found on the FDC cachet.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Year of the Monkey-MS from Kazakhstan
Reported by D.G.Naryshkin
Portugese Military Heraldry
On 21 October 2016 Portugal issued a set of 6 stamps showing coats of arms of various military units. 5 of the 6 stamps include lions rampant.
All stamps are denominated EUR 0.47 (inland letter rate).
The same CoAs can be found in the FDC cachet, and there is also a presentation pack.
The stamps and products can be ordered at WOPA.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Italiafil 2016
For the Italiafil 2016 Philatelic Exhibition in Bologna, several special postmarks will be in use on 21 and 22 October 2016. One of the postmarks in use 21 October celebrates the 9th Centenary of the City of Bologna and shows the city CoA with a Lion Head.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane S.p.A.
U.P. Bologna Centro
Sportello Filatelico
Piazza Minghetti, 4
IT–40124 BOLOGNA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 949C ("Bollo N. 949C")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
Croatian Cave Lion
Reported by Marci Jarvis
300th Anniversary of the Refomed Church of Poughkeepsie
For the 300th Anniversary of the Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie, the USPS will be offering a commemorative postmark on 10 October 2016. The postmark shows the Coat of Arms of the Reformed Church in America, with several Heraldic Lions.
The postmark is avalable for ordering until 10 November 2016, by sending franked letters/postcards to::
United States Postal Service
Poughkeepsie Station
Postmaster
55 Mansion Street
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY 12601-9998
USA
Postage:
US postcard: USD 0.34 or a postcard stamp
US letter: USD 0.49 (or a Forever stamp)
International postcard/letter: USD 1.15 (or a Global Forever stamp)
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Stamp Day: 200th Anniversary of Siegburg
For Stamp Day 2016 and to celebrate the Bicentenary of Siegburg and the 70th Anniversary of the Siegburg Stamp Friends, the German Post will use a commemorative postmark showing the Siegburg CoA with a Lion Passant on 9 October 2016. The local Stamp Day Event will take place at Saal der ev. Kirchengemeinde, Annostr.14, 53721 Siegburg (opening hours not stated).
You can also obtain this postmark by sending addressed envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:
Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Privatkunden/Filialen
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 19/288", and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last day of use.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.70
International: Postcard/letter EUR 0.90
Reported by Geir Arveng
Legnano and San Vito al Tagliamento Philatelic Exhibitions
For the 31st Philatelic Exhibition of Legnano, a special postmark will be in use on 8 October 2016. The postmark shows the Legnano CoA with a Lion Rampant.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
U.P. Busto Arsizio
Sportello Filatelico
IT–21047 BUSTO ARSIZIO (VA), Italy
Refer to postmark no. 878 ("Bollo N. 878")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
For the Philatelic Exhibition of the San Vito Workers Cultural and Educational Society, a special postmark will be in use on 8 October 2016. The postmark shows an imperial soldier with a Lion.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Pordenone
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via S. Caterina, 6
IT–33170 PORDENONE, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 880 ("Bollo N. 880")
Postage: Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
60th Anniversary of the Saarland Treaty
On 6 October 2016 the German Post will issue a pre-stamped envelope to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Saarland Treaty, changing the territory's status from French protectorate to a state of the German Federal Republic. The Saarland CoA with two Lions Rampant can be seen both in the main stamp indicium and in the cachet.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Malaysian International Definitives
On 1 October 2016, Malaysia extended the general sales tax to inland postage, and thus issued a series of definitive stamps for international postage (without GST). Two of the international stamps are cat-related. The MYR 0.10 stamp - dedicated to traditional festivals - shows a Lion Dance costume, and the MYR 0.50 stamp - representing Malaysian Wildlife - shows a Tiger.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Kazoopex 2016
For the Kazoopex Philatelic Exhibition in Comstock, MI, the USPS is offering a special postmark in use at the exhibition on 1 and 2 October 2016. The postmark i Halloween-themed, and shows a black cat.
The postmark is avalable for ordering until 2 November 2016, by sending franked letters/postcards to::
United States Postal Service
Kazoopex Station
Postmaster
PO Box 9998
COMSTOCK, MI 49041-9998
USA
Postage:
US postcard: USD 0.34 or a postcard stamp
US letter: USD 0.49 (or a Forever stamp)
International postcard/letter: USD 1.15 (or a Global Forever stamp)
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Planetary Correspondence
Bi-centenary of the Norwegian National Bank
Reported by Geir Arveng
Danish Gnomes
In preparation for Christmas, the Danish Post issued a set of stamps showing the traditional Danish Nisse (Gnome or Pixie). One of the five DKK 8.00 stamps (basic inland postage) shows a gnome dancing with a cat.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
11th National Rally of the Lagunari Amphibious Troops' Association (Veterans Group)
For the 11th National Rally of the Lagunari Amphibious Troops' Association (Veterans Group), a commemorative postmark will be in use in San Vito al Tagliamento, in Pordenone, Italy on 25 September 2016.
The postmark shows the vetran association's crest with the Lion of St. Mark.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Pordenone
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via S. Caterina, 6
IT–33170 PORDENONE, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 794 ("Bollo N. 794")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
Italian Lions Club Postmark
For the 29th Congress of Lions District 108 Ta1, a special postmark will be in use in Verona CPO on 24 September 2016.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Verona
Servizio Commerciale / Filatelia
Via delle Coste
IT–37138 VERONA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 792 ("Bollo N. 792")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Geir Arveng
UN Stamps with Eye on Africa
The UN Postal Administration issued a set of miniature sheets dedicated to the CITES COP17 Eye on Africa Conference in Johannesburg on 24 September 2016. The MSs contains 4 stamps for each office, and one of the NY stamps shows a Lion.
There are also Lion silhouettes on the cover and in the conference logo.
The issue is presented at the UNPA website.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Trapezitsa Museum Bulgarian Version
The Trapezitsa Museum in Veliko Tyrnovo, Bulgaria has been restored with financial aid from the Azeri Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and to mark this event, the Bulgarian Post issued a single-stamp miniature sheet denominated BGN 1.50. The MS was issued 22 September 2016. The selvedge shows a Lion Statue.
This is a joint issue with Azerbaijan, whose version was issued 22 November 2016.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Azeri WWF-Stamps with Manuls
Reported by Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis
Australian Endangered Species Set
Bavarian Beer Purity Law
The Bavarian Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) was put in force 500 years ago, and this is marked with a commemorative postmark in Munich during the traditional Oktoberfest from 17 September to 3 October 2016.
The postmark shows a cartooninsh take on the Bavarian CoA with the two Lion supporters toasting and drinking beer.
Should you be in Munich for the foaming festivities, the postmark can be obtained at the main entrance of the Theresienwiese, 80336 Munich, where the philatelic team will be present from 10:00 - 20:00 (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.). There will also be a souvenir postcard available, but we haven't seen it (and do not know whether it will be pre-franked or not).
You can also obtain this postmark by sending addressed envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:
Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Privatkunden/Filialen
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 18/249", and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last day of use.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.70
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
French Manga: Gryf - the Leonid Jaguari Prince
France will release a setenant strip of 2 stamps with 2 labels dedicated to Les Legendaires on 16 September 2016. Les Legendaires is a french comic series in the vein of Japanese manga, created by Patrick Sobral in 2004. The stamps and labels features characters in the series, and one of the label features Gryf, pictured as a leonine character, who is a Jaguarian.
Reported by TS Tan
Parables of the Sages: The Lion and the Heron
Florida Panther on UNESCO-stamp
Reported by TS Tan and Nahum Shereshevsky
Czech Zoological Gardens
The Czech Post will issue a miniature sheet dedicated to Czech Zoological Gardens on 7 September 2016.
The MS will be a CZK 54.00 4-stamp MS. A CZK 17.00 stamp representing Jihlava Zoo shows Snow Leopards. There's also a CZK 13.00 stamp representing Olomuc Zoo with Lions and an undenominated label with Cheetas.
There are different First Day Postmarks from the 4 zoos/cities represented, and the one from Jihlava shows a Snow Leopard.
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Geir Arveng
French Lion Proverb
France issued a booklet of 12 self-adhesive stamps representing sayings and proverbs. the stamps are denominated Lettre Vert (economy letter up to 20g - EUR 0.70 on issue).
Many proverbs are related to cats and felines, and this time one of the stamps represents the expression "The Lion's Share" (La part du lion).
Reported by Geir Arveng and Richard Parisien
160th Anniversary of San Gregorio di Catania
There's a commemorative postmark in use in San Gregorio di Catania in Italy on 3 September 2016 to mark the 160th anniversary of the municipality. The postmark shows the municipal Coat of Arms with two lions rampant.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
U.P. Catania Centro
Sportello Filatelico
Via Etnea, 215
IT–95124 CATANIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 676 ("Bollo N. 676»)
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.95
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 1.00
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 2.20
Oceania: EUR 2.90
Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö
Another Pet Postmark
Reported by Marci Jarvis
160 Years of Holden
Reported by Terrence Palmer
23rd International Congress of Byzantine Studies
Reported by Uglješa Stefanović
Endangered Species from Belgium
On 20 (presales) and 22 August 2016 (official date of issue), bPost issued a Miniature Sheet with 5 stamps denominated 1 Europe (EUR 1.13 (in quantity) /1.23 (single stamp) on issue) dedicated to endangered animal species. One of the stamps shows a Siberian Tiger.
The official date of issue is 22 August 2016, and there are two different first day postmarks in use in Brussels on that date - one with Flemish text first, and onther one with French text first. This is the date the stamps became generally available in all post offices. As is customary in Belgium, there's also a limited advance sale - this time in the Flemish city of Genk on 20 August 2016. All the postmarks show a Siberian Tiger.
Reported by TS Tan
Overprinted Tajikistan WWF-stamps
On 15 August 2016 the Tajik post issued an overprinted version of the 2002 WWF stamps showin Jungle Cats The stamps have been overprinted with TJS 4.00 and the year 2016.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Tourism in India
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Aardman - 40 Years of Creativity
In a set of stamps to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the British animation studio Aardman. The GBP 1.24 stamp (overseas airmail letter rate) shows the cat character Cuddlepuss.
The stamp can be ordered from the IOM Philatelic Bureau or from WOPA.
Reported by Heather Symes
Rare Animals of Bangladesh
Bangladesh issued a set of stamps on 10 August 2016 deicated to Rare Animals. The stamps were issued in conjunction with Thailand 2016 - 32nd Asian International Stamp exhibition. Two of the four BDT 10 stamps show cats - one with an Asiatic Golden Cat and another with a Clouded Leopard.
The stamps are issued se-tenantly in ordinary sheets, as well as in a 4-stamp miniature sheet sold at BDT 100 (franking value BDT 40). The cats are also shown on the selvedge.
There's also a special edition of the MS - imperforate and with the Thailand 2016 logo - sold at BDT 150.
The cats can also be found in the FDC cachet.
There's discussion as to whether the animal in the postmark is a civet or one of the cats. Your webmaster believes it to be the civet, whereas others hold the opinion that it most likely be the clouded leopard. There are trees on the Clouded Leopard stamp, and also a branch in the postmark. The civet isn't especially arboreal.
Reported by Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis
150th Anniversary of Budapest Zoo
The Hungarian Post issued, on 9 August 2016, a souvenir sheet with a lion on the selvedge, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Budapest Zoo. The single-stamp MS is denominated HUF 1000.
See the Hungarian Post's webstore for more information.
You can also download the Hungarian Post's information brochure in Hungarian or English.
Reported by TS Tan
US Pets Stamps
On 2 August 2016 USPS issues a booklet of 20 self-adhesive stamps showing various pets. Two of the Forever-stamps (inland letter rate - USD 0.47 on issue) show cats. One stamp shows a black and white Exotic Shorthair kitten, and another one shows a brown-tabby Maine Coon.
The First Day Ceremony takes place in Las Vegas, NV, and the FDI Digital Color Postmark also shows the silhouette of a cat.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
International Tiger Day / Tadoba-Andhari National Park
For International Tiger Day 29 July 2016, India Post issues a set of stamps showing Tigers of Tadoba-Andhari National Park. There are two stamps, both showing Bengal Tigers, denominated INR 5.00 and INR 25.00, respectively.
There's also a two-stamp miniature sheet with the two stamp designs. The stamps from the MS are perforated 13¾ : 13¼, while the stamps from ordinary sheets are perforated 13¾, so technically there are two stamps of each design.
There are official FDCs both for the individual stamps and the MS, and there are many first day postmarks to look for. So far we have seen postmarks from:
110001 New Delhi
208001 Kanpur
482001 Jabalpur
560001 Bangalore
600002 Chennai
695001 Thiruvananthapuram
Reported by Marci Jarvis
150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter's Birth
To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter's Birth, Royal Mail issues a set of 6 stamps, a self-adhesive retail booklet and a prestige booklet.
One of the GBP 1.52 stamps (European letters up to 100g) shows Tom Kitten. The stamp is available from ordinary sheets, as well as from the prestige booklet.
There's a cat on the cover of the prestige booklet, and the same kitten can also be found on pane 3, where you'll also find the Tom Kitten stamp.
Ther are two First Day / Commemorative postmarks showing cats. One from Helmsley in York showing Tom Kitten, and another one from Potter Close, Birmingham showing another cat.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
The Night of the Masks
On 16 July 2016 a commemorative postmark with a little black cat was in use in Pont Canvese in Italy to mark «The Night of the Masks - the XXIst 'Consert of the Street'». Unfortunately this came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Doraemon Stamps from Japan
On 1 July 2016 Japan Post issues a series of stamps dedicated to the robot cartoon cat Doraemon. The stamps are issued in two self-adhesive sheetlets, each consisting of 10 different stamps denominated JPY 52 and JPY 82 respecyively. 8 of the JPY 52 stamps feature Doraemon or his sidekick Dorami, whereas all 10 JPY 82 stamps show Doraemon.
As usual with newer Japanese stamps, there are two basic designs fo First Day Postmarks. One for cancelling machines showing Doraemon and Nobita Nobi on the time machine, an another design for hand cancellers showing Doraemon dressed as a postman. There are 10 post offices offering the machine postmark and a total of 61 using the hand canceller. Click here for a detailed list.
Reported by Geir Arveng
For older items, see News Archive January - June 2016
News Archive July - December 2015
News Archive January - June 2015
News Archive July - December 2014
News Archive January - June 2014
News Archive July - December 2013
News Archive January - June 2013
News Archive July - December 2012
News Archive January - June 2012
News Archive July - December 2011
News Archive January - June 2011
News Archive July - December 2010
News Archive January - June 2010
News Archive 2009
News Archive 2008
News Archive 2006-2007.