Latest update of this archive: 21 February, 2019
For older items, see News archive July - December 2010, News archive January - June 2010, News archive 2009, News Archive 2008, and News Archive 2006-2007.
Issues to Keep an Eye on in 2011
Stamp issue programmes for 2011 has started ticking in from postal administrations around the World. In this space we will list issues we notice that might include cat items.
Canada
In January there'll be a Year of the Rabbit stamp and miniature sheet. Canada has often shown all the zodic animals in the selvedge of their Lunar New Year miniature sheets, so there might just be a tiger there.
In March there's an issue for the anniversary of Parks Canada. We have heard rumours of a Canadian Lynx.
Finland
We have seen a presentation of Finland's Christmas stamps for 2011, and one of the stamps shows a Christmas Gnome with a cat. The issue is planned for 4 November 2011. UPDATE: This design was eventually dropped from the final issue.
Great Britain
On the 22 March 2011 Royal Mail will issue a set dedicated to WWF. Since there was a Wildcat in 2010, it's probably too much to hope for one more?
Update: No Wildcat, but three other cats. See the news story below.
Hong Kong
22 January 2011 is the day the HK Year of the Rabbit stamps are issued.
Alongside the four Rabbit stamps, there alre also a number of stamps and other philatelic items depicting the other zodiac animals. There's a sheetlet of 12 stamps, one for each animal in the lunar cycle. Unfortunately we have only so far seen a very litle scan of the sheetlet, and do not yet know the denomination of the stamps. The Tiger stamp is the third in the top row.
Then there's a set of 4 flocked stamps dedicated to the four latest animals in the cycle, so naturally there's a Tiger there as well. These stamps are all denominated HKD 10.00.
As the previous last few years, there'll be a high denomination miniature sheet with both the outgoing (Tiger) and incoming (Rabbit) zodiac animal. The HKD 50.00 Tiger stamp is embossed with gold foil.
Israel
There'll be a WWF issue showing the Asiatic Leopard - probably in February. We haven't seen a scan yet, but watch this space.
Update: See news story below.
Monaco
4 January 2011: Monaco Cat Show
Undisclosed date: 50th Anniversary of Lions International in Monaco
Switzerland
3 March 2011: The Swiss Post will issue a CHF 0.85 stamp dedicated to the Swedish comic book characters Pettson and Findus. The picture above is of Pettson and his cat Findus, but is not the design of the stamp. Update: See news story for the actual stamp.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky and Geir Arveng
Ukrainian Homestead
Ukraine's Ukrposhta issued a miniature sheet of 5 stamps entitled Ukrainian Homestead on 25 June 2011. The 5 stamps of the MS show different animals and form a composite design of a farmhouse with the selvedge. One UAH 1.50 stamp shows a black and white cat.
The MS sells at UAH 8.50 and consists of 3 x UAH 1.50 (inland letter rate) and 2 x UAH 2.00 (foreign letter rate) stamps.
The MS and an FDC is for sale at Ukrposhta's Online Store.
Reported by Geir Arveng
A Six-pack of Manxes
Many countries in the world count wild cats among their national symbols, but only on the Isle of Man you'll find a domestic cat to play that role.
The tailless Manx, indigenous to the Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea, has been actively used in the promotion of the island as a holliday destination and has been firmly established as a recognizable national symbol. It has previously been presented on IoM stamp issues, including the very first series of definitive stamps issued by the IoM Post Office in 1973. The Manx is a recognized breed with all major registries of the Cat Fancy.
On 23 June 2011 the Isle of Man Post Office issues a set of six stamps showing vintage postcards featuring Manxes.
The stamps are denominated GBP 0.37, 0.38, 0.58, 0.76, 1.15 and 1.65.
In addition to the stamps, theres also an FDC sold at GBP 5.59 with a Manx in th First Day Postmark, and a Presentation Pack with the entire set and further information on the stamp issue, as well as additional images of the Manx.
The stamps can be ordered from the Isle of Man Post Office's Online Shop.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Hello Kitty Stamps from Japan
Reported by Geir Arveng
Herberstein World of Animals Stamp Sheet
On 15 June 2011 Post.at issued a sheet of pre-personalised stamps dedicated to the animals of Herberstein World of Animals, a zoo in Eastern Austria. The sheet consists of 20 stamps with different designs, 15 denominated EUR 0.62 (inland letter rate) and 5 denominated EUR 0.70 (international letter rate).
Four of the stamps show cats. Amongst the ER 0.62 stamps there's a Cheetah and a Eurasian Lynx. Amongst the EUR 0.70 you'll find a Puma and a Lion.
The Logo of the zoo shows the face of a stylized Lion, and can be found in the upper margin of the sheet.
The sheet can be ordered from Post.at's online philatelic shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Montenegro in The Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE)
Montenegro Post celebrated the first Montengrin participation in the GSSE with two stamps issued 9 June 2011. The EUR 0.30 stamps shows a volleyball with the Montenegrin Coat of Arms.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Teenie's Fishing Derby
The Annual Teenie's Fishing Derby in Chittenden, VT takes place on 5 June 2011. As in previous years, there's a commemorative postmark designed by Donna Wilkins for the event.
US commemorative postmarks are available for 1 month after the last date of use, and this one can be obtained by sending postcards or envelopes franked with US stamps to:
Teenie's Handicapped & Seniors Fishing Derby
30th Anniversary Station
Postmaster
198 Chittenden Rd.
CHITTENDEN, VT 05737-9998
USA
Postage rates:
US: Postcard USD 0.29
Letter USD 0.44
CA/MX: USD 0.80
World: USD 0.98
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Spike and Suzy Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of ‘Heide’ Train Station
Heide in Belgium has been serviced by its railway station for a century, and NMBS/SNCB celebrates this by issuing a railway stamp Minature Sheet denominated EUR 8.00. In Belgium the national railways carry bot parcels and letters, and their Philatelic Office regularly issues railway stamps. The official day of issue is 5 June 2011, but an advance sale in Heide Station will take place the day before.
The MS features the popular Belgian comic book characters Spike and Suzy (Suske en Wiske / Bob et Bobette) created by Flemish cartoonist Willy Vandersteen. The main characters are shown on the stamp, but on the selvedge you will see a black cat bassing on a litte locomotive.
Reported by Bridget Robinson
Loads of Heraldic Cats and one Lynx from France
France issued a set of two booklets called "Regional Celebrations and Traditions" ("Fêtes et Traditions de nos régions") on 28 May 2011. Each booklet contains 12 stamps good for inland postage up to 20g (EUR 0.58 at time of issue).
The stamps themselves are all cat-free, but each stamp represents a French region, and the marginal labels printed beside each self-adhesive stamp shows some "typical" inhabitants of the region with the regional coats of arms.
| Labels from booklet 1 - Eastern Regions: | |
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 Franche-Comté |
 Rhône-Alpes |
Labels from booklet 2 - Western Regions: |
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 Lower Normandy |
 Upper Normandy |
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 Pays de la Loire |
 Picardie |
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 Nord-Pas-de-Calais |
 Aquitaine |
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Both booklets are available from La Poste's online Boutique, both West and East.
On 25 May 2011 La Poste also issued a series of no less than 24 "Collectors" of pre-personalized stamps issued for different regions. These booklets/sheetlets are sold in post offices in their respective regions, and are quite popular with the public, despite tha fact that they are sold at EUR 8.90 with a franking value of EUR 5.80 at the time of issue.
In the "Collector" for Lorraine you will find a Eurasian Lynx in the upper right corner. Unfortunately we have not been able to find a detailed scan of the stamp yet.
The "Collector" is for sale from La Post's Online Boutique.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky and TS Tan
120 Years of Philatelic Literature in Bulgaria - Year of the Rabbit
Reported by Geir Arveng
160th Anniversary of the Birth of Johann Gerstner
Reported by Greg Balagian
Coat of Arms of Irkutsk
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Abyssinian and Norwegian Forest Cat on Russian PSEs
Reported by Geir Arveng
Vesak Day in Thailand
Reported by Greg Balagian
Lynx from Citipost Harz
The Last Knight
Vietnam Asian Golden Cat
On 15 May 2011 Vietnam Post issued a set dedicated to Animals of Ba Be National Park with 4 stamps and a single-stamp Miniature Sheet.
The Miniature Sheet features an Asian Golden Cat and is denominated VND 14.500.
The Asian Golden Cat (Pardofelis temminckii, also called the Asiatic Golden Cat and Temminck's Golden Cat, is a medium-sized wild cat of Southeastern Asia. In 2008, the IUCN classified Asian Golden cats as Near Threatened.
The issue is presented at Vietnam Post's online catalogue (in Vietnamese).
Reported by T.S. Tan
75th Anniversary of Stamp Day in Austria
Stamp Day was first celebrated in 1936 in Austria, and Post.at marks the occasion with a semi-postal stamp to be issued 13 May 2011. The stamp shows a view of Graz, and also shows the city's coat of arms with a Lion Rampant.
The stamp is issued in sheetlets of 6 and is denominated EUR 2.72 + 1.36. Both single stamps and sheetlets can be ordered from Post.at's online stamp shop. There's also a black print without franking value for sale.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Isle of Man Cartoon Cat
On 10 May 2011 the Isle of Man Post office issued a set of 6 stamps dedicated to the works of the famous Manx newspaper cartoonist Harold 'Dusty' Miller (1898-1964).
The GBP 1.65 stamp of the set features a cartoon showing a domestic scene with a little cat sitting by the door.
The stamp set is for sale at the Isle of Man Post office's Online Shop.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Butlerpex Cat & Dog Postmark
The Butler County Philatelic Society of Butler, PA, organized its annual stamp show Butlerpex 2011 on
6 May 2011.
The event was marked with a commemorative postmark showing a cat and a dog.
US commemorative postmarks are available for 1 month after the last date of use, and this one can be obtained by sending postcards or envelopes franked with US stamps to:
Butler County Philatelic Society
Butlerpex Station
Postmaster
PO Box 9998
BUTLER, PA 16001-9998
USA
Postage rates:
US: Postcard USD 0.29
Letter USD 0.44
CA/MX: USD 0.80
World: USD 0.98
Reported by Marci Jarvis
- 4th Booklet
The Czech Post continues its series of stamps dedicated to the popular 
comic book characters. The time has come to the pig Bobík shown on 10 self-adhesive stamps, denominated A (inland letter rate CZK 10.00 on issue), issued in a booklet. The cat character, My
pulín, is shown both on the cover and in the margin inside the booklet.
The issue is presented at the Czech Post's philatelic web-pages.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Romanian Leo
Posta Romana issued a set of six stamps on 5 May 2011 showing 6 of the zodiac signs. Leo is among the six signs shown in this issue, more specifically on the RON 1.40 stamp. The stamps are issued in ordinaru sheets as well as in a miniature sheet with all 6 stamps of the set. The ordinary sheets also shows the signs on gutter labels.
There are two official FDCs, each with three of the stamps.
The issue is presented at Romfilatelia's website.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
SPring-8 Commemorative Postmark
SPring-8 is a large synchrotron radiation facility in Sayo in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The Crescent Moon Post Office in Sayo used a pictorial postmark to promote the facility (we do not quite understand the occasion) from 30 April - 31 May 2011. The postmark shows a cat - Dr. Nyan - one of many animal mascots used in promotional materials for the facility.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
National Philatelic Exhibition Venezia 2011
Theres's a National Philatelic Exhibition in Venice from 29 April to 1 May 2011. On the 30 April a commemorative postmark showing the Lion of St Mark's in stylized form will be in use.
The postmark can be ordered from:
Poste Italiane Sp.A.
”Spazio Filatelia”
Dorsoduro, 3510 (Fondamenta del Gaffaro)
IT–30123 VENEZIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 496 / "Bollo N. 496"
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) after the last date of use.
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
35th World Stamp Festival in Tokyo
The 35th World Stamp Festivak wa arranged in the Taito Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center from 29 April to 1 May 2011. The cartoon cat KazuSatoshi from the Watchifield cartoon series served as the show mascot, and was used in the three commemorative postmarks in use during the show.
Unfortunately these postmarks came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Royal Wedding Heraldic Lions
A British Royal Wedding is bound to produce many a philatelic item with the Royal Coat of Arms, and perhaps also other heraldic felines. When H.R.H. Prince William marries Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey 29 April 2011, the entire Commonwealth - and many other countries as well - join in the celebrations.
Let's start with the 'Mother Country' itself. Royal Mail issues a set of stamps and a Miniature Sheet on 21 April 2011. The MS consists of 2 x 2 stamps denominated 1st (GBP 0.41 on issue) and GBP 1.10 respectively. It has the Royal Coat of Arms in the selvedge.
On 21 April 2011 a special postmark is taken into use in London SW1 showing two Heraldic Lions supporting a crown. The first day of use coincides with the issue of the stamps, but the postmark remains in use for a full year.
Then from New Zealand: a Minaiture Sheet with the Royal CoA in the selvedge. The MS feature two NZD 2.40 stamps, and is for sale at face value in New Zealand Post's Online Shop.
The Royal CoA is also shown in the official FDC cachet.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Yuri Gagarin Celebrated in Sri Lanka
50 years ago, the Soviet Union put the first human being into space, and the Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became a World celebrity. Later the same year Gagarin visited Sri Lanka, and both the space voyage and his visit is commemorated on a LKR 5.00 round stamp issued 26 April 2011. The stamp itself has no cats, but the right marginal label shows the Sri Lankan flag with its prominent Lion.
At the time of writing the Sri Lanka Post philateic pages have not been updated with this issue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Canadian Year of the Forest Issue
2011 is UN's International Year of the Forest. On 22 April 2011, Canada issued a set with a two-stamp Miniature Sheet having several small white silhouetted animals on the right side. The cat appears to be an Eastern Cougar although they are apparently rare.
The MS can be ordered at Canada Post's online shop.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Bosnian Lynx
Pote Srpske, the postal operator of the Serb Republic of Bosnian and Herzegovina, issued a set of 4 stamps featuring wild animals. The BAM 0.90 value featuring a Eurasian Lynx.
The stamps are presented on the online catalogue of Pote Srpske.
There's no online ordering facility, but the philatelic service can be contacted at:
a.d. "Pote Srpske"
Philately department
Ul. Kralja Petra I Karadjordjevica 85
BA-78000 BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel: +387 51 215-882
Fax: +387 51 216-563
e-mail: filatelija@postesrpske.com
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
British Philatelic Exhibition in Tokyo
The British Philatelic xhibition 2011 was arranged in Tokyo Philatelic Museum on 16 and 17 April 2011. The occasion was marked with a commemorative postmark showing the British Royal Coat of Arms.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Centenary of the Vincenzo Bellini Choral Society
The Italian city of Budrio celebrates the centenary of the Vincenzo Bellini Choral Society. A commemorative postmark showing the society's coat of arms will be in use in Budrio on 16 April 2011.
Should you happen to be in Budrio on the date, drop by Sala Rosa in Via Marconi 8 between 15.30 and 19.30 (4.30 - 7.30 p.m.) to post your letters and cards, otherwise the postmark can be ordered as decribed below.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) 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 Bologna 2
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via A. Sciesa, 20 b
IT–40132 BOLOGNA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 244 ("Bollo N. 244")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Australian Footy Stamps
Australians are mad about sports, and that madness also results in things to collect for people who like postal items with felines on them. On 12 April 2011 Australia Post isued this year's line of football and rugby philatelic souvenir products in the form of a souvenir pack of personalised stamps for each of the top teams of the AFL and NRL Leagues.
In the AFL series you'll find three teams with cat-related names and logos; Brisbane Lions, Geelong Cats, and Richmond Tigers.
Rugby fans can follow two cat-teams in the NRL; Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers.
All pack contains 10 AUD 0.60 stamps with personalized labels and are sold at AUD 6.95 each. This year the labels show the club logo.
The Footystamp Packs can be ordered from the online Australia Post Shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng
The Staufer Well
At the Stamp Fair in Göppingen, Germany, there will be a Commemorative Postmark to celebrate 40 years of twinning between Göppingen and Klosterneuburg in Austria. The postmark shows the Staufer Well outside Göppingen Castle - a fountain held by three Lion statues.
The postmark can be ordered by sending postcards or letters franked with German stamps (internet franking not allowed) to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung PHILATELIE
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
Refer to postmark no. (Stempelnummer) 05/062
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Letter EUR 0.55
International: EUR 0.75 (new rate structure as of 01.01.2011)
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
500th Anniversary of Alsfeld City Hall
The postmark can be ordered by sending postcards or letters franked with German stamps (internet franking not allowed) to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung Produktion BRIEF KOMMUNIKATION
Sonderstempelstelle
DE-10770 BERLIN, Germany
Refer to postmark no. (Stempelnummer) 06/075
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Letter EUR 0.55
International: EUR 0.75 (new rate structure as of 01.01.2011)
Reported by Geir Arveng
14th Mediterranean Conference of Lions International
Lions Clubs from the Mediterranean area convenes in Trieste, Italy for the 14th Mediterranean Conference of Lions International 31 March - 2 April 2011. Poste Italiane offers a temporary post office and a commemorative postmark for the occasion on 1 April 2011.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) 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
”Spazio Filatelia”
Via Giorgio Galatti 7/D
IT–34133 TRIESTE, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 361 ("Bollo N. 361")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
50th Anniversary of Formia Lions
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) 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 Latina
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Piazza dei Bonificatori, 1
IT-04100 LATINA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 335 ("Bollo N. 335")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
50th Anniversary of Piombino Lions
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) 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 Livorno
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Cairoli 12/16
IT–57123 LIVORNO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 329 ("Bollo N. 329")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
50th Anniversary of WWF
WWF - The Worldwide Fund for Nature has been an ardent guardian of wildlife and nature for 50 years in 2011. One of the first postal administrations to take part in the celebrations is UK's Royal Mail.
On 22 March 2011 the British can employ no less than 10 endangered species to carry their mail, three of which are felines; namely a Siberian Tiger, an Amur Leopard and an Iberian Lynx.
All 10 stamps are denominated 1st (GBP 0.32 on issue) and are issued se-tenantly in sheets of 50.
In addition to the 1st class stamps, there's also a 4-stamp Miniature Sheet dedicated to the Amazon with a Jaguar on the GBP 0.97 stamp.
A Prestige Stamp Book has also been anounced, but we have not seen any details about that yet.
We have received information about at least four different postmarks showing cats. There are also rumours about a fifth postmark showing a Lion. We will include that once we have a picture and/or firm confirmation. UPDATE: There are actually three more cat postmarks - see below
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| Exchange Place, Belfast LYNX |
Tiger Bay, Cardiff TIGER |
Mount Stuart Sq., Cardiff LEOPARD |
Dunkeld, Perthshire TIGER |
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| Horsham, W. Sussex LION |
Doncaster, S. Yorkshire LEOPARD |
Tiger Way, London E5 TIGER |
At the time of writing there's no information at the Royal Mail Philatelic pages, but the issue and all products will be available at the Royal Mail online shop after the date of issue.
The stamps and all other products are, however, presented by - and can be ordered from Norvic Philatelics.
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Ian Billings
Tiger in Azeri Year of Rabbit Margin
Azerpost in Azerbaijan issued its Year of the Rabbit stamp on 18 March 2011. The AZM 1.00 stamps is sold in sheetlest of 10. The stamp itself shows no feline, but all twelve animals of the Lunar Cycle are present in the sheetlet margin, with the Tiger in the upper middle label.
Reported by Geir Arveng
150th Anniversary of the Province of Perugia
The Province of Perugia was formed in 1861, and thus celebrates its 150th Anniversary this year. This is marked by a commemorative postmark to be used in Perugia Central Post Office on 18 March 2011.
The Anniversary Logo shows the heraldic Griffin from the province's Coat of Arms.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) 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 Perugia
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Mario Angeloni, 72
IT-06124 PERUGIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 185
("Bollo N. 185")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
150th Anniversary of Italian Unity
On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unity and the inauguration of the 'Boschetto' Statues in the Historical Gardens of La Spezia in italy, Poste Italiane and Lions International in La Spezia offers a pictorial postmark showing the Lions Club Logo on 17 March 2011.
On the same date, another postmark showing the Coat of Arms of the Italian Navy was in use in La Maddalena. The CoA show a Winged Lion in the upper left part of the shield.
The commune of Appiano Gentile in Como also takes part in the celebrations with a postmark showing elements from their CoA, including a Heraldic Lion......
......as well as Cologna Veneta with their Winged Lion in the CoA.
The commemorative postmark for the 14th Philatelic and Numismatic Exhibition in Este also has a Winged Lion - undoubtly inspired by the very tiny one in the Este Coat of Arms. The postmark will be used at the exhibition hall 19 March 2011.
On 20 March 2011 Lions International District 108 Ia1 will arrange a Conference on Revival in Torino. A special postmark commemorating the event and the national jubilee will be in use that day. The Lions Club Logo is shown.
Then on 16 April 2011 Lions International takes part in the celebrations in Terni, and in Santena the 11th Lions Day is also dedicated to the Anniversary celebrations on 17 April 2011.
In Copertino the celebrations are combined with the Tricolor Day (Day of the National Flag) on 20 April 2011, and here too the local Lions chapter takes part and are represented in the postmark.
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Poste Italiane Refer to postmark no. 258 |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Sassari Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Via Brigata Sassari, 13 IT–07100 SASSARI, Italy Refer to postmark no. 214 |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Como Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Via Gallio, 6 IT-22100 COMO, Italy Refer to postmark no. 217 |
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| Poste Italiane Filiale di Legnago ServizioCommerciale/Filatelia Corso della Vittoria, 55 IT–37045 LEGNAGO, Italy Refer to postmark no. 234 |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Padova Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Corso Garibaldi, 25 IT–35122 PADOVA, Italy Refer to postmark no. 158 |
Poste Italiane Spazio Filatelia di Torino Via Alfieri, 10 IT–10121 TORINO, Italy Refer to postmark no. 187 |
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| Poste Italiane Filiale di Terni Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Via Donatello Bramante, 5 IT–05100 TERNI, Italy Refer to postmark no. 412 |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Torino 2 Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Corso Grosseto, 425 IT–10151 TORINO, Italy Refer to postmark no. 436 |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Lecce Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Via F. Cavallotti IT-73100 LECCE, Italy Refer to postmark no. 445 |
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) after the last date of use, and
these can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to the addresses below the postmarks.
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
The Magical Realm of Narnia
Royal Mail issues a set of stamps 8 March 2011 dedicated to magical realms of British literature.
One of the eight stamps in the set is dedicated to Aslan, the main character in The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis.
The stamp is denominated GBP 0.97.
At the time of writing there's no information at the Royal Mail Philatelic pages, but the issue and all products will be available at the Royal Mail online shop after the date of issue.
The stamps are also presented and can also be ordered from Norvic Philatelics.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Manul from Kyrgyzstan
On 5 March 2011, The Kyrgyzstan Post issued a sheetlet of nine stamps in different denomination dedicated to Kyrgyzs national parks. One stamp denominated KGS 45.00, representing Sarychat-Ertash Natural Reserve, shows a Manul.
The sheet was issued in both perforate and imperforate form.
The issue is presented in the Kyrgyzs Post's online philatelic catalogue.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Pettson and Findus
The Swiss Post will issue a CHF 0.85 stamp dedicated to the Swedish comic book characters Pettson (Pettersson in German) and his cat Findus on 3 March 2011.
The stamp is issued in a 10-stamps self-adhesive booklet.
There's also a CHF 0.85 pre-stamped postcard with an indicium in the same design as the stamp, and with the main characters also at the picture side. Findus is also present in both the FDC cachet and the First Day Postmark.
More details of the issue, the characters and their creator Sven Nordqvist can be found in this article from the Swiss Post's Focus on Stamps Magazine.
The issue is for sale at the Swiss Post's online PhiaShop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky, Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis
30th Anniversary of Udine Lions
The Lions Club of Udine, Italy celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. Poste Italiane celebrated this event with a commemorative postmark 2 March 2011 showing the Lions Club Logo.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days (new policy from 2011) 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 Udine
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Vittorio Veneto, 42
IT–33100 UDINE, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 117 ("Bollo N. 117")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Legendary Heroes of Africa
On 1 March 2011, three African countries; The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone issued a joint issue dedicated to heroes of the struggle against apartheid. All three countries issued a Miniature Sheet with four stamps. None of the stamps depict any cats, but on the selvedge of the Liberian sheet, you'll find a handsome male Lion. The MS is denominated LRD 300 (4 x LRD 75.00).
Reported by Geir Arveng
AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 from Malaysia
The Malaysian National Footbal Team won the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010, and this victory is celebrated with a special stamp issue by Pos Malaysia 28 February 2011. One of the two MYR 0.60 stamps shows the emblem of the National Football Association, with its prominent Tiger.
The emblem is also shown in the FDC cachet.
The issue is presented at Pos Malaysia's philatelic web-pages.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Cat on Russian PSE
The Russian Post issued a pre-stamped envelope showing a cat in the cachet. The envelope is denominated A (inland letter rate - RUB 11.80 on issue). We have only seen a rough scan, and we are unable to decipher the breed (we believe it is written below the blue paw print). Could it be a Siberian?
The PSE is presented at the Russian Post's online catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Rody - The Korean Robot Cat
The South Korean Post Office starts a new series of stamps dedicated to South Korean Animation Art on 22 February 2011. First out is a sheetlet with 10 self-adhesive stamps denominated KRW 250 - all showing characters from the popular animated series "Pororo the Little Penguin". One of the characters shown is Rody, the Cat Robot.
The issue can be bought from the South Korean Post's Stamp Portal.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Cats on the Faroes
Posta of the Faroe Islands opens its 2011 stamp programme with four issues on 21 February 2011, amongst them two stamps dedicated to Cats on the Faroes.
The stamps are denominated DKK 6.00 and 10.00 respectively.
The stamps and FDC (no picture yet) can be ordered from Posta's online stamp shop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
20th Anniversary of Germering's City Status
The City of Germering in Eastern Bavaria celebrates it's 20th Anniversary as a City this year, and Deutsche Post joins in the celebrations by offering a commemorative postmark at the local stamp club's Großtauschtag (Big Swap Day) on 20 February 2011.
The postmark shows the Germering coat of arms with a Heraldic Lion.
The postmark can be ordered by sending postcards or letters franked with German stamps (internet franking not allowed) to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung PHILATELIE
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
Refer to postmark no. (Stempelnummer) 02/016
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Letter EUR 0.55
International: EUR 0.75 (new rate structure as of 01.01.2011)
Reported by Geir Arveng
60 Years of Lionism in Italy
The Italian chapter of Lions International celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The first celebration of this event took place in Milano 19 February 2011, where a commemorative postmark with the Lions Club Logo and the inscription: "Lionism in Italy: From 1951 in Community Service" was in use.
Unfortunately, this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Marco Carelli
Serbian Year of the Rabbit
Serbia's Year of the Rabbit stamps were issued on 7 February 2011. The set consists of two stamps denominated RSD 22.00 and 55.00 respectively. The main motif is, of course, our long-eared friend the rabbit, but in the background on both stamps we can see a circle with the lunar cycle animals. On the RSD 22.00 stamp you'll find the Tiger at 9 o'clock, and at the RSD 55.00 stamp it's at 5 o'clock.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Mozambique: International Forest Year
Reported by Greg Balagian and Geir Arveng
Kyrgyzstan Lunar New Year
Kyrgyzstan's Year of the Rabbit issue is composed of a single KGS 24.00 stamp. The stamp shows a rabbit. It is sold in sheetlets of 6 stamps with all the animals of the lunar cycle in the margins, wit the Tiger right above the top Right stamp. The stamp and sheetlet exists in bot perforate and imperforate versions.
The issue is presented in the Kyrgysz Post's online stamp catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Russian Leopard PSE
On 14 January 2011, the Russian Post issued a pre-stamped envelope showing a Leopard in the cachet. The PSE is denominated A - which is the inland letter rate in Russia (RUB 11.80 on time of issue).
The PSE is presented at the Russian Post's online catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Highlights of Belgium
Reported by Geir Arveng
Christmas Island Year of the Rabbit
The Christmas Island Year of the Rabbit set will be issued 11 February 2011. As in foregoing years, the issue includes a zodiac sheetlet with stamps featuring all the animals of the Lunar Cycle alongside this year's Rabbit stamps. The Tiger is in 3rd position in the nether part, denominated AUD 0.20.
The sheet is available for AUD 4.80 from Australia Post.
The Sheetlet FDC is available at AUD 2.70
The Tiger can also be found in the 'annual parade' of animals in the low value gutter strip, available at AUD 6.00.
All products can be ordered from Australia Post's Online Shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Israeli WWF Leopards
Israel will issue a WWF stamp set dedicated to the Persian Leopard. 4 stamp designs will be issued se-tenantly in a sheetlet of 8 stamps and labels. All stamps are denominated ILS 1.70.
The Leopard is also featured on the First Day Postmark.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Lions Celebrate the Tricolour
5 February is Trolour Day (Day of the National Flag) in Italy. The Lions Club of Foggia takes part in these celebrations, and marked the occasion with a commemorative postmark showing both the Lions Club Logo and a Lion in profile.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Marco Carelli
South African Small Wild Cats
SAPO - The South African Post Office starts 2011 by an issue dedicated to Small Wild Cats. Five different stamps with cats issued in sheetlets of 10, all denominated Africa Airmail (ZAR 4.30 at time of issue).
Reported by Geir Arveng
Singapore River Hongbao 2011
British Steam Locomotives
Monaco Cat Show Postmark
The Monegasque Post Office marked the Monaco International Cats Show with a Slogan Postmark in use in the period 28 - 31 January 2011. The postmark is identical to the one used in 2010, and shows the Bengal from last year's stamp issue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Namibia Big 5
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Philanippon '11 Cartoon and Manga Characters
Japan Post issued a sheetlet of 10 JPY 80 self-adhesive stamps to promote Philanippon '11 International Philatelic Exhibition 28 July - 2 August 2011 in Yokohama.
The sheetlet contains four stamps of interest to Catstamp collectors - two with Doraemon the Robot Cat and two with Hello Kitty.
Reported by TS Tan
Indonesian Year of the Rabbit MS
The Miniature Sheet from this year's Year of the Rabbit issue from Indonesia shows a tiny Tiger in the selvedge. The 6-stamp MS was issued 21 January 2011 and includes 2 full sets of stamps denominated IDR 17000.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Persian Carpet with Lion on French Stamp
France issued on 18 January 2011 a booklet of 12 self-adhesive stamps titled "Tissus du Monde" (fabrics of the world). One of them is the 16th century Persian carpet 'Tapis de Mantes', showing a Lion killing a prey. 'The Tapis de Mantes' is shown in the Louvre in Paris.
The lion is also shown at the booklet cover. The booklet is for sale at La Poste's online store. The stamps are denominated "Lèttre prioritaire 20g" (Inland priority letter up to 20g) - EUR 0.58 on issue.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
French Year of the Rabbit
France's La Poste continues its series of miniature sheets celebrating the Lunar New Year. As in previous years, the MS shows miniature versions of all the animals of the lunar cycle, including last year's Tiger. The sheet is composed of 5 stamps denominated EUR 0.58 and sells for EUR 2.90 at La Poste's Online Shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Christmas Island Personalised Zodiac Sheetlet
The Personalised Zodiac Sheetlet with generic image is sold by the Australia Post's Online Store at AUD 15.95 (franking value AUD 2.40). One AUD 0.20 stamp shows a stylized Tiger.
See the news story for 11 February 2011 for the main stamp issue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Macao New Year Miniature Sheet
It's the year of the Rabbit, bit like allways, many postal administrations also include other animals from the Lunar cycle in their issues. In their MOP 10.00 single-stamp Miniature Sheet issued 5 January 2011, Correios de Macau includes silhouettes off all the animals, including the Tiger.
There's also an FDC with the MS, but there are no further Tiger-references on it.
The issue is presented at the Correios de Macau's website, and will also become available in their webshop shortly after the date of issue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Square Cat Postmark
Eula the Square Cat is the main character in the book Square Cat by Elizabeth Schoonmaker. Eula is honored by a commemorative postmark in Burlington Flats, NY on 4 January 2011.
The postmark is available for 30 days by sending your stamped letters or cards to:
Square Cat
Square Cat Station
Postmaster
6047 St. Hwy. 51
BURLINGTON FLATS, NY 13315-9998
USA
Postage rates:
US USD 0.28 (post card) / USD 0.44 (letter)
Canda/Mexico: USD 0.75
World: USD 0.98
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Monaco Cat Show
Monaco continues its series of stamps dedicated to thee Monaco International Cat Show, this year with a EUR 0.87 stamp showing an Egyptian Mau. The stamp is issued 4 January 2011 and EUR 0.87 is the rate for World postage up to 20 g.
The cat show itself takes place in the Rainier III Auditorium in Monaco on 29 and 30 January 2011.
The stamp is presented at the web site of the Monegasque Stamp Office, and will also be for sale in their web-shop after the date of issue.
We have not seen the FDC yet, but believe that - as in previous years - there will also be a cat in the postmark.
Also se the slogan postmark for the cat show.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Spanish Heraldics
On 3 January 2011 the Spanish Post issued a new booklet in the series showing the maps and the flags of the Spanish provinces. The booklet contains 8 self-adhesive stamps, each denominated A (inland letter rate - EUR 0.35 on issue).
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Two of the stamps shows flags with Heraldic Lions, namely the flags of Meilla and of Castile and Léon.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
130th Anniversary of the Liberty Lion
To celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Belfort Lion, a special postmark was taken into use in Belfort (France) on 1 January 2011. We have heard that this would be used throughout the year in the main PO of Belfort, but we have so far (last check September 2012) only seen it used on 1 January 2011.
Reported by Geir Arveng
For older items, see News archive July - December 2010, News archive January - June 2010, News archive 2009, News Archive 2008 and News Archive 2006-2007.