vintage and contemporary postcards and stamps from around the world


24 April 2016

Sunday Stamps II - 71

2013, 68p Jersey, Damsels and Dragons
illustrator: Lizzie Harper

A series of six stamps to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the British Dragonfly Society were painted by Lizzie Harper, a natural history illustrator. This one shows the Large Red Damselfly which is one of the earliest insects to appear in the spring. It can grow up to 36mm and can generally be found near slow moving water, ponds, and bogs.

for invertebrates

17 April 2016

Sunday Stamps II - 70

1968, Canada, Narwhal
designer: John Alexander Crosby

The Narwhal is a small whale that is found only in the Arctic Ocean and mainly in Baffin Bay.  Unlike some whales that migrate, these will spend the winter under the sea ice and can dive as deep as 1.5 miles. The narwhal can grow up to 16', but add to that its tusk which can be as long as 10'. They have been called "the unicorns of the sea" for their solitary tusk that is spiral. Only the males have these tusks; most have only one, but sometimes two will grow. There has been no evidence seen that this tusk is used for fighting, so it may be something to attract the females.

for mammals of the seas


10 April 2016

Sunday Stamps II - 69

Great Britain 2001, Weather
illustrator: Tony Meeuwissen

Issued in March of 2001, this stamp is one of four; the others showing rain, fair, and stormy which when shown together form a barometer. They were voted the most popular British stamps of that year.

for weather
and, of course, even a stamp showing mist, snow, clouds, or a bright blue sky could be weather related





03 April 2016

Sunday Stamps II - 68

September 2003, Slovakia "Small Cold Valley" view to the High Tatras
designer and engraver: Martin Cinovsky

The High Tatras form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland with the majority of the range and the highest peaks in Slovakia. There are 29 peaks reaching higher than 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) and 35 valleys containing 110 lakes. It's the only part of the Carpathian mountain range that has an alpine character and is one of the more important tourist sites in the country as a popular spot for winter sports and trekking.

for mountains