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Stamps as Carracks Vessels of History
Philately: Setting Sail on the Carrack of Discovery In the vast sea of hobbies, philately is a noble vessel, charting courses through history and culture with the precision of a seasoned navigator. For centuries, collectors have embarked on journeys of discovery, much like the mighty carracks of old, exploring uncharted waters and bringing back treasures that tell the stories of far-off lands. Stamps may be small, but they carry with them the weight of empires, the artistry of nations, and … Continue reading →
Obeliscal in Stamp Collecting
Exploring Obelisks in Topical Stamp Collecting In stamp collecting, an obeliscal design often refers to stamps featuring structures with the iconic shape of an obelisk—slender, tapering monuments with a square base and a pyramidion at the top. Some of the most famous obeliscal subjects found on stamps include the Washington Monument in the United States or the Luxor Obelisk in France. While organizing my international stamps collection, I discovered a stunning Egyptian stamp showcasing an obeliscal engraving of the Karnak … Continue reading →
Stamp Collecting As An Orvietan For the Soul
For the dedicated philatelist, the chaos of daily life finds its antidote in the delicate art of stamp collecting. Each tiny piece of paper carries not only history but also a sense of quiet purpose. Like an orvietan for the soul, the act of sorting, categorizing, and admiring stamps serves as a counter-poison to the fast-paced, digital whirlwind we live in. The tactile nature of handling stamps, the hunt for a rare issue, or the satisfaction of completing a set—these … Continue reading →
Jollop and the Joy of Stamp Collecting
Jollop and the Joy of Stamp Collecting – A Curious Blend of Discovery In the whimsical world of stamp collecting, there’s always something new to learn and explore. Yesterday’s Word of the Day, jollop, caught my eye and made me think about how this unusual term could relate to our beloved hobby. Traditionally, jollop refers to a potion or concoction with magical or healing properties. But can it have a place in the philatelist’s lexicon? Let’s explore! What is Jollop? … Continue reading →
Stamps as Gateways Jeff Magnus’ Journey Through History and Culture
[IN THE NEWS] Philatelic Journeys – Uncovering History with Jeff Magnus Beyond the Adhesive: The Cultural Odyssey of a Stamp Collector From the distinctive portraits of historical figures to the vivid sceneries of distant places, each postage stamp in Jeff Magnus’ collection narrates its own tale. Spanning over fifty years, this enthusiast stamp collector and member of the Janesville Stamp Club has gathered much more than mere adhesive-laden pieces of paper. For him, seeking out rare stamps has been … Continue reading →
The Porridge Stamp Story
Stamp Collecting and Culinary Arts: The Porridge Connection On a particularly inspiring day, triggered by an amusing yet enlightening email from our dear Scottish friend, Iain, I found myself diving into the niche world of topical stamp collecting, specifically under the theme of Food and Beverage. Iain’s heartfelt correction of a porridge recipe mistake led me down this path, showcasing not just the cultural significance of porridge but also its commemorative journey onto a postage stamp. Porridge, a staple in … Continue reading →