This week Viridian at Sunday Stamps has chosen my all-time-number-one-favourite theme to feature for the week: Maps on Stamps. Given that the theme was my suggestion, I simply had to participate. But I haven't been near a scanner, and have had other things on my mind - so please forgive me if the photos are not quite up to scratch.
This blog of mine is all about my stamp collection. But sometimes, as with all collections, it is not just the stamp itself that it is the important thing, but the origin of the stamp: how it came to be in my collection. I collect maps on stamps because I love the aesthetic of map design, but also the intellectual side of thinking about how a physical reality of landscape or space is being conveyed in an image.
That is one aspect of these First Day Covers. They are exquisite in design and historically interesting.
However, the most important aspect of these First Day Covers, for me, is that they are from my wonderful Grandpa. He gave them to me about four weeks ago. The postmark on the 'First Day Northwest Territory' Cover is July 18 1937. Grandpa would have been nearly 9 years old, so I guess they were originally collected by his father, Pa Bert.
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| This FDC is in memory of Virginia Dare in 1587, issued in 1937. The stamp features the baby and her parents, but the FDC design features a lovely map showing Roanoke Island. (Click to Enlarge). |
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| FDC comemmorating First Day Northwest Territory 1787(Click image to enlarge) |
Grandpa passed away during the week, and I already miss him terribly. Small little things mean a great deal sometimes, and now these First Day Covers mean even more to me. Thankyou Grandpa Jeff, not just for the Covers, but for everything. Absolutely everything.
This has been an entry for Sunday Stamps. To check out other wonderful map stamps, and what other bloggers have to share on the theme, you can click on the button below:
RIP Jeffrey Desmond Kiddell. I love you to bits.
Good afternoon Helen. Another lovely blog post. Its an interesting hobby. You have hit the nail on the head, sometimes its not about the stamp its self, but its all about the origin and how you came to accquire it. Sometimes the most common stamp can have the most uncommon story. Regards. Rob.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob, I am really glad you enjoyed the post. Cheers, Helen.
DeleteThose first day covers are very, very, precious.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are! Thanks Sheila.
DeleteI like the designs and information on first day covers, but I wish they were printed on postcards instead of envelopes.
ReplyDeleteAh, a true postcard fanatic!
DeleteI learn more history from stamps and issues like these than I ever did at school
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. these covers are now more precious. I note that the Virginia Dare cover is postmarked in Manteo, appropriately. ( that is on Roanoke Island)
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense about the postmark. I had not heard of Virginia Dare, or Roanoke Island before - like Bob I learn a lot of history through stamps!
DeleteHello, Helen. I enjoyed reading your post and I agree with you when you said that, on some occasions, the story behind the stamp is more valuable in itself. You have a fantastic collection and you will always have your Grandpa's memories attached to them.
ReplyDeletePostcards Crossing
you have a wonderful set of collections of map stamps.
ReplyDeleteMy Sunday Stamp entry ---Willa @ Postage Journal
Sorry to hear of the loss of your grandpa, it's lovely that you have his stamp collection and that you will treasure it. You've chosen wonderful examples for maps.
ReplyDeleteIts an interesting story about the settlers all brought to light by these covers. Sorry about you loss, these are precious mementos. I have my father's small stamp album he had as a boy which also means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's peculiar how the people in our lives come and go, but the the memories remain. Now every time you look at your FDC's from Grandpa Jeff, you'll remember not only their origin, but your beloved grandpa as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra. I will definitely treasure these FDCs forever more.
DeleteLovely blog post Helen. Thinking of you. love sandy.
ReplyDelete