Guernsey: EUROPA - Castle Cornet

Another nice Cover with the 2017 EUROPA Theme stamp. This comes from Guernsey, an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. The stamps on the cover were issued in a set of six different views of Castle Cornet. But only these two stamps are the contribution to the 2017 theme. Castle Cornet is located on a former tidal island, also known as Cornet Rock or Castle Rock. Its importance was as a guardian not only of the Island, but of the roadstead. It became part of one of the breakwaters of St Peter Port's harbour, the main one in the island, since 1859. It was built between 1206 and 1256 and in use until mid 19th century.

I sent this cover from the International Stamp Fair in Essen and so a special Postmark from this event was also applied on the Cover.

Stamps:
EUROPA "Castle Cornet" (from a set of six) - Issued: 04-05-2017

Finland: EUROPA - "Castles"

The Europa issue (also known as Europa - CEPT until 1992) is an annual joint issue of stamps with a common design or theme by postal administrations member of the European Communities (1956-1959), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT from 1960 to 1992), then the PostEurop Association since 1993. The Theme for this year, 2017, is "Castles". The Finnish Post was very creative with it's design of the stamp. They just choose a Snowcastle - brilliant idea!

Stamp:
EUROPA "Castles" - Issued: 20-01-2017


Many thanks to Kimmo for this nice Cover!

Germany: Essen International Stamp Fair 2017

The 27th Essen International Stamp Fair took place from 11th to 13th May 2017. It is the oldest event of its kind in Germany, or for that matter, in the entire world. Collectors have been streaming to the Ruhr metropolis from near and far since 1976. Since 2006, the event has been held on an annual basis at the beginning of May. I attended this Stamp Fair for one day and sent this Cover to myself.

The postmark on this cover is kind of special, because its only available at this Stamp Fair. You can read the german word "Messe" ("Fair") on the postmark which indicates this.

Stamp:
The 50th Anniversary of Sports Charity Stamps (from a set of three) - Issued: 11-05-2017

France: The Great Wave

The beautiful stamp on this Cover from France shows "The Great Wave off Kanagawa", also known as "The Great Wave" or simply "The Wave". It is a woodblock print by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai. It was published sometime between 1829 and 1833 in the late Edo period as the first print in Hokusai's series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. It is Hokusai's most famous work, and one of the most recognizable works of Japanese art in the world.

Stamp:

Hokusai - The Great Wave off Kanazawa - Issued: 19-01-2015

Many thanks to Eric for sending me this nice stamp on a cover!