Papua New Guinea: Provincial Flags + Local Hairdresses

A new country in my collection. Many thanks to Eric! Papua New Guinea, officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands in Melanesia (a region of the southwestern Pacific Ocean north of Australia). It shares its only land border with Indonesia. For this Cover Eric used stamps from two issues of 2004. The cover was mailed from the city of Ukarumpa, located in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. The current population is approximately 600.

Stamps:

Provincial Flags (from a set of 6) - Issued: 20-10-2004

Local Hairdresses (from a set of 6) - Issued: 02-06-2004

 

 

 

Malaysia: Traditional Dances of Malaysia 2024

Stamps:

Traditional Dances of Malaysia (stamps and m/s) - Issued: 26-03-2024

Many thanks to Henry!

Germany: First Flight of Lufthansa LH2426 from Munich Airport to Trondheim <-> Trondheim to Munich Airport

Starting April 28 2024, Lufthansa commenced twice-weekly flights from Munich to Trondheim (TRD), Norway’s third-largest city. The covers below document both very first flights. The first one from Munich-Airport to Trondheim on April 28 2024 with Airbus A319 D-AILS "Heide". Also to note the arrival postmark of Trondheim on the left. The second cover the Way back from Trondheim to Munich-Airport.

Flight Munich-Airport -> Trondheim

Stamps:

2x Four Seasons "Summer" - Issued: 13-07-2006

 

Flight Trondheim -> Munich-Airport

With a arrival postmark of "Briefzentrum 85" (= Freising, Munich Airport) of April 29th 2024

Stamp:

Norway Memories (from a set of 6) - Issued: 21-04-2023

 

 

Guernsey: The 50th Anniversary of Guernsey Postal Independence

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of Guernsey Postal Independence (from a set of 6) - Issued: 01-10-2019

Switzerland: The 175th Anniversary of the Swiss Post

This year Swiss Post celebrated its 175th Anniversary with two Anniversary Stamps which can be seen on this nice Cover below mailed from city of Merenschwand located in the north of Switzerland in the canton of Aargau. 

 

Stamps:

The 175th Anniversary of the Swiss Post  (full set) - Issued: 21-03-2024

Many thanks to Hansjürg!

Greenland: Karupelv Valley Project 2024

Started in 1988, the Karupelv Valley Project (KVP), led by Dr. Benoît Sittler, is an ongoing, long term research project in North-East Greenland. It is jointly carried out under the auspices of the University Freiburg (GER) and the Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique (F). Its main objective is to provide new insights into the processes that govern cyclic fluctuations of lemming populations in high-arctic ecosystems. 

For more Information: https://www.karupelv-valley-project.de/english/

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (from a set of 2) - Issued: 24-05-2024

Ukraine: EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity"

From May 30 to June 1 2024, Paris-Philex 2024 stamp exhibition took place at La Porte de Versailles, Paris, France. Several postal administrations took part at this exhibition. Ukrposhta, the national post of Ukraine, was one of them. Besides a special postmark (#standwithurkaine), which can be seen on the cover below also a speical prepaid cover was issued during this event. 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" (full set) - Issued: 24-05-2023

Ukraine Fine Arts (Textiles) - Issued: 14-12-2018 

Many thanks Eric for sending me this nice Cover from Paris-Philex 2024!

Croatia: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (1 from a set of 2) - Issued: 09-05-2024

EUROPA 2016 - "Think Green" (1 from a set of 2) - Issued: 09-05-2016

 

Many thanks to Maja, unfortunately your Cover arrived a little bit damaged!

Estonia: International Philatelic Exhibition "Mare Balticum 2024" - Tartu, Estonia

The International Philatelic Exhibition "Mare Balticum 2024" was held from 26th to 28th July 2024 in Tartu, Estonia. Tartu is not only one of the oldest cities in the Baltic States, but also one of the three European Capitals of Culture this year (besides Bad Ischl in Austria and Bodø in Norway). To note the two postmarks at the bottom of the cover applied by Latvian Post.

 

Stamps:

Personalized Stamp "Tartu, City Hall" - Issued: 22-02-2007

Arms of Estonia "Tartu" - Issued: 02-07-2007

The 100th Anniversary of the National University of Estonia, Tartu - Issued: 19-11-2019

Tartu - European Capital of Culture  - Issued: 26-01-2024

 

 

Many thanks to for this great Cover, Vera!

 

 

New Zealand: Chinese New Year - "Year of the Sheep"

 

Stamps:

Chinese New Year - "Year of the Sheep" (s/s) - Issued: 05-02-2003

Scenic Definitives (from a set of 6) - Issued: 01-07-2009

Many thanks to Pieter!

Brazil: The 200th Anniversary of German Immigration

Beginning in 1824, German settlers established communities in Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul, leaving a lasting impact on cities like Blumenau and Joinville. This anniversary honors the rich German heritage that has become an integral part of Brazil's diverse cultural landscape, highlighting the successful blending of traditions that continues to shape the nation today. Thus both countries issued a stamp commemorating this event. 

Stamp:

The 200th Anniversary of German Immigration - Issued: 24-05-2024

Many thanks to Damiao!

 

Unfortunately, I don't have the German stamp (Issued: 06-06-2024) on cover, but it looks like this:

Furthermore, from June 27 to June 29, a Germany-Brazil Bilateral stamp Exhibition was held in Haldensleben, Germany. The Special Cover below (besides others), with special postmark and personalized stamp was issued during this event.

Canada: Total Solar Eclipse - April 8th 2024

On April 8, 2024, a spectacular and rare celestial event unfolded over Canada, the United States and Mexico – a total solar eclipse. As the Moon aligned perfectly between Earth and the Sun, temporary darkness swept across parts of these countries, captivating countless spectators. One of the most stunning locations to witness this rare event was the Niagara Falls. Thanks to Linda for sending me a cover from there on the exact date!

Stamps:

Total Solar Eclipse - Issued: 14-03-2024

Christmas (from a set of 3) - Issued: 04-11-2019

From Far and Wide "Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, Yukon" (from a set of 9) - Issued: 13-01-2020

I recently received another Cover with this particular stamp on it. Many thanks to Inger!

Stamps:

3x Total Solar Eclipse - Issued: 14-03-2024

 

Cyprus: EUROPA 2022 - "Stories & Myths”

Stamps:

EUROPA 2022 - "Stories & Myths” (full set) - Issued: 06-05-2022

Refugee Fund Tax Stamp 2023

Germany: RV "Elisabeth Mann Borgese"

The Elisabeth Mann Borgese is a German research vessel named after the renowned marine law expert and environmentalist Elisabeth Mann Borgese. Operated by the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, this ship is primarily used for scientific exploration of the Baltic Sea. Equipped with advanced technology, it supports research in marine biology, chemistry, and geology, contributing significantly to our understanding of marine ecosystems. Launched in 2012, the vessel plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring and the sustainable management of marine resources.

To note on this cover a stamp commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Elisabeth Mann Borgese issued in 2018 (3,70 € face value) was used. On the left you can also see on the bottom the current ship postmark and a postmark of the managing company Briese Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG Research.

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of Elisabeth Mann Borgese - Issued: 12-04-2018

 

Picture of the Ship:

Source: https://briese-research.de/research-department/research-vessels/rv-elisabeth-mann-borgese

 

Indonesia: Musicians of Indonesia

 

Stamps:

Musicians of Indonesia (from a set of 8) - Issued: 17-08-2020

Many thanks to Irene!

China: China Shipbuilding Industry (Part II)

Stamps:

China Shipbuilding Industry (Part II) (full set) - Issued: 23-04-2024

Sincerity - Issued: 20-08-2014

 

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

Liechtenstein: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (full set) - Issued: 03-06-2024 (on official First-Day-Cover)

Serbia: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (full set) - Issued: 08-05-2024

Many thanls to Jelena!

Belgium: "The Olympic Dream" - Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024

Team Belgium has a total of 170 athletes for Paris 2024, including 84 women and 86 men and 10 reserves including 5 women and 5 men. In 21 sports Team Belgium will be represented. Team Belgium is traveling to the Olympics with the largest delegation of athletes since 1928 (Amsterdam). 

Stamp:

"The Olympic Dream" - Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024 - Issued: 10-06-2024

Many thanks to Wesley!

South Korea: The 100th Anniversary of the The Chungsuk Academic Foundation

The Chungsuk Academic Foundation is the parent foundation of the Cheongju university. The Cheongseok Academic Foundation’s beginning can be traced to 1924, when Daeseong Primary School was founded with the mindset of saving the country, which was under Japanese rule, through education. Today, it has become a landmark of education, made up of seven schools ranging from elementary schools to universities. The Cheongseok Academic Foundation has raised 140,000 talented individuals to this day, and is currently aiding 20,000 students in their pursuit of knowledge in its capacity as a national private school of tradition. The stamps on the first day covers below are commemorating the 100th Anniversary.

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the The Chungsuk Academic Foundation - Issued: 12-04-2024

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the The Chungsuk Academic Foundation - Issued: 12-04-2024

Many thankt to Park Pyo Jun and Choonjong Park!

 

 

 

 

Switzerland: Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024

Swiss Olympic has selected 120 athletes to represent Switzerland in Paris. By the way Paris is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time. In 1900, women were finally permitted to take part, but only 22 did. By 1924, women made up 4 percent of the athletes. A century on, and there will be just as many female as male athletes competing this year.

 

Stamps:

Olympic Summer Games Paris 2024 - Issued: 02-05-2024

Alinghi - Winner of the America's Cup - Issued: 07-03-2003

Many thanks to Hansjürg!

Greenland: EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" (1 from a set of two) - Issued: 30-05-2023

Deserted Stations  - Issued: 15-05-2017

 

This Cover was cancelled in the City of Nuuk.

 

Norway: The Netherlands Arctic Station, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

The Netherlands Arctic Station is owned and run by the Arctic Centre of the University of Groningen. It is  situated in Kongsfjorden on the island of Spitsbergen and is part of an international research community in the former mining town of Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. In this town, more than 10 nations have their own station while using shared facilities for meals and recreation. The whole local community is focused on science and maintenance of infrastructure. Several stations have independent terrestrial research programs and the Netherlands Arctic Station is the smallest of all. During the summer months the Station Manager is Maarten Loonen, who is very collectors friendly, which can be seen from the beautiful cover below.

Stamp:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" - Issued: 09-05-2023

 

Many thanks to Maarten for this beautiful cover!

China: The 50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - Joint Issue w/ Malaysia

On May 31st 2024 a joint issue between China and Malaysia was put into circulation. The stamps commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between these two countries. The commemorative stamp features iconic plants from both countries, namely the Merbau, Malaysia's national tree, and the Greeting Pine, one of China's most famous trees. I'm happy to receive a cover from both Countries, Malaysia and China. Many thanks to Raymond and Xu Wei!

China:

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - Issued: 31-05-2024

Malaysia:

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - Issued: 31-05-2024

 

Vietnam: The 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory

The Battle of Điện Biên Phủ was a climactic confrontation of the First Indochina War that took place between 13 March and 7 May 1954. It was fought between the French Union's colonial Far East Expeditionary Corps and Viet Minh communist revolutionaries.

Stamps:

The 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (full set) - Issued: 05-05-2024

 

Many thanks to Andrei!

 

France: The 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of New York

Wednesday, April 17, 2024, marked the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New York Bay by Giovanni Da Verrazzano. This Italian navigator who worked for France called the new land Nouvelle-Angoulême, in honor of the King he served: François Ier, count of Angoulême. 

I'm very happy to receive two covers with a very nice sheet commemorating this event 500 years ago. The first cover was mailed from Lyon, many thanks Eric! The second was mailed from Roland from this year's Philex Stamp Exhibition.

Stamp:

The 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of New York (m/s) - Issued: 15-04-2024

Stamp:

The 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of New York (m/s) - Issued: 15-04-2024

Slovenia: The 100th Anniversary of Football in Slovenia

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of Football in Slovenia - Issued: 13-07-2020

Many thanks to Primoz!

Luxembourg: Summer Olympics in Paris 2024

The 2024 Summer Olympics,  and officially branded as Paris 2024, is an upcoming international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from 26 July (the date of the opening ceremony) to 11 August 2024 in France. Paris is the main host city, with events held at 16 other cities spread across Metropolitan France, plus one subsite in Tahiti—an island within the French overseas country and overseas collectivity of French Polynesia.

Stamp:

Summer Olympics in Paris 2024 - Issued: 14-05-2024

Many thanls to Steve!

Åland: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" - Issued: 08-05-2024

Many thanks to Rune!

Bulgaria: The 50th Anniversary of Shumen University

The Constantine of Preslav University of Shumen in Bulgaria is named after Constantine of Preslav, the student of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Shumen University is one of the five classical public universities in Bulgaria it is recognized as a leading university that offers modern facilities for education, scientific researches and creative work. The university was founded as the Higher Pedagogical Institute with a decree of the State Council of the People's Republic of Bulgaria in 1971. In 1995 it was transformed into Constantine of Preslav University of Shumen.

Stamps:

Souvenir Sheet of 4x The 50th Anniversary of Shumen University - Issued:  01-11-2021

Thanks a lot Emil!