cddstamps on stamps

2012-01-26T05:03:00.000-08:00

Do you get disillusioned sometimes with the stamp issuing practices of your country or any country for that matter.

I receive emails from some guy who writes up new issues on a yahoo group. I actually enjoy his emails. I forget the yahoo group or his name off top of my head but whoever he is I do enjoy the postings. Only to keep up to date I might add and hey I might see something I like.

But there is so much being issued isn't there, and who is buying it. You? Well why? Why bother, it will have a resell value less than what you paid for it in a few years. And why this from Royal Mail (see above) Is anyone wasting money buying these Smilers sheets. The only smilers are those at Royal Mail counting the cash I suspect. Ok, so you like Smilers sheets and the Year of the Dragon is interesting, well it is if you live in Hong Kong or China and the stamps actually commemorate the Lunar New Year in some way. But the UK...... derggghhh I don't see Hong Post issuing a Robbie Burns Commemorative, nor labels with sheep on them. This has to be Royal Mail making fools out of stamp collectors.

I am saving up for my SG 456a, not wasting money on new issues. baaaaaaaaaaa

Best wishes Michael :-)

2012-01-21T04:18:00.000-08:00

Hello, Kung hei fat choy, Happy (Chinese) New year. Hope you like this lovely Miniature sheet. I have an extra copy so a competition. email me with your answer to cddstamps@gmail.com with your mailing address please. (no mailing address no winner)

In what year did Hong Kong Post start issuing stamps to commemorate the The Lunar New Year?

Have a great weekend... Michael

2012-01-17T04:19:00.000-08:00

Hello again, tonight I am showing the 5 stamps from the Macau Year of the Dragon Stamps. I asked what were the other Dragons in previous writing didn't I. They are Wood Dragon, Fire Dragon, Metal Dragon and Earth Dragon. Well done to Priscillia from Singapore who sent first correct answer. I will mail your prize this weekend, if not before.

Has anyone got a favourite Year of the Dragon stamp or stamp set? I will find one more prize, a Year of the Dragon stamp from Hong Kong I think you might like. Just email me a scan of the stamp(s) with your mailing address please, to cddstamps@gmail.com. I will try to show them to others on future postings.

Best wishes and Happy Chinese New year to everyone.

Michael

2012-01-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, Hope you like this. The Year of the Dragon Miniature sheet from Macau. Interesting issue from Macau this year. Macao Post is in the firth issue of the third series of Chinese Zodiac sstamps. This year being the Year of the Dragon, as no doubt you are all of by now.

Macau Post adopted the "Heavenly Stems" calculation method to figure out the nature of the "Five Elements" for the designs of their stamps. I will show the stamps tomorrow. Can anyone tell me the 5 dragons? This year it is the Water Dragon. (so you only have to tell me the other 4) First correct email to me at cddstamps@gmail.com with your mailing address please, will win this Miniature sheet.

Best wishes .. Michael

2012-01-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Yes I know I am a bit late but it is the thought that counts. :-) Hope ou all had a good a time over the Christmas and New Year break as I did. Stamp News? well nothing too exciting. I am waiting for the new Roald Dahl issue from Royal mail, and the Year of the Dragon issue from Hong Kong Post. I will no doubt be lined up with every other Hong Kong resident next Saturday when the stamps are available for sale.

In the mean time I am busy producing the IPDA Anniversary cover - the cover is to commemorate the 10th Year of our Association. All members get one free. If you are not a member and you sell stamps on the internet then you should look at our web site IPDA and if you buy stamps online you should be asking is the seller a member of the IPDA, or some other accredited organisation.

anyway, not to start the tear on my soap box, but hey, buyer beware. :-)

Have a great philatelic year. Best wishes Michael CDDSTAMPS

IPDA 10 year anniversary

2011-12-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

On the 23rd February 2012 the Internet Philatelic Dealers Association commemorates its 10th Anniversary. We will be issuing a special Anniversary Cover to members and holding a 24 hour chat for all in the philatelic community. Details can be found on our website at IPDA

The IPDA was formed in 2002 by a group of stamp dealers who had a vision that the internet, and web based services including online e-commerce and online auctions, would fundamentally change the philatelic industry.

The vision that the internet would impact dealers and sellers of stamps, as well as collectors, has turned out to be a reality today.

While there are thousands of sellers across the various internet channels today and while many are professional dealers, there are also many that are casual sellers and many that are simply individuals with a few stamps to sell and often with limited knowledge of the subject material they are selling.

The IPDA is now a group of dealers and part time sellers who believe there is a need for a global organisation to represent them and to endorse them as accredited sellers to the global internet buying community.

The IPDA believes, and has seen proof, that the reach of the internet will expand the market place.

Membership of the IPDA offers a dealer or part time seller the opportunity to be accredited, and it offers buyers some security that the dealers or sellers they are buying from are accredited.

The services provided to members are under constant review. New services are added as and when required. Some of our current services are:-

Monthly Newsletter.

The Web Site at IPDA
Chat Room IPDA Chatroom accessed from our Web Site. It is open 24/7.

Confidential List — The List records the names and addresses of individuals / businesses who have been reported for using unethical or fraudulent practices.

The IPDA is an affiliated chapter of the American Philatelic Society (APS) APS

2011-12-11T04:31:00.000-08:00

Something I picked up while wandering around.. not a Christmas issue but the fireworks made me think of Christmas for some reason. Very Macau, which is very colourful at night as you will know if you have been there.

Best wishes.... Michael

2011-12-05T04:25:00.000-08:00

Thought I would tell you about the Australian Stamp Catalogue website. Worth looking at if you want details on Australia issues Australian Stamp Catalogue

Excellent coverage from Colonial issues through Official, Kangaroos, George V, Predecimal, Decimal and then 200 onwards. Still some to list but my mate Larry is working away to build this great site.

Enjoy.. Michael

2011-12-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

Hello, The reason I have this is because I met up with one of my fellow Internet Philatelic Dealers Association (IPDA) Directors when I was in Las Vegas a week ago and he gave me this cover. Very kind of him. Something for me to add to the memories from my visit to Nevada.

If you have never been I recommend a trip, apart from some fun in Las Vegas, the helicopter ride over the dam and on into the Grand Canyon is well worth it.

Best wishes ........... Michael

2011-11-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, hope you like this cover. I do. I have an affinity for Korea having worked there for a year, so when I saw this in the Post Office hear in Sydney the other day I thought I'd get a copy.

This cover marks the Year of Friendship and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Korea. the relationship was forged during the Korean war when Australian troops supported South Korea after the North Korean invasion. The stamps represent traditional musical instruments of Australia and the Republic of Korea. The haegeum is a two stringed vertical instrument dating back to the Goryeo dynasty (912-1392). The didgeridoo is a wind instrument that originated in northern Australia at least 1500 years ago.

Enjoy.. ...Michael

2011-11-18T00:38:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am in Australia now and found this Miniature Sheet (above shown on First Day of Issue cover) at the local Post Office. Rather nice. It follows on my 11.11.11 theme. I decided I would give one of the MS away. I have not had a competition for some time now. So first correct answer - email me at cddstamps@gmail.com and you must include your mailing address please.

What is wrong with this cover that Australia Post really screwed up on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well in my view .... hahahah think about it

Look forward to hearing from you Best wishes......... Michael

here is the MS you will win..

2011-11-13T04:19:00.000-08:00

How many of you remembered to get the postmark for 11_11_11. Here is one of them from a few I got.

Best wishes ...Michael

2011-11-09T03:54:00.000-08:00

Hope you like this cover. Interesting I thought. I picked it up at Beijing Airport a few weeks back Yes, sorry not written much lately but I have updated the
website

Can you tell me what is interesting about this.. well in my view anyway.

It was issued to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Communist party of China. and is one of nine specially issued covers.

Best wishes .. Michael

2011-10-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

This year marks the centenary of the 1911 Revolution, the event that had far reaching consequences for the fate of the Chinese people. It brought an end to imperial rule in China and also represented the birth of Asia’s first republic. A hugely important milestone on China’s road to modernisation, it is also of remarkable significance for the development of global politics.

The first decade of the 20th century was a time of great upheaval in China. Revolutionary currents were never far from the surface as reformists and reactionaries struggled to gain the upper hand in the Qing government. After the war with the Eight-Nation Alliance, the Empress Dowager Cixi was finally persuaded to launch a series of political, economic, military and educational reforms. However, two policies announced by the Qing court in May 1911 – the formation of a new ‘imperial cabinet’ and the nationalisation of the railways – caused huge public resentment and drove many people to the revolutionary cause. The success of the Wuchang Uprising on 10 October 1911 started a chain reaction, and in less than two months 14 out of the 18 provinces within China’s main borders had declared independence. The imperial regime had been overthrown and replaced by a republican system, signifying a new era of modern China.

2011-10-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

hi.. yes I haven't written for ages. no time.. too much travelling and to be more than honest am depressed with so much of what I see on the stamp scene. see my last post. It continues and still there are people bidding . I am on the China Southern first commercial A380 flight next week. I just wait to see what other fake covers turn up on eBay.

The internet is supposed to help communicate to all, yet why do people still get sucked in to the fake or should I say computer generated material. I just give up sometimes. Should I bother I ask myself. No is the answer. Sad but true.

What is new in your world? What new stamps have you found. Old or new? If you tell me something new I will be really surprised as so much is now issued just as revenue raising for the respective Post Office authorities and not intended at all for the use on mail and the "real" stamp collectors among us. Just look at the GB Royal Mail issues. Joke beyond reasoning in my view.

I bought a few "kiloware" lots on eBay recently. I like to experiment and one never knows what one will find. I got a few stamps and found three worth collecting. cat value more than cost. But lets face it these sellers are people who somehow get lots of stamps and they sell them as so called kiloware. Joke, is 500grams kiloware.. I don't think so hahahahaha. They are not dealers, just people taking advantage of a situation they are in. Hey it is a free world and we can all do what earns us a buck I guess.

Just remember, if you are buying this material and you are not buying from an accredited dealer you will not get the quality and content that you would from an accredited dealer. I did buy one lot recently from an accredited dealer and the quality and content was so much better.

Ok enough of my ramblings. be lucky all you bunnies hahahaha have a great weekend Michael

and PS if you don't want quality at a fair price, don't look at my web site www.cddstamps.com

2011-09-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just get so angry when I see what is listed on some auction sites - then again I see someone list a cover for example and accurately describe it. Like one I saw today. Described as a computer generated FDC. Now while I don't subscribe to this practice and in fact think it cheating in many ways, if it is at least described honestly then at least the buyer knows what they are getting. Like a fake Rolex or Tag or copy bag - all so common here in Hong Kong for example.

Now it is difficult to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that some of the A380 FFC covers I see on that big auction site are, lets say, NOT computer generated, but when they are originally franked from say Ireland, or Liechtenstein, or some other place that has only ever seen an A380 from 39,000 feet you have to wonder, don't you, as to their authenticity as genuine flown First Flight Covers.

My covers are genuine. I fly on the inaugural flights. I carry the covers. I chat up the crew (best part of the trip I can assure you). I have my photograph taken with the crew and with the crew signing the covers. So today I listed another Korean Air FFC on eBay. Check it out at my username michaelatcddstamps. Then check the others :-) Enjoy looking if nothing else.

2011-08-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

Hi, here is a new issue from Royal Mail. I rather like them. Issue date 23rd August. I wonder if I will ever see any used on letters :-)

Hope your weekend was good. Am off to airport soon for my flight back to Hong Kong.

Michael

2011-08-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

Hello, well the good news is the website is up again.. sad news, as far as I am concerned, is 5 bids on what was listed as a FFC (First Flight Cover) from Seoul to Hong Kong on the Korean Air A380 inaugural back in June. Hey maybe it is genuine, I really do not know I have to admit but having been on the flight and speaking to the crew I doubt it very much. These days one can create a cover so easily, and with classy looking cachets. That is why I always have proof of my covers being flown. At the end of the day, lets be realistic, buyer beware. Why people bid on material that has no description, no statement about authenticity, and when it is so obvious that similar listings are just total misrepresentations is beyond me.

Just me feeling grumpy tonight I guess and in a way, yes, feeling sad that not everyone in the aerophilatelic arena is going to be totally open and honest.

I will be looking at what stamps to show tomorrow. Lots of new issues which I guess you see from so many other blogs and postings to stamp boards on the various yahoo and other sites around.
Have a great weekend..... Michael www.cddstamps.com

2011-08-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

web site not working, sorry people... hope the service provider can fix it soon

apology for any inconvenience

Michael

2011-08-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hello, There I was looking through eBay, as one does, looking at A380 on stamps and I saw some listings for A380 FFC covers - well they did not actually say they were covers - but were described as FFC. That is First Flight Covers. But guess what, one had a stamp from Cuba, yes Cuba, and franked from Cuba and then all these overprints with Korean Air A380. Now I don't know how much you know about FFC covers or what you actually think is a FFC but to me a FFC cover in just that, an envelope, or if correctly described as a card ok, designed for the inaugural flight and carried on the flight. Not some envelope or card maybe that was franked in some far off place that has nothing to do with the flight or the aircraft, like Ireland or Cuba or even a USA stamped envelope / card for some UN event. Ye gods and people are bidding on these "pieces of paper"

It worries me that there are "collectors" out there thinking they are getting FFCs when in fact they are getting nothing of the sort. I was on all three Korean Air A380 inaugurals, as you may recall from my previous writings and I can assure you no one else was carrying FFCs on the flight. The crew would have told me I am sure.

So this to tell you. Buyer beware. Hey! it is up to you what you spend your money on but don't think you are getting genuine FFCs when they have stamps on them franked from Cuba or Ireland or many other places the A380 has been nowhere near, other than 39,000 feet hahahahaha

For genuine covers I hope you enjoy looking at cddstamps or my ebay listing 250873709939. My covers come with a Certificate of Authenticity and photos of me and the crew and the covers. - or my other A380 FFCs - No misrepresentation from me I can assure you.

have a great weekend and I hope you don't get fleeced as we say!!! ..........Michael

2011-08-12T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have been looking at auction sites over past few hours. I received a catalogue and saw a few stamps I am in interested in. I thought I would compare prices by looking a few UK based dealers. One in particular I have the greatest respect for. The prices are way better than the auction minimum I am looking at here in Australia. that surprised me. Not because of the dealer but because of the Auction listing price.

Tip to you.. check online dealers first, before you bid

best wishes ....michael

2011-08-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

well hello, I never got to load whatever it was I was going to. Internet really did just go feral. Have been away as well but yes am back, well for a few days. am off again next week but will try to write in the meantime.

Hope you like this MS. issued the other day by Hong Kong Post. quite stunning but I think better to be seen in real than on a scan.

Best wishes ... Michael

2011-07-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

internet bad will load tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As promised here is part II. The other variety is SG 614b. That is the phosphor issue (1960-1967) and has one phosphor band. I do not have one with me so cannot show you but I have tried to show a phosphor from the 4d value albeit two bands which i hope you can see from my editing of the colours.

The message is don't assume a common stamp. Always check if one of these is a phosphor issue. The 2 1/2d with upright watermark is cataloged at 70p, the phosphor at £40 Now is that worth checking for.

have a great weekend.. Michael

2011-07-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, sorting some stamps I found this. Where were you in 1962, I suddenly thought to myself. Why I have these thoughts is beyond me but I do. Where was I? Starting my stamp collection in London is my only answer.

Now to the stamp. Seems common enough - it is a SG574 ?? Type I but which one? I am going to assume it is watermark 179 that is the SG 574 catalogue reference since the posting date is 1962. But which stamp is it? Unless I soak I don't think I can tell as there are a two varieties. It could be with watermark sideways, issued in 1960, unlikley? or a regular upright watermark, more likely I think, as these started to be issued in October 1961. Or have I missed one variety? Read more tomorrow and learn more :-) and what to look for before jumping to conclusions about basic looking stamps.

Best wishes .. Michael

2011-07-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, well no one took me up on my last offer.. no problem. here is a rather nice MS. Something to add to our collections I would think. Issue date 15 September so plenty of time to arrange to get a copy or two.

Best wishes ..Michael

2011-06-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, hope you all are well. Once again a week has passed and I did not write, and now I am thinking what to write. I need to get a theme going again but hard to find one. So many other things happening these days. I was in Sydney again this past weekend and bought some more stamps back with me. To keep my amused during the evenings.. wish I had more time to keep myself amused :-) hahahah

Hope you enjoy seeing this imperf MS. I know one of you will :-)

Ok, my theme. My theme is going to be Round Robins. Once upon a time I did one from this blog.. well in a previous incarnation... and I thought I would do one again. I have done a few lately and to be honest not had much success - in so far as they never seem to come back to me. all the same, hopefully I do get some nice stamps out to people and someone gets some enjoyment. I continue to have faith that one day I'll get one back. So I thought I would offer to do a Round Robin to anyone that reads this blog. What is a RR you may be asking. Well, I send a selection of stamps. I think I'll do a world wide collection - you take what you want and put back same or more number of stamps that you took out. So if you take 25 you return 25. Simple. Only catch is you have to put in fine used.. that is very nice condition. No tears or thins or heavy franking, or short perfs or stains or rust or toning etc. Seems fair.. and some fun for us all maybe.

Maybe help us improve our collections? If youw ant to join send me an email to cddstamps@gmail.com and after a week maybe I'll get one going if there is a few of us. Only cost to you is postage to the next person on the list.

Best wishes .. Michael

2011-06-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, a week has just flown by.. well actually it has because I was on the Korean Air A380 inaugurals on Friday and spent the weekend sleeping.. well that is a slight exaggeration but all the same it was a great day last Friday. Three A380 inaugurals in one day. Do have a look at my covers and pictures on cddstamps hope you enjoy the pictures... just follow menu links to A380 Covers.

PS Yes I know.. my camera date is wrong.. oops must change that but honest it was the 17th in Seoul

Best wishes... Michael

2011-06-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, if my internet wasn't so bad these days I am sure I would post more. Since last Friday it has been awful. What can I do except not get frustrated. Thanks to all who have placed bids on my www.bidstart.com auctions Please have a look if you are still thinking. you can find my lots under username michaelatcddstamps.com 1 day to go before lots start closing and if I do say so myself the bargains are there to be had because I want to clear some stock and I want you the collector to benefit.

the above is just one example of what I think you will agree is value for money. GB SG 2034-2038 cat at GBP 6.00 Listed at opening bid of USD $1.49 and free postage and packing, as you will find with all my listings. I just want to start but covering my postage costs.

Enjoy looking if nothing else. Oh even you are not a Paypal member we can work something out.

best wishes Michael

2011-06-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, another week, Hope it was a good week for you. Sorting through some stock cards I brought back from my last trip to Australia I found a few nice Miniature Sheets from the Philippines commemorating the 2001 Hong Kong Stamp exhibition. Hope you enjoy seeing this.

Have a great weekend, oh and please have a look at my latest auction listings on Bidstart Opening bid prices cover my postage costs so essentially you get the stamp(s) for free. Some very good Australia, including high catalogue starting at US $0.95 or $1.49, GB selection including modern commemoratives, selections starting at US $0.95, and much much more. 170 lots listed so surely something there for you. My user id is michaelatcddstamps so please have a look. At least enjoy looking at the quality of what I list.

2011-06-06T01:51:00.001-07:00

Lovely day here today, went to watch our office team in the Dragon Boat races. Looks like hot hard work to me. Best place is serving the beer after I think. Stamp from Genada today. My other news ..I am on Twitter... cddstamps ...decided to see what all the hype was about and hoping it will help promote my auction lots. still learning how to use it to be honest. seems easy enough to post but how does one get a followoing I wonder. try this.. lets see if it works Follow @cddstamps

Best wishes.. Michael

2011-06-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I am back. Been busy as always and back in Australia for a long weekend and just don't know where the time goes these days. Anyone trying to post a comment will find I changed authorisation levels because some nut out there was spamming me comments and since I have not logged in for a while I didn't see legit comments.

Anyway I brought back lots of stamps and have spent time sorting and yes, you guessed it, listing them for auction on Bidstart.com. Please do have a look. I just finished listing 164 lots. Bargins galore as I am trying to clear all the stuff I have horded over the years and because over 90% of the lots have an opening bid to cover my postage and packing, with no other charges. So you will get quality and value.

I have been looking at various auction sites as one does, for the fun of it, and next time I'll show you some more of the quality being sold by one amazing dealer. Why he just doesn't throw the stamps in the garbage I do not know. He must have some auto relist on as well, because I found one stamp that keeps reappearing even though no one (in their right mind) is buying. But if you want to see some nice material - you decide - just visit my lots at Bidstart.com ---- user name michaelatcddstamps.

And finally for now, a scan of a little project I have started.

Machins bore some people but have always held my interest. I now have two albums of the security print issues ( one 2nd class, one first class, and have been patiently studying and sorting. I got myself a new magnifying glass at the Temple Street night markets here in Hong Kong, at a very very cheap price and it is wonderful. Helps study these. Oh, anyone know how I can scan them to show the security lettering? Please write to me.

Best wishes and hope to hear from some of you. Michael

2011-05-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, just under two days to go before my Bidstart auction lots finish. The price you pay is the price you bid, all postage, packing and handing charges are included in bid price. Excellent quality of course and surely some material there in the 90 lots I have listed that will fill some gaps in your collection. GB, Australia, and much more. Hope you have time to browse my listings... just search on seller michaelatcddstamps

Have a great weekend .........Michael

2011-05-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hello, two stamps today, which one would you buy, assuming you wanted to buy and saw these at auction, based on quality and based on price? Would you buy the one listed at US$0.45 and with US$2.50 postage or the one listed at US$0.95 and free postage. Or would you buy the one that is VFU, and get the best of both worlds, quality and price :-) I am cheeky I know but if I don't tell you you won't know, will you?

Enjoy my auction lots on Bidstart 90 lots listed now. You will see quality and excellent prices. search all my listings by seller michaelatcddstamps

Best wishes.. Michael

2011-05-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

So how was mothers days for you and your mother? hope you did not forget. I phoned home so to speak!
Another lovely stamp tonight, and believe it or not, listed as "used fine - very fine"..... I kid you not. Only reason I am showing you this as a lead in to inviting you to look at my auction lots again. I have listed 41 lots on Bidstart under user name michaelatcddstamps. But if you want to see some fine If you want quality (sic) like this don't bother looking at my stamps. Mostly GB and Australia, covers and stamps. All priced just to cover my postage although I always hope there are a few bids :-)

Hope you have time to have a look. I will be listing more over next few days.

best wishes and thanks for reading. Michael

2011-05-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hello and thanks for visiting. I have been looking through a well known auction site for some stamps I am interested in, and I found this. Beautiful hahahah, actually the reason I am showing you is because when I came across the first listing I saw from this seller I was shocked at the rubbish quality of his material. Then I saw another and another and another. Then I looked at the number of feedbacks he has..... over 5000, Then I thought how can someone who is selling such rubbish get so much feedback, and with 100% positive. Astounds me. But then maybe he has sold lots of good material over the past 4 and 1/2 years. Whatever, I am of the opinion anyone that lists this type of material, and describes it as used, fine - very fine, is either stupid or trying to con you, and I don't care how good his feedback is. He should be recognised as trying to cheat you by selling this as described. Sad thing is he and many others can get away with it. Don't be misled into thinking high good feedback means good stamp, good honest seller. This seller is not honest because if he were he would be listing this as described.

If the seller is not a member of an accredited Philatelic organisation, or an accredited dealer please be careful.

There is one seller on this auction site who I visit for entertainment. He has openly admitted he knows nothing about stamps yet has the audacity to be selling "from his basement" material he has laying around in an old damp dusty box crawling with spiders. (Probably his sense of humour, but it sends very unprofessional message doesn't it.

I saw one of his lots sell last week. I feel for the buyer I really do. I could have given the material away in my free lots because the stamps were "damaged" with missing perfs, creases, grubby franking as can be the norm with GB QV, bad colouring, that is faded (such stamps are worth nothing), and generally a waste of postage let alone the money he threw away on his winning bid. Yet some naive buyer I suspect, bid and got the lot. Wasted money yet worse still the seller is encouraged to keep putting junk material on the auction site and think they are doing people a favour and making some pocket money on the side.

Personally I think the auction sites should be made to vet sellers of certain materials. Difficult concept I do understand, and yes I know the buyer beware argument but as I have said before, sometimes in society for the good of the common individual we have to put protection mechanisms in place. Mechanisms to try to stop people from making fools of themselves, to try to stop certain types of people from taking advantage of others, and to try to stop people profiting from the failings of others. You know what I mean.

But all my readers are smart and would never be duped into buying rubbish now would you :-)

Have a great weekend. Michael

2011-04-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, no time for stamps this past week or so but I did pick this up from the Post Office today. I hope you like it.

2011-04-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend.

Something I think you might like to see. I cannot scan the complete sheet as it is too large for the scanner. It is unused no gum. Nice piece ??? It is yours if you are willing to pay my postage and don't mind me folding it so it fits a reasonable size envelope. If interested just email me at cddstamps@gmail.com. First in gets it.

Best wishes... Michael

2011-04-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hi! I hope everyone had a good week and you all have a great weekend ahead of you. One way to make it a great weekend is to bid on one of my auction lots and get some really good quality stamps at a stupidly cheap price. Yeah sure you say! Well read my older posts to get a perspective, and, oh you don't normally buy from auction, and you don't have Paypal. Ok1 I understand that. If you are first time buyer then try Western Union to me. Just email me for details. cddstamps@gmail.com

Just for the record I am not selling to make money, so to speak. If I sell everything I have listed on ebay and bidstart I will still not cover the postage costs for the free stamps I have mailed over the past two months. But hey!! I would like to cover some of those costs.

For eBay just search me at michaelatcddstamps, where my lots start at US $0.99 inclusive of postage and at Bidstart have a look at Bidstart - my username is michaelatcddstamps and my lots start at US $0.65 including postage. Have a look at my previous writings and you will see what I am compared to or just browse listings on Bidstart ofr price comparison.

Mostly GB and Australia listed. Please have a look. The prices are to help me clear some duplicate stock and cover the costs of my free mailings - excellent quality as you can always expect from me.

As I said..... have a great weekend and please make me busy next week mailing your winning lots to you.

2011-04-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

Danger Will Robinson, Danger Will Robinson.... that expression always comes to mind when I look through an auction site, and especially now that I have listed many items.

It is always useful to see what other sellers are listing. Actually it is quite disturbing. I only hope buyers are aware of what they are seeing.

Yes I know I am promoting my lots but hey you got to give a fella a fair chance. You want to pay 3 dollars postage and get a damaged stamp. Don't bid on my lots would be my advice!!!! I only ask minimum bid of US $0.65c and free postage.

Enjoy these stamps. They could be yours for a fee plus maybe 3 dollars postage, instead of the quality I am listing. Why am I saying this? because I care that unsuspecting buyers are being conned and that people with no credentials can, it is a free world I know, in this day and age take advantage of the unsuspecting buyers.

If you want some GB Machins have a look at my website ... cddstamps

or read the previous article and check out my listings at Bidstart or eBay - I am Michaelatcddstamps in case you didn't already know.

Enjoy your stamps.. Michael

2011-04-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

AUCTION Specials - I've spent a few hours listing on Bidstart - my username is michaelatcddstamps maybe the link works to take you directly to my listings

All bids start at US $0.65 and there is no extra postage and packing charge. Mostly GB and Australia listed. Please have a look. The prices are to help me clear some duplicate stock - excellent quality as you can always expect from me.

I'll be listing more over the next few days. Enjoy looking Best wishes ... Michael

2011-04-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

A new issue from Hong Kong today, well the MS anyway. Certainly different design, The stamp on this MS is the heart. Timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, this special stamp issue in 2011 pays tribute to volunteers of all ages. The first-ever heart-shaped stamp in the stamp sheetlet is the perfect recognition of the spirit of selfless love shown by volunteers.

Nice touch I thought.

Best wishes Michael

2011-04-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hello, sorry been off line for so long but work is rather time consuming these days. I have some stamps given by a dealer friend - this is part scan of a full sheet. free to first email to cddstamps@gmail.com.

I am assuming if you reply then butterflies are an interest of yours. I cannot scan the whole sheet as it is too large for the scanner. and it is mint no gum and a bit grubby on the back, but hey if this interests you, it is yours. I even pay postage. one day someone will do something nice for me I hope :-) hahahahahha

have a great weekend.. write me if there is a topic you want me to research and write about. Sadly I don't have the time I would like for research and writing and feel writers block to often these days, so all ideas welcomed and will help motivate me.

Have a great weekend ............. Michael

2011-03-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, yes been difficult to find time to write but I promised myself I would tonight.
I was in Australia at the weekend and got these. Nice. Similar to the Royal Mail(GB) issue in 1997. Don't you think. Plagiarism is the kindest form of flattery I think. Your thoughts??? first 5 emails will win a set (used) of the GB issue... email your address to me at cddstamps@gmail.com

Best wishes... Michael

2011-03-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

Hello, I don't like being so busy that I have no time for stamps. My relaxation and stress therapy. But, I did at last find some time today to do three philatelic activities.

One was to collect my mail from the local Post Office - a copy of the new Hong Kong Post Centenary of Powered flight in Hong Kong MS. Very nice as well. Sadly it was sold out by end of first day of issue so I was unable to get the extra copies I wanted.

Second, I packed up a few envelopes of stamps for my Childrens Corner. If you know of children who are starting to collect or looking to add more to their collection get them to write to me at cddstamps@gmail.com Free stamps are theirs. I pay all mailing charges.

Third, I had a look at a website I sponsor - no not self promotion but one I think you should bookmark if you are interested in Australia stamps. Enormous amount of work has gone into this site by the owner, my friend Larry. Have a look at Australian Stamp Catalogue

have a great weekend............. Michael

2011-03-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Hello, On 18th March Hong Kong Post will issue a commemorative set for the Centenary of Powered Flight in Hong Kong. I am offering this free - for details have a look at my web site cddstamps.

Betst wishes.. Michael

2011-03-09T05:24:00.000-08:00

Blocks................... world mix, lots the same, lots of duplicates different size blocks, lots (that is 100's of stamps) I have so many after a recent sorting and I have no use for them and I think surely someone might be interested in an eclectic mix of stamps. I have no idea how to even begin to start describing them, so I won't. If you like a gamble and are prepared to put US $5 into my Paypal account ( cddstamps@gmail.com) to cover my postage costs I will send to you. I only ask postage because over the past month my postage of free stamps has been greater than my sales...ooops far greater.

My 1000 world mix is also unsold.. so I will reduce that to US $15. Actually I think there are close 1200 stamps there. ( see previous post) I see kiloware lots of 200 stamps for more than this..

enjoy your stamps.... best wishes ......... Michael

2011-03-06T05:09:00.001-08:00

My day today, busy and relaxing. Since I have so many - GB Commoratives from about 1960 onwards. I will give a few away, first three emails to cddstamps@gmail.com with your mailing address and I'll send a selection. Will include some Christmas, used condition or better but no damaged, I think I have thrown all those out.

Best wishes.. Michael

2011-03-05T00:23:00.000-08:00

ok so no one wants all those world mix :-( no problem. was it not a good offer?

today I finally have some time to relax and thought I'd show this block. I have quite a few courtesy of the friend I met here for dinner a few weeks ago, a stamp dealer I think I told you about. I have read that blocks are very collectable and I have to say the condition of these is pretty good. Anyone have any idea about value or interest of such material.

Best wishes and have a great weekend .... Michael

2011-02-27T01:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, just to say I am in Sydney again, enjoying a relaxing weekend here and getting depressed that no one liked my stamp offer, (see previous posting) or bid on my Bidstart lots (none sold) :-) but seriously, why???? I wonder? the quality and value was excellent compared to most of the rubbish that is listed. Don't people value quality anymore ???

The highlight of my weekend, well one of the highlights, was I got to my PO Box and there was a really interesting letter from one of my readers. Thanks Charlie and I'll scan the stamp when get back to HK and share some of the interesting write up you gave me.

Hope everyone has / is having a great weekend where ever you are.

Best wishes... Michael

2011-02-23T04:19:00.000-08:00

Something different again, my own mini auction on the blog. I have soaked some 1000 plus world mix - no Great Britain - and I am pretty sure I have removed most if not all damaged stamps including bad perfs etc. Anyone want 1000+ world mix for lets say US$20.00 including postage and packing. Not much for me after my postage but a nice gift for someone maybe. I want them to go to a good home. You will see individual stamps selling usually at minimum of 5c on most auction sites and the quality is often rubbish. This is 1000 plus (some duplication but not too much) at 2c a stamp and inclusive of postage. Interested just email me within next few days and offer US $20 or more and be prepared to pay by Paypal. If you want to offer more than US$20 please do so and the highest bid will get the stamps. Email me at cdddstamps@gmail.com. I will leave this offer open until Sunday night my time in Hong Kong.

And please dont forget there is some excellent quality in my Bidstart listings at michaelatcddstamps Don't believe me!!! just look at some of the other GB for sale. Single stamps that are just a waste of anyones time even listing if they were quality conscious, and certainly a waste of your money of you buy singles in that way. But as I always say, buyer beware!!

Enjoy your stamps.. Best wishes .. Michael (Director and Member of the Internet Philatelic Dealers Association Inc (IPDA) look us up at IPDA Are you buying from IPDA members? and if not why not?

2011-02-21T03:47:00.000-08:00

Something different tonight that I found over the weekend in the parcel my dealer colleague gave me. I do not have my catalogue with me so cannot check but since this a circular "stamps", and from Tonga and has Airmail on it I thought I would show you anyway. Oh and yes it is in pretty bad condition. I would normally garbage this but I thought it was at least worth showing - hey I was checking Bidstart where my auction listing are and this is superb compared to what some people are listing. How do people get away with listing such damaged stamps and called them good used? I do not know, I just hope you don't buy some of the rubbish I see listed. More on that tomorrow maybe............ and if you do have a catalogue handy please look this up and email me details... I may even send it to you if you want a space filler. email cddstamps@gmail.com of course and with mailing address please.

Oh and if you want quality please have a look at my auction lots on Bidstart - you can find me at michaelatcddstamps

Best wishes ............ Michael

2011-02-20T03:15:00.000-08:00

Hello, I started to list on Bidstart and a few more on eBay. 23 lots on Bidstart - you can find me at michaelatcddstamps and I think you will find something of interest and perhaps make a bid. The value and quality is there, of that I can assure you. I was speaking with a dealer the other day and he was telling me how the price in the catalogues is definately low and the price that quality material should be fetching is going to increase as it really is undervalued. Not my thinking but what is reflected everywhere these days on the stamp scene. If you wnat something cheap then don't expect quality as well.

I have a few loys on eBay as well - again at user michaelatcddstamps - these lots are GB Commemorative selections. In my humble view extremely good value (high catalogue and should be higher in many cases) and I hope there is some bidding as I have started the prices very low. Why? well I am trying to raise a few dollars as the Korean Air A380 inaugural is in June and I would dearly like to get on it.

If you do nothing else I hope you enjoy looking at the lots. And the image above is one of my Bidstart lots. Pretty nice I think.

Best wishes.. Michael

2011-02-19T03:55:00.000-08:00

Hello, something special, perhaps!!! not sure what to write so here is a competition for a change hahahahaha ... I have two lots listed on Bidstart, one is at bidstart lot

It closes soon and may not relist, I dont know.. but why is it not selling? I wonder..it has free shipping and the price is 50% of GB catalogue and quality is Very Fine Used. Any advice??? If it doesn't sell the best answer will win the same stamps in same condition and again free postage, as I have a few of these.

Have a great weekend, thanks in advance for any feedback, Best wishes, Michael

2011-02-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a wonderful example of what must be vandalism at worst and cost effectiveness at best.
Obviously, perhaps?, someone decided to use a sheet of stamps which they bought thinking they had an investment, but which they now realised was no longer an investment, to cover some postage. Yes, they realised sheets(like these) lost their value over time, except for postage. Or, perhaps a dealer bought an estate collection and used the mint collection. And why not. You can easily pick up mint gummed stamps for less than face if the stamps date back 10 or so years. What does that tell you. Anyway I hope you enjoy seeing these, just a pity the Post Office had to cancel with great big crayon scrawl, but hey, some postal worker somewhere got their rocks off destroying the sheet: what goes around comes around I always believe.

Best wishes.. Michael

2011-02-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

Last night I was very fortunate to meet Philippe Poppe from Poppe Stamps He was in Hong Kong on a business trip and we had dinner in Kowloon, at a rather nice Japanese restaurant I might add. What a wonderful and interesting person. He was very kind and gave me a few stamps from a kiloware lot he had picked up that afternoon at the Mong Kong Stamp arcade and this MS was in the package he gave me. There were actually a few of these MS so I thought I'd share them around. Write to me at cddstamps@gmail.com with your mailing address if you want a copy. And do have a look at his brilliant website.

Best wishes ............ Michael

2011-02-09T03:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my wonderful friend in the UK I received these in the mail. A rather interesting MS. It is made up of four new stamps (1st, 60p, 88p and 97p) featuring Thunderbirds 1 to 4. The sheet is printed using microlenticular technology so that when tilted the stamps show each vehicle’s launch sequence. The outer space monitoring station Thunderbird 5 is shown in the border. Now how many will be used on postal mail. NONE is the answer. If you haven't seen the MS in real life, what you won't know is that it is like a piece of think hard card and I cannot see anyone breaking it apart for postal usage. Prove me wrong?? :-) Nice money earner for Royal Mail though. Well done Royal Mail :-)

2011-02-07T03:11:00.000-08:00

I may not be able to buy old Hong Kong Stamps but I can get new issues. This arrived today. I ordered the 2010 issues from Hong Kong Post and this was one of a set of 4 issued last year. I hope you like it. I am certainly enjoying the Hong Kong stamps. This from the set to commemorate Hong Kong's participation in Expo 2010 Shanghai China, to show the dynamism of Hong Kong.
If there are any new issues you would like I will be pleased to get them for you. At cost plus postage, just email me at cddstamps@gmail.com or watch out for my competitions!

Best wishes...Michael

2011-02-06T04:41:00.000-08:00

Hello, I have been soaking and sorting and studying a bag of GB low value Wildings this weekend. Found a few inverted watermarks and a few sideways. Nothing terribly exciting to be honest and no real value but hey fun all the same. If anyone has some gaps they need to fill then email me at cddstamps@gmail.com and I might be able to help, all watermark varieties available. No charge or postage cost if your request is reasonable.

The real reason for this post though is to tell you of a really good website I found. Have a look at Machin and Wilding Definitive Stamp Issues if this doesn't impress you nothing will. For Wildings, for example, just click Wildings in the left hand menu bar then pre-decimal, then click any of the stamps shown. Pretty impressive and congratulations to whoever built this site.

Best wishes ........... Michael

2011-02-05T01:31:00.001-08:00

What have I been doing in Hong Kong, well I was not the anonymous bidder on this lot. A very rare block of Hong Kong stamps featuring Queen Victoria which fetched for a record, the highest ever paid for a single lot of stamps in Hong Kong, $821,000 US dollars on January 27th.

The stamps in questions were a block of four 1865 stamps with a face value of 96 Hong Kong cents (approximately 12 US cents) each. The reason for the stamps being so valuable, other than the fact that these stamps are almost 150 years old, is that these stamps were misprinted in an olive bistre colour.

The first stamps of Hong Kong were issued in 1862 in seven values from 2c. to 96c. brownish grey and there were two printings of the 96c. totaling 138 sheets (240 stamps to each sheet). In 1863 the printers, De la Rue, introduced new paper with the watermark Crown over CC (Crown Colony) as well as some additional values. Some of the original supplies did not need replenishing for some time and the next requisition for 96c. was made in March 1864. This supply of only 52 sheets was in an unexpected olive-bistre colour. There were no reasons for this change of colour and it is believed that this was a simple mistake made by De la Rue as bistre was among the original range of colour trials supplied in 1862. By the time the mistake was spotted in Hong Kong, it was too late to expect a fresh supply to arrive in time. The 96c. olive-bistre had a very short life. It was issued at the Post Office around January or February 1865. A new printing, in the correct brownish grey shade, was made at the same time and these supplies of these were available in Hong Kong around late July or August 1865.

Only about forty unused examples are reported to exist today, including this unique block of four.

2011-02-01T03:35:00.000-08:00

I received this today. Thought I would share with you. Best wishes... Michael

2011-01-31T04:46:00.000-08:00

The Year of the Rabbit Stamps from Australia / Christmas Island which I picked up while in Sydney at the weekend. I hope you like them.
The stamps feature the calligraphic symbol for the Rabbit and its pictorial drivation.

Kung Hei Fat Choi .. Happy New Year .. Michael

2011-01-26T03:51:00.000-08:00

Well thanks everyone for reading the blog. Just wish I had time to write more.

The winner of the HK imperf was P Cheah from Singapore. Well done. Sorry the rest of you couldn't win.

Ok, another chance for you to win some Hong Kong Year of the Rabbit stamps. This MS, if you like it, also issued for Chinese New Year here.

Different rules to give more people a chance but you have to include your mailing address with answer to this question. Closest guess will win. I am flying to Sydney tomorrow night on Virgin Atlantic, what is my seat number? to Prove it I will show baording pass, next week. I get back to Hong Kong late Sunday night. So I expect to write Monday evening. Have a great weekend. See you Monday

Best wishes............. Michael

.

2011-01-23T05:26:00.001-08:00

I went to the Post Office yesterday to collect my standing order from Hong Kong Post and what a queue I found. Had I been reading my emails from HK post I would have known it was the day of issue of the Year of the Rabbit stamps. I would also have known how many varieties of the issue there are. I did collect my order and some additional copies including the Flock Sheet which I now read is out of stock. What a collectible this must be, and it seems people here take their collecting of the Chinese New Year stamps very seriously.

I have a few extras and this is one MS which I thought would make a reader very pleased. Imperforate MS of the $5 stamp.

To win it you have to be first email to cddstamps@gmail.com with your mailing address and tell me in what year(s) did Hong Kong Post previously issue Flock stamps and for what event were they issued.

Look forward to hearing from you. Michael

2011-01-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Where did the week go? Just shot by didn't it. I was looking through an old FDC album I had lying around my study back in Sydney. Something I bought back to Hong Kong with me thinking I might sort and maybe try to sell on. I came across this cover. Like many in old albums - this cover was issued in 1972, it is nearly 40 years old afterall - it has some rust but hey the stamps are basically ok, and especially the bottom right hand corner one in the block of 6. This stamp is the one sideband phospher with a cat value used of £30.

The stamps in this issue were first printed in 1971 in photogravure by Harrison and Sons, the pottery first appeared in 1759. I have the cover for the first issue, 12 stamps, sadly too much rust to make it anything than just a sovenir now. And sadly I have no 1759 Wedgewood. And today of course there is no Wedgewood as I understand it from a guy I met at a New Years eves party last month. In January 2009 Wedgwood was placed into administration and it is now operating out of Asia in some foirm ot other I believe, but certainly not producing the quality of hand made pottery that was its trademark in the golden years of the business.

Oh, and one other thing, you can click the images I post to enlarge them. I thought I should mention that because for both this cover and the previous post you can see more clearly the details I am referring to in the text.

Have a great weekend, Michael

what I throw away

2011-01-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, I was sorting stamps this weekend and throwing into garbage so many stamps with faults and creases etc. Then I thought. Hey why not show you some, so you perhaps get an idea of what I think is not collectible. Must have chucked over 200 stamps, sad really but they are damaged or have really heavy postmarks. I am listing on eBay again and you won't find any of these from me. I am also listing on bidstart some nice sets with lovely postmarks. Have a look at michaelatcddstamps.

Also to let you know if you have GB Commemorative gaps just email me cddstamps@gmail.com I will try to help.

Best wishes .................. Michael

2011-01-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

Something different tonight. I saw this on an auction site . No description other than title of "Great_Britain 1948 #268 Silver Wedding Black print MNH"

Now I may be dumb and not that well informed but this was being sold under stamps.

What do you think? I would like to hear views?

Have a great weekend. Michael

2011-01-12T03:27:00.000-08:00

it is so cold I cannot think of what to write about and anyway my fingers are even cold.

Can you believe this? Hong Kong, and temperatures of 7 degress today. OK not cold to many of you maybe, but cold here, and it feels cold like it used to be when I lived in Canada.

The only stamps I can think of showing in this situation is this.

No complaints though as there are so many people in Australia right now suffering because of the rains and flooding and my thoughts go out to them all.

A little gift for you.. the first email to cddstamps@gmail.com to tell me something about these stamps... say 50 GB Commemorative mixed and no Christmas stamps

Keep warm.. Michael

Machins

2011-01-10T03:31:00.001-08:00

I have been receiving stamps from a friend of mine who works in an office in the UK. A reasonable amount of mail arrives and the stamps are collected and mail on to me. How kind. Well 95% are Machins and with the security slits and non soluble gums nowadays I decided it was time to look at these, and try to catalogue. I like variations and there are so many to look for. First though, you need to know a good source of information about the variations. Try machins and go from there.

If you thought Machins were boring, think again. The varieties are many. Just read the link I showed above.

I have many years of study ahead of me. Now if only I could retire :-)instead of being stuck here in fabulous Hong Kong with a great job and lovely people and so much else going on around me. Oh well, cannot do it all on a day I guess. Oh and if you really are not into Machins but GB Commemoratives maybe I have a lot on eBay, and will be putting more up in the coming weeks. see my eBay lot

Or if its GB you need let me know what you want and I'll see what I can do.

Best wishes .....Michael

just a reminder

2011-01-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

Hello, it has been well over 7 months since I wrote on this topic and I thought it was time again to do so. If you are buying on the internet (or anywhere for that matter) do make sure you understand the quality and condition of the stamps(s) you are buying and not just by relying of the sellers description. This stamp is described as F-VFU on an auction site I visit occasionally. It is damaged. Have a look and well it is pretty obvious. Don't waste your money buying this even for a space filler. It really is not worth it. It should be thrown in the bin in my view. Yes I know it has reasonably high cat value but it is not worth a penny!!

Also, and a plug here for the IPDA (Internet Philatelic Dealers Association Inc, try to make sure you are buying from someone who is an accredited member of some worthy organisation, like the IPDA for example. I can never give 100% guarantee there will never be a poorly described stamp but members are usually pretty reliable and keen to maintain high standards in the descriptions and the material they sell.

Best wishes.. Michael

iPhone apps

2011-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, just a short piece tonight. Do you use the iPhone? I recently got one (please don't tell my family hahahaha ) and was looking at the various apps one can download. Ok so I looked at "stamps" I see quite a few interesting ones but one did catch my eye because it was about stamp valuations. And I read that that if you have a Penny Black it is worth $10,000...I think it was dollars... wow I thought.. yet another, not that well informed, none philatelic person misleading us. So not only do we have people selling stamps who know little to nothing about the stamps they are selling but now we have app builders writing rubbish about stamp values.

It all makes the world go round, but if anyone wants to offer me huge sums for my Penny Blacks.. hey! please get in touch :-)

Have a great weekend .... Michael

Australian Lighthouses

2011-01-02T00:31:00.000-08:00

Hello, I showed the Hong Kong lighthouses on stamps issue a few days ago and while tidying up today I found this Cover. I have seen a few lighthouse issues recently, as I said in my previous piece, so thought I'd show this one as well. When I get back to Hong Kong in a few days I'll show the GB Commemoratives I have there; hundreds of copies so if you want a few just read the blog of the day sometime later this week.

As for this cover.. if you would like it and are the first correct email to cddstamps@gmail.com then it is yours.... what is the generally excepted number of lighthouses that are found around Australia. I will take an answer to plus or minus 5.

Enjoy your stamps, not just for the stamps but for how they can help us gain knowledge and greater awareness of the world about us.

Michael

Lighthouses on stamps

2010-12-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I have the feeling there have been many Lighthouse stamp issues these past few years. Seems that way to me. Anyway these were issued today by Hong Kong Post. Sorry scan is none too good but best I can do until I return to HK, as I do not have the proper S/W on this computer. Hope you like them.

The port of Hong Kong has always been key to business prosperity of the territory. It not only acts as a hub port of the South Asian Pacific region, but also an entrepot for the Mainland of China. Standing guard at the entrance of a harbour, a lighthouse serves as a navigation aid to mariners. A system of lenses at the top of the tower casts flashing light to guide incoming and outgoing vessels away from danger. This set of special stamps depicts five surviving pre-war lighthouses in Hong Kong. The stamps show a map and a compass in the upper half of the backdrop and the latitude and longitude coordinates at the bottom. The layout highlights the important role of lighthouses in Hong Kong's maritime history.

Happy New Year to everyone. ..Best wishes....Michael

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T17:53:00.001-08:00

I wonder if anyone is reading this blog? I have been rather busy these past 6 months working in Hong Kong and writing about stamps has been very low on my list of priorities, and anyway I have not had the time. But the new year brings me to thinking I would enjoy writing again, so this is my start. Just to say Hello, and Merry Christmas

Hope you are still enjoying your philately

Michael

am back..with a special cover

2010-06-25T05:19:00.001-07:00

been a long time :-) if you still visit I hope you enjoy this. my excuse for not writing.. I relocated work to hong Kong...busy busy busy.. new job, new place and now new apartment and everything that goes with all that sort of stuff, plus lots of travel..

anyway this cover I made in December 2009.. and in May 2010 on one of my return visits to Sydney I had it returned from Boeing with the Pilots signatures.. not flown but hey, is this still special or what ....I expect so.. I have two of these and two in another design plus two Boeing postcards signed. You want one ...write to me.. cddstamps@gmail.com I am not planning on selling but hey you make the right offer I might consider... :-)

Hope everyone well and sorry I have not been writing. I am hoping to get back to some stamp related activities soon

all the very best to you .... Michael

2010-05-10T04:21:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone, or those of you still looking to see if I write anymore :-) Afraid I have been terribly delinquent due my work here in HK. I asked for guest writers and here is one piece from Jane in Canada - a regular reader and previous guest writer. An interesting piece which I hope you will enjoy as I did

Royal Mail’s first London 2010 Festival of Stamps issue is a double-headed Machin incorporating the Machin head of Elizabeth II and the Mackennal profile head of King George V. The profiles are identified by royal ciphers. Simplicity of style and brevity of detail combined with shrewd colour choice result in a memorable design.

I thought it would be interesting to see if I could find other stamps with two or more British monarchs on the same stamp. I wanted to see how different countries would interpret a similar topic. Would the end result be as eye catching and memorable as the new GB stamp? I found four stamps from various Commonwealth countries (the stamps were issued to celebrate various events over the eighty years) to examine.

Each stamp is unique, yet all portray easily recognizable images of British monarchs. Engraved images rather than painted portraits are more popular. Perhaps this is because the engraved image works so well on a tiny canvas.

Despite the attention given to detail, it is interesting to note that the question of identification is dealt with in different ways.

The stamp from St. Helena does not identify the four monarchs, but they are so obvious that it is not a problem (William IV to George V).

The stamp from Barbados is rather ambiguous because the portrait of Charles I is only identified with a date: 1639. The stamps from St. Vincent and New Zealand clearly identify each monarch.

The layout of the stamps ranges from deceptively simple to very complex. And yet, each one ends up looking very dated and ordinary. The choice of colours tends to lessen the impact of the stamps. There is too much detail to absorb. And the reason for illustrating multiple British monarchs on the stamps is unclear.

The examples that I found all illustrate multiple British monarchs. They attempt to convey a great deal of information in a compact space. Some are more successful than others, but none are particularly memorable stamps. None come close to the deceptively simple design of the new double-headed Machin. That is why it will be a winner.

Yours truly,
Jane MacLean

Australia World Heritage issue May 25th

2010-04-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

Hello, am back in Sydney for the weekend and catching up on some stamp related mail. This from the current Australia Post Stamp Bulletin. Rather nice I thought. As for future mailings, well, for a while these are likely to be few and far between due my work in Hong Kong and really no access to my stamps and, at least at the moment, a scanner. I'll be back writing as soon as I can

Best wishes... Michael

2010-04-03T00:48:00.001-07:00

Hello, yes been away and with no time to write. Hope you will still visit occasionally. I am working in Hong Kong and while I will try to write I find my work is now my first priority. If anyone wants to be a guest write please email me at cddstamps@gmail.com although I do appreciate there are so many stamp blogs out there these days I wonder how many blogs get read at all.

But to stamps. I came back to Sydney for the Easter weekend and was clearing out an old brief case I will use when I go back in a few days time. I found this. I bought it to show you, my readers.. see the date!!!!!!! Lost but found. Like I always say, I get round to everything in the end.

As for other stamp news.... the London Festival of Stamps 2010 is probably the hot topic at the moment. I wont be writing about it because there are guys out there far better qualified and knowledgeable than me. If this is a topic / stamp issue that interests you I highly recommend Ian Billings, Norvic Philatelics blog

Have a wonderful Easter weekend, Best wishes..... Michael

2010-03-27T03:11:00.001-07:00

Hello, been another busy week with no time for stamps I am afraid. I think it will be like this for a while now. I am off to Hong Kong in the morning, back Good Friday, then back there again after the Easter weekend for three months with occasional weekend trips back to Sydney. So apology for not writing much over coming months. I will try and maybe get some time to visit some HK stamp dealers.

Just a reminder my Charity Auction on eBay closes in two days. 4 flown yes really flown A380 inauguaral flight covers - signed by crews as well. All of the winning bid proceeds go to Charity.. the Qantas Pathfinders - a committee based in the Qantas community which raises funds for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
Have a look at A380 eBay auction listing or if that doesn't work check out my listing under id michaelatcddstamps or listing 250600365435

Best wishes.. Michael

4 Qantas A380 flown inaugural flight covers Charity Auction

2010-03-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, just thought you might like to know these 4 covers are on eBAY.. AND all of the winning bid proceeds go to Charity.. the Qantas Pathfinders - a committee based in the Qantas community which raises funds for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.

see eBAY item 250600365435 at least have a look and enjoy looking at the covers and reading about them :-) signed by flight crews I might add http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250600365435&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_813wt_958

Also if you haven't had time.. I hope you enjoy my new website http://www.flyingcovers.com/

Best wishes and hope this find everyone well.

Michael www.cddstamps.com

Philippines Greeting Stamp FDC

2010-03-19T01:20:00.001-07:00

Hello, yes I am back in Sydney after a very busy 2 weeks in Manila. What a great place that is. Working I might add and in various places, so saw a lot more from taxi journeys than I had seen before. Was in Malate the first week.. I like the area ..it is alive, and then Makati, which in many ways is like downtown Singapore or KL. Anyway I did not forget my stamps although had no time to write, but a few hours on my last day to visit the Central Post Office in Makati and thus this cover.

Hope you like it.. it could be yours... if you are the first email to me at cddstamps@gmail.com and can tell me when (the year will do) FILIPINAS first appeared on their stamps.

Best wishes... have a great weekend...Michael

out of town

2010-03-06T19:05:00.001-08:00

Hello, sorry not written lately.. I am out of town (in Manila actually) and unlikely to be able to write much for a few weeks until I get back to Sydney. Please do come back though and see if I survive...maybe with some local stamps even!!

Best wishes..... enjoy your stamps... Michael

2010-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, I have been thinking what to write about for a few days now. I thought about perforations, about printing techniques, stamps designers and about grading stamps.
I have long been a sometimes (ok, most times) critical voice about the quality of stamps being sold at auction by the non collector and amateur (yes very amateur) sellers.
I found this web site. I thought I would share it with you as it really does explain everything so very well.
grading and condition

As for quality. I found this listed on an auction site. Described as VFU.

Now read the link above and tell me if this is VFU. Oh! and tell me, should the seller be told he / she is misrepresenting the quality / grade of the stamp.

Interesting thought :-)

As far as I am concerned I will always look carefully at the item being sold and make my own judgment, I will not rely on the sellers description. And, I will often write and ask for a larger scan and a scan of the reverse of the stamp.

Of course, I also look to see if the seller is a member of an accredited organization / association, like for example the Internet Philatelic Dealers Association IPDA. It is a small Association with members across the UK, Canada, the US, Europe and here in Australia. It’s members largely run their businesses selling on the internet and are committed to selling accurately described stamps on the Internet.

As you know from reading my previous postings, anybody can list a stamp on an online auction and anybody can bid. Whether the person listing knows what they are doing – maybe inadvertently listing a stamp as something better than it is, or deliberately listing a stamp as something it is not, is one thing, but if the buyer does not have the knowledge to understand what he or she is buying then buyers will be taken advantage of. And from what I see there are many sellers on the internet only to pleased to take advantage of you.

A genuine seller will not want that to happen. A member of the IPDA will not want that to happen. Oh, and don’t for a minute think that just because someone says they have been a member of some countries philatelic organization for 35 years it makes them a good seller. Maybe they were a collector and now have decided to offload their stamps one at a time or whatever the case. Controversial? sure I am. I want you to start thinking and sharing this advice with your friends for your own advantage.

Recognise a dealer seller rather than a “oh I think I will sell my old man’s stamps on eBay” seller. Anyway. I hope you find the link above useful. Comments? :-) Best wishes. Enjoy your stamps. ....MIchael

finally got round to writing

2010-02-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, sorry been away all week.. nothing new to write about to be honest but I have put a really good special on my website cddstamps

go on, treat yourself.. take advantage of me :-) actually to be totally honest my credit card bill just came through!!!

will be back to stamps tomorrow ... have a great weekend .. Michael

2010-02-22T01:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, I have been browsing the internet stamp blog sites these past few days. Am I bored or what! Seems so little of interest yet so many stamp blogs out there. I remember when I first stated blogging there were literally no stamp blogs. Now there are hundreds yet so few that challenge me to read them. And do they all get 1 or 2 or no readers?? I often wonder. Your thoughts. What do you read, apart from me of course :-) Norvic, one of the best in my view, Machin Mania another interesting and informative site, Adrians site at AKPhilately for pure quality writing and stamp design and issues from the past.

What is it that we want? I am asking myself this as it seems impossible to get a large readership. New issues? Competitions? Philatelic study and resources or just educational facts? How do we get stamp collectors to read any of those? Especially those who are buying overpriced rubbish on some auction sites........ Are we all time constrained? Do we just read the trash newspaper headlines about celebrities, sport and the weather? All of which is fabricated nonsense to get people to read it anyway :-) Or what.

Write to me I would really like to hear your views. and if you have ideas about how to promote this wonderful hobby I would really like to hear from you

Enjoy your stamps .. Michael cddstamps.com

something new....

2010-02-20T00:26:00.000-08:00

Hello, sorry if I revert to an aviation theme this once.. I have to tell you or how else will you know :-) I have been writing a new website.flyingcovers Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks Charlie for those comments.. I could write a book in rely as I am sure you could, but yes I agree.. that is the way it could well go for philately unless we change something to encourage young people to start collecting and they cannot do it by enjoying and having fun soaking stamps can they now!! and getting them to collect pretty stickers is not the answer in my view.. I honestly believe that is a Postal Administration con to get money from children and adults. Children who do collect will soon forget or realise they are just pretty stickers and a fad they went through... children are smart.. never underestimate them is my thinking. Sooner or later they will see it for what it is.. marketing to raise revenue... PS nothing wrong in that of course in the scheme of things I guess in a free world, but we are talking philately and childrens encouragement to participate and enjoy stamp collecting here.

Enough of my ramblings.. how about this stunning cover..

I met the guy who produced this and flew on the inaugural - great guy - covers available for sale on my new web site flyingcovers and monies go to the Australian Airmail Society.

Have a great weekend, .. Michael

another impulse buy

2010-02-16T02:03:00.000-08:00

Hello, I was in the CBD today and had time to visit my favourite stamp shop. Picked up a few Australia Airmail and aviation related stamps and this. I just couldn't resist.

My view is this is a very good format with well presented detail. I have noted from a very quick read through that more recent GB have increased in value - as I predicted would happen since so few are (correct me if I am wrong) used on mail.

Time will tell I guess. But a useful catalogue to have in my view

Enjoy your stamps.. Michael

Ireland stamps.....

2010-02-13T03:14:00.000-08:00

you know there are some stamp issuing authorities that you would never think of as ones that would fall to the depths of issuing pretty stickers.. sadly another has fallen in my mind... These from Ireland. And I had always liked their stamps.. maybe I missed others they issued in this vein...... says a lot about where the stamp issuing policy of countries is at when you see these. .... Doesn't it?

enjoy your stamps... well try to :-) ........... Michael

2010 Olympic Winter Games

2010-02-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, yesterday I showed a Canadian stamp and hey I got a nice comment from no less than the Director of Stamp Services at Canada Post. Well I had already thought of continuing my Canadian theme before that so please don't think I am being nice to Canada Post just because they wrote to me. I am Canadian after all and still feel some sentiment to that wonderful country. Especially Vancouver. If you have never been there you have something to look forward to one day. Anyway less of my rambling. Today, (12th February) is the opening day of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada and with that in mind I thought I'd show this lovely MS from Canada Post, and as I say, I planned this, honestly I did, before the Director wrote to me.
Anyway, enjoy the MS.

Enjoy your stamps.. Best wishes .. Michael

I am so bored........

2010-02-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

:-) hello.. did that opening gain your attention.. I really am so bored you know. Looking at stamps and new issues and wondering what is going on in the minds of the Postal Authority administrations around the world.. all these new issues and who is collecting them and how can they possible be increasing interest in this wonderful hobby. Know what?? I think it is increasing interest in older issues.. I hope so. Stamps you can soak and enjoy soaking, stamps with design you can marvel at the artwork and creativity.

I am reading stampboards where people are talking about soaking stamps with insoluble gums. There is only one answer.. do not soak.. just cut on piece with the franking as intact as you can. I have been doing this for a few years now and have a much more interesting collection. Yes takes up more room in a stock album but is enjoyable to look through. And anyway you won't find many commemoratives used these days :-) As someone said.. who is using them.

But one nice stamp, and I have not written on the Year of the Tiger, seems too common a theme rrrrrggggghgg :-) this (above) from Canada Post, quite acceptable don't you think?.. I see Canada Post issuing lots of stamps these days but not as many as some countries

Enjoy your stamps.. best wishes .......... Michael

cost of new issues

2010-02-09T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hello, thought I would see what peoples view were. I just read a piece on Linn's Stamp News.....maybe you saw it as well.. quote.. 'as of Feb 3rd the Postal Service ( US that is) has released eight new issues" .. to buy the stamps minimum amount to get one of each stamp, the minimum cost is US $85.38 ........... now that is rather a few bob!!! I think you will agree.

Let's look at Royal Mail..anyone know how much you would have to spend to collect new issues, Commemorative including Prestige Books and MS, no definitives were issued in those two months as I recall... to early February..??? Guess :-) anyone know what the cost of just the May 2010 Festival of Stamps issues will be??? Guess..

So, who is buying all these new issues? and Why ... and who is using them on letters... well lets face it they are generally not used anymore are they.. so why so many new issues... would it be more cost effective for the Postal Authorities to cut back on new issues and get a larger buyer demand from those they do issue.. I studied economics years ago and I think the law of diminishing returns now applies to these people that keep issuing stamps. Oh yes.. and elasticity of supply and demand....

as the Linn's writer says.. I will still collect stamps and remain active in the hobby, but I am no longer buying all US new issues. That was my view on GB quite some years back.

Comments??

Looking forward to hearing from you.. :-)

Michael cddstamps.com

updated the website

2010-02-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

Hello, rainy day here in Sydney - we needed it I might add - so spent some time updating the website.. nothing too major.. but then again if you don't read it every now and again you won't know what you are missing :-)

enjoy your stamps.. Michael

London 2010 Festival of Stamps

2010-02-06T00:16:00.000-08:00

Hello, Not sure how to start tonights piece. I think I write some interesting material but I read Ian Billings blog (Norvic Philatelics) and feel I could do better :-)

I mentioned his blog last night and now again tonight because he has an excellent piece on the stamp issues from Royal Mail for the 2010 Festival of Stamps in his latest posting. I have every intention of attending and every intention of collecting the stamps being issued as I like what I see from Royal Mail.... yes, for a change :-)

here is a scan of the MS.. copyright etc and with all credits to Royal Mail etc

Lovely I think you will agree. For more see Ian's blog at Norphil.Blogspot but hey, do keep coming back here occasionally :-)

Enjoy your stamps... Michael

Postal frankings... a comparison

2010-02-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, thought you might like to see these two scans.. I picked up some mail yesterday.. one from Adelaide in South Australia, the other from the US. Interesting. I realise the SA stamps were on a large envelope but 5 franks would have covered the stamps.. not 16. Someone very enthusiastic with the chop!

Also, Thanks to Ian Billings for some further information and clarification on the GB Christmas variety I have been writing about. See his comments in the previous post. Ian is a recognised luminary in the GB world as far as I am concerned and you can read his excellent writings at Norphil Blogspot

Enjoy your stamps ............ Michael

back again...........

2010-02-03T00:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, how time flies.. seem to have lost a week somewhere.. but am back :-) some days / weeks ago I showed you a GB 1966 Christmas stamp with error – missing T… well one of my readers has written giving me some information about this and I thought I would share it with you.

This variety used to be listed in the SG Elizabethan Catalogue along with many other varieties. Sadly this catalogue is no longer available, but my reader friend has the 1977 edition and the missing 'T' is listed as variety number V82. Catalogue value then was £1.50 whereas the ordinary stamp was 8p - I wonder what it is worth today ? a lot I hope……… :-)

There used to be a good trade in this sort of error or variety, in fact the old Elizabethan Catalogue lists 372 varieties up to 1977. It's a pity SG don't seem to list this sort of thing nowadays.

Anyone have a copy of this catalogue? Please email me at cddstamps@gmail.com

Now to some current stamps.

I received a letter from a wonderful friend in the UK who saves stamps for me from the office and from home mail. Lots of the security issues now starting to come through. This grouping I particularly like. Nice to see a Post Office using stamps rather than those stupid printed labels :-)

Enjoy your stamps... Michael

only updated my website today....

2010-01-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, had no time for stamps today .. although I did update the website and with some pictures from the A380 Antarctica flight this past weekend, and some flown covers
cddstamps.com

Enjoy.. Best wishes.... Michael

Burns Night

2010-01-25T00:37:00.000-08:00

Hello, yes it is 25th January here (although not yet in Scotland as I write) but how could I not forget it is Burns Night.

I have shown some stamps commemorating this in previous years and see no reason why tonight should be any different :-) (you may recall Burns was commemorated last year - being the 250 anniversary of his birth - by Royal Mail, and also in 1966 and 1996)

Burns Night is celebrated every year on January 25, the birthday of the 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns Night 2010 is the 251st anniversary of the poet's birth.

Burns Night is typically celebrated with poetry recitation (including the famous Address to a Haggis), bagpipe music (including the piping in of the haggis), singing, traditional ceilidh dancing, whisky drinking, and a dinner featuring none other than haggis - a delight if you have never tasted it.. so my father told me!!. Personally I favour more of the whisky drinking than the ceilidh dancing, although the later is easier to do after the second bottle of whisky!!!!
OK the stamps.. so what are the stamps you saw at the beginning? :-) Look forward to hearing from you :-)

Have a great Burns Night.. Michael

rounded corner or damaged corner?

2010-01-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Hello, I was looking at an auction site.. saw this.. described as "rounded" perf.. you decide but in my view it is a damaged corner and makes the stamp worthless.. Quality is so important in my view, Yes most of us cannot afford top quality for those more expensive stamps we need to fill a gap in our collection but be aware - a space fill is a space filler what ever it might say on the auction listing. Here is an enlarged view Yes it is rounded corner, but again, in my view it is rounded to such an extent I would not pay for it, there are many better copies of this stamps available if you keep looking.

Enjoy your stamps .. Best wishes.. Michael

rare stamps Part III

2010-01-21T00:41:00.000-08:00

Hello, sorry not written for a while.. doesn't time fly when you are busy... Hope you like this stamps.. beautiful in my view

The design was created by Joseph Barnard (1816-1865), whose initials are engraved on the neck of the queen on Post Office Mauritius Stamps. A copper plate of 3.25 inches by 2.5 inches was used to engrave the design. 240 pieces of this stamp was sold before it was realized that words on the stamp should be "Post Paid" and not "Post Office". Look carefully and you will see this error.

There are only 26 known copies of the Post Office Mauritius Stamps that have survived to this day. One Penny: 12 cancelled, 2 mint. Two Penny (the blue stamp shown above): 6 cancelled, 6 mint. They are mostly in the hands of private collectors, but are on display at the British Museum in London and the Blue Penny Museum in Mauritius.

Mauritius was the 5th British colony (and country) to issue postage stamps.

Most of the stamps were sent out in some ball invitation letters sent out by Mauritius' governer's wife (Lady Gomm)

Wish I had one, the approximate value is said to be about £1 million, nice retirement fund eh!!

Enjoy your stamps.. best wishes .... Michael

free stamps

2010-01-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

Of all the sorting of stamps I have done during the past week I have found various blocks.. US, GB and others. Doubt I can sell them so if anyone wants a surprise I will send to you. First email.. I just want to clear some space..
If you want to donate my postage all the better.. send me a letter with a few dollar bills or some paper currency, or put a buck or two or equivalent into paypal for me.. cddstamps@gmail.com when you get what I send .... I leave it up to your kindness

Here is a sample

email me at cddstamps@gmail.com and include your mailing address.. no mailing address no stamps.. sorry I do not have time to search my emails for addresses if I know you and anyway I always wonder.. has the person moved homes / apartments etc?

and sorry :-) but one final reminder about my auction lots. At Stampwants or try this direct link Michael on Stampwants Or this eBay link Michael on eBay
User id at both auction sites is michaelatcddstamps
Enjoy your stamps …… Michael

Australia inverted Black Swan stamp

2010-01-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, a rare stamp from Australia today. Before the discovery of Australia, it was believed that a black swan was impossible. However, after people discovered the existence of black swans in Australia, it soon became the symbol of the continent.
The design of the Black Swan Stamp was by Horace Samson using lithography. A different frame was used for each value of the series of stamps. The 4 cent value is printed in blue.
In January 1855, one of the printing presses was damaged and had to be replaced. However, the component that etched the frames was replaced upside down, and 388 errors were printed and sold before being discovered, creating the Inverted Swan Stamp. Only 15 complete copies are known to exist today.
And just to remind you of my auction lots. At Stampwants or try this direct link Michael on Stampwants Or this eBay link Michael on eBay
User id at both auction sites is michaelatcddstamps
Enjoy your stamps …… Michael