Latest Updates from the world of philately
Stamps on Musical Instruments – Portugal – EUROPA 2014.
The theme for the year 2014 EUROPA issue was Musical Instruments. Azores, Portugal & Madeira issued stamps on Musical Instruments on EUROPA 2014 on 09 May 2014. A FDC with three stamps on Gaite de Fole Mirandesa, Viola da Terra & Brinquinho is listed.
Stamps on Gaite de Fole Mirandesa – Portugal 2014.
The theme for the year 2014 EUROPA issue was Musical Instruments. The Portugal issued a miniature sheet on 09 May 2014 containing two stamps on a prominent musical instrument of Portugal – Gaite de Fole Mirandesa. The stamps feature a musician playing a Gaite de Fole Mirandesa and the Gaite de Fole Mirandesa. The stamps are E 20g ( FV 0.70 euro).
Gaite de Fole Mirandesa — It is a type of Bagpipe known to be native to Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal. Some Portuguese Regiments from Minho, Tras-o-Montes & Guarda use these bagpipes for marching tunes
A First Day cover with Miniature sheet is listed.
Stamps on Viola da Terra – Azores 2014.
The theme for the year 2014 EUROPA issue was Musical Instruments. The Azores issued a miniature sheet on 09 May 2014 containing two stamps on a prominent musical instrument of Azores – Viola da Terra. The stamps feature a musician playing a Viola da Terra and the Viola da Terra. The stamps are E 20g ( FV 0.70 euro).
Viola da Terra — It is a stringed musical instrument from the Islands of Azores. Its 12 or 15 strings are arranged in either five or six courses. It is constructed of wood in the hourglass shape. Strings are made of metal of very light gauge.
A First Day cover with Miniature sheet is listed.
Stamps on Brinquinho – Madeira 2014.
The theme for the year 2014 EUROPA issue was Musical Instruments. Madeira issued a miniature sheet containing two stamps on a prominent musical instrument of Madeira – Brinquinho. The stamps feature a musician playing a Brinquinho and the Brinquinho. The stamps are E 20 gr ( FV 0.70 euro).
Brinquinho – A Brinquinho ( meaning toy) is a very popular musical instrument of Madeira. It consists of dolls dressed in traditional dress. The figures carry a small castanet on their back. The Figurines or dolls are most often filled with sawdust. They are arranged in a circular fashion on two circular and superposed metal arcs. The castanets are mostly in wood. Furthermore, soda or beer bottle lids are fixed to the feet of the dolls.
These dolls are all attached to an articulated piston by an ingenious mechanism. The closest I can think of to describe it is that it has similarities with the apparatus used to open and close an umbrella. This mechanism if skillfully handled makes the dolls dance rhythmically. This frenetic dance activates the castanets. Hence it acts as an indirect percussion instrument.
The origin of this instrument could be North Portugal or Angola.
A First Day Cover with Miniature Sheet is listed.
Famous Clowns on Stamps – Germany – EUROPA 2002
The theme for EUROPA 2002 was Circus. 58 participating countries issued 93 stamps on this common theme. Germany issued a 56 euro cent stamp on the theme of Circus. The stamps were issued on 02 May 2002 and featured Clown.
2002 was also the year of Introduction of Common European currency EURO. Twelve European countries started using Euro from 01 Jan 2002.
Stamps on Treaty of Rome – Germany – 2007.
Germany has issued a 55c stamp on the 50th Anniversary of Treaty of Rome on 01 Mar 2007. The Treaty of Rome signed on 25 Mar 1957 is on the functioning of the European Union.
First Day Covers cancelled at Berlin is listed.
Stamps on Germany’s Presidency of European Union– Germany – 2007.
Germany has issued a 55c stamp on Germany’s Presidency of European Union on 02 Jan 2007.
First Day Covers cancelled at Berlin is listed.
