10 replies to this topic

[Cholmesmd]

Anybody out there interested in postal stamps and covers with astronomy themes?

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[Cholmesmd]

     What makes stamps interesting is not just the artwork of the stamp itself, but the cancellation, because it fixes the date, time and place. For example, for the Apollo 11 moon launch, there were 3 times/dates with commemorative covers: The launch, which bears the Cape Canaveral, stamp and launch time. But once the ship had cleared the launch tower, it was controlled by Houston, including the actual moon landing. The third even with stamp and cover was the recovery in the So. Pacific, done by the USS Hornet. This date and time is captured by the Hornet's post office on it's stamp and FDC.

     Here's a few more e xamples:

[Vesper818]

A couple years ago, my husband gave me an envelope of 1000 space related stamps for my birthday. Everything from Ptolemy to Pluto, observatories, space race planets and constellations, from all countries.
I'm no systematic phelatelist, but what fun! I'm fortunate to have the Pacific Stamp Exchange shop a ten minute walk away, and access to sorting and handling materials and information( as well as more stamps!). Many enjoyable hours filling the pages according to subject. The variety is astounding, and much beautiful design.
Lotsa fun!

[Rich (RLTYS)]

I've dabbled with astronomy and space stamps on and off. I think I still have some.

[Cholmesmd]

There’s a new book out: “Stamping Through Astronomy.” It’s gotten excellent reviews. Has collected and displays 1300 stamps and postal covers to describe the history of this topic.

     I have a copy on order and will post a note after I’ve looked it over.

[Chris K]

Thanks for posting this. It inspired me to look into what i had. I started a stamp collection over 40 years ago as a Cub Scout. I just found these in my album and in some glassine envelopes. Any thoughts on how I can display them in some sort of frame? I'd expect they'd be worth a million-fold on my wall than in the bookshelf for another 40 years.

 

[Cholmesmd]

I’m more interested in First Day Covers than individual stamps, so I don’t have any suggestions for how to exhibit your collection. However the APS — American Philatelic Society — would be a great resource for you. Their monthly pub., American Philatelist, has many examples of exhibiting, and would welcome phone or email inquiries about your collection.

     Finally, there is a Topical section of the APS specifically devoted to astrophilately.

     Incidentally, as I said in my first post, I find the history described by the stamps and covers more interesting than the stamps themselves. I’ve written a column on astronomy for my local newspaper called “Astronomy Corner” and will feature a new column on astrophilately.

     Thanks for your interest and your post.

Cheers.

[Cholmesmd]

Hi again,

     I’ve looked over the stamp images you included in your post, and some of them look very interesting. You might want to order the new book I mentioned above, Stamping through Astronomy. I suspect you’ll see many of your stamps included.

     But you might want to get hold of a copy of Scott’s catalogue to get the Scott number and current value. Also, In the APS journal, you’ll find many stamp dealers eager to look over your collection and give you an estimate of its worth.

     Please keep me informed!

[Alan French]

I kept just over a dozen items from my stamp collection. This is one. 

 

 

Clear skies, Alan

[pugliano]

I kept just over a dozen items from my stamp collection. This is one. 

 

Palomar First Day Cover SM.jpg

 

Clear skies, Alan

I wonder if this is the same woman. She was born in Cambridge, Mass.

 

http://csnh.tributes...-Mudge-89299656

[Alan French]

I wonder if this is the same woman. She was born in Cambridge, Mass.

 

http://csnh.tributes...-Mudge-89299656

Yes. My mom's cousin. She gave me this cover and other stamps.

 

clear skies, Alan