Commemorative Stationery of Russia-Myanmar Diplomatic Relation

In my earlier post, I documented the postal stationery envelope released to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Myanmar. This isn't the inaugural instance of Russia releasing philatelic materials for such occasions; previously, commemorative envelopes adorned with illustrated cachets were issued for the 25th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries as well.

In this post, I aim to compile a comprehensive record of all four covers, encompassing the postal stationery envelopes issued to commemorate the 25th, 30th, 40th, and 70th anniversaries of Russia-Myanmar Diplomatic Relations.

25th Anniversary (1973)

30th Anniversary (1978)

40th Anniversary (1988)

70th Anniversary (2018)

First three were issued under Soviet Union and the last one was issued under Russia.  The USSR established diplomatic relations with Myanmar upon the latter's independence in 1948, which remain to the present day through Russia.  Myanmar also issued the stamp to commemorate 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Russia in 2013.

The Burma StaMPS Volume 2

Myanmar Philatelic Society initiated publishing the brand new "The Burma StaMPS" journal quarterly in 2022.  It is also the newsletter of the society.   Ko Toe is the editor of the journal.  The editor hopes Burmese language journal can attract new collectors to philately, and keep the society active. The Burma StaMPS Vol 1 (2022) won Silver Bronze medal at TAIPEI 2023.

Each issue has 20 pages and published in full color.  The final issue of each year, released in October, serves as a captivating compilation of articles unified by a single theme. In the year 2022, the spotlight falls on "Bird Stamps," weaving together a tapestry of avian beauty depicted on stamps. In 2023, the focus shifts gracefully to the "Rangoon General Post Office (GPO)," exploring its historical and postal significance. These thematic choices promise enriching reads and visual delights for enthusiasts and collectors alike. 

In 2023, four issues for Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct were published.  The digital copies of the journal is distributed to MPS members.  The editor compiled four issues, together with the contents, author index, subject index and post office index, and produced the softbound printed book.  The whole volume includes 104 pages.  The annual book is adorned with a painting by the talented artist Ko G Latt, gracing its cover with vibrant colors and artistic brilliance.

British Postal Stationery Card used by Forces in Burma

The Lady Provost's Comforts Fund for H.M. Forces was a charitable organization in the United Kingdom that operated during World War I and World War II.  The purpose of the fund was to provide comforts and necessities to British servicemen and women serving in the Armed Forces during times of war. 

The Lady Provost's Comforts Fund for H.M. Forces sent goody parcels from home to soldiers fighting in the war.  A returned thank you card, shown below, signed and send home.

The card was cancelled with FPO No 82, dated 22 Jan 44. The location of this FPO on that date was in Tidim, chin state, Burma.  The FPO 82 was in Tidim from 14 Nov 1943 to 4 Mar 1944.  This FPO moved in and out of Burma and India over the time.  It was disbanded at Kamptee India on 23 Jun 1947. 

The Burma Diptych Postcard

Discovering something previously unseen is always a remarkable experience. Recently, I stumbled upon a special find that left me in awe. It all began when I noticed a striking similarity between two postcards listed by the same seller. Driven by curiosity, I downloaded the images and used computer software to combine them, revealing an astonishing revelation - these two postcards seamlessly form a single image. 

Two Picture Postcards

Merged Image

The merged picture beautifully captures the essence of the sacred pagoda stupa on the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. The reverse side of the postcard, featuring three address lines in a divided back format and lacking a stamp box, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, dating back to the 1920s.

REST HAVEN Antituberculosis Fundraising Labels 1949-1957

Rest Haven, Taunggyi, issued the anti-tuberculosis fundraising labels. These were printed by the Calcutta Printing Works in Rangoon using rough perf 12 in the 4x4 and 4x5 (only for the 1957 peacock) formats with wide margins. An inscription in the upper margin reads:

Rest Haven in Taunggyi is an institution devoted exclusively to the relief of tuberculosis. The money received from the sale of these seals will help to re-equip the sanatorium, and your use of these seals on your letters will help to advertise our work.

In 1949, 1954, and 1956, Rest Haven issued three distinct labels in green, purple, and red, respectively. The picture shows the Rest Haven building in Taunggyi.  In the 1957 edition of the Rest Haven label featuring the green peacock, the second line of the margin inscription reads: All proceeds from the sale of this seal will be used for food and medicine for free patients.

The Rest Haven labels can be seen sealed on the reverse of the above cover, it was sent from RANGOON to ENGLAND, on 17 Jan 1958.  

John Denune's ChristmasSeals.net site showcased these labels in full sheets format.  He noted that the red color label of 1956 has two variations of Orange Red and Dark Red.

TAIPEI 2023 39th International Stamp Exhibition

TAIPEI 2023 - The 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition was organized by the collaborative efforts of Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd., the Chinese Taipei Philatelic Federation, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. This prestigious event garnered patronage from FIAP and recognition from FIP.

Exhibition Logo

The exhibition was held at held from 11 to 15 Aug 2023 at Hall 1 Area A, World Trade Center. The exhibition displayed over 202 exhibits in around 1010 frames and 41 literatures.  Myanmar submitted two picture postcard (PPC) exhibits and one literature exhibit.

Commissioners' Photograph

U Thein Tun Kyaw's PPC exhibit, titled "The Nostalgia of Burma in British Colonial Time," earned a score of 76 points, awarding a Large Silver medal. U Toe Kyaw Kyar's exhibit, "People of Burma and Their Lifestyles," secured a remarkable 85 points, awarding a Large Vermeil medal.  In addition, the inaugural volume of the Journal and newsletter of the Myanmar Philatelic Society, "The Burma StaMPS Volume 1 (2022)" commanded attention with a score of 68 points, awarding Silver Bronze medal. These exhibits are set to grace the international stage once again at the forthcoming Thailand 2023 FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition, scheduled for the end of November.

Notably, the Myanmar Philatelic Society donated a special prize—"Burmese Lacquerware Tray"—to the organizing committee. This esteemed award found its deserving recipient in an exhibitor from Australia.

Burmese Chess Pieces on Vietnam Stamp

A previously undiscovered Vietnamese stamp featuring a Burmese chess piece has come to light. Back in 1983, Vietnam released a fascinating set of stamps showcasing chess pieces from around the world. The collection included seven stamps and one miniature sheet. These stamps were printed on watermark paper with a perforation of 12¾ and were issued on May 9th.  The stamp size is 31 x 46 mm and printed using offset printing method.  Total of 396,000 sets were issued.

Vietnam Stamp with Sit-ke piece

Among these stamps was one particularly captivating piece with a denomination of 30xu. It proudly displayed the sit-ke (general) and ya-hta (chariots) chess pieces from Burmese traditional chess, which bears a striking resemblance to the queen and rock in international chess receptively. The history of Burmese traditional chess dates back to AD 8, and it has its unique rules and playing style. The game is deeply rooted in the four warfare elements that were crucial to the ancient Burmese kings. These military elements consist of the Elephant division, Cavalry division, Chariot division, and Infantry division.

Miniature Sheet alongside with other chess stamps

It is fascinating to see how the stamp highlights a piece from this ancient and captivating chess tradition. The image of the stamp featuring the sit-ke and ya-hta chess pieces alongside the actual Burmese chess piece can be observed below. Additionally, the other stamps that depict various Burmese chess pieces have been meticulously documented in this post. This discovery captivates philatelists and chess enthusiasts, unveiling Vietnam's stamp history and the cultural heritage of Burmese traditional chess.