| Military Stamps |  Top |
| Item # |
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Never Hinged  US$ |
Used US$ |
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221930 "View REPRESENTATIVE Image"){kind=small} |
M8, Facit #F8 [1963 Military] NH Superb. Soldiers were allocated only 5 stamps each for use during the training maneuvers for which these stamps were issued; the stamps were apparently supplied to the soldiers in advance and then could be used by family members, etc., to send letters to the soldiers. While this stamp is usually found with VF centering, perfectly centered examples such as this are quite scarce. REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design. |
185.00 |
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401876 "View EXACT ACTUAL Image"){kind=small} |
Scott #M9, Facit #F9 ["1983" overprint on 1963 Military stamp] Used with XF centering ON LARGE PIECE of cover dated 22 April 1983 from HELSINKI. While this looks like a complete, small cover, it is not complete. This piece is the full thickness of the envelope (it is not just a front), cut down to look like a small envelope. A wonderful example showing appropriate use, TO a soldier participating in the intended training exercises, in the proper (very short) time period. This was mailed two days before the start of the exercises to ensure that it would be received during the short period of the exercises. This special military stamp was issued specifically for use during the "Huoltoharjoitus 83" [translates to "Maintenance exercise"] military training exercises, involving about 3500 soldiers, in the Lahti area 24-30 April 1983. The stamps were issued to the soldiers prior to the exercises so that they could be used by the families of soldiers for sending letters and packages TO the soldiers during the exercises. I have a note in my records that 5 stamps were issued to each soldier, but I do not seem to have a specific reference to the source of that information. The stamp was valid starting 20 April. I have not seen a specific date for the end of validity, but since the stamp was only valid on mail to soldiers in the exercises, I assume that the validity ceased on or around 30 April. The stamp was valid for letters up to 250 grams, as well as for post cards, printed matter in letter/card shape, and for packages up to 5 kg. Because the exercises, including this stamp, were also a test of many aspects of military readiness, etc., careful records were kept of the mail volume. 11,600 letters bearing this stamp were sent to the soldiers. Also 5,500 letters were sent to the soldiers bearing ordinary stamps, and 50 parcels were sent (it is not clear to me if the parcel cards bore this stamp or ordinary stamps). Mixed frankings combining with ordinary stamps were not permitted. Though this looks like a full cover, but it is not, thus this is priced only as a single used stamp. A very attractive and reasonably priced item with no extra cost for being on the piece. ACTUAL item. |
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185.00 |