SS Normandie - Treasures of Philately series

Date of Issue:  23.09.2016

A set of 10 souvenir sheets were issued in pouch - Treasures of Philately, among which one sheet is on SS Normandie

SS Normandie was an ocean liner built in Saint-Nazaire, France, for the French Line Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT). She entered service in 1935 as the largest and fastest passenger ship afloat; she is still the most powerful steam turbo-electric-propelled passenger ship ever built.

Her novel design and lavish interiors led many to consider her the greatest of ocean liners. Despite this, she was not a commercial success and relied partly on government subsidy to operate. During service as the flagship of the CGT, she made 139 westbound transatlantic crossings from her home port of Le Havre to New York. Normandie held the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing at several points during her service career, during which RMS Queen Mary was her main rival.

During World War II, Normandie was seized by US authorities at New York and renamed USS Lafayette. In 1942, the liner caught fire while being converted to a troopship, capsized onto her port side and came to rest on the mud of the Hudson River at Pier 88, the site of the current New York Passenger Ship Terminal. Although salvaged at great expense, restoration was deemed too costly and she was scrapped in October 1946.

Click here for more info at wikipedia

Red Cross Ship SS Vega

Date of Issue: May 08, 2013

Jersey Post issued a set of six stamps and a miniature sheet to commemorate 150th Anniversary of International Red Cross on May 8th, the Birthday of its founder, Henry Dunant.

Since its inception 150 years ago, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has become the world's largest network of volunteer-based humanitarian organizations, helping people during times of war and peace, suffering and tragedy.

Jersey was occupied by Nazi troops from 1940-1945, and islanders experienced first-hand the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. Not only did the Red Cross postal message system keep Channel Islanders in touch with their relatives, the Red Cross ship ss Vega delivered food parcels at times when the situation was becoming desperate and many lives were saved.

During her six visits, the Vega delivered 456,264 standard food parcels and 22,200 diet supplement parcels. On her final voyage, 118 bales of medical supplies and 23 cases of x-ray equipment, food, clothing, and fuel were delivered arriving in Jersey on May 31, 1945.

Text Source: Presentation pack of Jersey Post.

360 years of Dutch Landing at the Cape, South Africa, portraying Krotoa

Date of Issue: September 06, 2012

360 years since the arrival of the Dutch at the Cape: portraying Krotoa

On 6 April 1652, Jan van Riebeeck, a commander in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sailed into Table Bay with his fleet of two ships, the Drommedaris and the Reijger and the yacht Goede Hoop. Van Riebeeck was sent to the Cape from Amsterdam to establish a halfway station thatcould supply passing ships with fresh food and wine. A young Khoikhoi girl named Krotoa, also knows as Eva to the Dutch, who worked in the Van Riebeeckhousehold, became an important figure in South Africa's history.

To mark 360 years since the arrival of the Dutch at the Cape and to acknowledge the role played by Krotoa, the South African Post Office issued a miniature sheet with one stamp and a souvenir folder.

 The Dutch:  The VOC, one of the major European trading houses sailing the spice route to the East via the Cape of Good Hope, had no intention of colonizing the southern tip of Africa, instead wanting only to establish a secure base camp where passing ships could shelter, and where sailors could stock up on fresh supplies of meat, fruit, and vegetables.

While the new settlement traded out of necessity with the neighboring Khoikhoi, it was not a friendly relationship, and the company authorities made deliberate attempts to restrict contact. This prevented them from employing Khoikhoi, which resulted in a shortage of labor. To remedy the situation, the company released a small number of Dutch from their contracts and permitted them to establish farms, with which they would supply the VOC settlement from their harvests. They produced supplies of vegetables, wheat and fruit, especially citrus to prevent scurvy, and later also raised livestock.

The small initial group of free burghers, as these farmers were known, steadily increased in number and began to expand their farms further north and east into the territory of the Khoikhoi. Over time, the Khoikhoi, their European overseers, and slaves imported from Madagascar and Indonesia, mixed with the offspring of these unions forming the basis for South Africa's Colored population.

Krotoa: Born in about 1642, a decade before the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck, Krotoa was the first Khoikhoi woman to appear in the European (particularly the VOC) records of the early settlement at the Cape as an individual personality who interacted socially and culturally with the Dutch settlers.

Krotoa's brother-in-law is said to have been Oudasoa, a chief of the Cochoquas (also known as the Saldanhars). Jan van Riebeeck, who became the first governor of the Cape colony, employed her in his household.

As a teenager, Krotoa learned Dutch and Portuguese and like her uncle, Autshumao (known as Harry or Herrie by the Dutch) - a Goringhaicona Khoikhoi leader and trader, she worked as an interpreter for the Dutch who wanted to trade goods for cattle. Krotoa's role as interpreter extended beyond trading, as she was also instrumental in negotiating with the 'Peninsulars', whose foreman was Doman, regarding conflicts around land that erupted into formal war in1659.

Since Krotoa travelled frequently between the Dutch colony and the Cochoquas, she came to embody the notion of an in-between figure, but found little happiness in either community. On 3 May 1662, she was baptised into the Christian religion by a visiting parson, Petrus Sibelius, in the church inside the Fort de Goede Hoop.

On 26 April 1664, she married Pieter van Meerhoff, a Danish surgeon. She was the first Khoikhoi to marry according to Christian customs, and this marriage is the first between a European and a Khoi at the Cape. In May 1665, the couple left the Cape for Robben Island where Van Meerhoff became superintendent. He died on 27 February 1668 on an expedition to Madagascar.

On 30 September 1668, Krotoa returned to the mainland, with her children. According to VOC reports, she was suffering from alcoholism and left the Castle in the settlement to be with her family. In February 1669, she was imprisoned at the Castle and then banished to Robben Island for disorderly conduct. She returned to the mainland on many occasions just to find herself once more banished to Robben Island. Three of her children survived infancy. She died on 29 July 1674 at the Cape and was buried on 30 September in the church at the Fort.

Krotoa's eldest daughter, Pieternella, married Daniel Zaaijman, a friend of Van Riebeeck's. They lived in Madagascar for a while, but returned to the Cape upon the departure of the VOC from the island. Because of Pieternella's documented descendants, Krotoa is regarded a significant ancestor for many South Africans across various races.

The stamps: Designed by Lien Botha, the artwork features a drawing of Krotoa and a VOC ship from a painting by Aernhout Smit (1683). These images are superimposed onto a contemporary photograph taken at Milnerton beach with Table Mountain in the background.

The commemorative folder cover also features the face of Krotoa, this time encircled by a wreath of tulips, which alludes to the Company's Garden and the Dutch connection.

Source: postoffice.co.za

Kublai Khan and his Fleet

Date of Issue: March 04, 2012

This miniature stamp sheet of Mongolia shows the portrait of the Great Mongol Emperor of 12th Century, and the founder of Yuan Dynasty in China - Kublai Khan and a sailing warship of his period.

Kublai Khan twice attempted to invade Japan. It is believed that both attempts were thwarted by bad weather or a flaw in the design of ships that were based on river boats without keels, and his fleets were destroyed. The first attempt took place in year 1274, with a fleet of 900 ships. After the first Mongol attack on Japan, Japanese pirates known as Wokou raided Korea, but Mongol-Korean forces pushed them back, and the Wokou pirates decreased their activity due to the increased military preparedness of the Goryeo and the Kamakura. In 1293 the Yuan navy captured 100 Japanese people from Okinawa.

The second invasion occurred in year 1281 when Mongols sent two separate forces; 900 ships containing 40,000 Korean, Chinese, and Mongol troops were sent from Masan, while a force of 100,000 sailed from southern China in 3,500 ships, each close to 240 feet (73 m) long.

Kublai Khan also invaded Đại Việt (Vietnam) three times.

Three expeditions against Burma, in 1277, 1283 and 1287, brought the Mongol forces to the Irrawaddy Delta, whereupon they captured Bagan, the capital of the Pagan Kingdom in Burma, and established their government.

Text Source: Wikipedia

Arrival of Indian Laborers in South Africa - 150th Anniv

Date of Issue:
Sheet 1: October 21, 2011
Sheet 2: November 25, 2011

In partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, the Department of Communications and the South African Post Office, two stamps have been launched, with a further two sets set for launch in 2012.

The stamps feature a sketch of the S.S. Truro, the ship that brought the first indentured laborers for the sugarcane plantations in Natal province from India in 1860, and photographs of passengers coming ashore at the Durban port.

There are also pictures of sugarcane cutters to serve as a poignant reminder of the extreme hardship and endurance of the early laborers from whom most of the 1.4 million South Africans of Indian origin are descended.

The Truro left Madras (now Chennai) and anchored in Port Natal on November 16, 1860 to start off the arrival of thousands of Indians until the last ship, the Umlazi, in 1911.

“This is in honor of those gallant Indian pioneers, our forefathers and mothers who, due in large part to economic hardship so many decades ago, made a difficult but conscious choice to depart the shores of India and set sail into the unknown, across treacherous and unpredictable oceans,” Minister for Public Service and Administration, Roy Padayachie, who launched the stamps said.

The launch incorporated an inter-faith prayer as well as the unveiling of two memorial slabs at the suburb of Belvedere, about 30 km north of Durban, so named after the second ship that brought laborers from India.

The memorial peace slabs bear the names of anti-apartheid icons such as John Langalibalele Dube, the first President of the ANC, Ahmed Timol, Shanti Naidoo, Kader Asmal, Walter and Albertina Sisulu.

Mr. Padayachie said that these slabs were a tribute “to the sacrifices of the indentured Indian laborers and liberation fighters for their immense contribution to build a democratic South Africa we have today.”

He appreciated the indigenous African people for accepting the Indian laborers so that they could stay and make the new country their home for themselves and the generations that followed.

The Minister said that over the decades, the Indian community had made significant contributions to the cultural, social and political life of South Africa, adding to the country's diverse cultures.

Source: The Hindu, dated Nov 29, 2011

CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent

Date of Issue: January 16, 2012

Many thanks for my friends, Emilia Moon De-Kemp for the postage paid card and Mr. Jack Dawn for the miniature sheet on First Day Cover.

Canada Post introduced set of five new definitive stamps on theme - Canadian Pride. On one stamp is depicted Canadian Coast Guard Ship and icebreaker - Louis S. St.Laurent. The year 2012 also marks the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard, which was formed on January 26, 1962.

Named after the 12th Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honorable Louis St. Laurent, PC CC QC LLD DCL LLL BA. The vessel is classed a "Heavy Arctic Icebreaker" and is the largest icebreaker and flagship of the CCG.

Built in 1969 by Canadian Vickers Limited in Montreal, Quebec, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent underwent an extensive and costly modernization at Halifax Shipyard Ltd. in Halifax, Nova Scotia between 1988-1993.

She was based at CCG Base Dartmouth in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia for a large majority of her career, but has recently been transferred to St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador.

On August 22, 1994, Louis S. St-Laurent and USCGC Polar Sea (WAGB-11) became the first North American surface vessels to reach the North Pole.

The vessel was originally scheduled to be decommissioned in 2000 however a refit extended the decommissioning date to 2017.

Source: Wikipedia

El Dorado - The Legend

Date of Issue: March 10, 2004
Scott #:  1221

El Dorado: is the name of a Muisca tribal chief who covered himself with gold dust and, as an initiation rite, dove into Lake Guatavita, a highland lake. Later it became the name of a legendary "Lost City of Gold", which fascinated explorers since the days of the Spanish Conquistadors. No evidence for its existence has been found.

Imagined as a place, El Dorado became a kingdom, an empire, and the city of this legendary golden king. In pursuit of the legend, Francisco Orellana and Gonzalo Pizarro departed from Quito in 1541 in a famous and disastrous expedition towards the Amazon Basin, as a result of which Orellana became the first person known to navigate the Amazon River all the way to its mouth.

The Ceremony: The Zipa (King or chief priest) used to cover his body in gold dust and, from his raft, he offered treasures to the Guatavita goddess in the middle of the sacred lake. This old Muisca tradition became the origin of El Dorado legend. The model of the raft in gold (as shown in stamp sheet) is on display in the Gold Museum, Bogotá, Colombia.

Many thanks to my swap friend from Colombia, Mr. Alejandro Restrepo, for sending me this stamp sheet for my collection.

Text Source: Wikipedia

Titanic MS from Bulgaria

Date of Issue: April 10, 2012

Received a registered envelope from Bulgaria with the recently issued Titanic miniature sheet to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the disaster.

So, what is the connection of Bulgaria issuing stamp on Titanic? I googled and found that, when the Titanic sank, there were about 50 Bulgarians among the total of 2228 people on board, and few survived too.. There was also a monument erected to the victims of this disaster in the village of Goumoshtnik, near the town of Troyan.

Text Source: http://www.omda.bg/engl/news/titan.htm

Significant Rivers - Singapore and Nile

Date of Issue:
Stamps of Singapore: October 17, 2011
Stamps of Egypt: December 06, 2011

Singapore and Egypt postal administrations jointly issued stamps to showcase their long bilateral diplomatic relationship since 1966.

This stamp issue interestingly depicts the two Significant Rivers (Nile and Singapore Rivers) of Egypt and Singapore.

On the stamps we see an ancient Egyptian Galley in Nile River and a modern passenger ferry in River Singapore.

Titanic MS from Canada

Date of Issue: April 05, 2012

Many thanks to my friend, Emilia Moon-De Kemp from Canada for sending me this fabulous looking miniature sheet featuring the RMS Titanic issued to commemorate the 100 years of the sinking of the ship. The envelope was posted on same day of stamp issue.

The Souvenir Sheet features the international rate stamp, which shows a full color side illustration of the Titanic, sailing on a calm ocean. Titanic was almost 280 meters (883 feet) in length and, at the time, it was the largest passenger steamship in the world.

Marked on the map behind the ship are Southampton (England), Cape Race (Newfoundland) and Halifax (Nova Scotia)—all prominent locations in Titanic’s story.

Southampton is where the Titanic started her much-anticipated maiden voyage on April 10, 1912. There were more than 2,220 people on board.

It was from Cape Race that a team working at the Canadian Marconi company’s wireless station heard Titanic’s early distress call. It came through late in the evening on April 14, 1912.

Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) became the centre of the recovery efforts after the tragic sinking on April 15, 1912. The people of Halifax, faced with a grim duty, stepped up and dealt with the aftermath in a respectful and dignified way.

Near the base of the stamp appears the House Flag of the White Star Line (Titanic’s owners). This red flag—with its white five-pointed star and v-shaped tail—was flown from the top of Titanic’s main mast.

Text Source: Canada Post

Port of Tianjin, Binhai Area, China

Date of Issue: October 21, 2011

China Philatelic National Corporation issued a set of three stamps and a souvenir sheet (shown above), wherein, the stamp sheet shows a container ship at terminal in the Port of Tianjin / Tianjin Gang, with satellite view of the port on the background image. It is one big stamp sheet measuring 7.5 x 14.8 cm, the shape of stamp is unusual and with one elliptical perforation at the middle of the perforation in the left and right side of the stamp.

Port of Tianjin:  Formerly known as the Port of Tanggu, is the largest port in Northern China and the main maritime gateway to Beijing. It is located on the western shore of the Bohai Bay, centered on the estuary of the Haihe River. It is the largest man-made port in mainland China, and one of the largest in the world. The port trades with more than 600 ports in 180 countries and territories around the world. It is served by over 115 regular container lines run by 60 liner companies, including all the top 20 liners.

The port is part of the Binhai New Area district of Tianjin Municipality, the main special economic zone of Northern China. The Port of Tianjin is at the core of the ambitious development program of the Binhai New Area.

Many thanks to my friend in Facebook, Deng Yong Chun from Beijing, China for sending this stamp sheet on envelope.

Text Source: Wikipedia.

Galley and Galleon

Date of Issue: June 28, 2002
Scott #: 418

A colorful miniature sheet showing design of a Galley and a Galleon.

Galley: A galley is a type of ship propelled by rowers that originated in the Mediterranean region and was used for warfare, trade and piracy from the first millennium BC. Galleys dominated naval warfare in the Mediterranean Sea from the 8th century BC until development of advanced sailing warships in the 16th century. 

 

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire galleys formed the mainstay of the Byzantine navy and other navies of successors of the Roman Empire, as well as new Muslim navies. Medieval Mediterranean states, notably the Italian maritime republics, including Venice, Pisa, and Genoa, used galleys until the ocean-going man-of-war made them obsolete. The Battle of Lepanto was one of the largest naval battles in which galleys played the principal part.

Galleys were in common use until the introduction of broadside sailing ships of war into the Mediterranean in the 17th Century, but continued to be applied in minor roles until steam propulsion.

Galleon: A galleon was a large, multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. Whether used for war or commerce, they were generally armed with the demi-culverin type of cannon.

The galleon was powered entirely by wind, using sails carried on three or four masts, with a lateen sail continuing to be used on the last (usually third and fourth) masts. They were used in both military and trade applications, most famously in the Spanish treasure fleet, and the Manila Galleons.

The galleon continued to be used into the 18th century, by which time purpose-built vessels such as the fluyt, the brig and the full rigged ship, both as a trading vessel and ship of the line, rendered it obsolete for trade and warfare respectively.

Text Source: Wikipedia

Centenary of Australasian Antarctic Expedition 1911 - 2011

Date of Issue: August 02, 2011

This is the first in a four-year program of stamps celebrating the centenary of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE). The series will be made up of five stamps issued each year until 2014 using the overall themes of departure and journey, arrival and exploration, science and triumphant return.

The initial five stamp strip shows the key moments in the departure of the AAE from Hobart and the journey to the Antarctic.

The SY Aurora (SY - Steam Yacht) carried the AAE to and from Hobart. The stamp photograph was taken by expeditioner Xavier Mertz and the map in the stamp shows the AAE's route.

Captain John King Davis, Captain of the SY Aurora, and second-in-command of the expedition.

The SY Aurora on Antarctic voyage. The stamp photograph was taken by expeditioner Andrew Watson and the postmark image is taken from a message sent by Bob Hodger on the SY Aurora.

Landing at Macquarie Island. The main photograph was taken by the Aurora's Second Officer, Percy Gray.. The background image, shows the Aurora off Macquarie Island and was taken by expeditioner Frank Hurley.

Birdlife on Macquarie Island. The main photograph was taken by expeditioner Harold Hamilton.

The background landscape image used across the five stamps was taken by expeditioner Leslie Blake and is held in the Home & Away Collection in the SLNSW.

Text Source: auspost.com.au

Many thanks to my dear friend, Vera Radnell for these wonderful stamps on envelope too.

Philippine Independence Centenary (1898 - 1998)

Date of Issue: June 03, 1998
Scott #: Stamp - 2079, SS - 2080

Philippines got independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. To commemorate 100 years of independence, Philippines, Mexico (former Spanish Colony), and Spain jointly issued stamps. The stamp and souvenir sheet here are issued by Mexico.

The stamp design of 3.40p shows an ancient sailing Galleon and flag of Mexico, whereas the stamp on souvenir sheet shows flags of Mexico and Philippines.

Malaysia - China Relationship 600th Anniv (1405 - 2005)

Date of Issue: July 21, 2005
Scott #: 1036-1039; SS - 1040

Malaysia issued this set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet to commemorate 600 years of relationship with China.  My opinion is that this stamp issue coincide with the 600 years of Zheng-He's voyages.

Designs on stamps:

30sen - Chinese Chop

30sen - Ancient Chinese ship

50sen - Malaysian and Chinese men talking

1RM  - Decorated plate

2RM  - Ornament and coin.

Click here to view all stamps and materials in my collection regarding Zheng-He's Voyages.

Saxon Steamship Company - 175th Anniversary

Date of Issue: June 09, 2011

Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt, a.k.a. the Saxon Steamship Company, has been cruising the River Elbe when on July 08 1836, a dozen citizens from the city of Dresden obtained a royal privilege for establishing steamboat navigation in Saxony.

The company, which has changed ownership and names several times, has the oldest continuously-operating fleet of paddle-wheel steamers in Europe, along with two modern motor cruisers. Seven of its nine vintage steamboats, including the Personen Dampfschiff Diesbar were built in the 19th Century.

The sailing area stretches from the historic center of Dresden, in River Elbe to Seusslitz (near the porcelain town of Meissen) and Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland, is one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe.

Source: DeutschePost.de, EuropeForVisitors.com

 

Many thanks to friend Mr. Wolfgang Beyer, Germany for sending me these two registered covers, one each postmarked at Berlin and Bonn. Unfortunately, the miniature sheets on both covers were cancelled by ball pen by a careless postal worker.  :(

500 years of discovery of America by Columbus - PNG

Date of Issue: April 15, 1992
Scott #: 782-785
Scott #: for sheet - 785a. Date of Issue: June 03, 1992

Year 1992 marked the 500 years of discovery of the America by Christopher Columbus. Papua New Guinea issued a set of four stamps to commemorate this event. Three stamp shows the three ships with which he made the voyage - Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. The fourth one shows young Columbus with all three ships on background. A souvenir sheet was issued during World Columbian Stamp Expo 1992 held at Chicago, with two stamps from the set.

Click here to see stamps issued by other countries commemorating this event.

Click here to see Europa stamps issued in 1992.

Portugal: Charles Darwin Birth Bicentenary (1809 - 2009)

Date of Issue: February 12, 2009

This souvenir sheet was issued exactly on Charles Darwin's Birthday, along with a set of six stamps. Many other countries too commemorated this event by issuing postage stamps.

Charles Robert Darwin FRS (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist. He established that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestry, and proposed the scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection.

The design of the stamp sheet is based on the watercolor painting by Conrad Martens, draughtsman of HMS Beagle, and also a landscape painter.

Spice Race: Jakarta - Amsterdam

Date of Issue:
Set of three stamps: March 12, 1980 (Scott: 1067 - 1069)
Souvenir Sheet 300r: March 12, 1980 (Scott: 1069A)
Souvenir Sheet 500r: May 06, 1980 for London 1980 Stamp Exhibition. (Scott: 1069B)

postmark in FDC: cloves with leaves

60r  -  Penisi: Penisi sailing ships were used by sailors from South Sulawesi in their sea voyages for transportation of agricultural produce.

125r -  Ship made of cloves.

150r -  Madurese boat: used by sailors from Madura

Souvenir Sheet 500r: world map showing spice trade routes and London 1980 logo.

In tracing the navigation of spice transportation from Indonesia, the Nedlloyd Shipping Company - organized a shipping race from Jakarta to Amsterdam. Sailing ships from Australia, France, Singapore, U.K., and The Netherlands participated in the race.

To commemorate this event, Indonesian Postal Administration issued a set of three stamps and a souvenir sheet of the sailing ships that were used in long distance sailing.

Spices launched the Age of Exploration and drove the European explorers to the Spice Islands of Eastern Indonesia in the 16th century. This led to the great Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and British Empires of the East. Which spices and why were they so important? Click here to read entire history.

Source: Scott stamp catalog, information brochure inside FDC, murnis.com

Dia Del Galeon Festival 2010

 

Date of Issue: October 08, 2011
Designer: Jesus Alfredo Delos Santos

Designs: Artist’s rendition of the Galeon with the map of the Philippines, Mexico and Spain showing the Galeon trade.

Souvenir Sheet 1 shows the old map taken from the book of Sen. Edgardo J. Angara.
Souvenir Sheet 2 shows the modern map showing the Galeon trade route and the logo of Dia Del Galeon Festival.

Denomination and Quantity:
Php7.00 / 75,000 pieces
Souvenir Sheet 1: Php 14.00 / 6,500 pieces
Souvenir Sheet 2: Php 47.00/ 6,500 pieces

The 8th October was chosen by UNESCO as the Dia del Galleon to commemorate the arrival of the first Manila galleon in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1565.

The Día del Galeón Festival celebrates the unique journey of the Manila galleons and their place in maritime history – spanning the globe and linking the Philippines with Mexico and Spain. For 250 years (from 1565 – 1815) the Manila galleons were a conduit for global trade and cultural exchange between Europe, the New World and Asia.

Galleon - A galleon was a large, multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. An ocean going ship type which evolved from the carrack in the second half of the sixteenth century. A lowering of the forecastle and elongation of the hull gave galleons an unprecedented level of stability in the water, and reduced wind resistance at the front, leading to a faster, more maneuverable vessel. The galleon was powered entirely by wind, using sails carried on three or four masts, with a lateen sail continuing to be used on the last (usually third and fourth) masts. They were used in both military and trade applications, most famously in the Spanish treasure fleet, and the Manila Galleons.

It is uncertain exactly how many Manila Galleons were built – some authoritative sources say as few as 110 while others indicate many hundreds. The vast majority were built in the Philippines, using renowned Philippine hardwoods; at least eight are known to have been built in Acapulco, Mexico. Cavite, in Manila Bay, was the location of the largest shipyard building Manila Galleons: up to 2,000 tons and as long a 160-feet; others were built in shipyards in Marinduque, Masbate, Sorsogon and Camarines.

“The number of Manila Galleons that sank en route, in weather related mishaps or by force of arms from British and Dutch privateers, is also not clear but as many as 40 Manila Galleons are known to have sunk. Of the Manila Galleons that sank, most perished during their exit from the Philippine archipelago, with a handful being wrecked along the California coast upon arrival in the New World. Few wrecks have been found, partly because: of the deep and or treacherous waters in which they sank; and, Philippine law discourages active exploration of historic wrecks

A replica of the 17th century Galleon from Spain, Galeon Andalucia was docked in the Manila Pier during  October 05 - 09, 2010, for public viewing. Guests were allowed to climb on-board and view the Galleon Museum.

Thanks to friend, Mr. Cenezo S. Quemado from Iriga City, Philippines for sending me these stamps and souvenir sheets inside this wonderful registered cover, with stamps and one of the souvenir sheet on reverse of envelope.

Click here to know more about the Dia Del Galeon Festival 2010.

Source: Wikipedia, philpost.gov.ph, ncca.gov.ph