SUBSCRIPTION MAGAZINE FOR COLLECTORS OF GREENLAND STAMPS • V O L . 1 0 • N O . 3 • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 5
Robert E. Peary P. 3
White-tailed Eagles P. 4
Present for Mr Bush P. 6
100th Anniversary P. 8
Edible Plants P. 10
Stamp of the Year P. 11
DEAR READER
In Greenland we have had a short, but warm summer. During the brief period of the midnight sun we delighted in the fiords being navigable and ice and snow being absent from our shores for a while. Now, as daylight is receding, we are beginning to spend more and more time indoors, like everywhere in the northern hemisphere. Snow has not yet fallen in large quantities, but this will be only a matter of weeks. In other words a new season for stamps and philately is upon us, and not only in Greenland. The various clubs, societies and small and large exhibitions are beginning to hum again after the summer break. In this issue of Greenland Collector we are pleased to present a very interesting article about white-tailed eagles in Greenland. We are also supplying further information about the birthday present with a Greenlandic flavour with which the Danish Prime Minister presented the President of the United States during his brief visit to Denmark in July. Read
more about this inside the magazine. It gives food for thought how many new details of cultures worldwide are actually illustrated by countless stamp designs. Philately is diverse and colourful and at the same time a wonderful forum for study. Not surprisingly, philately is and will remain the most popular hobby of the world. No amount of EDP or computers will change that. I therefore predict most favourable conditions for philately in the future as a desirable »sanctuary« in an ever-changing world. Just over 100 years ago many people doubtlessly also felt that things were moving fast. In this respect the American Robert E. Peary's quest to reach the North Pole was a milestone with regard to man's feasible activities in the very severest parts of our globe. The issue of the famous PARCEL POST stamps, also 100 years ago, was ominous of a new era in Greenland. Both themes are featured on the stamps of our next issue on 31st October. In this connection I would like to draw your
attention to our new book coming at the end of the year »PARCEL POSTAGE in Greenland 1905 - 2005«. The book contains an excellent historic account of these special stamps and their great importance. The last Greenland issue of the year will also include the second part of our very popular series featuring edible plants, as well as our beautiful Christmas stamps. Finally, as always, we are rounding off the philatelic year with our year pack which, as usual, contains all the stamps and souvenir sheets issued this year. Enjoy the magazine! Sincerely, Søren Rose Philatelic Manager
Publisher: POST Greenland Customer Service: POST Greenland, Filatelia, Box 121 3913 Tasiilaq, Grønland Phone: +45 7026 0550, and +299 98 11 55 Fax: +299 98 14 32 Email: stamps@tele.gl Website: www.stamps.gl Editors: Søren Rose, ansv.; Lene Skov Meyhoff, Holger Amelung, Pertti Frandsen, Søren Nicolaj Korshøj Layout: Datagraf Printing: Datagraf ISSN: 1397-8632 Cover Photo: SCANPIX
EXPEDITIONS IN GREENLAND III - The Arctic Explorer Robert E. Peary 01100351 Expeditions in Greenland III - Robert E. Peary DKK 27.50 31.10.2005 40 stamps per sheet Format: F-horizontal Printing method: Steel Engraving Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Engraving: Martin Mörck Outside measurements: 33.44 mm x 28.84 mm
EXPEDITIONS IN GREENLAND III – The Arctic Explorer Robert E. Peary EXPEDITIONEN IN GRÖNLAND III – Polarforscher Robert E. Peary
P E A R Y
The third issue in POST Greenland's popular expedition series features the famous Arctic Explorer, Robert E. Peary. The souvenir sheet of this issue will also be available in this beautiful souvenir folder. Apart from the souvenir sheet, this folder contains much interesting information about Robert E. Peary as well as many beautiful illustrations. Pre-order POST Greenland's new souvenir folder »Expeditions in Greenland III - Robert E. Peary« now!
EKSPEDITIONER I GRØNLAND III – Polarforskeren Robert E. Peary
01106351 Souvenir Sheet Expeditions i Greenland III - Robert E. Peary DKK 27.50 Issue date: 31.10.2005 Printing method: Steel Engraving Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent
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Third souvenir folder in POST Greenland's popular expedition series
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which he brought his famous meteorites back to the United States. In 1908 he set out on his eighth and final quest for the North Pole. He set off from Ellesmere Island together with the renowned Arctic Explorer, Matthew Henson and four Inuit, and on 6th April 1909 they were the first people to reach the North Pole. The same year Frederick Cook, his previous ship's surgeon, claimed that he had reached the North Pole in 1908. This resulted in a long and extremely bitter controversy; but Robert E. Peary was later recognised as the first explorer to set foot on the North Pole, an honour, for which he had paid a high price. On his expedition in search of the North Pole in 1900 his toes froze, and eight of them had to be amputated. Peary Land was discovered by and named after Robert E. Peary, who believed it to be an island. Peary Land is a peninsula in Northern Greenland with Cape of Morris Jesup, the northernmost point of Greenland, located on 83.39 degrees northern latitude. The northernmost part of the desert peninsula consists of mountains of over 2000 metres.
R O B E R T
TEXT BY: LENE SKOV MEYHOFF
On 31st October 2005 POST Greenland is continuing its popular expedition series – this time with a stamp and a souvenir sheet featuring the famous American Arctic Explorer and American Naval Admiral, Robert E. Peary (1856 - 1920). As a young civil engineer Robert E. Peary joined the U.S. Navy and for several years served in Nicaragua, where he was engaged in making surveys for the Nicaragua Canal. The young Robert E. Peary was, however, also extremely interested in the Arctic, and in 1886 he set out on his first journey to Northern Greenland. On this, his first Arctic expedition he ventured as far as 190 km into the area of the Greenlandic Ice Cap. In 1891 - 1892, having secured leave of absence from the Navy, he led an expedition to Greenland for scientific research and further exploration of this, at the time, more or less unknown territory. In 1892 he walked with the Norwegian Eivind Astrup over the northernmost part of the Ice Cap from Inglefield Bay to Navy Cliff at the inside of Independence Fiord, which, on this occasion, he discovered. On this expedition he also undertook a long sled journey to the north-eastern coast of Greenland, where he explored the territory which was later named after him – Peary Land. Robert E. Peary was the first to prove that Greenland is an island and to confirm the northerly extension of Greenland. On his travels Robert E. Peary made many interesting ethnological and meteorological observations, which were carefully recorded. This important exploration was continued on new expeditions from 1893 - 95 as well as two summer expeditions in 1896 and 1897, from
E ROBRE R N O R D P O L E N S
01303025 Souvenir Folder »Expeditions i Greenland III - Robert E. Peary« Issue Date: 31.10.2005 DKK 27.50
White-tailed Eagles in Greenland - before and now Photo: Søren Rose
It has become easier to appreciate the white-tailed eagle as these birds, also in this country, have become less shy. Read here why! TEXT BY FRANK WILLE AND OLE ZEEB ANDERSEN
The Greenlandic white-tailed eagle belongs to the same species as the European white-tailed eagle. But in this country it has been isolated for centuries. Compared to these other populations, the Greenlandic population – consisting of only approximately 150 couples of old breeding birds – must be described as extremely few in number. It is also one of the most vulnerable bird populations in the world. This is also due to the fact that the white-tailed eagles in this Arctic climate are living in a marginal area, due to the brief summer and climatic conditions. As a result of adapting to these conditions, the Greenlandic eagle has grown much larger than the members of the same species in any other place. This makes this bird quite unique. Over hundreds of years the white-tailed eagles have probably been pursued by humans – not least during the decades up until the 1970's. Some people were annoyed with the white-tailed eagles, which, of course, live off the same natural resources. They regarded the eagles as competitors.
The white-tailed eagle was unconditionally preserved in 1973. An information campaign, carried out by the Greenlandic Home Rule Government in the 1980's, has contributed to the attitude towards our white-tailed eagles changing from negative to tolerant and today, among most people, even to positive. A few hunters still snivel if they return from their hunting expeditions without any ptarmigan and then blame eagles and falcons for this situation. But this attitude is a bit pathetic. Luck with wind and weather and other animals in nature are significant for the successful expedition. These are the conditions and, in our opinion, the eagle has its justification in the ecological system. Today we know a lot about what white-tailed eagles eat. In Southern Greenland fish (cod, uvak, sand dab and arctic char etc.) constitute approximately 90 % of their diet. The rest is made up of birds (gulls, eider, black guillemot and ravens) and fox puppies.
In central Greenland the share of birds is a little larger. In the winter the eagles eat a lot of dead animals. New examinations of white-tailed eagles found dead have documented that eagles die of lead poisoning. This happens when eagles catch winged birds with lead shot in them. In this way their interior organs contract lead poisoning – and then they die! This lead shot from cartridges is a very topical environmental problem in Greenland and is also dangerous to humans. In most other countries the white-tailed eagle has experienced a significant increase after it was decided that the eagles were to return to nature. Such an increase is not seen in Greenland, even though we also want the white-tailed eagles in our immediate environment. Lead poisoning, periodic lack of food as well as difficult weather conditions during the breeding season are the most important reasons for this situation. Unfortunately, the Greenlandic white-tailed eagle has fewer eaglets than the European ones.
Photos: Ole Zeeb Andersen
Still, many people are under the impression that »there are now many more eagles than there used to be«. This is quite understandable and the reason is most likely that we see white-tailed eagles more often and closer than two or three decades ago. This is due to the fact that some eagles now live and breed closer to towns and we see them at a closer range in the winter. These new generations of eagles, which have not tried to be shot at, are, therefore, less shy and like to get their food and circle closer to humans who are out in their boats. The white-tailed eagle in this way repays the better treatment given to it by giving us unique experiences in nature – that we can observe them and get the opportunity to photograph them at a closer range. During the last ten years the Nature School of Nuuk has sailed approximately 1,500 people (mostly children) to eyries, and there the eagles have got used to the presence of humans – at an acceptable distance to the eagles. This increased recreational pleasure is obvious and is a result of the fact that we are now treating these fantastic birds better. We are sure that our descendants will praise us for this positive change of attitude, which has enabled the white-tailed eagle to survive in Greenland.
For three decades Frank Wille has worked with mapping the population of white-tailed eagles in the whole of Greenland and studying their behaviour. In later years the work has been especially concentrated on communicating the knowledge about the eagles, especially via posters, brochures and trips into nature. Frank Wille and Ole Zeeb Andersen are today co-operating on a continuation of the white-tailed eagle project, based on eight to ten couples of white-tailed eagles living around Nuuk (Godthaab), via a video and a book project. Pho to: Fra nk Wil le
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TEXT BY: SØREN NICOLAJ KORSHØJ
PHOTOS BY: SCANPIX
The American President, George W. Bush, received Greenland stamps as a birthday present from the Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen When the President of the United States, George W. Bush, left Denmark heading for the G8 meeting in Scotland, he carried a very special present in Air Force One: A small collection of Greenland stamps with a very special history and a high symbolic value. On his 59th birthday, which the American President and his wife celebrated with the Danish Prime Minister and his wife at a private function at the Prime Minister's official residence,
President Bush was presented with nine Greenland stamps, the so-called »American Issue«, by Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen. During the months before the Danish liberation in 1945, the stamps were printed in the values 1, 5, 7, 10, 15 Øre and 1, 2 and 5 Kroner with designs ranging from a seal over a sled dog team, an eider, a polar bear and a kayaker to King Christian X on horseback. They were issued on 1st February 1945.
What makes these stamps so special is the fact that they were produced in the United States by the American Bank Note Company after Greenland had been cut off from Denmark during World War II. In connection with the surrender of Germany, a number of the stamps were overprinted with the text: »Danmark befriet 5. maj 1945« (Denmark Liberated on 5th May 1945). Here the story, according to the Danish newspaper »Weekendavisen«, becomes interesting
During his visit to Denmark in July, the President of the United States was presented with a special birthday present by the Danish Prime Minister. The present, with an extremely great symbolic value, was the so-called »American Issue«, a small collection of Greenland stamps from World War II. The »American Issue« consists of nine stamps issued in Greenland in February 1945, when the War was in its final stages. Contrary to all other Greenland stamps, which are printed in Denmark, the »American Issue« was printed in the United States 7
because the overprint was carried out at the printers of the Danish delegation, the private Commercial Stationery Company. According to »Weekendavisen«, the unauthorised print meant that there was no control with the number of stamps being overprinted and how. The print was, among other things, turned upside down, and the wrong colours were used. The story did not turn up until 60 years after the liberation. Official sources have not wanted to comment on the matter, even though, over the years, several stamp collectors and experts have been surprised at the method used. The sequence of events was revealed by somewhat of a coincidence, because the philatelist and writer Torben Hjørne, who has published three books about the postal history of Greenland, stumbled on some documents in The Danish National Archives. It was, however, not the misprints with which President Bush was presented by Anders Fogh Rasmussen, but the stamps with the regular »Danmark befriet 5. maj 1945« (Denmark Liberated on 5th May 1945) overprint. Among collectors the stamps have a value of about DKK 7,000. Apart from the »original« American issue, Mr Bush was also presented with the reprint, which
POST Greenland, Filatelia, issued in 1995 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation. These were reprints of the original stamp designs, only with an overprint of the values. – »We were aware of the article in the »Weekendavisen« last Friday, but did not think so much of the philatelic value and history, as of the symbolic value of Denmark – Greenland – the United States, World War II and the United States of America as a symbol of liberty« – says the special adviser to the Danish Prime Minister, Michael Kristiansen. Michael Kristiansen does not expect that they will be put up on the walls of the Oval Room, but that the present, like all other presents to the American President, will eventually end up in a museum. – »This can be a funny little detail, where Denmark and Greenland will make their mark in relation to the United States« he says. There are several versions of these stamps. Most common is the original version of 1st February 1945. But round about the liberation in May 1945, an idea was born: 30,000 of the original 100,000 sets of Greenland stamps were to go through the printing machine once again and receive a so-called overprint of the message »Danmark befriet 5. maj 1945« (Denmark
Liberated on 5th May 1945). It is impossible to decide whether the overprint was carried out on the initiative of Denmark. Under all the circumstances it is likely that the Danish ambassador, Henrik Kaufmann, as the most senior manager of the Danish – Greenlandic administration in the United States, approved the idea. Please note that we have quoted the »Weekendavisen«, which has used extracts from Torben Hjørne's books on the subject.
Buy the very interesting PARCEL POST book about the birth, culture and first stamp of modern Greenland The author of the book is Flemming Petersen, Greenland collector and President of the Frederiksberg (in Copenhagen) Philatelic Society. Flemming draws on his enormous knowledge of both history and stamps. The result is an extremely interesting account in text and illustrations. This Jubilee Book of 60 richly illustrated pages will be issued at the end of the year – but may be pre-ordered now: Item number 01303024 – Price: DKK 200.00.
The 100th Anniversary of the PARCEL POST stamp
8 TEXT BY: FLEMMING PETERSEN, PRESIDENT OF THE »FREDERIKSBERG STAMP SOCIETY«
While other countries are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the introduction of their stamps these years, Greenland can celebrate the 100th anniversary of the PARCEL POST stamp, which was issued in 1905. Stamps were introduced world-wide for practical and economical reasons but, with the issue of the PARCEL POST stamp in Greenland, much more was at stake. The collection and study of PARCEL POST stamps and, especially the history behind the stamps and the cancellations used, make a significant contribution in acknowledging the history of Greenland. From 1905, Denmark showed a strongly increasing interest in Greenland and a settlement regarding the nationality of the different areas of Greenland was drawing to a close. At that time Danish nationality was limited to individual, established colonies as well as an area of 15 miles around them. Angmagssalik, on the east coast of Greenland, was founded as a trading and missionary station in 1894. In 1905 the Directorate of The Royal Greenland Trade Department had applied for permission to issue its own stamps, as was practised in Iceland and the Danish West Indies, which then had the status of being Danish colonies. Permission was, however, only granted to use a small stamp to be stuck on parcels as a receipt that postage had been paid. The PARCEL POST stamp was herewith born. The text on the stamp did not, however, contain the name »Grønland« (Greenland), and the geographical area where the stamps could be used was also limited to the part of Greenland which, at that time, was regarded as being Danish. The PARCEL POST stamp was produced in three values: 1-, 5- and 10-Øre. The stamp was designed by the artist Gerhard Heilmann and printed at H.H. Thiele's Printing Works. In a letter dated 9th June 1905 the Directorate accepted the forwarded colour samples and ordered 400 sheets of the 1- and 10-Øre values as well as 200 sheets of the 5-Øre value. The stamps were ordered perforated and gummed. The first scheduled postal communication / ship's departure for Greenland after receipt of the stamps was by the ship Hans Egede. The stamps were not for sale and the earliest known package on which these stamps were used is from 1909. For parcels to and from Greenland, to be handled by the Danish Post Office, normal Danish rules applied and Danish stamps were to be used on despatch notes.
Subsequently the Greenlandic connections to Denmark were gradually extended and can be divided into periods: Period 1.1905 - 1909 - »Direktoratet for den Kgl. Grønlandske Handel« (The Directorate of The Royal Greenland Trade Department). The name was used on despatch notes as well as in Copenhagen in transit cancellations on mail from Greenland. A missionary station »Nordstjernen« (The North Star) was founded in Thule and the Danish Expedition explored the east coast of Greenland. For the cancellation of the PARCEL POST stamps, a small shield cancellation featuring a polar bear was used. Period 2. 1909 - 1912: »Administrationen for Kolonierne i Grønland« (The Administration of the Colonies of Greenland). The name implies that new laws and regulations had by this time extended into the Danish spheres of interest in Greenland. By request, Knud Rasmussen established his own private trading post at Thule and, finally, in 1909 the quest for the North Pole proved successful. The name was also used in cancellations of this period. Period 3. 1913 - 1925: »Styrelsen af Kolonierne i Grønland« (The Directorate of the Colonies of Greenland). During this period it was announced that the Peary Canal was non-existent, the 200th anniversary of Hans Egede's arrival to Greenland was celebrated with »the great royal visit« in 1921 and the sale of the Danish West Indies paved the way for the United States, Great Britain and many others accepting Danish requests with regard to Greenland. After the sale of the Danish West Indies, it became possible for collectors and others to buy PARCEL POST stamps, which again resulted in existing sheets with imperforate edges being post-perforated at the request of collectors. In 1924 it was also possible to reach an agreement with Norway, giving the Norwegians rights on the east coast of Greenland for a period. The Scoresbysund colony was founded. Cancellations were also changed to the new name. Period 4. From 1925 till 31-12-1939 - »Grønlands Styrelse« (The Directorate of Greenland). Politically speaking, the dispute about the nationality of Greenland was concluded at the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 1933 and the verdict was in favour of Denmark. In 1937 the Danish Government took over the Trading Post at Thule, which at that time belonged to Dagmar Rasmussen, Knud Rasmussen's
widow. Postally speaking, it is easiest to understand the period if it is divided up into shorter periods. 1925 - 1930: The original rates for the despatch of packages of 1 Øre per pound, at least 10 Øre per parcel, still apply. In 1927 the PARCEL POST stamps were included in the savings stamp scheme of Northern Greenland and 86% of the sale of PARCEL POST stamps were used for this purpose. From 1930: The PARCEL POST stamps were given a new status, as separate postage for parcels between The Royal Greenland Trade Department in Copenhagen and Greenland was introduced. Parcels passing through the Danish Post Office were to be franked with Danish stamps and, for transport to and from Greenland, PARCEL POST stamps were to be used. Consequently, despatch notes with both Danish stamps and Greenland PARCEL POST stamps are known from this period. Rates were increased substantially and postage for a parcel of 6 kg went up from 12 Øre to 190 Øre. In 1936 day cancellation was introduced. Greenland's own stamps were introduced in Western Greenland in 1938, on the east coast in 1939 and, finally, Thule introduced Greenland's own stamps on 1st January1940. In connection with the change to Greenland's own stamps, PARCEL POST stamps were rendered invalid.
NEW HIGHLY INTERESTING JUBILEE BOOK WILL BE ISSUED AT THE END OF 2005 (see next page)
01100357 100th Anniversary - PARCEL POST stamp DKK 50.00 Issue date: 31.10.2005 20 stamps per sheet Format: E-horizontal Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Artist: Gerhard Heilmann Layout: Morten Stürup Outside measurements: 50.50 mm x 43.26 mm
PARCEL POST stamp – Special Issue
PAKKE-PORT O i Grønland
While other countries can celebrate the 150th anniversary of the introduction of their stamps these years, Greenland can celebrate the 100th anniversary of the PARCEL POST stamp, which was issued in 1905. Stamps were introduced for practical and economical reasons but, with the issue of the PARCEL POST stamp in Greenland, much more was at stake, as this was a part in the political events regarding Greenland, whose future was being shaped during those years. POST Greenland will celebrate the 100th anniversary with a stamp issue in three parts. The first stamp in the series will be issued on 31st October 2005. In this connection POST Greenland will also issue a Jubilee Book, containing the first stamp with space to insert the two subsequent stamps in the series. The author of the book is Flemming Petersen, Greenland collector and President of the Frederiksberg (in Copenhagen) Philatelic Society. Flemming draws on his enormous knowledge of both history and stamps. The result is PAKKE-PORTO i Grønland PARCEL POSTA GE in Greenl and PAKET-PORTO an extremely interesting account in Grönland in text and illustrations. This Jubilee Book of 60 richly illustrated pages will be issued at the end of the year - but may be pre-ordered now: Item number 01303024 – Price: DKK 200.00.
Flemming Peterse n
Jens Rosing's 80th Birthday On 28th July 2005 the Greenlandic artist Jens Rosing reached the age of eighty. Jens Rosing is one of the bestknown interpreters of Greenlandic tradition as well as a creative artist, writer and illustrator. As the creator of more than 150 Greenland stamp designs from 1957 to 2001, Jens Rosing is quite simply the »Grand Old Man« of Greenland stamps. Herewith POST Greenland, a little belatedly, would like to convey our very best wishes to Jens Rosing on the occasion of his great day. An example of Jens Rosing's stamp art can be seen on the depicted blackprint, which was produced on the occasion of the artist's 70th birthday (the blackprint is no longer available).
1905 - 2005
A Whole Year, before it will be Christmas Again! BY MIKI JACOBSEN, CHRISTMAS STAMP ARTIST
As a child in Sisimiut, I experienced the magic of Christmas in a beautiful glass globe reflecting the decorated Christmas tree and the world around me in all the colours of the rainbow. Santa Claus and my parents would hang up the glass globe so we could see it at eye level, among all the lights and the decoration on the beautiful tree. Outside there was sure to be snow and northern lights among thousands of stars to light up the dark Arctic winter. Crunchy kamik soles would make a crisp sound in the snow, and our ear lobes had to be pushed well into the hoods of our anoraks against the dry cold. We were all festively dressed for these special days…and all of us made our way to church on foot for the morning service, together with most of the other inhabitants of the town. We were all in our Sunday best…. Afterwards there would be coffee and fresh buns. The morning of Christmas Eve was very special
to us children. On this point our gift traditions vary from yours. Here the children are allowed to open the beautiful parcels in the morning of Christmas Eve, giving the adults peace to prepare the gifts of the table, where dates from distant places would contribute to rousing my imagination and joy at participating in this celebration of light, for from Christmas onward days will be lighter… – and we had to look forward to next Christmas for nearly a whole year! Merry Christmas! Miki Jacobsen miki@jacobsen.gl
01100355 Christmas Stamp 1/05 DKK 5.25 Issue Date: 31.10.2005 50 stamps per sheet Format: B-horizontal Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Artist: Miki Jacobsen Outside Measurements: 31.08 mm x 23.60 mm 01100356 Christmas Stamp 2/05 DKK 6.00 Issue Date: 31.10.2005 50 stamps per sheet Format: B-horizontal Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Artist: Miki Jacobsen Outside Measurements: 31.08 mm x 23.60 mm 01301110 Christmas Stamp Booklet No. 10 DKK 67.50 Issue Date: 31.10.2005 Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4
The booklet contains self-adhesive stamps
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Edible Plants On 31st October 2005 POST Greenland will issue the last three stamps of the series »Edible Plants«, this time featuring: Scottish Lovage, Rose Root and Mountain Sorrel. Below you will find a description of the three plants, written by the watercolour painter Ina Jürgensen. Issue date: 31.10.2005 40 stamps per sheet Format: G-horizontal Printing method: Offset
Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Artist: Ina Rosing Outside measurements: 39.52 mm x 28.84 mm
Introduction of Ina Jürgensen, who below describes Ina Rosing's beautiful stamps featuring flowers. »I moved from Denmark to Angmagssalik, now Tasiilaq, with my family in 1974. For the last 15 years I have been employed at the school in Tasiilaq. My passion for Greenlandic flora began in 1974. From the beginning of May I go for walks in the mountains nearly every day to see what flowers have opened or what is just coming up. My delight and fascination of these small creations of nature increase year by year. For the last five years I have combined my interest in plants with my other great passion, watercolour painting.«
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Scottish Lovage (Ligusticum scoticum) (Kuanniusaq)
Mountain Sorrel (Oxyria digyna) (Seernaq)
Scottish lovage belongs to the family of Umbelliferae, just like angelica, but is smaller. It grows on the south-west coast of Greenland as far north as Nuuk. It can reach a height of approximately 60 cms, it has reddish, hollow stems and shiny, smooth dark green leaves and emits a strong smell. It is in flower during July - August with small, white flowers in umbels. The whole plant can be used as seasoning. The young leaves, flowers and unripe seeds in salads etc., older leaves, ripe seeds and roots in stews. It does not have the same perfumed taste as lovage, but a fullness that is reminiscent of a mixture of parsley, celery, angelica and, of course, lovage. The stems can be crystallised like angelica. When ground, the seeds can be used as a substitute for pepper.
Mountain sorrel belongs to the family of Polygonaceae. It is perennial, has a thick yellow rootstock, and grows to a height of approximately 40 cms. The plant is dioecious. Its leaves are long-stemmed, smooth and reniform, thereby differing from the other Greenlandic species of the sorrel family. The leaves are rich in vitamin C and have a fresh and acid taste. The inflorescence is compact and knotty. The leaves are red at the edges and develop glowing autumn colours. Mountain sorrel grows in snow patches, on rock walls, in moist crevices, thickets, heaths and most other plant communities in Greenland, though not too dry. The first tender shoots of leaves of mountain sorrel could be seen (in Tasiilaq) at the end of April (2005). A month later they were growing abundantly in town and in the mountains.
01100354 Mountain Sorrel DKK 8.25
01100352 Scottish Lovage DKK 0.75
Rose Root (Rhodiola rosea) (Sorlak) Rose root belongs to the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). It is perennial, its flowers are unisexual, and the plant is dioecious, meaning that the flowers on the individual plants are either male or female. The rootstock is thick and scaly; the inside is yellow and aromatic. Both rootstock and leaves are edible. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste, similar to Brussels sprouts. Rose root is easy to distinguish from all other plants in Greenland. It has a strong, upright stem, and all the way up on the side of this, there are thick, juicy, bluish green leaves with serrated edges. The leaves are covered by a thin layer of wax. The flower is at the top of the stem like a big, yellow corymb. In certain places it can also be seen with reddish flowers. Rose root grows in tufts and can reach a height of approximately 20 cms. It grows on rock walls and in crevices, hillsides, in fertile heaths and thickets. It is in flower in June and July, and in the autumn it turns a strong yellowish orange and is almost luminescent.
01100353 Rose Root DKK 6.50
Souvenir Folder - Edible Plants II If you are curious to learn new recipes for food with a Greenlandic flavour, or if you just like beautiful Greenland stamps, you should invest in POST Greenland's new souvenir folder »Edible Plants II«. It contains food recipes and descriptions of Greenlandic edible plants as well as two of each of the three different stamps issued in the series in 2005. Bon appétit! 01303026 Souvenir Folder Edible Plants II DKK 31.00 Issue date: 31.10.2005
Subscribers' Draw
The History of the Ice Bucket: The ice bucket had already been invented in Eastern Greenland in 1884 when Gustav Holm arrived. It is presumed that the people here acquired the idea from barrels from whaling ships which were occasionally wrecked in the treacherous drift ice, after which the barrels were washed ashore. The bucket was used to melt ice for drinking water; the sides of the most refined buckets were decorated with small bone figures, and they also had a built-in drinking straw, so it was easy to drink the fresh ice water. The slightly larger buckets without figures were used under the bed for collecting urine, which was used for washing hair and tanning seal hides. The ice bucket is still manufactured today by the original method for exhibitions and for sale as an exclusive souvenir. The winner of the draw will be personally notified of the good news by our head of sales. Together with the winners of the consolation prizes, the winner's name will be announced in Greenland Collector No. 1 of 2006.
VOTE FOR THE STAMP OF THE YEAR 2005 Repeating the success of previous years, we herewith call upon our collectors, readers and other people interested to vote for the most beautiful Greenland stamp of this year. Each of the 21 stamps POST Greenland is issuing during 2005 is eligible for vote. See the reproduction of the stamps on this page. As always, only one vote per person is allowed. Once again we shall have a draw for a first prize in the form of a piece of beautiful East Greenlandic handicraft. In addition, there will be a draw for 10 »consolation prizes« in the form of beautiful Greenlandic philatelic gifts. As always, we shall draw from all ballots received. Take part in the vote for the '2005 Greenland Stamp of the Year'. Fill in this coupon and send it to POST Greenland, Filatelia, in Tasiilaq or visit www.stamps.gl and vote on-line. Deadline for receipt of your vote is Monday 31st October 2005. The winner of the first prize and the winning stamp will be announced in Greenland Collector in December 2005. Stam
p of the yea r 2004
G-337
G-338
G-339
G-340
G-341
G-342
G-343
G-344
G-345
G-346
G-347
G-348
G-349
G-350
G-351
G-352
G-353
G-354
G-355
G-356
G-357
Elect stamp and send the coupon in an envelope to: POST GREENLAND, FILATELIA, P.O. BOX 121, 3913 TASIILAQ, GREENLAND Do not forget to state your name and address on the back of the envelope!!!
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If you are a subscriber, you can look forward to our annual draw. POST Greenland will make a draw from all subscribers for this year's main prize – a traditional ice bucket, manufactured by the local Tasiilaq artist, Tobias Magnussen. If you are not a subscriber, be quick to take out a subscription to Greenland stamps. All you need to do is to fill in the order form with your name and address as well as details of your preferred subscription. Deadline for the receipt of your subscription order is 1st November 2005.
My vote goes to: G-
Final sale on 30th November 2005 The following stamps will be withdrawn from our sales list on 30th November 2005, provided they are not sold out prior to this date. Any remaining stock will be shredded.
In the next issue, read about:
01100329. 14.05.2004 Additional Value stamp »The Society of Greenlandic Children« DKK 5.00 + 0.50
01100293. 24.06.2002 Nordlyset DKK 2.00
01100331. 18.10.2004 Constance DKK 6.50
Juullimi pilluaritsi
Glædelig jul
01100294. 24.06.2002 Hvidbjørnen DKK 4.00
01100335. 18.10.2004 Christmas Stamp 1/04 DKK 5.00
• Stamp Programme 2006 • Sisimiut - 250th Anniversary • Additional Value Stamp - »Crown Prince Frederik's Foundation« • The EUROPA stamp - 50th Anniversary • PARCEL POST II • Norse Mythology II (The Mother of the Sea and The Mistress of the Weather) • The Nordic Association - 50th Anniversary • Report from the »Frimærker i Forum 2005« Exhibition • The Winner of the »Greenland Stamp of the Year 2005« Competition • The Winner of the Annual Draw among Subscribers • Final Sale on 31st March • And much more…
Kalaallit Nunaat Grønland
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2004
NINA SPORE KREUTZMANN del.
Glædelig jul
Juullimi pilluaritsi
01100295. 24.06.2002 Stærkodder DKK 6.00
01100336. 18.10.2004 Christmas Stamp 2/04 DKK 5.50
Kalaallit Nunaat Grønland NINA SPORE KREUTZMANN del.
01100296. 24.06.2002 Haabet DKK 16.00
01100311. 16.06.2003 Comb DKK 0.25
01100313. 20.10.2003 Emma DKK 6.75
01100314. 20.10.2003 Gamle Fox DKK 7.75
01100315. 20.10.2003 Godthaab DKK 8.75
01100316. 20.10.2003 Sonja DKK 26.00
2004
01106251. 13.08.1999 Souvenir Sheet - Vikings I DKK 23.00
01106259. 21.02.2000 Souvenir Sheet - Vikings II DKK 29.75
01106273. 05.02.2001 Souvenir Sheet - Vikings III DKK 20.50
01106299. 21.10.2002 Souvenir Sheet »ICES 100 Years« DKK 26.00
01106308. 20.10.2003 Additional Value Souvenir Sheet »Santa Claus of Greenland« DKK 22.00 01301109. 18.10.2004 Christmas Stamp Booklet No. 9 DKK 63.00
Distribution of the Greenland Christmas Seal So far POST Greenland has, in accordance with a joint agreement between Juullip Nipitittagaa (The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee) and POST Greenland, been responsible for the distribution and sale of the Greenland Christmas Seal. As this agreement expires this year, Juullip Nipitittagaa (The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee) will take over the distribution of the Christmas Seal themselves. In future, orders, changes of address or enquiries concerning your Christmas Seal subscription should be directed to: Juullip Nipitittagaa, The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee, P.O. BOX 97, 3900 Nuuk, Phone/Fax (+299) 32 24 34, Email: seal@greennet.gl IMPORTANT On payment – please, always state your name and your customer number to make sure that your payment is registered correctly as quickly as possible.
PS: WE REGRET THAT WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT CHEQUES As banker's fees for cashing cheques are too high in relation to most purchases, we no longer accept cheques. We therefore request all our customers to pay via our bank or giro accounts or by various credit cards. Kilo Ware is temporarily sold out: POST Greenland no longer sells Kilo Ware as the product is at present completely sold out.
You can visit our new website and fill in the coupon in 5 minutes ! www.stamps.gl
The Copenhagen Exhibition »Frimærker i Forum 2005«
Help us to improve
11th - 13th November
Send this coupon to us, not forgetting to state your name and address on the envelope: POST Greenland, Filatelia, P.O. Box 121, 3913 Tasiilaq, Greenland - POST Greenland will make a draw for 50 beautiful philatelic prizes from all replies received. Age:_________________________________________________________ Sex:__________________________________________________________ Total income of family:___________________________________________ Municipality of Residence:________________________________________ If you collect several countries, what country will you give the lowest priority? _____________________________________________________________ Please state in the form below how satisfied or dissatisfied you are with POST Greenland, Filatelia, – please tick off: Neither satisfied Very Very nor dis- DisdisDon’t satisfied Satisfied satisfied satisfied satisfied know Stamps
Practical information: Place: «Forum« in Copenhagen, Julius Thomsens Plads 1, 1925 Frederiksberg C Entrance fee: DKK 20.00 Opening hours: Friday 11th Nov. 05 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 12th Nov. 05 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 13th Nov. 05 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
»Ships in Greenlandic Waters over 1000 Years« Price: Volume 1: DKK 179.00 Volume 2: DKK 199.00 Slip Case: DKK 59.00 (prices without postage)
Customer Service Greenland Collector POST Greenland The overall quality of Filatelia
Please, write a comment, especially if you are not satisfied:________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Name: _______________________________________________________
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TEXT BY: HEAD OF SALES SØREN NICOLAJ KORSHØJ
POST Greenland is very much looking forward to opening the doors of »Frimærker i Forum«. Once again we shall have a wide range of activities at our stand, reflecting the history and culture of Greenland. This year the main theme of »Frimærker i Forum« will be gastronomy. POST Greenland has hired two renowned chefs, who will prepare samples of Greenlandic food. We shall also have a visit by a lecturer who will lecture on edible plants and fungi. These plants and fungi have previously been featured on our stamps, which are also available in the pertaining souvenir folders with recipes. The historic flavour will be added by the PARCEL POST stamp, which has played an important part with regard to Greenlandic ties to Denmark. You can read or hear more about all this at the stand, where stamp expert Flemming Petersen will give a lecture on the history of the PARCEL POST stamp and present the book, being issued on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the PARCEL POST stamp. Make sure to be there and taste the exciting Greenlandic specialities and meet the staff of POST Greenland at stand 11, where we are looking forward to welcoming you with our last new issues as well as providing advice and guidance.
Address:_______________________________________________________ Postal Code/Town/Country: ______________________________________
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News from POST Greenland On Monday 31st October 2005 POST Greenland will replace the regular day cancellation at the post office of the settlement Akunaaq at 3950 Aasiaat. The replacement is due to wear and tear. Envelopes to be cancelled with last and first day cancellations must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia, no later than Friday 28th October 2005. »The Greenlandic Society« will celeb05.11. 2005 rate its 100th anniversary on 5th November 2005. POST Greenland will commemorate the occasion with a special cancellation. Envelopes for cancelling must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia, no later than the day before this anniversary.
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Exhibition cancellations: Until the end of 2005 POST Greenland will participate in the following stamp exhibitions: • »Philatelia und Münz Expo«, Cologne, 22nd 24th September • »Tag der Briefmarke '05«, Sindelfingen, 28th-30th October • »Vejle Frim. 05«, Vejle, 29th30th October Sindelfingen '05 • »Frimærker i Forum 2005«, 28.-30.10.2005 Copenhagen, 11th-13th November • »150th Anniversary Exhibition«, Oslo, 17th 20th November.
Philatelia und Münz Expo, Köln
22.-24.9.2005
Special Greenland cancellations will be produced for these five above-mentioned exhibitions.
Envelopes to be cancelled with these five special cancellations must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia, no later than the day before the opening of the respective exhibitions. Apart from the above listed exhibitions, POST Greenland will also participate in the following exhibitions up to the end of 2005: Hersfeld, Germany, 21st - 23rd October - »59ème Salon Philatélique d'Automne«, Paris, 10th - 13th November. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO special cancellations for these exhibitions. The cancellation advertisement »2412 Santa Claus Greenland« will be used on all outgoing mail from POST Greenland, Filatelia, in 3913 Tasiilaq during the period 17th October - 30th December 2005.
During this period the advertisement will also be used in the stamp cancellation machine at POST Greenland, Filatelia. Franked and addressed letters to be cancelled with this advertisement are to be sent directly to the post offices in the above towns. During the period 1st 25th December the post office in 3910 Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) will also use the advertisement cancellation »Christmas Greetings from Greenland« in the stamp cancellation machine. Franked and addressed letters to be cancelled with this cancellation are to be sent directly to: TELE-POST Centre, Block L (B-50), 3910 Kangerlussuaq, GREENLAND
The advertisement cancellation »Send juleposten i god tid« (Send your Christmas mail early) will be used in the stamp cancellation machines during the period 1st - 30th November 2005 at the following 8 Greenlandic post offices: 3900 Nuuk (Godthåb) 3910 Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) 3911 Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg) 3912 Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen) 3920 Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) 3950 Aasiaat (Egedesminde) 3952 Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) 3970 Pituffik (Thule Air Base)
New Head of Sales
CORRECTION:
On 1st September 2005, POST Greenland, Filatelia, said goodbye to Head of Sales Lars Anker-Møller, who has decided to look for new challenges. Already on 1st July we said hello to the new Head of Sales of Filatelia, Søren Korshøj (aged 47), who came to us from a position as Sales Manager with the Danish newspaper B.T. We bid him a hearty welcome. During the summer Philatelic Manager Søren Rose moved from the postal headquarters in Nuuk to Denmark in order to be closer to POST Greenland's collaborators and, at the same time, be able to participate in more events.
The printing method of the three stamps of the Science Series, issued on 20th June 2005, is Steel engraving / Offset (Combination). We regret that in Greenland Collector No. 2, May 2005, we inadvertently published incorrect information regarding the printing method of the three stamps in the Science Series, Item Nos.: 01100348 - 350. We stated that the printing method was steel engraving. The correct information is, however, that the printing method of the three stamps is Steel engraving /Offset (Combination).
NEW WEBSITE www.stamps.gl We have improved our website substantially and look forward to hearing your opinion. View the latest news, information and facts on our stamps and stamp artists – or read Greenland Collector on the website. It is easy to get a quick general view – so now it is much easier to order Greenland stamps and philatelic products. You can also find information about your own account and your subscription. Send us a mail with your honest opinion – We look forward to hearing from you. Take part in our Customer Satisfaction Analysis and in the draw for 50 beautiful philatelic prizes!
WORTH
KNOWING…
Please send your orders / amendments to: POST Greenland, Filatelia P.O. Box 121, 3913 Tasiilaq, GREENLAND Phone: (+45) 7026 0550 and (+299) 98 11 55 Fax: (+299) 98 14 32 Email: stamps@tele.gl
Switzerland: Postscheckamt, Office de cheques postaux, Ufficio dei conti correnti postali, 4040 Basel. Account No.: 40-6773-5. IBAN: CH37 0900 0000 4000 6773 5, BIC (SWIFT code): POFiCHBE
Any change in name, address and/or subscription must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia, no later than 5 weeks prior to an issue. NOTE: On payment - please, make sure you always state your name and your customer number. Please do not write your order on a giro transfer form as these are processed by computers. How to pay: Your payments can be made by giro to one of the accounts mentioned below, by credit card, by international reply coupons or by cash in Danish Kroner, Euro or US Dollars only. It is no longer possible to pay by cheque.
Germany: Postbank, Niederlassung Hamburg, Überseering 26, 22297 Hamburg. Account No.: 541414200, BLZ 200 100 20. IBAN: DE03 2001 0020 0541 414200, BIC (SWIFT code): PBNKDEFF United Kingdom: Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank plc., Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside, Liverpool GIR 0AA. Account No.: 358 7118. IBAN: GB69GIRB72000003587118 Luxembourg: Postes et Telecommunications, Division des Postes, Service des Cheques Postaux, Secretariat, 38 Place de la Gare, 1090 Luxembourg. Account No.: 26606-28. IBAN: LU18 1111 0266 0628 0000, BIC (SWIFT code): CCPLLULL
Giro: Denmark: BG Bank A/S, Girostrøget 1, 0800 Høje Taastrup, Account No.: 1199-940 4120 IBAN: DK98 30000009404120, BIC (SWIFT Code): DABADKKK Sweden: Postgirot Bank AB (publ), Vasagatan 7, 105 06 Stockholm. Account No.: 41 45-9. IBAN: SE9795000099602600041459, BIC (SWIFT code): NDEASESS Norway: Postbanken, Kunderegister Bedrift, 0021 Oslo. Account No.: 7878.06.55312. IBAN: NO44 78780655312, BIC (SWIFT code): DNBANOKK Finland: SAMPO BANK, UNIONINKATU 22, 00075, SAMPO. Account No.: 800016-70617928. IBAN: Fi2580001670617928, BIC (SWIFT code): PSPBFiHH
France: La Poste, Centre Régional des Services Financiers, de la Poste en ile-de-France, 16 rue de Favorites, 75900 Paris. Account No.: 250.01 F020. IBAN: FR51 3004 1000 0100 2500 1 F02 022, BIC (SWIFT code): PSSTFRPPPAR If you are not resident in Denmark and use our account 1199-940 4120, you will be charged a handling fee for each transaction by Euro Giro. Credit cards: Dankort, Eurocard/MasterCard, JCB, VISA Cash: - DKK, Euro or US Dollars only - to be sent by registered mail Postal order IRC (IBRS) - International reply coupons: - value DKK 6.00 each.
The Netherlands: Postbank NV, Account No.: 3487172. IBAN: NL92 PSTB 0003 4871 72, BIC (SWIFT code): PSTBNL21
We are the people you reach whenever you write, fax, email or telephone POST Greenland. We look forward to offering our continued assistance with your Anja Panduro philatelic enquiries. Pedersen
Lene Skov Meyhoff Sales Assistant Correspondent Danish, English, Danish, English, German. German.
One-year deadline for claims Any claims concerning stamps or philatelic items purchased from POST Greenland must reach POST Greenland, Filatelia, no later than one year from the last day of the month in which the items were despatched. The date of the postmark, or possibly the invoice, indicates the date of despatch. Fees for registered letters and parcels despatched from Greenland The fee for registered letters within Greenland or to Europe (including Denmark and the Faroes) is DKK 45.00. E.g.: Postage for a registered letter stamped with DKK 6.00 (max. 20 g) amounts to DKK 51.00. For surcharge on mail to overseas, see: www.post.gl
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Payment within 30 days Payment of our invoices is to be made within 30 days from the date of the invoice. We kindly ask you to note that the registration of your payments will take approximately two weeks or more. Therefore, you may receive an invoice with a balance which does not include your recent payments. Exchange of Stamps POST Greenland, Filatelia, exchanges only old stamps (stamps no longer on our sales list) into new stamps (stamps on our sales list) at the customer's choice. No more than 3 exchanges free of charge at maximum DKK 100.00 each, per customer per year. When exceeding a total of 3 x DKK 100.00, POST Greenland, Filatelia, will charge a fee of 45% of the total value. The fee of 45% must always be paid in cash and is not payable by other stamps. The maximum annual value of stamps for exchange per customer cannot exceed DKK 50,000 in nominal value. For further information, please contact POST Greenland, Filatelia. All information on prices, fees etc. are subject to printer's errors.
Helene Tukula Trainee Danish, English.
Kristian »Karé« Pivat Assistant Clerk Greenlandic, Danish.
Moses Utuange Senior Clerk Greenlandic, Danish.
Holger Amelung Sales Assistant German, Danish, English.
Søren Nicolaj Korshøj Head of Sales Danish, English, German.
Pertti Frandsen Head of Production Danish, English, German.
NOTE!
The Year Pack 2005 You can order POST Greenland's Year Pack 2005 already now
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If you want to collect Greenland in completeness as far as stamps and souvenir sheets are concerned, this could be the solution: Once a year POST Greenland issues a year pack, containing all the stamps and souvenir sheets issued during the year. So with an investment once a year, you can definitely make sure that your collection of Greenland stamps and souvenir sheets will be up to date. Complete the form below with your name and address, and you will receive the year pack 2005 at the price of DKK 285.00. At the same time you will automatically create a subscription to all future issues of year packs.
Account number (if any): Name: Address: Postal Code:
Town:
Country:
Take part in the vote for the »2005 Greenland Stamp of the Year« Help us to improve! - Fill in the coupon Win beautiful prizes!