The Battle of Aspern-Essling

On June 4, 2009 Austria issued a stamp commemorating the battle of Aspern-Essiling.  The Stamp is based on a painting of Johann Peter Kraft and was completed circa 1809.

June 4, 2009 - Archduke Charles of Austria During the Battle of Aspern-Essling by Johann Peter Krafft.

The Battle
In the Battle, the Austrians under Archduke Charles of Austria drove back Napoleon as he and his forces attempted to cross the Danube near Vienna.  This was the first time that Napoleon had been personally defeated in over 10 years.

Casualties were high on both sides with Napoleon losing one of his best commanders and friends, Marshal Jean Lannes, who was wounded by an Austrian cannon ball. 

A Couple of Penny Reds

When it comes to postage stamps one of the finest issues is the Penny Red.  It has a very nice design and is, in my honest opinion, one of the most elegant stamps issued.

I am lucky enough to have 2 currently in my collection, one on cover

Penny Red - Plate 117 posted Edinburgh February 14, 1870

North Korean Ships

On May 5, 1978 North Korea issued a 5 stamps to commemorate their maritime heritage.  The stamps depict 5 ships and various aircraft and other modes of transportation (A very topical minded issue ;).  The stamps were perforated 13.25 and were also issued in a Sheet of 5 plus 1 label.  
 

Sheet of 5 plus label.

Conferences for Confederation

Prior to July 1, 1967 British North America was composed of separate colonies of Great Britain. These included the Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Rupert’s Land, North-Western Territories, British Columbia, Vancouver Island and the Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec).

Charlottetown Conference: September 1864

Issued July 29, 1964 - Perforated 12

The Canadian Fort Series - A Virtual Exhibit

On June 30 1983, Canada Post issued a set of 10 stamps depicting Canadian forts for Canada Day. The “Forts Across Canada Series” continued in 1985 when on June 28, a further 10 stamps were issued for Canada Day concluding the series. Both sets of stamps are perforated 12½ x 13 and were printed by Ashton-Potter Limited based on the designs by Rolf P. Harder.

Why Phab Philately?

Good question.  I called my blog phab philately, because philately is a fabulous hobby that provides great entertainment along with teaching everybody who sees a stamp something about the country or subject featured on the stamp.

Referred to as the hobby of Kings, stamp collecting has been around since the first postage stamp was issued.  People such as John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Ayn Rand, Ronnie Wood, Maria Sharapova and Sophie Michelle Ellis-Bextor are or were stamp collectors.

I collect stamps for many reasons.  I think each stamp is a piece of art that is worthy of hanging in the finest museums or art galleries.  How else could I own an expensive piece of art without shelling over millions of dollars.