No. 2 2017

Å L A N D P O S T

S TA MP S

Meet three forest residents page 6

Unique jubilee presen-tation pack page 3

TELEPHONE Domestic: 018 636 641 International: +358 18 636 641Telephone hours (GMT +2 h): Mon–Fri 9 am – 3 pm

FAXDomestic: 018 636 608International: +358 18 636 608

INTERNETwww.alandstamps.com Nordic stamps:www.topoftheworld.nu Sepac stamps:www.sepacstamps.eu

E-MAILstamps@alandpost.com

VISITING ADDRESSFlygfältsvägen 10, Sviby, Jomala

EDITORSAnita HäggblomHeidemarie ErikssonOuti BergmanGunilla HäggblomMonita Löfroth

TEXTGunilla Häggblom

TRANSLATIONKristine Lybeck Sund

LAYOUTOuti Bergman

PRODUCTIONApril KommunikationFram

ÅLAND POST LtdSTAMPSPO Box 1100 AX-22111 MARIEHAMNÅLAND, Finland

Anita HäggblomD IREC TO R

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Å L A N D P O S T

S TA M P SNo. 2 2017

New stamp book in the making 3

Unique centenary presentation pack 3

Creating new stuff from old 4

Familiar forest mammals 6

Subscribe to exhibition cards, get free gift 8

Order form 9

The flavour of Christmas 16

Trendy sailors’ dogs 18

Football stamps with 16 postcards on top 20

Cancellation packs at discounted price 20

Current club offer 20

Buy your Finnish stamps from Åland Post 21

Terms and conditions, Updated information 22

Calendar 23

VISIT TO NANNING

Over the years, Åland Post has participated in several hundred stamp exhibitions all over the world. The Nanning exhibi-tion in the south of China was an extraordinary experience. Shared with three other Nordic postal operators, our booth welcomed some 100 000 visitors at the entrance. In China, stamp collecting is a family hobby; old and young, women and men were inter-ested in our stamps. Engraver Martin Mörck signed his works at the booth. We, the staff, were also asked for our signa-tures in the exhibition passes, next to our stamps. Many customers also wished to have a souvenir photo of their visit to our booth. A memory for life for all involved.

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 3

Here’s a heads up on the most interesting reading experience this year, the issue in October of the hardcover book “A Story through Åland stamps”. In this lovely illustrated gift book you can read about the preservation of the Åland seafaring legacy, junk and cake artists, Björn Ulvaeus’ thoughts on life and much more. Be sure to get a copy by starting a subscription today. This edition provides more comprehensive English summaries of the Swedish articles than previous editions. All 2016 and 2017 stamps and postal labels are included.

New stamp book in the making

STA RT A SUB S C R IP T I O N O N PAGE 15 B IE NN IAL STA MP Y E A R B O O K 2016 -2017PR I C E : € 82.70 C O D E : 0 8 0

For the centenary of Finland’s independence we now offer you an exquisite presentation pack holding the Åland commemorative stamp Finland 100 Years. The limited edition is only 1000 packs. Each pack is individually numbered and hand-signed

Unique centenary presentation pack

by the artist Juha Pykäläinen. The stylish pack has a brief factual text about the issue in Swedish, Finnish, English and Chinese. Order the pack already today.

PAC K F INL A ND 10 0 Y E A R S PR I C E : € 8 .0 0 C O D E : 328 - 36 4

4 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

On 17 August, Åland Post focuses on locally manufactured jewellery made from recycled material. This is a stamp in the series of Sepac stamps issued by the small European postal administrations on the 2017 theme local crafts.

CREATING NEW STUFF FROM OLDT H E H A N D M A D E necklaces on the stamp were made from old leather garments and metallic bits. At the lower edge of the stamp, a pair of earrings made from ostrich feather down appears. The down was sup-plied by the Eckerö game safari. Sold under the name Oktober, the jewellery is produced by Anna Karlsson in her tiny workshop in Godby. She does not call herself a crafts-man seeing that she is mainly self-taught and first and foremost works as a copy-writer. The future of her jewellery making is still undecided:

“Some days, the world is the limit. Other days, I feel as if this suffices. So far, every-thing has grown in an organic way and de-signing jewellery has been compatible with my job, which I very much enjoy. Sometime in the future, I may have to choose a path, but not now.”

T H E M AT E R I A L AT H A N D is often the starting point of her jewellery. She main-ly uses recovered material, mostly leather but also yarn, pieces of glass or discarded cartridge cases.

“Preparing the material is a complicated process. I look for old leather garments at flea markets, shear or cut them into their components, shred them into adequate strips and glue them together. Not until then can I begin to create the actual piece of jewellery. What’s more, different qualities of leather suit different types of products. Thick quality leather from, say, boots is not well suited for making soft necklaces or bracelets, and very soft leather is best suited for necklace laces.”

A L L 2 017 Sepac stamps also become available in a stylish and practical pack this autumn. Read more in the next edition.

GU T T ER PA IR ST R IP (4 GU T T ER PA IR S) PR I C E : € 8 .0 0 C O D E : 3 0 9 - 36 8

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 5

368

SEPAC – LOCAL CRAFTSDATE OF ISSUE: 17 August 2017

DESIGN: Anna Karlsson

PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiina Tahvanainen

EDITION: 130 000

DENOMINATION: €1.00

PRICE FDC: €1.70

STAMP SIZE: 40 x 30 mm

SHEET SIZE: 2 x 12 stamps

PAPER: 110 g/m²

PERFORATION: 13 per 2 cm

PRINTING METHOD: 4-colour offset

PRINTING HOUSE: Cartor Security Printing

Anna’s jewellery sketches are featured on the gutter of the stamp sheet while the first day cover shows one of the necklaces featured on the stamp in full.

The first day cancel shows pliers, used by Anna to piece together tiny parts, rotate and twist metal rings and snip off threads and wires.

6 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

Let yourself be enchanted by artist Bo Lundwall’s three forest animals on 15 September. The mammals featured on the stamps of this year’s booklet are mountain hare, least weasel and raccoon dog.

FAMILIAR FOREST MAMMALSB O L U N D WA L L , a leading Swed-ish animal and nature artist and the artist behind a number of Åland stamps, pays special attention to the animal’s anatomy and expression when painting. Featuring the animal in credible surroundings is equally important.

“Studying animals is a never ceasing source of treats and you constantly learn new things about the various species.”

M O U N TA I N H A R E (Lepus timidus) and least weasel are indigenous species that may be seen all over Åland. Both animals change colours with the seasons. On the stamps, they are illustrated in their summer coats. The herbivorous mountain hare is the sprinter of the forest, and the weasel is the smallest land predator of the Nordic coun-tries. On the FDC, it has caught today’s din-ner, which often consists of small rodents.

T H E W E A S E L (Mustela nivalis) very much resembles the ermine but is slightly smaller and has a shorter tail that lacks the black tail-tip of the ermine. Bo illustrates its smallness by placing it next to some cow-slips, the provincial flower of Åland.

T H E R A C C O O N D O G (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is the approximate size of a fox and resembles a raccoon. Bo depicted it in its winter pelage when the fur is at its best. Appearing in Åland since the 1970s, the omnivorous raccoon dog is an invasive species from the east. It may cause damage among domestic species of birds and spread diseases such as rabies. Consequently, raccoon dogs may be hunted year round. Mountain hare may be hunted in winter and the least weasel is a protected species.

M A X IMUM C A RD S N O S . 10 6 -10 8 PR I C E : € 6 .9 0 C O D E : 4 45 -1369

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 7

The mountain hare and the least weasel have changed into winter coats on the booklet cover and a maximum card. The other two maximum cards show the raccoon dog snuffing a dandelion on a day in early May and the mountain hare savouring the summery bluebells. The mask of a raccoon dog forms the first day cancel, whereas the special cancel shows a weasel. The franking symbols on the address side of the cards depict the prints of the animals’ paws.

369

FOREST MAMMALSDATE OF ISSUE: 15 September 2017

ARTIST: Bo Lundwall

EDITION: 50 000

DENOMINATIONS: 9 x Lokalpost (€9.90)

PRICE FDC: €4.00

STAMP SIZE: 36.5 x 31.9 mm

BOOKLET SIZE: 129.5 x 107 mm

PAPER: 110 g/m²

PERFORATION: 13 per 2 cm

PRINTING METHOD: 4-colour offset

PRINTING HOUSE: Cartor Security Printing

8 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

Much appreciated, the exhibition cards and stamps from Åland Post invite you on a unique tour among private mail boxes that may be seen along Åland roads. Photographer Sebastian Eriksson from Mariehamn is a new acquaintance.

When you decide to start a standing order for exhibition cards before 31 August you receive a complimentary pack of the 2014 exhibition cards featuring lovely bell towers as a welcome gift (value €30). This year’s exhibition card pack is delivered to you in November. Note that individual exhibition cards and stamps are only available at the exhibition in question.

Subscribe to exhibition cards, get free gift

STA RT A SUB S C R IP T I O N O N PAGE 152017 E X H IB I T I O N C A RD PAC KPR I C E : € 3 4.5 0 C O D E : 14 6

The Åland stamps met with considerable interest among collectors at the Nanning stamp exhibition in December 2016.

IBRS/CCRI N°:22100/300

NE PAS AFFRANCHIR

NO STAMP REQUIRED

Fill in the order form. Fold it once and seal it. Post to Åland Post. The Post has paid the postage. Terms and conditions on page 22.

Alternatively, place your order by:phone + 358-18-636641fax + 358-18-636608e-mail stamps@alandpost.comweb www.alandstamps.com/en

In the web shop, you will find still more products available, including older stamps.

ORDER INFORMATION

FO L D HERE A ND TA PE UP (D O N OT USE G LUE O R STA PL IN G - M AC HINE )

ORDER FORM

Customer number New customer ❏ Change of address

Full name

Full address

Country

Phone no.

Mobile tel.

E-mail Yes, please, I wish to receive information about the products of Åland Post Stamps and special offers by e-mail.

Date of birth

day month year

Male Female

ÅLAND POST AB

REPLY PAID / RÉPONSE PAYÉE FINLAND / FINLANDE

STAMPSAX-22103 MARIEHAMNÅLAND, Finland

Every month, you can find even more affordable deals in the web shop.

10 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

1,20 €

Stamps Mint Cancelled Gutter pairs Postcard

SYMBOLS USED TOTAL

1.20 €PRICE

CODE STAMPS ISSUED e POSTCARD AMOUNT

332 Sailing ships, Leo (världen) 2015 1.40

333 Sailing ships, Lemland 2015 0.85

334 Peach-leaved bellflower 2015 0.85

335/ 352-4052

Sepac-Midvinterblot, Carl Larsson / postcard 2015 3.00

336/352-4053

Harness racing (Lokalpost) / postcard 2015 1.10

337/352-4054

Europa, Old toys (Europa) / postcard 2015 1.40

338/352-4055

My stamps/My Åland, Tarja Halonenmini-sheet (8 x Europa) / postcard 2015 11.20

339/352-4056

Julius Sundblom 150 years (Världen) / postcard 2015 1.40

340 Åland hunting dogs, booklet (9 x Inrikes) 2015 12.60

341/352-4057

Åland folk dress brooch (Europa) / postcard 2015 1.40

342/352-4058

Bernese folk dress brooch / postcard 2015 2.00

343/352-4059

Christmas (Julpost) / postcard 2015 0.70

344/352-4060

Christmas (Europa) / postcard 2015 1.40

346 Sailing ships, Altai 2016 0.10

347 Sailing ships, Pehr Brahe 2016 10.00

348/ 352-4063

Nordic – Nordic cuisine (Världen) / postcard 2016 1.40

349/ 352-4064

Witch-hunt in Åland 350 years (Europa) / postcard 2016 1.40

350 Medicinal plants, booklet (9 x Inrikes) 2016 12.60

351/ 352-4065

Europa – Think Green, (Europa) / postcard 2016 1.40

352/ 352-4066

Europa – Think green, Åland (Europa) / postcard 2016 1.40

353/ 352-4067

Lilla Åland – The chair /postcard 2016 2.50

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 11

1,20 €PRICE

CODE STAMPS ISSUED e POSTCARD AMOUNT

354/ 352-4068

My Åland, Björn Ulvaeus (Världen) / postcard 2016 1.40

355/ 352-4069

Sepac – Seasons (Inrikes) / postcard 2016 1.40

356/ 352-4070

Christmas (Julpost) / postcard 2016 0.70

357/ 352-4071

Christmas (Världen) / postcard 2016 1.40

358 Roosters, miniature sheet (2 x €2.00) 2016 4.00

359 Sailing ship, Mariehamn (Lokalpost) 2017 1.10

360 Sailing ship, Mermerus 2017 0.20

361 My stamps - Postal lorry mini-sheet (8 x Världen) 2017 11.20

362/ 352-4073

Multicultural Åland (Världen) / postcard 2017 1.40

363/ 352-4074

Europa - Castles (Europa) / postcard 2017 1.40

364/ 352-4075

Finland 100 years / postcard 2017 5.00

365/ 352-4076

Sauna traditions - Smoke sauna, Åland (Europa) /postcard 2017 1.40

366/ 352-4077

Sauna traditions - Sauna, Finland (Inrikes) /postcard 2017 1.40

367 Sauna traditions, miniature sheet 2017 2.80

368 Sepac – Local crafts 17.8.2017 1.00

369 Forest mammals, booklet (9 x Lokalpost) 15.9.2017 9.90

370/ 352-4078

Christmas (Julpost) / postcard

9.10.2017 0.70

371/ 352-4079

Christmas (Världen) / postcard

9.10.2017 1.40

372 China dogs, miniature sheet (2 x €1) 10.11.2017 2.00

311-6132/ 352-4072

Frama, Beach finds - Floats, set of 4 labels / postcard 2017 4.40

TOTAL

1.20 €

12 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

CODE PHIL ATELIC PRODUCTS ISSUED e NUMBER AMOUNT

327-291 /305 Year Set q 2012 q 2013 2012

201331.00 36.25

327-319/ -332 Year Set q 2014 q 2015 2014

201535.50 37.00

327-346 Year Set 2016 2016 39.10

315-6238/ -6242

Postal stationery q Autumn, set of 3 cards q Flowers, set of 3 cards

2014 2015

6.00 6.30

315-6246 Postal stationery, Windows, set of 4 cards 2016 9.20

315-6251 Postal stationery, Landmarks, set of 4 cards 2017 9.20

445-332-3/ -334/1340

Maximum cards q nos. 90-91, Sailing shipsq no. 92, Peach-leaved bellflower q nos. 93-95, Hunting dogs

20154.202.106.30

445-346/ -347 Maximum cards nos. 96-97, Sailing ships 2016 4.60

445-1350 Maximum cards nos. 98-100, Medicinal plants 2016 6.90

445-359 Maximum cards nos. 103-104, Sailing ships 2017 4.60

445-1361 Maximum card no. 105, Postal lorry 2017 2.30

445-1369 Maximum cards nos. 106-108, Forest mammals 15.9. 2017 6.90

445-372 Maximum cards nos. 109-110, China dogs 10.11. 2017 4.60

429-319/ -332/-346 FDC Year Set q 2014 q 2015 q 2016

2014 2015 2016

39.50 39.00 52.00

447-319/ -332 Special cancellations q 2014 q 2015 2014

201515.50 16.00

447-346 Special cancellations 2016 2016 15.00

446-1308/ -1327

Exhibition cards q 2014, bell towers, 14 cards q 2015, windmills, 15 cards

2014 2015

30.00 31.50

446-1338 Exhibition cards 2016, fountains, 14 cards 2016 32.20

328-327 Exhibition stamps 2015, 15 mini-sheets 2015 144.00

328-338 Exhibition stamps 2016, 14 mini-sheets 2016 145.60

328-1327/ -1338

Exhibition stamps q 2015, bag of 15 individual stamps q 2016, bag of 14 individual stamps

2015 2016

18.00 18.20

351-6416 Red Cross cards 2016 2016 9.30

TOTAL

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 13

FINLAND 100

CODE PHIL ATELIC PRODUCTS ISSUED e NUMBER AMOUNT

428-341/ 328-341

Åland-Switzerland joint issue, Folk dress brooches, q presentation pack q commemorative card

2015 13.80 7.00

328-1350 Colour separations, set, Medicinal plants 2016 10.00

450-351/ -352

Last day cancellations, all 19 post offices First day cancellations, all 19 post offices

9.5. 2016

Special price for both60.00

902-293/ -322

q Nordic set: the North by the Sea/2, Life at Sea q Nordic set: the North by the Sea/3, Ships at Sea

2012 2014 18.00

902-348 Nordic set, Nordic cuisine 2016 21.95

902-315/ -325

q Sepac folder/4, Animals q Sepac folder/5, Flowers

2013 2014 15.00

902-335 Sepac folder/6, Culture 2015 16.00

902-355 Sepac folder/7, Seasons 2016 15.00

328-364 Presentation pack Finland 100 years 24.5. 2017 8.00

908-319 Biennial stamp Year Book “Ålands frimärken berättar 2014-2015” 2015 73.90

910-289/ -1308/-1327

Åland provincial coin (ordinary price €26/set) q 2012, History q 2013, Buildings q 2014, Animals

2012 2013 2014

Special price €20

910-333/ -352

Euro coin set q Finland - Åland, Sailing ships q Finland - Åland, Think Green

2015 2016

28.00 30.00

910-363 Euro coin set, Finland - Åland, Kastelholm castle 9.5. 2017 30.00

916-358 Stamp watch no. 18, Rooster 2016 20.70

914-9429/ -9430

Model car no. q 29/DG43 Morris Delivery Van q 30/DG44 Scammell 6 Wheeler 2014 21.95

24.30

914-9431/ -9432

Model car no. q 31/Austin Mini Van VA14 q 32/Ford Model T 2015 21.95

914-9433/ -9434

Model car no. q 33/Baker’s Van q 34/Bedford CA van

2016 21.95

914-9435 Model car no. 35/ERF Truck 2017 21.95

390-338/-2338

q IFK Mariehamn Cup Winner 2015q IFK Mariehamn League Champions 2016

20152016 12.50 each

930-9924/-9926

Silver/granite jewellery q Necklace, Sparbuoyq  Brooch, Dragonfly

Gold €15.00 Silver €18.00 Bronze €20.00

911-9103 IRC International reply coupon, Åland 2013 3.50

913-9115 Åland kiloware 50 gr. Limited availability, 5 packets per customer 17.00

TOTAL

14 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

CODE ALBUM OCH TILLBEHÖR ISSUED e NUMBER AMOUNT

900-332 Sailing ships, album incl. 12 collector’s sheets 2015-17 46.80

900-9000 Universal album 23.40

-9002-9004-9006

10 supplement pages for q FDCs q stamps q Christmas seals 12.50

900-9005 Luxe album for stamps, 1984–2006 106.00

900-9010 Luxe album for stamps, 2007–2016 140.00

900-9014 Luxe album for stamps, without pages 43.00

-2013/ -2014

q Luxe album year pages q Luxe album year pages

2013 2014

17.80 18.40

900-2015 Luxe album year pages 2015 20.00

900-2016 Luxe album year pages 2016 20.00

900-9028 Luxe album gutter pair pages 1984–2007 97.20

-9038/41 9042

Luxe album gutter pair pages, price per year ______________

2008-20112012

10.7011.70

-9043 -9044

q Luxe album gutter pair pages q Luxe album gutter pair pages

2013 2014

12.75 12.75

900-9045 Luxe album gutter pair pages 2015 16.50

900-9046 Luxe album gutter pair pages 2016 17.00

-9012 Luxe album stockpages, set of 5 pages 18.25

900-1327 Luxe album year pages for exhibition stamps, incl. 15 single stamps 2015 27.00

900-9008 Luxe album for other products, without pages 43.00

-9013 Luxe album, set of 10 supplement pages for FDCs, postal stationery, maximum cards 17.50

-9015 Luxe album, set of 10 supplement pages for Year sets, Christmas seals and full sheets 17.50

900-9020 Euro coin album, incl. pages (12 euro countries) 45.60

900-9019 Euro album pages, Lithuania 8.30

TOTAL

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 15

I authorize the Åland Post to charge my credit/debit card for the amount EUR _______

VISA EUROCARD MasterCard

Card number:

CVV/CVC Expiry date

Month year

Date Signature

CODE ALBUM OCH TILLBEHÖR ISSUED e NUMBER AMOUNT

900-9022 Euro album pages: the Vatican, Monaco, San Marino 10.80

900-9026 Euro album pages: Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia 10.80

900-9027 Euro album pages: Estonia, Latvia 8.30

900-9021 Euro album pages for banknotes 9.60

900-9023 Euro album pages, extra (12 x 8 coins) 11.30

900-9024/25 q Euro binder, 12 original countries q Euro binder, 10 new countries 18.90

TOTAL

CODE FDC ISSUED e NUMBER AMOUNT

416-368 FDC Sepac – Local crafts 17.8.2017 1.70

416-1369 FDC Forest mammals 15.9.2017 4.00

416-371 FDC Christmas 9.10.2017 2.80

416-372 FDC China dogs 10.11.2017 2.70

TOTAL

CODE PRODUCTS NUMBER

001 Stamps q mint q cancelled

052 Postcards

080 Year book, biennial

116 FDC

145 Maximum cards

146 Exhibition cards

STANDING ORDER SUBSCRIPTION

16 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

Appearing on 9 October, the gingerbread houses featured on this year’s Christmas stamps bring out the flavour and spirit of Christmas. Two practised gingerbread bakers, Ålanders Micael de Haas and Matilda Fyrqvist, each created a homemade gingerbread house exclusively for Åland Post.

THE FLAVOUR OF CHRISTMASG I N G E R B R E A D B A K I N G is a Yuletide tradition to many Ålanders, so even to Micael de Haas who, together with My Vuoristo and Alexandra de Haas, has baked a gingerbread farmhouse for one of the 2017 Christmas stamps. My recounts:

“Our grandmother used to arrange a gingerbread baking day every year for her grandchildren and their friends. So, I guess, that’s when it all began. It’s still a tradition; we meet for some baking, a cup of coffee and a lot of fun.”

The three bakers abandoned the more common type of gingerbread houses at an early stage. They have baked a merry-go-round and the Eiffel Tower. Their future baking plans include Pommern and a wind-mill. Still, the task was quite a challenge:

“At first, we had problems imagining a traditional gingerbread house. We baked the

house three times before it kept together. The humidity was too high, and the house had to be ready in the autumn, so, there was some gnashing of teeth.”

Figuring out how to make the design work in gingerbread dough is what My and Micael find most interesting. Micael cuts and measures the moulds. They all bake and assemble the pieces, but Alexandra is the master of decor.

“The parts must be correctly assembled instantly when they are glued together with melted sugar. It’s important to us that all parts are edible. Candy works but glue doesn’t, nor a steel frame!”

T H E O T H E R gingerbread house was inspired by Hilda Hongell’s houses, baked by Matilda Fyrqvist, pastry cook at popular coffee shop Bagarstugan in Mariehamn.

P O STC A RDPR I C E : €1.20 C O D E : 352- 4 078 /4 079

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 17

370 & 371

CHRISTMAS 2017DATE OF ISSUE: 9 October 2017

DESIGN: Micael de Haas & Matilda Fyrqvist

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kjell Söderlund

EDITIONS: 200 000 & 130 000

DENOMINATIONS: Julpost (€0.70), Världen (€1.40)

PRICE FDC: €2.80

STAMP SIZES: 36 x 25.5 mm

SHEET SIZES: 2 x 20 stamps

PAPER: 110 g/m²

PERFORATION: 13 per 2 cm

PRINTING METHOD: 4-colour offset

PRINTING HOUSE: Cartor Security Printing

The first day cancel shows a gingerbread pig, a classic gingerbread figure as are also hearts, stars, Christmas trees and men. Two lovely postcards of identical motifs are also available as suitable options for your Christmas cards this year.

18 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

Martin Mörck continues to put his mark on the Åland stamp series of Chinese zodiac animals. On 10 November, the fourth issue in the series appears in time for the 2018 Year of the Dog.

TRENDY SAILORS’ DOGSM A R T I N M Ö R C K has illustrated Mariehamn in a bygone era on this mini-ature sheet; a time when sailing ships dom-inated the townscape and sailors bought China dogs as souvenirs to be placed on the mantel piece or windowsill at home.

T H E S A I L O R S ’ D O G S , also known as Staffordshire dogs, always appear in pairs, the most common type being white spaniel dogs with details in gold. Other types of porcelain animals such as parrots and tigers were also available, but the dogs seem to have been popular among Åland sailors. They are believed to have been acquired in British port cities like Hull and were common sailors’ gifts during the late 1800s. A tall tale accompanying the sailors’ dogs had it that the dogs would be placed looking into the

living room when the sailor was at home but out of the window when he was at sea.

Produced in Staffordshire, the heart of English porcelain industry, during the 1800s, the delicate China dogs were made from glazed and decorated ceramics and particularly popular among Scandinavian sailors. They are inspired by the popu-lar miniature guardian lions, “Fu Dogs”, imported by Europeans from China in the 1600s. Fu Dogs are protectors of Buddha’s temples against demons and evil spirits. Copied by European China manufacturers and ceramicists, the horrifying snouts of the Chinese figures disappeared over time to be replaced by sweet spaniel dogs.

Source: Havets ord by Torbjörn Dalnäs, 2015

M A X IMUM C A RD S N O S . 10 9 -110 PR I C E : € 4.6 0 C O D E : 4 45 - 372

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 19

372

CHINA DOGSDATE OF ISSUE: 10 November 2017

ARTIST: Martin Mörck

EDITION: 60 000

DENOMINATIONS: 2 x )1.00

PRICE FDC: )2.70

STAMPS SIZE: 40 x 52 mm

MINIATURE SHEET SIZE: 170 x 95 mm

PAPER: 110 g/m²

PERFORATION: 13 per 2 cm

PRINTING METHOD: 4-colour offset

PRINTING HOUSE: Cartor Security Printing

The Chinese character for the Year of the Dog is made by calligrapher Zhen Jia Hong. The first day cover also has a red seal. Difficult to forge, this type of seal was earlier used as a form of identification in China, akin to a signature.

20 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

Football stamps with 16 postcards on top

Make haste to avail yourself of this bargain price for two historical cancellation packs. The 19 covers in each of the two packs are hand-cancelled with the date cancels of the 19 Åland post offices on the last and first day of use respectively. This offer is valid until 31 August.

Cancellation packs at discounted price

PAC K S , 2 X 19 L A ST & F IR ST DAY C A N C EL L AT I O N S PR I C E : € 6 0 .0 0 C O D E : 45 0 - 351

In 2015 and 2016, Åland Post issued two mini-sheets to celebrate football team IFK Mariehamn’s winnings of the Finnish Cup and the Veikkausliiga Championship. Both mini-sheets are produced using the online My Stamps service for customized Åland stamps. A few mini-sheets are still in stock. When you buy the two sheets you will also receive 16 postcards of various motifs on top (value €19.20). This offer is valid until 31 August or until stocks are exhausted.

CUP W INNER S & L E AGUE C H A MPI O N S 2 M IN I - S HE E T SPR I C E : € 25 .0 0 C O D E : 39 0 - 3 3 8

As a Club Åland member you will receive a discount when purchasing these pieces of silver-granite jewellery of Åland design. Pimp your style with a piece of lovely Åland jewellery. Order on page 13.

Current club offer!

B RO O C H A ND NEC K L AC E PR I C E : G O L D €15 / E AC H, S I LV ER €18 / E AC H, B RO NZE €20 / E AC HC O D E : 93 0 - 9 924 - 9 926

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 21

Buy your Finnish stamps from Åland Post

Åland Post will assist you with your collec-tion of stamps issued by Posti Finland. At all overseas exhibitions, you will always find the latest Finnish issues at the booth of Åland Post. For you who cannot pay us a visit,

please get in touch. In 2017, Posti Finland has so far issued stamps featuring willow twigs and summer flowers, a sauna booklet and a miniature sheet with the first stamp issued by independent Finland.

Please note that, as of 2017, Christmas seals will be delivered with the third mailing of stamps, FDCs, maximum cards and post-

cards, i.e. in October, and no longer together with the annual packs as in the past.

22 • Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

HANDLING FEES PER DELIVERY GOLD SILVER BRONZE WEB SHOP

SUBSCRIPTION – €1.00 €1.50 –

CASUAL ORDERS ABOVE e20 €1.00 €1.50 €2.00 €1.00

CASUAL ORDERS BELOW e20 €4.00 €4.00 €4.00 €3.00

All deliveries are free of postage. Your order may be subject to taxes.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDSWe accept VISA, MasterCard and Maestro. Perform payment online at www.alandstamps.com or authorize the Post to charge your card. State the card type, number, date of expiry and 3-digit Card Verification Code found on the back of your card. We do not file your card details.

CHEQUESFrench customers can send cheques directly to La Source in France, making the cheque payable to Åland Post and referring to the Åland Post 9-digit customer number.

EXCHANGE AND RETURN You have the right to exchange or return products within 8 days upon receipt. Please state your reason for returning the products.

Payment terms: 2 weeks upon delivery.

Reminders are posted twice per year. A delay fee of €5.00/reminder is imposed.

Åland Post Stamps reserves the right to change the terms mentioned above.

CLUB ÅLAND

Club Åland is organized in three levels. Earn benefits through your purchases.

Bronze level: purchases in 2017 up to €55*.

Silver level: purchases in 2017 for €55 - €120*.

Gold level: purchases in 2017 for more than €120*.

*Excl. of handling fees

PAYMENTOrders are delivered together with an invoice. The amount due appears from the slip at the bottom of the invoice. If your balance does not cover the full amount of your delivery, your order will still be executed; however, we reserve the right to demand pre-payment.

You can make payments to your account at any time and keep a balance to pay for future deliveries.Remembering to state your Åland customer number, please direct your payment to one of the bank accounts mentioned below. Observe that payments made within the last few weeks may not be reflected on your most recent invoice. Check your current state of account at www.alandstamps.com. Choose MY PAGE at the top of the page. Customers with a Finnish bank account can also pay by e-invoice or direct debit.

NOTE: CASH PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE IN EURO. FOREIGN CURRENCIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

BANK ACCOUNTS

Finland IBAN: FI0855780420057227 BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHHNetherlands IBAN: NL68INGB0006411272 BIC/SWIFT: INGBNL2AGermany IBAN: DE89200100200698292207 BIC/SWIFT: PBNKDEFFFrance IBAN: FR4620041010123707880V03339 BIC/SWIFT: PSSTFRPPSCE

Our account in Finland may be used for direct transfers from any country. From most countries in Europe, you can perform your payment as a SEPA transfer.

The name and address of the bank is OP Corporate Bank PLCP. O. Box 30800101 HELSINKI, FINLAND

Å L A N D P O S T F R I M Ä R K E N • 23

OTHER SUBSCRIPTION DELIVERIES (N OT E ! PREL IM IN A RY T IME S O F D EL I V ERY )

PRODUCT DELIVERY PRODUCT DELIVERY

2017 Euro coin set May Sepac folder no. 8 September

Model car no. 35 September Year Book 2016–2017 October

2017 ISSUES2 February Beach finds, Floats Franking label, 1 postcard

2 February Sailing ships 2 stamps, 2 maximum cards

14 March My stamps – Postal lorry Mini-sheet of 8 stamps, 1 motif, 1 maximum card

14 March Multicultural Åland 1 stamp, 1 postcard

9 May Europa – Castles 1 stamp, 1 postcard

9 May Postal stationery, Landmarks 4 postal stationery cards

24 May Finland 100 years 1 stamp, 1 postcard

24 May Sauna traditions 2 stamps, miniature sheet of 2 motifs, 2 postcards

17 August Sepac – Local crafts 1 stamp

15 September Forest mammals Booklet of 9 stamps, 3 motifs, 3 maximum cards

9 October Christmas 2017 2 stamps, 2 postcards

9 October Christmas seals Sheet of 20 self-adhesive seals

10 November China dogs Miniature sheet of 2 stamps, 2 motifs, 2 maximum cards

DELIVERIES AND DEADLINES (N OT E ! PREL IM IN A RY T IME S O F D EL I V ERY )

DELIVERY NUMBER

DEADLINE SUBS. CHANGES DELIVERY CONTENTS

1-2017 24 February April Franking label, 2 sailing ships, My stamps - Postal lorry (mini-sheet), Multicultural Åland, 3 maximum cards, 2 postcards

2-2017 5 May June Europa - Castles, Finland 100 years, Sauna traditions (2 stamps + miniature sheet), postal stationery, 4 postcards

3-2017 2 September October Sepac - Local crafts, Forest mammals (booklet), 2 Christmas, China dogs (miniature sheet), Christmas seals, 5 maximum cards, 3 postcards

4-2017 3 November November Year sets, annual packs, year pages, Red Cross cards

CALENDAR

CALENDAR

NEXT MAGAZINEThe next edition of Åland Post Stamps (3-2017) will be published in October. Read about this year’s Christmas seals and the launch of a new revised stamp catalogue. We also present the various annual packs.

2017 SPECIAL CANCELLATIONSThe following 2017 events have been issued with special cancellations:

2.2 SAILING SHIPS (MAXIMUM CARDS) 15.9 FOREST MAMMALS (MAXIMUM CARDS)

14.3 POSTAL LORRY (MAXIMUM CARD) 9.10 STAMP DAY

9.6 POSTCROSSING MEETING 10.11 CHINA DOGS (MAXIMUM CARDS)

17.6 POSTAL BOAT RACE

Due to the late decision concerning the special cancellation on 9 June, orders for this cancel on your own covers will be accepted until 31 August. Your items will be sent to you in an outer cover. You can check the list of cancellations at www.alandstamps.com, where illustrations of the special cancellations are added subsequently.

HOLIDAY CLOSINGÅland Post will be closed on the following public holidays:

MIDSUMMER’S EVE23 June

2017 AUTUMN EXHIBITIONSÅland Post takes part in the following exhibitions during the autumn of 2017. An updated list of exhibitions is available at www.alandstamps.com.

HERTOGPOST 2017 INT.BRIEFMARKEN-BÖRSE SALON PHILATELIQUE D’AUTOMNE

s’Hertogenbosch, Netherlands25–27 August

Sindelfingen, Germany26–28 October

Paris, France3–6 November

STAMPS IN SVEDALA FRIMÄRKSMÄSSAN MONACOPHIL 2017Svedala, Sweden9–10 September

Helsinki, Finland26–29 October

Monaco30 November–2 December

2017 CHINA INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION EXPO (CICE)

NORDIA 2017

Nanjing, China8–11 September

Vejle, Denmark27–29 October

We invite you to visit our booth to acquaint yourself with our special exhibition offers, stamps and other collectibles. The popular exhibition cards and stamps as well as the exhibition cancels are available at all the above exhibitions. Photographer Sebastian Eriksson has shot this year’s theme, Åland mail boxes. Remember that you can also purchase the latest stamp issues from Posti Finland from us at all overseas exhibitions. Welcome!

NOTE: Model car no. 35 is severely delayed from the supplier and is expected to be delivered to standing order subscribers in late August or early September. We regret any inconvenience.