Phila-Trivia: Latvia's Map Stamps

  

   The story of Latvia's first stamps shows the adaptability and ingenuity of a new nation following the devastation of the First World War. 

   Latvia was invaded repeatedly by Germany and Russia during World War I. Germany’s defeat and the Russian Revolution weakened both countries, thus enabling Latvia to declare independence, which it did on November 18, 1918, one week after World War I ended. The war had caused a severe paper shortage but there was one source of top-quality paper –  military maps left behind by Germany’s Imperial Army. Latvia’s industrious government printed its first stamps on the backs of these maps.

  To save precious paper, stamps were printed in 12 rows of 19 stamps each for a total of 228 stamps per sheet.  On the reverse, each German military map features a section of Latvia, complete with name, scale and map grid position.

   A total of only 11,956 sheets were printed.  Of those, only about 4,900 were perforated.   4,750 sheets were delivered to Latvia’s government in the period between 1918 and 1919.  The shipment included imperforate gummed sheets (Latvia Sc. #1), and perforated gummed sheets (Latvia Sc. #2). After the Latvia Post began operations, the Bolsheviks invaded the capital city of Riga.  An unknown quantity of Latvian map stamps survived the destruction.

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum for discussing stamp auctions, and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Panama 1930 Plane Over Map Airmails (Scott #C10-14)

 

In 1930, Panama issued a set of five airmail stamps picturing a plane over a map of Panama (Scott #C10-14). 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $13.05.

It is likely that most of these stamps were used as postage and then discarded. Furthermore, the set appeals to a small but rapidly growing number of Map on Stamp topicalists, also known as "Cartophilatelists."

As with all Latin American stamps, there are many collectors who focus on the region as a whole, which supplements demand for the stamps of the individual countries.

A nation of 3.4 million people, Panama is the fastest growing economy and the largest per capita consumer in Central America. Panama's economy, because of its key geographic location, is mainly based on a well developed service sector heavily weighted towards banking, commerce, tourism, trading. The handover of the Canal and military installations by the United States has given rise to large construction projects. Tourism has grown rapidly during the past 5 years due to the government offering tax and price discounts to foreign guests and retirees. The country also has valuable copper and gold deposits, which are beginning to be developed. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 7% over the last 5 years.

 "The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've  posted a buy list for Panama. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.