I have been using old Christmas stamps in my collages for Christmas cards. Finding amusing stamps like the one above of Santa Clause riding the waves in a classic Australian summer scene, I began to wonder when the first Christmas stamp was issued? I didn’t know that in asking that question I was to become engaged in one of the serious debates in philatelic circles. The contenders for the claim of first Christmas stamp are : 1. 1898:Canada - a map stamp with the lettering “Xmas 1898” 2. 1935: British Troops in Egypt were issued with a stamp to send their mail back to the UK - marked Xmas 1935 * 3. 1937: Austria - Rose and Signs of the Zodiac stamps ** 4. 1939: Brazil - Three Wise Men and Star of Bethlehem semi postal or charity stamp *** 5. 1943: Hungary - Message to the Shepherds, Nativity ...
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