Tips on Stamp Collecting

Dogs and fireworks stamps Finland 2008

Dogs and personalized stamp

On 5 September 2008, a total of 11 new postage stamps were issued in four separate issues in Finland. Among these new postage stamps were a postage stamp booklet about dogs and a fireworks stamp, which Finland Post uses to demonstrate the new Personalized stamp frame and to underline two birthdays: this year, Finland's postal service is 370 and the Personalized stamp is five years old.

Dogs on stamps

The new Dog stamp booklet features six popular breeds. In the upper left corner of the strip of stamps there is an illustration of the Finnish national breed, the Finnish Spitz, a vigorous and brave hunting dog and an alert guard for the home. In the right upper corner there is the loyal and dependable boxer, which serves as a companion, guard and working dog. Between them is a rough collie. This beautiful and amiable shepherd dog is today more often a family pet or a breed enthusiast's dog.

Finnish hound

In the lower left corner of the strip of stamps there is an illustration of a Finnish hound. This type was bred in Finland with the aim of a calm and energetic helper for hunting hares and foxes. The Finnish hound has long been the commonest breed of dog in Finland. The stamp next to it is dedicated to the King Charles spaniel. This merry and charming dog makes a perfect family pet and a friend for hobbyists. In the lower right corner of the sheet there is a lively Jack Russell terrier. This breed was originally developed to drive foxes and other game from their burrows. Today most Jack Russell terriers are companions or kept by breed enthusiasts. Katriina Viljamaa-Rissanen drew the first class postage stamps.

Dogs stamp booklet in detail

Issue: Finland, 5 September 2008
Designer: Katriina Viljamaa-Rissanen
Print: offset by The Lowe-Martin Group, Canada
Stamp size: 33 x 27.3 mm
Booklet size: booklet open 55 x 210 mm, booklet folded 55 x 121 mm
Perforation: safety perforation

New personalized stamps

The range of Finland Post's Personalized stamp frames will get even bigger on 5 September. The web-based Personalized stamp service will offer a new stamp frame designed by Johannes Nieminen. Personalized stamps bearing your own electronic pictures can be ordered at the website www.posti.fi/omakuvapostimerkki.

Johannes Nieminen

Johannes Nieminen has also designed a 1st class Fireworks non-value indicator stamps in which the new Personalized stamps frame have been used as a model. This picture subject celebrates Finland Post's 370`h and the Personalized stamp's 5th anniversary.
The Fireworks stamp will not be sold at Finland Post's retail outlets. It can be bought from Finland Post's web shop (www.posti.fi/postimerkki) or ordered from the Philatelic Centre's customer service office.
After the new frame is issued, customers will have the choice of seven varieties of frame for their Personalized stamps. Personalized stamps on which the customer can have his or her own photo can be ordered electronically at the web site.

Personalized stamp in detail

Issue: Finland, 5 September 2008
Designer: Johannes Nieminen
Print: offset by Cartor Security Printing, France
Stamp size: 42 x 34 mm
Perforation: safety perforation