A set of six stamps issued Aug. 13 by Great Britain’s Royal Mail explores the history and traditions of the Tower of London, and four stamps in a souvenir sheet depict some of the most famous prisoners ever held in the tower.

Many Frenchmen and foreigners were puzzled at first by the mascots that were quite different from the tigers and pandas seen at previous Olympic Games.

In the article, Lawrence tells the story of a July 2, 1847, cover franked with one of the first two United States stamps (Scott 2) and sent from New York City to Indianapolis.

Also this week, tools and terms for finding your stamps, and a magical tip of the week.

The James E. Strates Shows carnival train, the last of its kind, is featured on the Aug. 1 Erie County Fair postmark displayed nearby.

Linn's editor-in-chief Jay Bigalke’s tribute to George W. Linn appears in the 5,000th issue Linn's Stamp News, which Linn founded in 1928.

On April 30, 1904, the U.S. Post Office Department issued a set of five Louisiana Purchase Exposition stamps. The 5¢ dark blue stamp commemorates William McKinley (1843-1901), the 25th president of the United States.

Members of the USPS board of governors are appointed by the president of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate.

The Philadelphia Congress wrapped up in Oct. 1774. “We ask but for Peace, Liberty, and Safety,” the delegates wrote to King George III.

The vertical commemorative features the signature red, white and blue colors of the U.S. flag.

The stamp for the July contest was the 39¢ stamp inscribed “B. Free Franklin, Postmaster” from the 2006 block of four commemorating Franklin’s 300th birth anniversary.

La Posta provides research, news and information regarding all aspects of American postal history. The deadline for submission is Oct. 15.

Royal Mail advises customers who did not purchase their stamps from Royal Mail, post offices or other reputable outlets to scan their stamps before use.

Journal editors and authors are encouraged to submit articles of fewer than 8,000 words no later than Dec. 1.

The system was not limited to mail from the United States. When this method was in operation, any mail coming into the United Kingdom could receive the diamond marking.

According to the U.N. office at Vienna, the Vienna International Center was inaugurated Aug. 23, 1979, and has been home to international organizations ever since.

The “E-Stamp” version is not supposed to be released until March 10, 2025, and was unknown to collectors until it appeared online.

Kelleher describes the auction, which includes 1,500 lots, as “brimming with premium items.”

This stamp is popular with Churchill and World War II topical collectors as well as British Empire collectors.

A member of the UPSS for decades, Porter Venn held the combined office of secretary and treasurer from 2002 until 2016 and then treasurer from 2016 to 2021.