Polish Stamps

[gardenmoma]

I have a few Polish stamps from about 1945-46...

However, I want to get some current Polish stamps...

I didn't have much time when in Poland this summer, but did go into post offices 2X to see if I could buy "commemoratives" with flowers, etc. I found it very confusing especially since I do not know conversational Polish.

Does anyone have any hints on how to buy "commemorative" stamps when in Poland?

Does Poland have a philatelic site on the INTERNET as some countries do? Do any of you feel this is a good way to buy stamps for collecting?

[jimpres]

GM
Try this site it's in English
www.poczta-polska.pl/znaczki/en/index.php

[nancy]

Jim - thank you for that link! A feast for the eyes. Poland has issued many beautiful stamps, and I have purchased some through eBay sellers. I am partial to colorful depictions folk art, and the wooden architecture series.

I did not look too carefully, but it did not appear that purchasing stamps through Jim's link is feasible - or at least not easy - for those of us in the US. I only saw reference to a street address and telephone number.

[jimpres]

Nancy,

Here is the link if you want to buy stamps.

www.poczta-polska.pl/znaczki/en/oferta.php

[nancy]

thanks, Jim ... now I am in trouble!

[gardenmoma]

Here is some good information from Bob S. about collecting pre-cancelled and newer editions of stamps from "eastern Europe," especially from Poland:

Many of the late Polish stamp issues are very nice BUT many of them are known as pre-cancelled. A pre-canceled stamp is one that has never been used to mail postage (primary purpose of a stamp). The stamps are in new condition and the gum on the back of the stamp is still intact. The stamps have a cancelation mark on their front and that is what seperates them from a mint stamp or used stamp. This type of stamp had only one use, and that was to raise revenues for post offices and some vendors. The pre-cancels have only one use and that is to fill empty spaces. A pre-cancel of the modern era has almost no value as a collectable other then to look at and admire the artwork. Poland is not the only country to make pre-cancels as this was done in other Eastern European countries as well as the United Arab Republic countries. A used stamp that was actually used for postage has more value than fist fulls of pre-cancels. In Poland there was once a paper shortage and the stock that was used to make stamps had a very high rag content and these are very collectable. The newer of any country may look nice but there is a lot they lack. The dies of older issue stamps were made by an engraver and we can enjoy the skill and artistry of the engraver when he cut these dies. We can enjoy the history and times that are imparted in the stamps (I have a Pilsudski mourning stamp from Poland) I also have a pre-wwI collection from (Bosnia-Herzegovina), mint condition. So gardenmomma, be forwarned and beware of pre-cancels...

Good to know...yes?