News
9 October 2003
Special Stamp Issue - "Chinese Percussion Instruments"
The Postmaster General, Mr. Allan CHIANG, announced today (9 October 2003) that a set of special stamps on Chinese percussion instruments, which are treasures of the Chinese culture, will be issued on Thursday, 6 November 2003.
The stamps are designed by Mr. Benny LAU and printed in photogravure by Joh. Enschedé Stamps Security Printers B.V., the Netherlands. The stamps depict five Chinese percussion instruments and they are Drum ($1.4), Clappers ($2.4), Cymbals ($3.0), Gongs ($5.0) and Chimes($13.0).
Information about associated philatelic products of this issue and the sales restriction starting from 6 November 2003 is as follows:
| Products | Unit Selling Price | Sales Restriction Per Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Stamps (4 denominations) | $1.4, $2.4, $3, $5 | 10 sheets of stamps of each denomination (viz. 250 sets of stamps) |
| Stamp Sheetlet (containing a $13 stamp) | $13 | 5 sheets |
| Presentation Pack (with full set of 4 stamps and a stamp sheetlet) | $35 | 5 packs |
| Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a set of 4 stamps (cancelled by special postmark, only available at 39 philatelic offices on 6 November 2003) |
$15.3 | 5 covers |
| Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a stamp sheetlet (cancelled by special postmark, only available at 39 philatelic offices on 6 November 2003) |
$16.5 | 5 covers |
The stamps will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Shatin Central Post Office from 16 October 2003. Official First Day Covers at $1.00 each will be put on sale at all post offices on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided souvenir covers will be accepted at all post offices from 16 to 22 October 2003.
Hand-back service will be provided at all post offices on 6 November 2003 for official and privately-made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will also be introduced.
The "GPO-1" postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmarks will also be available for hand-back service at all philatelic offices on that day.
On 6 November 2003, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the "GPO-1" postmark as well as the special postmark.
First Day Cover Text - Chinese Percussion Instruments Special Stamps
The enclosed photograph shows the specimen impression of the special postmark to be issued on 6 November 2003 on the theme "Chinese Percussion Instruments".
The enclosed photographs show the Special Stamps to be issued on 6 November 2003 on the theme "Chinese Percussion Instruments".
The enclosed photograph shows the Serviced First Day Cover, affixed with stamp sheetlet cancelled by special postmark, to be issued on 6 November 2003 on the theme "Chinese Percussion Instruments".