Maximum Card Azaleas and Gravensteen

 

Yt:BE 962

Stamp: Belgique/België, "Floralies Gantoises / Gentse Floraliën 1955" issue, face value 2,50 F. The stamp depicts azaleas (a symbol of the Ghent Floralies) against a background of gothic architecture, specifically part of a series promoting the international horticultural exhibition in Ghent. Issued in 1955.02.15.

Postmark: Circular date stamp — “GENT / 15-2-55-9 / 1”. The cancellation originates from the city of Ghent (Gent) and is dated February 15, 1955. The cancellation is contemporary with the period of issue and the horticultural event.

Postcard: Monochrome vintage postcard depicting a wide-angle view of the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) in Ghent. The photograph captures the medieval fortress's massive stone walls, towers, and the surrounding tracks and vintage vehicles. 

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. The stamp promotes an event in Ghent (Floralies Gantoises) and features local architecture, while the postcard illustrates one of the city's most iconic landmarks, the Gravensteen castle. Both elements celebrate the heritage and culture of the city of Ghent.

Geographic: Absolute geographic concordance. The castle depicted is located in Ghent, the postage stamp was issued for use in Belgium specifically for a Ghent-based event, and the postmark originates from the Ghent post office. All elements are tied to the same specific urban location.

Temporal: Perfect temporal concordance. The cancellation is a first-day postmark dated February 15, 1955  which is the exact date of the stamp's release and the timing of the Floralies exhibition. The postcard, showing period-appropriate vehicles and urban infrastructure, reflects the mid-20th-century environment.

Carte postal maximum “La Capricieuse”

Yt: FR 1035

Stamp: France–Canada joint commemorative issue, face value 30 francs. Issued 09.07.1955. The stamp depicts the three‑masted naval vessel “La Capricieuse”, commemorating the 100th anniversary (1855–1955) of the diplomatic voyage to Canada.

Postmark: Commemorative circular cancellation from La Rochelle, reading: FRANCE–CANADA / 9 JUIL. 55 / LA ROCHELLE. This is a "First Day" (Premier Jour) cancel, confirming the exact date of the stamp's issue.

Postcard: Illustrated maritime postcard showing “La Capricieuse” sailing. Edition G. Parison & B. Regnier

Concordance 

Thematic: Excellent. The postcard features a 19th‑century sailing ship, which perfectly matches the corvette La Capricieuse depicted on the stamp. The commemorative cancel ties both elements together by celebrating the maritime historic event.

Geographic: Very good. La Rochelle is one of France’s most historically significant Atlantic maritime ports, providing a legitimate maritime context for a naval‑themed issue and a coherent link to the French port of departure.

Temporal: Excellent. The date of the cancellation (9 July 1955) matches the exact day of issue of the France–Canada commemorative stamp, ensuring full compliance with maximaphilic contemporaneity rules.

Carte postal maximum “La Capricieuse”

Yt: FR 1035

Stamp: France–Canada joint commemorative issue, face value 30 francs. Issued 09.07.1955. The stamp depicts the three‑masted naval vessel “La Capricieuse”, commemorating the 100th anniversary (1855–1955) of the diplomatic voyage to Canada.

Postmark: Commemorative circular cancellation from La Rochelle, reading: FOIRE – EXPOSITION / LA ROCHELLE - Date: 3 September 1955 (3–9–55).

Postcard: Illustrated maritime postcard showing “La Capricieuse” sailing.  (Edition M. Barré & J. Doyez)

Concordance

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance.

• The postcard features a 19th‑century sailing ship; the stamp depicts La Capricieuse, also a 19th‑century sailing vessel.
• Crucially, the commemorative postmark itself includes a ship in its design and was issued for an event with a maritime thematic component (“Foire–Exposition” in a major Atlantic port).
• All three elements—stamp, postcard, commemorative cancel—align thematically around maritime heritage.

Geographic: Very good geographic concordance.

• La Rochelle is one of France’s historically significant Atlantic maritime ports.
• Although La Capricieuse is not specifically tied to La Rochelle, the city provides a legitimate maritime context and is an appropriate location for a naval‑themed commemorative cancel.
• French stamp + French port + maritime exhibition = coherent geographic link.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

• The commemorative cancellation dated 3 September 1955 matches the year of issue of the France–Canada joint commemorative stamp (1955).
• This ensures full compliance with maximaphilic contemporaneity rules.

Maximumkarte Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

 

Yt:DE-BE 92

Stamp: Berlin (West) – Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) Reconstruction Fund – 4+1 pfennig, brown – Issue date: 1953.

Postmark: Berlin N 65 – Special cancellation "SONDERMARKE M.S. BERLIN" featuring an anchor symbol – Date: 12.03.1955.

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting the Tauentzienstraße and the original Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church before its destruction, inscribed: “Berlin. Tauentzienstraße und Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche.” (Edition Echte Fotografie)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance. The stamp depicts the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (dedicated to the reconstruction fund), and the postcard features the same church in its original form before World War II. Both elements focus exclusively on the same iconic Berlin architectural monument.

Geographic: Perfect geographic concordance. The stamp was issued by the Berlin postal service (Deutsche Post Berlin), the postmark was applied in a Berlin postal district (N 65), and the postcard illustrates the Tauentzienstraße, located in the heart of Berlin. There is a total geographic alignment between the place of issue, the cancellation, and the subject of the image.

Temporal: Strong temporal concordance. Although the stamp was originally issued in 1953, the postmark is dated March 12, 1955. In maximaphily, using a stamp still in circulation with a special cancellation from that era creates a valid temporal concordance, capturing Berlin’s post-war reconstruction period.

Maximum Card New Post Office, Plaza Lawton, Manila

 

Yt:PH 327

Stamp: Philippines – Definitive issue “Places of Interest – Jones Bridge” – 12 Centavos, blue (Issue date: June 19, 1947)

Postmark: Manila – Circular date stamp “SEPT 2 1955 – PHILIPPINES” with slogan cancellation “Live to Help the Anti‑TB Drive – Aug 19–Sept 30, 1955”

Postcard: Colorized printed postcard depicting the New Post Office, Plaza Lawton, Manila, presented in a neoclassical architectural composition typical of C.T. Photo‑Colorit productions. The lower margin includes the caption “New Post Office, Plaza Lawton, Manila.” (edition: C.T. Photo‑Colorit – 2A‑H447)

Concordance

Thematic: Both the stamp and the postcard depict the New Post Office, Plaza Lawton, Manila.

Therefore, the architectural subject on the stamp corresponds directly to the image on the postcard, establishing perfect thematic concordance according to maximaphily standards.

Geographic: Full geographic concordance.

The stamp was issued in the Philippines, the cancellation is from Manila, and the postcard depicts a Manila landmark. All elements match at the geographic/national level.

Temporal:  Acceptable temporal concordance.

The stamp was issued on 19 June 1947 and remained valid for years thereafter.

The cancellation “2 September 1955” falls well within its period of postal validity.

Although not related to a First Day use and combining elements from different thematic contexts, the date remains entirely correct from a postal‑historical standpoint.

Maxicard 50th Anniversary of the Soo Locks – Great Lakes Transportation (1955)

Country: USA

Issue: 50th Anniversary of the Soo Locks – Great Lakes Transportation

Date of Issue: June 28, 1955

Postmark: First Day Cancellation – Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan – June 28, 1955

Postcard: Colored illustration showing the excursion boat Messenger passing through the Soo Locks alongside a giant freighter, with the caption: “Excursion Boat ‘Messenger’ Locking thru with Giant Freighter, Soo, Mich.”

Justification of Maximum Concordance:

This maximum card from the United States and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soo Locks, a vital link for Great Lakes transportation. The stamp, issued on June 28, 1955, depicts a map of the Great Lakes and highlights the importance of the locks for navigation and commerce. The postcard image shows the actual Soo Locks in operation, featuring vessels passing through, which directly relates to the theme of the stamp. The postmark is a first day cancellation from Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan - the location of the locks. Together, the stamp, the postcard image, and the cancellation achieve maximum concordance by uniting subject, location, and commemorative purpose in a single philatelic piece.

Yvert & Tellier: US 596

Maxicard Centenary of the Birth of M.W. Pretorius (First President of the South African Republic)

 

Country: South Africa

Issue: Centenary of the Birth of M.W. Pretorius (First President of the South African Republic)

Date of Issue: 1955 (exact date: 31 October 1955)

Postmark: Comemorative cancelation Pretoria Philatelic Exhibition – Pretoria – 31.X.1955 to 05.XI.1955

Postcard: Monochrome photographic illustration of M.W. Pretorius, credited to Stadsraad, Pretoria (City Council, Pretoria).

Justification of Maximum Concordance:

This maximum card originates from South Africa and commemorates the centenary of the birth of Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, the first President of the South African Republic. The stamp, issued on 31 October 1955, features a portrait of Pretorius and forms part of a philatelic tribute to his historical significance in the country’s early governance. The postmark is a commemorative cancellation applied during the Pretoria Philatelic Exhibition, held in Pretoria from 31 October to 5 November 1955, adding a strong thematic and temporal connection to the event. The postcard itself presents a monochrome photographic illustration of Pretorius, credited to the City Council of Pretoria (Stadsraad, Pretoria), reinforcing the historical and geographical relevance. Together, the stamp, the image, and the special cancellation achieve maximum concordance by uniting subject, location, and commemorative purpose in a single philatelic piece.

Yvert & Tellier: ZA 216
Scott: 249

Stamp North Borneo 1955 Queen Elizabeth II Pictorials 1954-1959 Malay Native prau Sandakan 15 c Sailing Ships

 

Michel NB 301

Issued on: 1955-05-16
Size: 34 x 28 mm
Colors: Ultramarine
Watermark: Multiple Crown and Script CA
Emission: Definitive Queen Elizabeth II Pictorials 1954-1959
Perforation: 13½ x 14½
Printing: Photogravure
Paper: Chalk surfaced
Face value: 15 c - Malaya and British Borneo cent