Maxicard Walt Whitman (1819-1892)

Yt:US 431

 Famous Americans Issues - Poets - Walt Whitman (1819-1892) 1940-02-20 Edition Bazos

Tarjeta Maxima III Centenario de la muerte de Lope de Vega

 

Yt:ES 535

300th Deathday from F. Lope de Vega 1935-08-01

Contributions to Postal History: A Potential "Affrancatura Anticipata" of the 1938 Imperial Series

 

Image 1: Front of the propaganda postcard featuring Dante Alighieri and Mussolini's signature.

Introduction

We present a brief technical analysis of a propaganda postcard from the Società Dante Alighieri, which contains a chronological singularity of significant interest to scholars of the Kingdom of Italy period. Although we are not specialists in Italian philately, the physical evidence of this piece invites reflection on the distribution circuits of postal and military mail in the late 1930s.

Image 2: Reverse of the postcard showing the clean surface and the text by Giuseppe Bottai.

Description of the Object

The postcard in question is an edition by Tipografia Canella (Rome), designed to promote membership in the "Dante Alighieri" Society. The iconography blends the figure of the poet with the rhetoric of the regime of that era, featuring a quote on the reverse by Giuseppe Bottai regarding the "apostolate of Italianness."

The most prominent element is the 25-cent (green) stamp, belonging to the commemorative series "Proclamazione dell'Impero", depicting Dante Alighieri and the imperial eagle.

The Chronological Anomaly: A Study of the Postmark

Upon examining the postal mark, we identified what is known in Italian philatelic terminology as an Affrancatura Anticipata (anticipated or early franking):

• Official Issue Date: The series was formally launched on October 28, 1938 (Year XVII of the Fascist Era).
• Date on this Specimen: The postmark clearly indicates 9 SEP 38 (Year XVI of the Fascist Era).
• Location: Pavia - COMANDANTE.

Image 3: Close-up of the 25c green stamp with the military postmark "Pavia Comandante" dated September 9, 1938.

This represents an anticipation of 49 days prior to the official date of sale to the public. As the postcard is uncirculated (lacking an address or transit markings on the reverse), the most likely hypothesis is that we are looking at a "favor cancel" or courtesy mark. This was likely performed within a military office in Pavia, suggesting that certain units received the stamps ahead of time for administrative or ceremonial purposes.

Notes for Further Research

This piece raises pertinent questions for the consideration of more experienced experts and collectors:

1. Technical Rarity: Are there other records of stamps from this series postmarked in military commands during September 1938?
2. Supporting Documentation: Could this specimen be considered an unofficial Earliest Known Use (EKU) for the Imperial series?

Conclusion

Despite our position as external observers of high-level philately, the clarity of the date on this military postmark from Pavia constitutes a curious historical document. This piece invites further study into the exceptions to the rule regarding postal issues during the Fascist period.

Maxicard Rubens' Son Nicolaes aged 2 years

 

Yt:MC 1100

400th Birth Anniversary of Peter Paul Rubens 

1977-05-03

Maxicard Women at the Balustrade; by Kees van Dongen (1877-1968)

 

Yt:MC 1242

Stamp: Monaco, 1980 issue, face value 3,00. The stamp reproduces the Fauvist painting "Femmes à la balustrade" (1905) by Kees van Dongen, featuring a woman with a large black hat leaning on a railing. It is part of a series celebrating renowned artworks associated with the Principality. Issued in 1980.11.06.

Postmark: Circular first-day date stamp — “MONACO / 06-11-1980 / JOURNÉE DU TIMBRE”. The cancellation originates from Monaco and is dated November 6, 1980. The pictorial postmark includes an artist's palette and brushes, specifically designed for the first day of issue.

Postcard: Art postcard reproducing the oil painting "Femmes à la balustrade" by Kees van Dongen. The colorful image captures the vibrant, expressive style of the Fauve movement, showing the central female figure in a white dress and black hat against a warm yellow and red background.

Concordance:

Thematic: Maximum thematic concordance. Both the stamp and the postcard reproduce the exact same artwork: "Femmes à la balustrade" by Kees van Dongen. The visual identity is absolute, as the stamp is a miniature philatelic version of the painting shown on the postcard.

Geographic: Absolute geographic concordance. The postage stamp was issued by the Office des Émissions de Timbres-Poste of Monaco, and the cancellation was applied at the Monaco post office, aligning the administrative origin with the subject's cultural context in the Principality.

Temporal: Perfect temporal concordance. The cancellation is a first-day postmark dated November 6, 1980, which is the exact date of the stamp's release. This represents the highest level of temporal alignment possible in maximumaphily.

Maxicard Peoples Theater Ivan Vazov, Sofia

 

Yt:BG 524

Stamp: Bulgaria, Sofia National Theatre issue, face value 50 stotinki. The stamp depicts the neoclassical facade of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, framed by two tall, slender trees, part of a series highlighting major architectural monuments. Issued in 28.11.1948

Postmark: Circular date stamp — “СОФИЯ / -2.V.48 - 8 / SOFIA”. The cancellation originates from the capital city, Sofia, and is dated May 2, 1948. The cancellation is contemporary with the period of issue.

Postcard: Real photo antique postcard depicting a wide-angle view of the Sofia National Theatre (Naroden teatr). The monochrome photograph captures the building's grandeur, including its monumental portico with six columns and the surrounding public square with pedestrians. The lower margin includes titles in Bulgarian (СОФИЯ - Народният театър). 

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. Both the stamp and the postcard illustrate the same specific building: the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia. The visual representation on the stamp is a direct artistic interpretation of the architectural reality shown in the photograph, ensuring complete thematic identity.

Geographic: Absolute geographic concordance. The building depicted is located in Sofia, the postage stamp was issued for use in Bulgaria, and the postmark originates from the Sofia post office. All elements are tied to the same specific urban location.

Temporal: Strong temporal concordance. The cancellation dated May 1948 occurs less than a year after the stamp's initial release in November 1947. The postcard is of a contemporary style, reflecting the architectural and social environment of the mid-20th century.

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.

Maxicard Peoples Theater Ivan Vazov, Sofia

Yt:BG 530

Stamp: Bulgaria, Sofia National Theatre issue (Buildings definitive series), face value 4 leva. The stamp depicts the neoclassical facade of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, framed by two tall, slender trees. This architectural series highlights major monuments of the young republic. Issued in 26.09.1947.

Postmark: Circular date stamp — “-2.V.48 - 8 / SOFIA”. The cancellation originates from the capital city, Sofia, and is dated May 2, 1948. This date falls within the standard period of postal use for this definitive series.

Postcard: Real photo antique postcard depicting a wide-angle view of the Sofia National Theatre (Naroden teatr). The monochrome photograph captures the building's grandeur, including its monumental portico with six columns and the surrounding public square with pedestrians and vintage street lighting. The lower margin includes titles in Bulgarian, French, and German. 

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. Both the stamp and the postcard illustrate the same specific building: the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia. The visual representation on the stamp is a direct artistic interpretation of the architectural reality shown in the photograph, ensuring complete thematic identity.

Geographic: Absolute geographic concordance. The building depicted is located in Sofia, the postage stamp was issued for use in Bulgaria, and the postmark originates from the Sofia post office. All elements are tied to the same specific urban location.

Temporal: Strong temporal concordance. The cancellation dated May 1948 occurs less than a year after the stamp's initial release in September 1947. The postcard is of a contemporary style, reflecting the architectural and social environment of the mid-20th century.

Tarjeta Maxima Ifni Dia del Sello 1958

Yt:ES-IF 123 / 124 / 125

 

Stamps: Ifni, Dia del Sello 1958 issue. The set includes three values:

• 10+5 céntimos: Depicts a nursehound shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris), shown in lateral view with its characteristic mottled skin.
• 25+10 céntimos: Features a blackchin guitarfish (Rhinobatos cemiculus), represented vertically.
• 50+10 céntimos: Portrays traditional sailing vessels at sea, symbolizing the region's maritime heritage.

Issued in 23.11.1958.

Postmark: First day cancelation — “SIDI-IFNI / DIA DEL SELLO / 23 - NOV - 1958”. The cancellation includes a thematic fish illustration and originates from Sidi Ifni, the territory's capital, coinciding exactly with the date of issue and the commemorative event.

Postcard: Commemorative postcard featuring a large illustration of a traditional sailing vessel in blue and sepia tones, dominating the composition. In the lower right corner, a stylized reproduction in red and pink tones of a guitarfish complements the maritime theme.

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. Both the stamps and the postcard illustration focus on marine fauna (shark and guitarfish) and traditional navigation, creating a visual and conceptual unity centered on the "Stamp Day" dedicated to the sea.

Geographic: Absolute geographic concordance. The stamps were issued specifically for the province of Ifni and the postmark originates from its capital, Sidi Ifni. The iconography of fish and boats reflects the biodiversity and coastal culture of this North African enclave.

Temporal: Perfect temporal concordance. The date stamp of 23 November 1958 corresponds to the first day of circulation or the immediate period of validity for the 1958 Stamp Day commemorative issue.

Maxicard Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Yt:ES-GN 359

Stamp: Spanish Guinea, Fauna – Sea Turtle issue, face value 55 céntimos. The stamp depicts a stylized sea turtle in dynamic swimming posture, representing the marine fauna of the Gulf of Guinea. Issued in 1954.11.23 

Postmark: Circular date stamp - “SANTA ISABEL / FERNANDO POO - 25 OCT 56”. The cancellation originates from the colonial capital Santa Isabel (today Malabo), and is contemporary with the period of issue of the stamp.

Postcard: Commemorative postcard depicting a sea turtle swimming underwater, shown in a soft monochrome photographic tone. The animal is captured in lateral view, with extended flippers and diffused lighting across the scene. The composition emphasizes the species’ graceful movement in its marine environment. Edition Maxecos.

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. The stamp illustrates a sea turtle native to the region’s marine ecosystem, while the postcard shows a turtle in its natural underwater habitat. Both elements reinforce the theme of marine fauna, ensuring full thematic alignment.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance. The postmark originates from Santa Isabel, on the island of Fernando Poo (Bioko), a location within the natural geographical range of sea turtles in the Gulf of Guinea. The stamp refers to Spanish Guinea, and the postcard depicts fauna consistent with the region’s marine biodiversity. All components converge geographically on West African coastal waters.

Temporal: The cancellation dated 25 October 1956 occurs within the valid postal period following the stamp’s issue in 1954, ensuring strict temporal coherence between stamp, postmark and postcard.

Carte postale maximum La Malle "Prince Baudouin"

Yt:BE 725

Stamp: Belgium, Oostende–Dover 1946, face value 1,75 F (Francos belgas). The stamp depicts a ferry operating on the historic Oostende–Dover maritime route, highlighting the post‑war resumption of this connection. Issued in 1946.

Postmark: Circular date stamps reading “OOSTENDE – 14.VIII.1946” and “OSTENDE–DOVER / 10–7–46 / A – HOBOKEN”. Both cancellations belong to postal services associated with the Oostende maritime terminal and are contemporaneous with the stamp’s period of issue.

Postcard: Commemorative postcard depicting the mail ferry “Prince Baudouin”, shown entering or departing the harbour of Oostende. The vessel appears in a photographic sepia tone, with port infrastructures visible in the background. Caption: “12. Ostende — La Malle ‘Prince Baudouin’. — Ostend — The Mail ‘Prince Baudouin’.” Edition unknown.

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. The stamp highlights the Oostende–Dover maritime route, while the postcard depicts the ferry Prince Baudouin, one of the emblematic vessels operating on this same service. Both iconographic elements reinforce the theme of Belgian–British maritime mail transport, ensuring full thematic alignment.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance. The postmarks originate from Oostende, the Belgian port of departure of the Oostende–Dover line, precisely matching the navigation context represented both on the stamp and in the postcard. All elements converge geographically on the North Sea coastal environment and the operational setting of the ferry service.

Temporal: Full temporal concordance. The cancellations dated July and August 1946 occur within the year of issue of the stamps and during the operational period of the Prince Baudouin on the route. This ensures strict temporal harmony between stamp, postmark and postcard.

Carte postale maximum Malle "Diamant" 1846

Yt:BE 727

Stamp: Belgium, Oostende–Dover 1946 commemorative issue, face value 3,15 F (Francos belgas). The stamp depicts a paddle steamer associated with the historic maritime route between Oostende (Belgium) and Dover (United Kingdom). Issue date: 1946.06.14

Postmark: Circular date stamp - “OOSTENDE–DOVER" -10.8.1946.

The cancellation belongs to the post office linked to the maritime mail service of the Oostende–Dover route and is contemporaneous with the issue.

Postcard: Maritime postcard depicting a detailed illustration of a paddle steamer at sea, with two masts, a central funnel, side wheels and passengers visible on deck. The vessel is shown navigating in moderate waves under cloudy skies. Edition unknown.

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. The stamp commemorates the maritime route Oostende–Dover and depicts a paddle steamer used on this historic line. The postcard illustrates a vessel of the same technological type—steam-powered and with side paddles—creating a direct thematic alignment in the domain of maritime transport and 19th‑century/early 20th‑century steam navigation.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance. The cancellation originates from Oostende, one of the terminal ports of the Oostende–Dover maritime line. The stamp explicitly commemorates this same route, and the postcard depicts a vessel consistent with the maritime environment of the region. All three elements converge on the North Sea coastal geography and the Belgian–British connection.

Temporal: Full temporal concordance. The cancellation dated 8 August 1946 falls within the year of issue of the stamp and during the valid postal period. The postcard’s depiction of a paddle steamer is chronologically compatible with the vessels historically used on the Oostende–Dover line, ensuring temporal alignment across the three components.

Maximum card River vessels from the South (Cochinchina)

Yt:FR-IC 150

Stamp: Issue from the French Indochina (Indochine) definitive series, depicting a junk (traditional vessel), in a blue-green tonality, with a face value of 15 (cents of piastre). (Series originally issued starting in 16.11.1931).

Postmark: Circular postmark from Saigon-Central, Cochinchina ("SAIGON-CENTRAL / COCHINCHINE"), dated June 25th, 1936 (23-10-39).

Postcard: Illustrated postcard featuring "La Rivière de Saïgon et l’entrée du Canal de Dérivation" (The Saigon River and the entrance to the Derivation Canal), highlighting several junks and traditional boats navigating the river. 

Concordance

Thematic: Excellent. There is total harmony between the stamp, which illustrates a traditional junk, and the main image of the postcard, which portrays these same typical vessels on the Saigon River, reinforcing the thematic focus on the region's river life.

Geographic: Perfect. The stamp is from French Indochina, the postcard represents an iconic location in Saigon (at the time, the main city of Cochinchina, French Indochina), and the postmark originates precisely from the Saigon-Central post office, ensuring total geographic alignment.

Temporal: Excellent. The 1936 cancellation falls within the circulation and postal validity period of the "Junk" series (issued in 1931), respecting the chronological rigor of maximaphily for a definitive issue.

Maxicard Centenary of Carlos Viegas Gago Coutinho

 

Yt: AO 556

Stamp: Angola, Centenary of Carlos Viegas Gago Coutinho (1869–1969), face value 2$50 (Escudos), issued in 17.02.1969.

Postmark: Circular date stamp  “TELEGRAFOS / ANGOLA / VILA GAGO COUTINHO – 17.FEV.1969”

Postcard: Commemorative postcard dedicated to Carlos Viegas Gago Coutinho (1869–1969). An illustration of “LANCHA CANHONEIRA ‘LOIGE’. Edition unknow

Concordance:

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. The stamp commemorates the centenary of Gago Coutinho, depicting a vessel related to his African hydrographic missions. The postcard shows the launch “Loige,” the first vessel he commanded, directly reinforcing the thematic focus on his naval and scientific career.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance. The postmark originates from Vila Gago Coutinho, a toponym adopted in honor of the navigator and located in the region where he conducted part of his cartographic work. Both the stamp and postcard refer to Africa and to the missions linked to Gago Coutinho, ensuring geographic alignment.

Temporal: Full temporal concordance. The cancellation dated 1 February 1969 occurs in the exact centenary year of Gago Coutinho’s birth (1869–1969) and within the correct postal validity period of the commemorative stamp.

MUSEU DE FILATELIA SÉRGIO PEDRO — ECOSSISTEMA DIGITAL

 

Ecossistema Digital do Museu de Filatelia Sérgio Pedro

O Museu de Filatelia Sérgio Pedro organiza-se como um ecossistema digital integrado, no qual cada plataforma desempenha um papel específico: orientação institucional, preservação do acervo, curadoria e exposições de terceiros, estudos temáticos (Maximafilia), camada editorial e outros colecionismos.

Nota curatorial: O Acervo Oficial apresenta exclusivamente peças que pertencem ao Museu de Filatelia Sérgio Pedro. As Curadorias & Exposições reúnem coleções convidadas e estudos que não integram o acervo do Museu.

Diagrama de navegação entre as plataformas do ecossistema.

Acervo Oficial Curadoria & Exposições Maximafilia Blog MFP (Editorial) Outros Colecionismos

Hub Institucional

Porta de entrada que explica a estrutura do museu digital, apresenta o mapa do ecossistema e encaminha o visitante para as áreas certas.

Acervo Oficial

Peças e coleções que pertencem ao MFSP, tratadas peça‑a‑peça com metadados, imagens e enquadramento museológico.

Curadoria & Exposições

Coleções convidadas, mostras virtuais e dossiês de estudo. Conteúdos colaborativos que não integram o acervo.

Maximafilia Temática

Biblioteca temática especializada (por país e por tema), seguindo boas práticas de concordância e remetendo para peças e exposições relacionadas.

Blog MFP (Camada Editorial)

Artigos, notícias, séries e exposições digitais que narram e contextualizam as coleções, servindo de ponte entre Curadoria/Temas e o Acervo.

Dica: para editar esta secção no futuro, abra o editor do Blogger em HTML e atualize o link da imagem ou os botões.

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.

Maximum Card Johannes Calvin

 

Yt:CH 624

Stamp: Switzerland (Helvetia) commemorative series, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the University of Geneva ("1559 Université de Genève 1959"). It features the profile portraits of the reformers John Calvin and Theodore Beza, with the university building in the background, in blue tonality, with a face value of 50 centimes. (Issued in 09.03.1959)

Postmark: Pictoral cancelation from Geneva ("Genève"), dated May 26, 1959 (26-V.1959), coinciding with the IV centenary celebrations mentioned on the stamp.

Postcard: Illustrated postcard featuring a color portrait of John Calvin (Johannes Calvin), based on classical iconography of the reformer wearing a black cap and fur-collared gown. At the bottom, it bears the legend "JOHANNES CALVIN" (Edition Christliche Verlagsanstalt Konstanz)

Concordance

Thematic: Excellent. There is total harmony between the stamp, the postmark, and the postcard illustration, all dedicated to the central figure of John Calvin and the institution he founded in Geneva.

Geographic: Perfect. The postmark is from Geneva, the city where Calvin developed most of his theological work and where the celebrated university was established, giving historical and geographical value to the set.

Temporal: Very strong. The June 1959 postmark is situated exactly within the period of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the university (1559-1959) depicted on the stamp, respecting the principles of maximaphily.

Maxicard Johannes Gutenberg

 

Yt:DE 222

Stamp: Issue from the definitive series "Deutsche Bundespost - Bedeutende Deutsche" (West Germany), featuring the portrait of Johannes Gutenberg, in violet tonality, with a face value of 8 Pfennig. (Issued on 03.08.1961)

Postmark: Special circular first-day datestamp (Erstausgabe) from Bonn 1, including the series inscription "Bedeutende Deutsche", dated -3.8.61.

Postcard: Illustrated postcard featuring a lithograph of Gutenberg (Jean Gensfleisch), accompanied by a biographical text in French highlighting his invention of movable type and his contribution to the Renaissance.

 

Concordance 

Thematic: Excellent. There is total harmony between the stamp, the postmark, and the postcard illustration, all exclusively dedicated to the figure of Johannes Gutenberg and the "Famous Germans" series.

Geographic: Strong. The postmark is from Bonn, which was the capital of West Germany (FRG) at the time of issue and the headquarters of the federal postal services, granting official status from the highest postal authority in the subject's home country.

Temporal: Perfect. This is a First Day of Issue (FDC) cancellation, which ensures the ideal chronological concordance between the stamp and the postmark, meeting the most rigorous criteria of maximaphily.

Maxicard Goethe (1749–1949): Bicentennial and Weimar’s 700th Anniversary

 

Yt:DD-ZS 53

Stamp: Germany (Soviet Zone), commemorative issue for the 200th anniversary of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1949), in sepia/brown tonalities, face value 12 Pfennig. (Issued in 20.07.1949)

Postmark: Special commemorative circular datestamp (Sonderstempel) from Weimar, celebrating "700 JAHRE" (700 years of the city, 1250–1950), dated 1950.

Postcard: Illustrated postcard featuring a printed reproduction of the oil painting Goethe in the Roman Campagna (1787) by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein.

Concordance 

Thematic: Excellent thematic concordance. Both the stamp and the postcard honor Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Tischbein’s painting is the most iconic visual representation of the author, creating a perfect thematic harmony with the bicentenary issue on the stamp.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.The stamp originated in the Soviet Occupation Zone (SBZ) and the postmark is from Weimar. Weimar was the center of Goethe’s life and where he produced most of his work, making it the most relevant location for the cancellation of a Goethe-themed item.

Temporal: Good temporal concordance.Although the stamp was issued on 20.07.1949, the 1950 postmark (celebrating the 700th anniversary of Weimar) falls within the valid postal period of the stamp and the extended "Goethe Year" celebrations, complying with maximaphilic requirements.