Country?

From what country is this stamp? there are only nuumbers, thanks!

That's Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, issued to honor the 25th year of her reign.

Netherlands #127, 20c for used in 2009 Scott.

I thought UPU rules have always stated that every stamp has to have the name of the country on it or have some special identifying feature. Is that the case here?

I'm not sure, but I think the UPU rules only apply if you want that stamp to be usable for international mailings. For example, those non-demonimated US stamps (A, B, C... make-up... bulk rate...) are not valid as postage for international mail. For domestic mail, a country can use whatever rules they want. That is my understanding of the UPU rules -- I admit, I haven't read the actual rules (I'm still busy trying to read through the US tax code...).

That is true, however, I have used Canada Post's "P" stamps on mail leaving the country without a problem; I have also received letters from the US which used the "Forever" stamps to make up the rate.

People will use whatever they want to use until the post office catches them or until they know the actual rules.

I know a few collectors that specialize in collecting covers with illegal usage of stamps/fakes.

A major problem is the post office itself. Often, the postal clerks/carriers/sorters don't even know the rules. One friend of mine had an ongoing battle with his postal carrier, because the postal carrier insisted that some of the recent US commemoratives he was using were not real stamps, but just stickers!

I had my own battle at one post office once, when I used some slightly older stamps. They insisted they had never seen them and that they were not real. They finally called an older postal worker to the front, who expressed joy because he hadn't seen those stamps in quite a while. Case closed, mail sent.

I've seen this before -- seems like there was an old thread here back in the summer.

I believe our conclusion then was the word RULE was a little strong -- and the reality is that sometimes countries break the rule

KirkS

Glenn:

Canada Post permits the use of P-Rate stamps for foreign use, at 57-cents each. You must add other stamps to meet your desired rate.

David

Sure David, I know it's okay with Canada Post. Is it okay with the UPU, though?

If a foreign PO clerk thinks that a letter may be deficient postage-wise, how does he add it up with no denomination? Not every letter is posted from a Post Office -- sometimes people guesstimate. Without a scale, can you tell 25 grams from 19 grams? I can't.

There have also been times where I haven't put a return address on something, believe it or not. A letter like this that was shortpaid would have to be taxed up, wouldn't it? If it was missed by Canada Post personnel, this would have to be done in the country of destination, but how would they account for a P stamp?

Yes, the head of state (Queen Wilhelmina) is pictured on the stamp.
There is another Dutch stamp from the same period (early 1920s) that does not have the country name on it (2 cents live saving at sea from 1924, Scott 140). I suppose that one is a violation of the UPU rules.

Jan-Simon

Well I certainly know where the stamp is from..i collect Netherlands..but I NEVER NOTICED the country name was missing !!

Another clue to solving the stamp's origins would be to go on "Amste" in the cancel. The first results which pop up for me on a search include the Amstel River which flows through Amsterdam; both of which are in the Netherlands. It might not work in every situation but sometimes the cancels are a great help.

OK, I understand the rule now - you can get away with whatever they let you get away with!

Thanks all!

Just out of interest re this topic, the only country that does not have to put it's name on any stamp they print is the UK or GB (England) etc as they invented the postage stamp and they only show the Monarchs head as head of state on the stamp in a corner of the stamp. But others seem to do all sorts of things now but usually most do have their country name on the stamp, which is all good advertising for that country.

You are right, KiwiStamp.

Unfortunately, many countries ONLY print the name of their country in non-English native script -- which makes it pretty unreadable for the rest of the world.