My "antique" Scott Catalog for Russia shows the stamp as B35, issued in 1922. Footnote indicates that it is inscribed "For the Hungry." Each stamp was sold for 200,000r postage and 50,000r charity.
In fact, I found this description from a post on another website from about four years ago. (The link is also provided.):
Quote:
This charity issue for famine relief actually consists of 4 stamps (there are 2 additional ones picturing an airplane and a train, missing from your scan). It was issued in November 1922. The stamps were designed by R. Zarrinsh, the same person who designed the first post-revolutionary stamps ("sword-cutting-chain", Scott 149-150).
As is apparent the stamps of the set bear no denomination, but they were on sale at 25R (in paper currency of 1922), 20R going for postage and 5R to the Famine Relief Fund.
The stamps were officially allowed only on internal mail, but "illegal" uses for international mail are known. The series was in use until April 1, 1923. The short period of use explains why postal use of these stamps on cover is not common.
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Posted 10/02/2014 12:32 pm
