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China - Switzerland Joint Issue

From the original Art on Stamps archive

It is a co-issue between Switzerland and China. Value 79,00 kr. (approx. $10). The question to me is: Why does this beautiful FDC not sell in the proper way through Swiss (or Chinese) post offices ? Is it really an "industrial product" which was produced in so many copies, that it was impossible to sell them the normal way, so that they are now being handed out to European dealers in order to get rid of them ? If they have a true collecting value, the dealers would most certainly sell them for at least half price of the quoted value, and not give them away if you make a subscription to Swiss stamps? Wouldn't it have been better if the souvenir sheet on the FDC had been pictured on a maxicard, which could be used for postal purposes, mailed either from Switzerland or China ? Or even as postage on a normal letter, perhaps registered, depending on the (local) value of the stamps shown? It is up to any collector to ask him/herself such questions, and this is the reason why I personally prefer either souvenir sheets or maxicards, which could eventually be used for their intended purpose, namely carrying the mail from one place to another.

China - Switzerland Joint Issue — original stamp illustration

From the thread I think homemade FDCs are in excellent taste. They show the creative spirit of the individual. Covers, like the letters that many of them carry, are to me more interesting if they are personal. I often put clip art on the envelopes I mail to my family. They enjoy them, so they say. I enjoyed your web site on the subject. Roger. I feel the same way (with Roger - V.M.), and I encourage my kids to make them. I have one really good artist among them who has done some gorgeous dragon envelopes. Sandra Doyle. You should consider joining the Art Cover Exchange. Members exchange "decorated envelopes" on a get one/send one basis. Some members do FDC's or special cancels; others just put the covers in the mail stream. Some are beautifully - crafted, hand-made masterpieces... Ada M. Prill. ACE No. 357. I like them. I'm no artist, but sometimes I'll take the time to create an envelope that's attractive for a fellow collector, usually something to do with a stamp or interest expressed. It's part of the creative spirit. As for snubbing them, what can I say, "Snobs!". Peter D. Revised: 06/19/00 . Copyright © 1999 - 2000 by Victor Manta, Switzerland. All rights reserved in all countries.