Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"ESTONIA"

Mr. Raymond Baldock

Members of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society learnt more of the history of the Baltic States from the display given by Raymond Baldock of Eastwood on "Estonia", a country about which little was known – especially from a philatelic point of view. The country has had a rather turbulent history.　

Raymond began his display with a letter posted　in 1813, when the country was part of the Russian Empire, bearing the postmark　 DORFAT.　This was followed by a series of letters showing the development of the postmark through the years to 1918. During the Russian Revolution of 1917, Estonia declared itself a Republic and Russian stamps of 1909 were used – but in 1918 the Germans occupied the country and German stamps were used.　

With the collapse of Germany in 1918, Russian stamps were once more used. These stamps were overprinted with the words "Eesti Post". Estonia was granted sovereignty by the Treaty of Versailles and in November 1918, the country was able , for the first time, to issue its own stamps. These were inscribed "EESTI POST". Estonia was now able to produce Charity stamps, Airmail stamps, and other commemoratives.　

In 1928, there was a change to new currency and stamps were issued reflecting this. In 1940, a special commemorative, marking the Centenary of the first postage stamp, was issued showing a carrier pigeon and an aeroplane.　

But change again! 1941-1944 – during the German Occupation, German stamps were once more used.

After the break, members learned that near the end of the War in 1944 – Estonia was once more occupied by the Russians and the country became a state of the Soviet Socialist Republic. On view were many items of Postal Stationery commemorating many special events – viz: 1969, Stamp and card to celebrate the centenary of the Estonian Choral Festival; stamp sets issued for all the Olympic years etc.

1991 saw the re-establishment of Independence – and Definitives and commemoratives were issued to celebrate this. Also many other commemorative stamps, covers, postmarks were on view. One special stamp and cover was issued in memory of the 850 people lost when the MV Estonia sank in September, 1994. There were stamps of Baltic Ships; translation of the New Testament into Wastne (South Estonian dialect); Christmas; Authore; Fish; Musicians etc.　

Many lovely covers and this included one for BIRD Eurovision – to choose best European birdsong of 2002!　

Alan Wishart gave warm thanks for such a historically interesting display!　

Our next meeting in St Andrews Parish Church Hall, Avon Street, Hamilton is on Friday, 2nd March, 2012 at 7:30pm when we look forward to a visit from members of Perth Philatelic Society.

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.