Labels, Seals, Advertising Stamps, Etc.
ANCIENT AND HONORABLE ORDER OF TURTLES
A strip of five non-denominated labels, each depicting a cartoon turtle
engaged in various activities. Issued to promote a large, international,
tongue-in-cheek, loosely organized group called the Ancient and Honorable
Order of Turtles. Date unknown.
ANIMAL PROTECTION INSTITUTE
Two labels w/ turtles from a sheet of 22 labels issued by the Animal
Protection Institute in 1980. All labels depict children's art work.
Upper margin of sheet is inscribed "Toward an Animal Bill of Rights".
ARKY OF TOAST
Arky of Toast is a fictitious country with its own fictitious history,
geography, etc. In 1997 "stamps" were printed, including one from
"Turtletown". Some of these labels were affixed to envelopes (along
with real United States stamps) and were processed through the U.S.
mail system. One of these envelopes is shown in the accompanying
illustration. The postmark is dated 30 January 1997.
AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY LABELS
A booklet of seventy-four rouletted, non-denominated animal labels produced
by the Australian National Geographic Society. The booklet contains three
identical labels depicting a semi-ventral view of a sea turtle swimming
underwater. Each of the three labels is inscribed "Green Turtle".
AUSTRIAN CHARITY SEAL
A seal depicting a large Testudo gigantea and the words "Jubiläumsmarke"
(Anniversary Stamp), "Spendermarke" (Donor Stamp), and "Riesenschildkröte"
(Testudo gigantea). The "denomination" is 5 Austrian schillings, which is
apparently what the donor paid as a contribution to some sort of anniversary
celebration. The date is unknown.
BATIBOUW - 1995 and 2008
Two labels with stylized tortoises issued for the promotion of Batibouw,
which is an annual international Building Trade, Renovation and Decoration
Show held in Brussels, Belgium at the Brussels Expo.
BERLIN AQUARIUM AND ZOO
A label of unknown date and purpose which has something to do with
the Berlin Aquarium and Zoo. Photo of giant tortoises in center of
label.
BRISBANE (AUSTRALIA) LION'S CLUB
Christmas seal depicting three stylized sea turtles. Two have Christmas
packages on their backs and one is carrying a scroll in its mouth that says
"Peace". 1986.
BRITISH DIABETIC ASSOCIATION
Christmas seal depicting a stylized tortoise w/ a Christmas package on its
back and the words "Merry Christmas" across the top of the stamp.
Date unknown.
BRITISH TRADING STAMPS
Sheet of 56 green trading stamps from Great Britain with 16 sea
turtles that appear to be overprinted on the sheet. Eight turtles are
red and 8 are brown, and each one has the numeral 25 on its carapace.
The date and the name of the company issuing the stamps are unknown.
These labels are somehow connected with Discworld, which is a series
of fantasy books by British author Terry Pratchett.
BULGARIAN MAGAZINE PROMOTION
A monochromatic brown sheet containing two labels, one w/ wild canines
and one w/ an eagle. The design is identical to a multicolor,
authorized sheet of stamps except for the denomination, which is zero
on the brown sheet. The brown sheet was issued as part of a promotion
for a philatelic magazine (you had to subscribe to the magazine to get
the sheet). There is a Western Caspian Turtle (Mauremys caspica rivulata)
in the lower right corner of the sheet margin.
CAILLER'S CHOCOLATE COMPANY
Numerous identical series of stamps, issued in sets of ten and
apparently given away with the company's products. Most of the stamps
have the name of the turtle in Latin, French, and German, but not
English. The dates of issue are unknown, but they are believed to
have been issued prior to World War I. Details of Series VII are
presented below as an example, but all of the series are believed to
be identical with the exception of the tiny writing in the bottom
margin. The number of series produced is unknown but goes up at least
to Series LXI.
| Series VII, No. 1 - |
Terrapene carolina (but identified on the stamp as "Testudo graeca"). |
| Series VII, No. 2 - |
Emys orbicularis (?) (identified on the stamp as "Emys lutaria"). |
| Series VII, No. 3 - |
Geochelone radiata. |
| Series VII, No. 4 - |
Hydromedusa maximiliani (species name spelled "maximiliana" on stamp). |
| Series VII, No. 5 - |
Chelus fimbriata (genus name spelled "Chelis" on stamp). |
| Series VII, No. 6 - |
Geochelone gigantea (identified on the stamp as "Testudo elephantina"). |
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
California Fish and Game issues a native species stamp each year. In 1991
it was a $9.20 value stamp depicting Gopherus agassizii.
CAYMAN FORGERY
This is one of the so-called "Maryland Forgeries" which originated in
Maryland and first appeared in 2002. It is a forgery of Scott Cayman
Islands #124 but oddly it is denominated in different units than that
stamp. Little is known about the printing details but fairly
sophisticated equipment is apparently involved. It is unknown who is
producing these forgeries.
CHINESE LABEL - 2000
A small sheet containing one perforated, gummed, non-denominated
label w/ Chinese characters on it. A carved stone turtle, facing the
viewer, is in the bottom margin of the sheet directly below the label.
Sheet is dated 2000 in bottom right corner. Its purpose is unknown.
CHINESE NEW YEAR LABELS - 2001
Sheet of one large and eight small labels issued in 2001 for the
year of the snake. One of the small labels depicts a carving of a turtle
with a snake wrapped around its shell. Purpose of sheet is unknown.
CHINESE SHEETLET WITH LABEL
A sheetlet with one perforated, non-denominated label. Illustration
has something to do with the Buddhist view of life as an ocean of
challenges through which you have to navigate. Margin depicts a
turtle with human arms attacking a person standing on the waves.
The date and source of the sheetlet are unknown.
CLEVELAND ZOO
Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Local Post stamp issued 2 March 1975 which depicts
Geochelone gigantea.
CONCH REPUBLIC
The residents of the U.S. Florida Keys call themselves "Conchs" and
say that they live in the Conch Republic. This label from the Conch
Republic commemorates "Lucky", a famous sea turtle whose life was
saved by groundbreaking veterinary surgery on 17 January 1984. It
was the first marine animal surgical transplant in the world, replacing
both front flippers which had been lost in a shark attack.
COOK ISLANDS DEPARTURE TAX
Three Cook Islands departure tax stamps shown affixed to three Air New
Zealand boarding passes. The turtle and the whale are on the white
stamp affixed to the boarding pass, not on the oval blue hand-stamped
image superimposed on the tax stamp. The $15 stamp is for a child, but
it is not known what the different purposes are for the $30 stamp and
the $55 stamp.
DANISH AQUARIUM #7
Label advertising the Danish Aquarium and depicting a hawksbill turtle
swimming to the right and downward. It is part of a series of labels
advertising the Danish Aquarium and this one is number 7 in the
series. It is Maerkat #5090. There is no denomination and the date
of issue is unknown.
DANISH AQUARIUM #8
Label advertising the Danish Aquarium and depicting two unidentified
sea turtles. It is part of a series of labels advertising the Danish
Aquarium and this one is number 8 in the series. It is Maerkat
#1208A. There is no denomination and the date of issue is unknown.
DANISH CHARITY SEAL
Non-denominated label issued by Børns Vilkår, a Danish
organization dedicated to helping orphan children. Label depicts a
turtle on a shelf or table with a second turtle painted on a plate
in the background.
It comes from a sheet of 16 labels, inscribed "Bornemaerket 2005-06"
in the upper selvedge. The sheet as a whole is denominated 20 kr.
DANISH LABEL
A very small (24mm X 25mm), non-perforated, gummed label depicting two
hatchling sea turtles. There is no writing on the label. Its purpose
and date of issue are unknown.
DANISH PEOPLE'S AID
A label issued by one of the many local chapters of ASF Danish
People's Aid, a humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 1907.
The label depicts a tortoise wearing an "elf hat" with a tassel for
Christmas. The identity of the local chapter and the date of issue
are unknown.
DANISH RED CROSS
Sheet Number 66. (Maerkat stamp numbers 15078 through 15093) contains one
Chelydra serpentina, one Chelonia mydas, one Testudo sp., and one Emys
orbicularis. All 16 stamps on this sheet are reptiles. 1974.
DANISH WWF - 1986
Two labels, one depicting a Galapagos Tortoise and one depicting a
Leatherback Sea Turtle. WWF symbol on each label.
DANISH WWF - 1995
A perforated, gummed, non-denominated label with a dorsal view of a
European Pond Turtle on a white background. WWF panda logo in lower
left corner of label.
DANISH WWF - 2005
A label with a Green Sea Turtle from a sheet of 30 labels depicting a
single underwater panoramic view of a coral reef. WWF symbol on
each stamp. Sheet margin inscribed "Naturmaerket 2005".
DANISH WWF - 2007
A label with an Unidentified Sea Turtle from a sheet of 30 labels
depicting various animals and landscapes from around the world.
WWF symbol on each stamp. The labels were issued to call attention
to the problem of global warming. Sheet margin inscribed
"Naturmaerket 2007".
DANISH WWF - 2009
Label w/ a dorsal view of a swimming sea turtle from a sheet of 20
gummed, perforated, non-denominated labels, each w/ a different
marine-related picture. Sheet margin inscribed "Naturmaerket/2009"
and "for a living planet".
DANISH WWF - 2012
A non-denominated, self-adhesive label with a Green Sea Turtle from a
sheet of 30 labels depicting various animals, people, flowers, and
landscapes from around the world. WWF symbol on each label. Sheet
margin inscribed "Naturmaerket 2012 - VI Kaemper Sammen For At Bevare
Vores Smukke Jord".
DIAMOND REEF PROFICIENCY DIVING STAMP
Privately issued stamp w/ Chelonia mydas as the main design feature. Ten
dollar face value. Back of stamp is inscribed "To properly validate, diver
must sign over the face of this Proficiency Stamp (tm) onto an Official
Diamond Reef (R) Training Program or acclimation dive with Divemarshal's
signature." A sheet of ten stamps exists w/ the name of a different
foreign "country" on each stamp as follows: Japan, Canada, Roatan, Bonaire,
British Virgin Islands, Italy, United Kingdom, Fiji, South Africa, and
St. Croix.
DISCWORLD
A set of three similar labels from a Discworld Convention celebrating
25 years of Discworld books, which is a series of fantasy books by
British author Terry Pratchett. The labels are similar to one another
except that the turtle is in a different position on each one.
DURIT COMPANY
Ten labels advertising various products made by the Durit Company in
Germany. Tiny turtle in oval on company logo. The dates of issue
are unknown.
DUTCH WWF
A label issued by the Dutch arm of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF),
depicting a giant tortoise from the Galapagos Islands. It apparently sold
for 10 cents and the proceeds were used for the WWF's work in those
islands. It is believed that it was issued sometime prior to 1970.
EAGLE STAMP COMPANY
Issued at Spokane, Washington, USA by Mr. Dan Eagle. Stamp depicts a
mailman riding on a cartoon tortoise named ZIP. Designed by Mr. Dan Eagle
and issued in 1976 in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
ELBECO COLLARS
A German seal of unknown date, advertising Elbeco brand collars, and
emphasizing how easy they are to clean. Small turtle near lower right
corner of seal.
GERMAN COLONIAL SOLDIER
A German colonial soldier leaning on his rifle with a small tortoise on
the ground behind him. The date and purpose of this label are unknown.
GERMAN LABEL
Label depicting semi-dorsal view of turtle on white background.
Numeral "20" and logo with flag in upper left corner. The date and
purpose of this label are unknown.
GERMAN PRIVATE POST
Stamp apparently issued by a private post in Germany. Depicts a
cartoon turtle wearing a cap and a white neck scarf. Denomination
is 1.42 and stamp is inscribed "PIN Mail". An example on cover is
postmarked "06. Nov. 2007" and carries the words "Schick es grün".
GREENPEACE
In 1982 Greenpeace issued a se-tenant, tête-bêche block
of four labels w/ two designs: an adult green turtle and a hatchling
loggerhead. They have also issued two individual labels depicting
a hatchling loggerhead. One of these has a yellow border and one
has a light blue border; neither has a date nor a denom.
HANSEN FOOD STORE
An advertising stamp for the A. V. Hansen food store in Copenhagen,
Denmark. At the bottom of the stamp it says that their specialty is
Skildpadde (turtle). It was printed around 1960.
HØLLMERS BAR
Two similar labels from Denmark, one with a dark green background and the
other with a bright yellow background. Large black letters at the top
identify the name of the bar (Høllmers Bar). Smaller letters below
that translate as "Known across the country for its homemade turtle..."
(presumably turtle soup). Below this is a sea turtle swimming left and
slightly downward. Across the bottom of each label there is a black band
with white lettering giving the address and an old-style Danish telephone
number. The dates of issue are unknown.
HONDURAS - UNISSUED STAMP
This is Honduras Scott #C1038 surcharged "L. 50.00" in black and
o/p'd w/ black Olympic Rings and a laurel wreath. Stamp was never
issued.
ITALIAN SWIMMING MEET
A sheet containing two labels, issued for the world-wide swimming
championships in Rome in 1994. There is a sea turtle on one of the
labels, and turtle sculptures on top of the fountain in the sheet margin.
ITALIAN TUBERCULOSIS SEAL
A seal issued in 1997 depicting a single Dermochelys coriacea.
The seal is inscribed "Tartaruga Liuto", the Italian common name
for this species. From a sheet of twenty different animals.
Sheet will be numbered Italy #62 in the next revision of the
foreign section of Green's Catalog of the Tuberculosis Seals
of the World.
ITALIAN WWF #1
A sheet of four labels, each depicting a marine animal. One depicts a
Dermochelys coriacea. Margin of sheet inscribed "World Wildlife
Fund". All other writing is in Italian.
ITALIAN WWF #2
A perforated label with a child's drawing of a freshwater turtle on a
rock in a body of water. Label inscribed "Operazione Salvanatura" in
upper margin and "World Wildlife Fund", "Italia", and "Tartaruga" in
left margin. WWF panda logo in upper left corner. From a sheet of 24
labels w/ two each of 12 different designs.
ITALIAN WWF #3
Label w/ one Eretmochelys imbricata on a plain white background, swimming
to the left and downward. Label inscribed "Tartaruga Marina". From a
sheet of 20 labels w/ 2 each of 10 different designs. Sheet inscribed
"Operazione San Francesco".
JAPAN
A se-tenent sheet of labels commemorating the "1967 UNIVERSIADE in TOKYO".
All labels have a logo consisting of a capital "U" with five small stars
under it. One label shows a fisherman riding on the back of a stylized
turtle. The turtle has the same "mop-like" material, representing
filamentous green algae, which is discussed under
Endnote #9.
JAPANESE TUBERCULOSIS SEAL - 2003
A sheet of six tuberculosis seals produced by the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis
Association in 2003. The seals are self adhesive and serpentine die cut
although the die cuts do not show up on the accompanying scan. One seal
has a rabbit, one has a zebra and one has a giraffe's head and neck.
The other three seals are identical to each other and each one depicts 31
tiny animals, including a turtle. All six seals display the double-barred
tuberculosis cross.
KINGDOM OF ALDABRA
Three stamps from the Kingdom of Aldabra, a fictitious country with its
own fictitious history, government, coat-of-arms, etc., created by Mr.
Mark Rose of Seattle, WA.
Two of the Kingdom's stamps depict the Aldabra coat-of-arms, which has
two turtles on it as the supporters. One of these depicts a flag and
has a denomination of 7 anchors, while the other has a globe-like symbol
and a denomination of 2 anchors.
A third stamp, printed on light green paper, has a picture of a sea
turtle swimming up and to the left. It has a denomination of 7 anchors.
KOREAN TUBERCULOSIS SEAL - 1980
Five designs, one of which is a stylized turtle.
This is Green Korea #41.2.
KOREAN TUBERCULOSIS SEALS - 1984
Pane of twenty-five different seals. One row of five seals shows
different pictures from "The Tortoise and the Hare" and the tortoise
appears on two of them. The sheet of twenty-five is Green Korea
#45x2. A double sheet of fifty exists and it is Green #45x1.
LINZ PUBLICITY LABEL - 1949
A single publicity label advertising an aquarium, terrarium, and exotic
plant show in Linz. There is a Linz in Germany and a Linz in Austria and it
is unknown which one this is. The label is printed in blue on white paper
and depicts a large, single Emys orbicularis.
LINZ PUBLICITY LABELS - 1950
Set of four gummed publicity labels advertising an aquarium and terrarium
show in Linz in 1950. There is a Linz in Germany and a Linz in Austria
and it is not certain which one this is. Each stamp has a different
background color, but the same design, featuring two Malaclemys terrapin.
LINZ PUBLICITY LABELS - 1951-52
Set of four gummed publicity labels advertising an aquarium and terrarium
show in Linz that ran from 16 Dec 1951 through 13 Jan 1952. The stamp
design is very similar to that of the labels for the 1950 show, listed above.
The background colors are different and the show is called a terrarium,
aquarium, and exotic plant show. Two Malaclemys terrapin appear on each
label.
LORD HOWE ISLAND
Postal label w/ the skeleton of Meiolania, an extinct chelonian from the
Pleistocene of Australia. From 31 December 1998 to 2002, a legal,
legitimate local post operated on Lord Howe Island, and it issued its
own stamps. The labels shown here, however, were issued prior to the
existence of that local post and had no postal validity.
A & A LUISI COMPANY
Two advertising stamps from A&A Luisi Company. One shows a
mermaid, underwater, sitting on a land tortoise and looking in a hand
mirror. The other shows a woman standing on a tortoise, looking in a
hand mirror. The text on both stamps says "The finest wares made of
turtle shell and hand fans". The text also indicates that they had
offices in Naples (Italy) and Munich and Berlin (Germany). The dates
of issue are unknown.
LUITHLEN & NEUMANN COMPANY
A stamp advertising "Terla" brand turtle soup. The company was
located in Andernach, in western Germany. Date of issue is unknown
but it is believed to be between 1900 and 1920. Note picture of sea
turtle on label on can.
MARINE SOCIETY OF ISRAEL
A label printed in green on white paper, depicting a Dermochelys
coriacea swimming to the right. A small square in the lower right
corner contains the numeral "12". Hebrew characters along the
bottom of the stamp apparently say "Marine Society of Israel".
The date of issue and the purpose of the stamp are unknown.
MEDIEVAL SCHOLAR
A scholar who appears to be from medieval times with a tortoise, a
snake, an animal skeleton, and a bird. The date and purpose of this
label are unknown.
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
The Rospigliosi Cup - A gold cup attributed to Benvenuto Cellini.
The cup has a tortoise for its base. The stamp depicting the cup
has a description and further information printed on the back.
NATAL (SOUTH AFRICA) PARKS BOARD
Sheet of 36 non-denominated labels (six each of six different designs)
with a photograph of an animal on each. One of the photographs (on
six of the labels) is a leatherback sea turtle on a beach.
Upper margin of sheet inscribed "Natal Parks Board 1947 - 1987".
Lower margin of sheet inscribed "Some Species in Need of Special
Protection - Please Help Us to Help Them". Both inscriptions appear
in English and another language.
NESTLÉ CHOCOLATE COMPANY
Nine stamps (from a set of twelve) that depict tortoises. The stamps
were given away with the company's products and were intended to be
mounted in an album supplied by the company. The remaining three
stamps in the set do not depict tortoises (a winter scene, a summer
scene, and a man with a sack). Date is unknown.
NESTLÉ - NATURE'S SECRETS
A single, non-perforated, gummed label from a set given away with
their products by the Nestlé Chocolate Company and intended
to be placed in an album provided by the company. The album is titled
"Nature and its Secrets", and the album pages are printed in French.
One stamp in the set depicts a leatherback sea turtle on the beach.
There is printing on the back of the label, under the gum, that says
exactly the same thing in French and Dutch. In addition to
information about turtles in general, the printing indicates that
this label is from Volume V, Series 106 and is label No. 1. The
date is unknown.
NEWARK TORTOISE SHELL NOVELTY CO.
Circular label with wavy edge. Man in center holding a very large
turtle by its tail. Inscribed "Newark Tortoise Shell Novelty Co." and
"Best-Hold Brand". Date unknown.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ARTISTAMP COLLECTION
A fantasy label created by Robert Rudine in 1991. This label
depicts the symbols of nine fictitious countries which are joined
together in a fictitious federation in the U.S. and Canada. One of
these fantasy countries is The Kingdom of Aldabra, whose symbol is
a turtle, which appears on the 1991 label in the lower right corner.
PAKISTAN UNISSUED - 1981
This is a 1981 proof of a proposed stamp that was never issued because
it lost out to another proposed stamp with a sea turtle design. The
tortoise depicted on this proof is a leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis).
PENNSYLVANIA NATURE CONSERVANCY
Clemmys muhlenbergii and ducklings on a $5.00 stamp issued in 1990.
PHILIPPINE TUBERCULOSIS SEALS
Sheet of forty seals inscribed "Save the Earth, Protect Our
Endangered Species" in upper selvedge. Inscribed "Philippines
Tuberculosis Society, Inc." in bottom selvedge. Turtles are depicted
on five seals as follows: four identical seals depicting Chelonia mydas,
plus one seal depicting Chelonia mydas and a peacock. 1993.
These sheets exist perf 11 (Green Philippines #48x1) and rouletted 9
(Green Philippines #48x2).
PINEAPPLE POST
Local Post Issue from Hawaii depicting Chelonia mydas. 15 cent denom.
Issued 26 Mar 1986 in sheets of ten, with a printing of 1,000 sheets.
It was the local's 34th issue, the first being 11 Jun 1977, and the last
being 29 Nov 1987. The post was run by Craig Miyamoto to the Makiki P.O.,
ZIP 96882.
POSEN, ILLINOIS, USA
Postal Label with a 2d denomination, a picture of a Galapagos Island
Tortoise, the words "Galapagos Tortoise" and "POSEN" all printed in red on
a white background. An FDC with this label affixed to it, is postmarked
1 Feb 1975 at Posen, IL 60409.
POSTACO STAMP COMPANY
Three non-denominated labels produced by the Postaco Stamp
Company, which also produced baseball trading cards during the
period 1910-1915. The turtle labels are part of a sheet which
also contains lizards, crocodilians, and snakes. All of the labels
are inscribed with old scientific names which are no longer in use
today. A very interesting feature is that they are gummed in a
vertical strip along the right edge (when viewed from the back)
and the rest of the back is without gum. The gummed area is
approximately 5/8" wide, or a little more than one quarter the
width of the label. The turtles depicted are:
| Dermochelys coriacea (identified on label as Sphargis coriacea) |
| Chelonia mydas (identified on label as Chelonia viridis) |
| Chelus fimbriatus (identified on label as Chelys Matamata) |
PPP LABELS
Two gummed, perforated labels of unknown origin and date. One depicts
two sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata?) and the other depicts a box turtle
of the genus Terrapene. Each label has a small monogram with the initials
"PPP" in it in the lower left corner and a copyright symbol in the lower
right corner. The box turtle label also has some illegible writing next to
the copyright symbol. The meaning of the PPP monogram is unknown. The box
turtle label is inscribed "No. 77" in the top margin and the sea turtle
label is inscribed "No. 80" in the top margin.
P.R. TONGO
Eleven sheets with four identical labels each, plus a large picture of a
turtle in the upper margin. Each label is denominated 10p and inscribed
"2011". There is a town in Ghana named Tongo, a town in Sierra Leone
named Tongo, and an island belonging to Albania in the Ionian Sea named
Tongo, but it is unknown which, if any, of these entities is being
referred to by the inscription on the labels.
QUEBEC CONSERVATION STAMPS
Issued 1 April 2000 by Foundation de la Faune du Quebec.
Denomination is $10.00. One stamp depicts Atlantic puffins and the
other stamp depicts two wood turtles (Clemmys insculpta). The turtle
stamp bears a remarkably realistic painting by Patricia Pepin. These
stamps were only on sale from the date of issue until 31 March 2001.
There are five varieties which are listed in van Dam's "The
Canadian Revenue Stamp Catalogue, Including Wildlife
Conservation Stamps" (EVD) as follows:
| EVD QW13 | - |
Set of two (one puffin, one turtle) in booklet |
| EVD QW13a | - |
Miniature sheet of four (two puffins, two turtles) |
| EVD QW13b | - |
Imperf. sheet of four, signed |
| EVD QW13A | - |
Same as QW13 but w/ WWF panda logo plus $2.50 o/p (surcharge) in black |
| EVD QW13Ab | - |
Same as QW13A but imperf. |
RACINE TORTUE #1
A perforated label advertising a company that manufactures fishing
equipment. It is printed in red ink on off-white paper and depicts a
prominent turtle plus the inscriptions "La Racine Tortue" and "1936-1954".
Additional writing on the label is illegible.
RACINE TORTUE #2
A perforated label advertising a manufacturer of fishing equipment. It
depicts a red globe with a green turtle superimposed on it and nine flags
surrounding it. It is inscribed "By Test - The Best", "Racine Tortue",
and "Paris, France".
RANGER RICK ADVERTISING LABELS
A sheet of eleven non-denominated advertising labels, each w/ a photograph
of a different animal. One label depicts a male Terrapene carolina.
RHINELAND RUBBER FACTORY
A circular advertising stamp for the Rhineland Rubber Factory in
Mannheim-Neckarau, with a turtle in the center. Date unknown.
RHODESIAN TUBERCULOSIS SEALS
Sheet of 25 stamps issued in 1973. One stamp depicts a freshwater
chelonian generally resembling Kinosternon, but possibly Pelusios or
Pelomedusa. The entire sheet of 25 is Green Rhodesia #19. A double
sheet of 50 exists with the top half identical to the bottom half;
this is designated Green Rhodesia #19.x. The turtle is in the number
6 position on the sheet.
SCHMEISSER'S FOOD FACTORY
Three advertising stamps for M. Schmeisser's food factory in Leipzig,
Germany. The company's featured items include turtle "extract" and
guaranteed real turtle soup, not made out of iguanas, but real turtles.
The three labels are very similar. One depicts a large can of turtle
soup near the man's left foot, another includes a picture of a turtle on
a soup bowl near the man's left foot, and a third depicts a yellow cube
near the man's left foot. Dates of issue are unknown.
SINCLAIR OIL COMPANY (SECOND SERIES)
Triptych of labels issued in 1938. They were for distribution
during week 1 of the promotion. The three animals depicted are
Moschops, Archelon, and Psittacosaurus with the turtle (Archelon)
on the middle label.
SPANISH CIVIL WAR
Six revenue stamps issued in the Republican Area during the
Spanish Civil War (1936-39). All have the same design showing
a tortoise, an airplane and the wording "JUNTA LOCAL DE DEFENSA
PASIVA - CASTELLON". They are listed in the Gómez-Guillamón
catalog as follows:
| GUI #340 | | 5c | green |
|
| GUI #341 | | 10c | carmine | |
| GUI #342 | | 25c | dark blue | |
| GUI #343 | | 1p | ochre | |
| GUI #344 | | 1p | blue | |
| GUI #345 | |
This is #340 surcharged "2 Pesetas" horizontally in black. |
At least some of these stamps are also listed in a specialized catalog of
Spanish Civil War stamps known as the Sofima Catalog. The complete title is
"Catalogo de los Sellos Locales Emitidos Durante la Guerra Civil Espanola
1936-1939", published in 1995 by FESOFI.
SPANISH DOORMEN LABELS
Two private revenue stamps issued by some sort of association
or brotherhood of doormen of civil ministries. They were issued during
the Fascist dictatorship of Franco, probably during the 1940's or
1950's. Both stamps are denominated 10cts, and have almost
identical writing and similar designs. One is printed in blue on white
and the other in green on white.
On both stamps there is a crest with an eagle's head at the top.
Under the head there is script that translates as "Spain is united, free,
great". This was Franco's motto. Under the crest are two free
standing symbols. The one on the left is a yoke and represents King
Ferdinand. The one on the right is composed of arrows and
symbolizes Queen Isabella's Catholicism. These two symbols,
appearing together, together were heavily utilized by Franco during his
fascist regime. The four banners within the crest represent from top
left and going clockwise: Castija, Leon, Basque, and Catalonia. The
pillars on either side represent the columns of Hercules that support
the nation.
On the blue stamp, the turtle has a coin in its mouth and is
approaching a bank, presumably to put it in the slot. This might be
urging the members of the doormen's association to save money. On
the green stamp, there is no coin in the turtle's mouth and no bank is
depicted.
SPANISH PHILATELIC EXPOSITION
Two similar Cinderella sheets with two stamp-like labels on each sheet.
One label seems to commemorate the Sapporo Winter Olympics of
1972 and the other label seems to commemorate some type of
Spanish soccer championship. One sheet has a yellow selvedge and
the other sheet has a green selvedge. Two stylized turtles are in the
upper selvedge of both sheets. The sheet with green selvedge has two
additional logos in the upper corners. These do not appear on the
sheet with the yellow selvedge.
SPRING RIVER LOCAL POST
Spring River Local Post is located in Carl Junction, Missouri,
U.S.A. It has operated continuously from August, 1982 until the
present. It is run primarily as a hobby/diversion activity. It has
issued many stamps, one of which depicts a tortoise.
SWEDISH ADVERTISING LABEL - c. 1930-1950
Old Swedish poster stamp promoting Paddan Boat Tours in Gothenburg,
Sweden. Depicts a large turtle surrounded by a boat, a car, a train,
a bus and two airplanes. Upper left corner shows a map of Scandinavia.
TAIWANESE SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION STAMPS - 1999
Four souvenir sheets with one stamp each plus one strip of four
stamps. Each s/s depicts a large turtle with most of its body in the
margin of the sheet and its head on the stamp.
The turtle species depicted and the "denomination" for each of the s/s
is as follows: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) 99.1, Leatherback
(Dermochelys coriacea) 99.2, Green (Chelonia mydas) 99.3 and
Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) 99.4.
The strip of four shows a Green Sea Turtle on a beach on the stamp in
the "c" position; the denomination of that stamp is 99.7.
THAILAND TUBERCULOSIS CHRISTMAS SEALS
Stylized turtles underwater near base of an aquatic plant, which is the
major design feature. 1968. This is Green Thailand #32.
TONGA - UNISSUED STAMP
This is Tonga Scott #774 o/p'd in gold ink: "Tonga Welcomes the
Round the World Yacht Race 1991". Stamp was never issued.
TORTUGA LOCAL POST (Miami, Florida, USA)
A series of six imperforate "stamps" printed in black on light green paper.
They are bogus in the sense that no actual local post ever existed which used
these stamps. The "denominations" and species depicted are as follows:
| 10 Terrapins - | Terrapene carolina |
| 25 Terrapins - | Gopherus polyphemus |
| 50 Terrapins - | Clemmys insculpta |
| 100 Terrapins - | Dermochelys coriacea |
| 250 Terrapins - | Placochelys sp. (This is not a turtle;
see Appendix III: Turtle "Look-Alike" Stamps) |
| 500 Terrapins - | Archelon sp. |
TURTLE MOUNTAIN INDIAN RESERVATION
Pair of se-tenant, privately printed Christmas seals for the Turtle
Mountain Indian Reservation and the St. Ann Indian School in
Belcourt, North Dakota. Date of issue is unknown. Tortoise on one
seal of the pair.
UNITED STATES MAIL DELIVERY PARODY
A large label depicting a turtle with a mailman's hat and a letter
in his hand. He has a large weight inscribed "First Class" chained
to his ankle. "U.S." appears in lower right corner of stamp and
"15¢" in upper left corner. Origin of the label is unknown.
The pictured example is tied to a cover with a cancellation and a
postmark dated 31 May 1978.
UNITED STATES WWI PATRIOTIC SEAL
A gummed label with coarse, irregular perforations, showing a military
tank resembling a turtle. Inscribed "Tank (you)" and "Sept. 1916".
UNITED STATES WWII PATRIOTIC SEALS
Two gummed labels depicting cartoon turtles and the words "Combat Insignia".
Tiny print in the bottom selvedge of both says "© 1942.
Hearst Pubs. Inc. R. L. Robbins Postamp AA249020 Cl."
| #94. - |
Cartoon turtle, w/ helmet, clubbing a snail. Realistic combat
scene in background. Inscribed "124th Infantry". |
| #99. - |
Cartoon turtle w/ helmet, boxing gloves, and roller skates.
Realistic combat scene in background. Inscribed "Anti-Tank Company,
16th Infantry". |
UNIVERSAL SHIP CANCELLATION SOCIETY
Poster stamp issued to commemorate the third annual convention of the
David Bushnell Chapter No. 48 of the Universal Ship Cancellation Society at
New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A. on 16 April 1939. Stamp pictures the first
submarine, built by David Bushnell in 1776 and named "The Turtle". The
word "turtle" appears at the bottom of the illustration and also at the bottom
of the stamp.
VIRGIN ISLANDS CHRISTMAS SEALS - 1990
A sheet of 15 Christmas seals from the U.S. Virgin Islands forming a
continuous marine panorama. One seal depicts Eretmochelys imbricata.
These seals were issued in 1990 to fund environmental education for the
youth of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
VIRGIN ISLANDS CHRISTMAS SEALS - 1994
A sheet of 15 Christmas seals from the U.S. Virgin Islands forming a
continuous marine and shoreline panorama. One seal depicts
Eretmochelys imbricata swimming at the surface. These seals were issued
in 1994 to benefit children in the U.S. Virgin Islands through training and
educational programs.
WONDERLAND
Wonderland stamps were first created in 1965 by Gerald King of
Great Britain who was frustrated over the British Post Office's refusal to
commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Over the years more and more
Wonderland stamps were issued and a catalog of these stamps was
published in June of 2000.
The monetary system of Wonderland stamps is: 40 Winks = 1
Golden Slumber. Two different Wonderland stamps depict the Mock
Turtle from Carroll's book as follows:
Mock Turtle Stamp -
Perforated stamp printed in black on white but numerous
imperforate color essays exist as illustrated here. Denomination is
Two Golden Slumbers.
Mock Turtle Mini-Sheet -
Mini-sheet of three stamps, one of which depicts a mock turtle.
The illustration of the turtle is different from the one on the stamp
described above. Denomination of turtle stamp is 3 Winks.
WONDERS OF THE ANIMAL WORLD
Two non-denominated labels from a very large, old set of animal
stamps. Each one is numbered and has text on the back, under
the gum. The text on the back of the two turtle labels reads as
follows:
311. THE LEATHERBACK TURTLE (Demochelys [sic] coriacea).
This strange reptile is not frequently seen. It lives in tropical
seas and comes to shore only when it lays its eggs. It grows to
be over a yard in length.
313. GREEN TURTLE (Chelonia mydas). This shelled reptile's
meat is also edible. It spends its life in the ocean and comes to
land only to lay its eggs or occasionally to sun itself upon the
beach.
ZIMBABWE TUBERCULOSIS SEALS
Pane of fifteen different Christmas seals issued by the Zimbabwe
anti-tuberculosis organization (RAPT) in 2003. Pane is inscribed "Tortoises
of Southern Africa" vertically along left margin. Individual stamps
from the pane are shown here.