This site will provide a pictorial overview of Salvation Army (SA) philately. FOR DETAILS, CLICK ON IMAGES.
SA 16.6 – Canada – House of commons PM
This NRC Canadian First Day Cover, adorned with the traditional Canadian Maple Leaf, showcases a rare postmark canceled at the House of Commons. I have not come across one with this cancellation before.
1934 – China – Official SA cover
China to Australia Salvation Army Cover 1934 w/ 1c Junk Stamps. This rare cover features a block of 18 stamps on the backside and 7 on the front.
SA history in China: “As early as 1916, The Salvation Army began its services in Beijing, offering assistance to those affected by war. Over the ensuing decades, hospitals and orphanages were established in Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, and other regions, caring for countless individuals in need, including the poor and orphans.” The SA withdrew from mainland China in 1949 following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Source: The SA in Chinese mainland
Rare US & UK combo
Rare Country Combo – US and UK
This US cachet (SA 4.19), issued on July 2nd, was likely sent to the UK and later affixed with the UK Salvation Army stamp set issued on August 9th. The cachet is double dated and correctly cancelled in both countries. This exciting combination may have been created by a knowledgeable SA member who appreciated these commemorative stamps. The cover was priced very low on eBay at just $4, with no bidding competition. Consequently, such country combinations seem to be underestimated, probably since they are not mentioned in national FDC catalogues. However, they are quite scarce and should therefore be highly appreciated, with a correspondingly high value.
SA 23A – Unwetter FDCs
Switzerland 1987: Flood Relief w/ Helping Hands overprint
These cachets feature the “Helping Hand” overprint, a Salvation Army logo from the 1982 issue, on the “Unwetter in der Schweiz” issue, dated September 7, 1987. Both items are postmarked in Zurich. Each cachet includes the SG 1138 (Helping Hand overprint on SG 1109) along with the original SG 1109 stamp. Notably, one of the cachets includes a four-block arrangement, likely crafted by an enthusiast.
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Sa 16 – Canada – handpainted FDC
Salvation Army Centenary in Canada, 1982. Cachet featuring a hand-painted cross with the text: “A Century in the Lord’s Service.” Includes a combination of Canadian SG 1046 and US Salvation Army stamp (Stanley Gibbons 1249). Remark: This rare cachet is likely unique and has not been seen before!
1985 – WWI Salvation Army Postcard
In 1985, a Salvation Army postcard featuring WWI veterans was issued on August 26 and postmarked in Milwaukee. The text on the card reads: “In action! Making Doughnuts at Front Line!” On the backside, there is an AMRP meter mark depicting a large cannon, along with an HN Local Post label stating: “One of a kind – HN Local Post,” signifying it as a Hideaki Nakano cover. The late Hideaki Nakano was known for his unique and unconventional philatelic creations, which were often considered risqué and controversial for their time. Living in Detroit, Michigan, Nakano’s works included covers that were sometimes numbered using the designation HN Local Post (HNLP).
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1993 – Southport Citadel Centenary
The Southport Citadel Corps celebrated its centenary in November 1993. To commemorate this milestone, a special centenary logo was created, along with a unique cachet designed by “Salvation Army Covers.” This celebration coincided with the release of the 1993 Christmas stamp set, which was issued as a FDC. Here is the original cachet (catalog value £15), along with two others featuring the special postmark used on different cachets (cat. value £10 each).
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SA 23 – Suriname – 3-color stars
Suriname 1987: Celebrating the Salvation Army Centenary & International Year of the Homeless. This special cover features gutter pairs adorned with three-colored stars, which are rarely seen on this issue. This issuance serves as a valuable reminder of the centenary celebration while highlighting important social issues.
SA 25 – Norway – Unlisted FDC
These two stamps commemorate the Salvation Army’s centenary in Norway, celebrated on February 18, 1988. This is an official centenary cover issued by the SA itself, with a grey ribbon at the top. Some local corps were aware of the stamp issue and used it to have this cachet cancelled on the first day of issue, as this cover in Sarpsborg. Note: This cachet is quite rare; I have only seen issued with a Gjøvik PM previously.
1980 – Isle of Man – King Olav V
Isle of Man Postcard Featuring King Olav V’s Visit.
This Isle of Man postcard features a stamp commemorating the visit of King Olav V of Norway. It is related to the SA by the special Douglas Corps Garden Party PM, dated 04.08.1980. An additional ship meter mark from the Manx Viking of Douglas.
1943 – Cindarella – Cathrine Booth
This unique US Cinderella depicts Cathrine Booth, affectionately known as the ‘mother’ of the Salvation Army. She was also the mother of the second general of the Army, Bramwell Booth (not to be confused with William Booth). This ‘stamp’ was created by the Golden Rule Foundation in New York and beautifully highlights her legacy of compassion and community service. The Cinderella features the inspiring text: “He who eats may share.”
SA 61 – Central Africa Republic
Commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the Salvation Army, this issue was set to be released on November 29, 2024. Please note that this date is eight months early! The release includes 3 souvenir sheets featuring William Booth and the Salvation Army Red Shield Services. These stamps are issued by Stamperija, a motif stamp issuer, on behalf of the postal offices in the respective countries. These stamps will most likely never be used for ordinary postage.
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