This site will provide a pictorial overview of Salvation Army (SA) philately. FOR DETAILS, CLICK ON IMAGES.
SA 22.2 – Philippines – Signed FDC
The SA 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) was celebrated with a special commemorative item issued on June 5, 1987. This item features a cachet displaying a dark blue Jubilee logo and includes a single stamp (SG 2029). Notably, it is signed by an unknown individual. If anyone has information about the identity of the signer, please let me know!
SA 36.3c – Peru Postcard FDC
In Peru, on November 3, 2000, a special commemorative stamp was issued to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of SA. This postcard FDC bears a single stamp (SG 2075). I’ve not seen this on eBay before, indicating its rarity. The postcards were created using designs from the SA Int’l Heritage Centre in London and include at least four distinct frontsides:
- SA 36.3a: William Booth Bust
- SA 36.3b: Pith Helmet
- SA 36.3c: Christian Mission Poster
- SA 36.3d: William Booth – China
SA 36.2 – Peru
The 90th Anniversary of the Salvation Army in Peru was marked with a special stamp issued on March 11, 2000, postmarked in Lima. Two maxicards showcasing the “Children’s Home” were released by the Post Office. These maxicards are considered rare, as they seldom appear on platforms like eBay. I have encountered them only once, but unfortunately, they were sold before I could purchase them. Therefore, this is a reference cover and not part of my collection.
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Self denial poster stamp
A previously unrecorded Self Denial Week poster stamp has surfaced on eBay. The piece is cancelled in Melbourne (year unclear) and carries the slogan “Help the Army Mission Appeal.” It appears to be a genuinely rare example; I have not seen it on eBay before, and to my knowledge it has not been documented in the Int SA historical & philatelic journal. It sold on eBay in April 2026 for AU$113, a remarkably high figure for this type. Note: This is a reference item only and is not part of my collection.
1988 – Norway – Svalbard FDC
A very scarce Svalbard postal item recently obtained on a Norwegian auction site. It commemorates the Salvation Army centenary in Norway and was issued on 18 February 1988, the official first day of issue. The piece carries the 9176 Bjørnøya postmark paired with the Longyear POLAR Filateli meter slogan—an unusual and rarely encountered combination.
1958 – Switzerland – Stamps day
Switzerland – Giornata del Francobollo (Stamp Day), 7 December 1958. Attractive block of four of the Salvation Army commemorative SG 590, neatly postmarked Bellinzona with the special Giornata del francobollo cancellation. Mounted on the official Juventute cachet, very unusual, not seen before. In Switzerland, Stamp Day is celebrated every year – and always in a different location. There is always a special postmark for the occasion. In 1958, it took place in Bellinzona (a town in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland). That is why the postmark reads (in Italian) ‘Giornata del Francobollo’ (Stamp Day). Pro Juventute is an NGO that works on behalf of children and young people in Switzerland (thanks to SA officer Markus Zünd-Cachelin for the information!)
SA 61 – Central Afrique – Signed proofs
The 160th anniversary of the international Salvation Army was commemorated on an issued by the Central African Republic in 2024 (half a year too early). The motifs were SA’s Red Shield services & William Booth. The issued was made by Stamperija (a motif stamp issuer) on behalf of the postal office of Central Africa. Remark: These are numbered proofs signed by the post office services (no. 001!!!)
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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!