Category Archives: News

Rare US & UK combo

SA 4.19 – Combo US/UK

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.

SA 23A - Automobile-Postburo
SA 23A - PTT - Flughafen Zurich

Sa 16 – Canada – handpainted FDC

SA 16 – Handpainted cross

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).

1985 - WWI Veterans on SA postcard
1985 - backside SA postcard

SA 23 – Suriname – 3-color stars

SA 23.1e – Gutter pairs w/ 3-colored 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

SA 25 – Official cachet

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.

1943 – Cindarella – Cathrine Booth

1943 – 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.

SA 61.1 - SA 160th Anniversary
SA 61.2 - 160th Anniversary - William Booth
SA 61.3 - WB & Red Shield Services
SA 61.1 - SA FDC 160th Anniversary - proof

SA 62 – Alderney – SA motif

SA 62.1 – Homecoming – SA motif

Alderney 80th Homecoming – Salvation Army motif
Guernsey Post marks the 80th anniversary of Alderney’s post-WWII homecoming with a £4 souvenir sheet, issued on 10 November 2025. The design features a Salvation Army band in the background, positioned behind the ceremonial guard (see picture details below). This commemorative issue honors the resilience and return of displaced islanders in 1945.

Alderney Homecoming Dec 1945
Detail picture - SA band

SA 16 – Canada – Handpainted FDC

SA 16 – Handpainted SA & Maple Leaf

Salvation Army Centenary – Canada Issued on June 25, 1982, this commemorative cover celebrates the Salvation Army’s centenary in Canada. It features a rare local postmark from Islington and a striking handpainted cachet by artist A. Wood. The artwork showcases the Salvation Army crest framed within a vibrant red Maple Leaf—an evocative symbol of national pride and spiritual heritage. This cachet design is likely exceptionally rare and, to my knowledge, has not been documented elsewhere.