Equatorial Guinea: Famous people

 

Equatorial Guinea issued a set of three stamps in 1996 honoring three diverse famous people. Those depicted are Alfred Nobel (1833-1896), Anton Bruckner (1824-1896), and Giovanni Tiepolo 1696-1770). The year of issue, 1996, was an anniversary year for each of these persons. There seems to be no other connection between these figures and that nation. Scott does not give a more specific issue date other than 1996 for this set (SNC 217a, b, c). There was a higher-denominated souvenir sheet issued as part of the set; I do not have an example of that. The three stamps were issued together: most collectors maintain them as a strip of three attached stamps. Bruckner is shown in front of an organ facade. I believe it is the St Florian Monastery instrument, closely associated with him.

Czech Republic: Natural beauties

 

 

The Czech Republic issued this pair of stamps in 1995 celebrating two large rock formations, under the category of "natural beauties" in that nation. Of course there is no organ present; the basalt formation shown on the 8k stamp looks somewhat like organ pipes. I have included the stamp in this pipe organ stamp inventory for completeness, as this stamp has appeared on "pipe organ" lists for some time. There are several basalt formations that mimic organ pipes. I think this is the only one that features on a postage stamp. The stamps were issued 3 May, 1995. My copies are in mint condition, purchased from County Stamp Center.