Lighthouse Stamp Society

2017 Lithuania Stamp With Ancient “Lighthouse”

On 29 April 2017 Lietuvos Paštas released a set of two stamps featuring ancient castles. One of the stamps shows the 13th century Klaipėda Castle, also called Memel Castle. In the lower center of the stamp we see what is know as a torch beacon or swape. It consists of a basket of burning coals suspended from a pole and marks the channel entrance to a harbor near the castle. The stamp is based on a 17th century drawing of the area. I would say that we have come a long way in aid to navigation technology!

Torch Beacon | Sc ?, Mi ?, SG ?, Yt ?, WADP ? | 29 Apr 2017

2017 German Lighthouse Stamps

On 8 June 2017 Deutsche Post issued the latest stamps in the lighthouse series. There are again two stamps in this year’s issue. The 0.45 € stamp features the Holtenau Nord Lighthouse which is considered one of the most beautiful of the German coast. Holtenau Nord L/H was completed in 1895 and marks the eastern entrance to the Kiel Canal. The 0.70 € stamp depicts Bremerhaven Unterfeuer Lighthouse which has been called the “Onion Tower” because of the spherical topmark at the summit of the tower. This light was built in 1893 but was moved in 1992 due to shore line erosion and the construction of a new vessel berth that obscured the view of the tower. It now stands just outside the Zoo am Meer.

Holtenau Nord L/H | Sc ?, Mi ?, SG ?, Yt ?, WADP ? | 8 Jun 2017