The most unusual and colorful stamped envelope ever devised by the U.S. Postal Service has just been released. It is the first three-dimensional design, created from a combination of state-of-the-art technology and space-age design.
Called "The Space Station Hologram Stamped Envelope," it features a futuristic image that changes colors depending on the direction and intensity of the light.Depicted on the stamp portion of the envelope is a U.S. space shuttle preparing to dock at an orbiting space station. The station has eight docking spaces, seven of them already occupied. Behind the shuttle is a cratered planetary body with another planet in the distance. Also pictured are two astronauts floating in space. "USA 25" is at the left in a simulated digital typeface.
According to the Postal Service, it has been considering the colorful holographic process for many years and decided this envelope was the "perfect choice" for its first such effort.
A single envelope costs 30 cents; a box of 500 is available for $136. Space Station Hologram Envelopes can be ordered with a return address printed in blue. A pack of 50 pre-printed envelopes costs $15.20, while a box of 500 is $139.50. Send orders for pre-printed envelopes to: Stamped Envelope Agency, Williamsburg, PA 16693-0500.
First-day cancellations are available in two methods. The deadline in both cases is Jan. 2, 1990.
Collectors may buy the envelope at a local post office, self-address it and send it to: Customer-Provided Stationery, Space Station Hologram Envelope, Postmaster, P.O. Box 96844, Washington, DC 20090-6844. The Postal Service gives these requests preferential service.
If you would rather have the Postal Service supply the envelope, send, for each one requested, a peelable return address label and payment of 30 cents in the form of a check or money order, to: Space Station Hologram Envelope, Postmaster, P.O. Box 96845, Washington, DC 20090-6845. There is a limit of 50 envelopes per order.
New Isle of Man Issues
The Isle of Man, a semiautonomous island of the British Commonwealth located in the Irish Sea off the northwest coast of England, has issued a set of five stamps dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the International Red Cross.
The 14-pence shows a group of young Red Cross members in emergency training. The globe with the Red Cross symbol at the left appears on the 17-pence. The 23-pence depicts the signing of the first Geneva Convention in 1864. The Red Cross ambulance service in action is featured on the 30-pence, while the 35-pence bears a portrait of Henry Dunant, the organization's founder.
Each stamp has the profile vignette of Queen Elizabeth in the upper right corner and the 125th anniversary symbol at the left.
The 1989 Isle of Man Christmas set consists of four stamps with the theme "For Unto Us a Child Is Born."
These new issues are available at your local dealer.
Holiday Gift Suggestion
Here's an idea for a holiday gift that stamp collectors will appreciate - the 1989 Commemorative Mint Set.
The set contains 36 pages featuring 29 U.S. commemoratives issued this year, plus colorful photos and illustrations. Protective mounts are included.
It regularly sells for $14.50, but a special $2 discount will be in effect until March 10, 1990. Most post offices feature discount coupons in counter displays.
The set (Item No. 8869) is available at Philatelic Centers and post offices, and by mail and phone.
To order by mail, send a money order or personal check for $12.50 (before March 10) per set, plus 50 cents for handling, to: U.S. Postal Service, Philatelic Sales Division, Washington, DC 20265-9997.
To order by telephone, call (703) 698-1522. Mastercard and Visa are accepted forms of payment.