Stamps celebrate Veterans

It may not be unusual for old motorcycle collectors to dabble in other things collectable. Yes, I also collect the odd coin and postage stamp. Once a collector always a collector, I say. Well it would probably also be a fair statement that us old motorcycle enthusiasts also still post letters (snail mail) rather than use the new fandangle email technology. I receive a regular stamp bulletin and was excited to see that on the 4th September Australia Post will release a set of four stamps to celebrate Australian vintage motorcycles. The four stamps were chosen to represent an era when motorcycling in Australia was a popular mode of transport, post WW1 up to the late 20’s. There were many Australian companies assembling motorcycles locally but mainly using imported parts. The bulletin mentions companies like Swastika (SA), Cyclone (Tas), G.C.S. (Vic), Hercules (Vic), Lewis (SA), Southern Cross (NSW), and Spencer (Qld). The models chosen for this stamp issue are a 1904 Kelecom, 1912 Precision, 1919 Whiting V4 and a 1923 Invincible JAP. Reference for the illustrations was supplied by OBA and the artwork done by Mike Harbar, who also illustrates the Andy Tiernan calendar featured annually in this magazine. The stamp issue will also be great gifts to motorcycle enthusiasts and will be released in various forms. First Day covers ($4.30), Maxi-cards ($7), Stamp Pack ($4.45), Booklet Collection ($44), Prestige Booklet ($20.95), Roll of 100 stamps ($100). Each book of ten stamps ($10) features the same model, so a set off four different books will set you back $40.