COLLECTORS and fans of antiques are invited to the Antiques and Collectables Fayre at Swanlake Gardens this weekend.The Antiques and Collectables Fayre will feature stamps, coins, comics, toys, militaria, jewellery, furniture, porcelain, action figures, model cars and more.
One of the rarities visitors can look forward to is Stamp’s Friend, who will have on display the “never issued” Bible stamp.
A generation or so ago people had the belief that stamps were valuable and could be considered a good investment.
In 1987, South Africa planned the release of four stamps to commemorate the Bible Society in the country.
However, the 40c stamp displayed, “Word of God,” in Hebrew on the stamp and was subsequently withdrawn before the planned issue date of November 19, 1987, due to complaints from various religious groups among the Jewish community in the country, as their religion states that you cannot use the name of God on an item that will more than likely be defaced, damaged and/or destroyed.
Despite post offices being instructed to withdraw the stamp (in those days post offices across the country received new issue stamps before actual official issue date), well over 1 500 copies of the stamp were sold by smaller post offices over the counter.
The remainder of these stamps are believed to have been destroyed in Pretoria.
The above hiccup in communication resulted in the creation of the most valuable non-variety stamp issued in South Africa during the past 100 years. Affectionately known as the “Bible stamp”, the stamp is today missing from many a South African collection and remains one of the most sought after stamps in modern South African philately (the collection and study of stamps). These are two of the rarities available from Stamp’s Friend at the upcoming Antiques and Collectables Fayre.The fayre is taking place at Swanlake Gardens, 266 Kragga Kamma road, Theescombe.
It will take place May 28 and 29, June 25 and 26, and July 30 and 31, from 10:00 to 15:00.
Entry is R10 per person and children under seven enter free of charge.
For more information contact Elsje Smuts on
082 873 7663 or send an email to elsje@truebluecommunication.co.za.
