About FlagStamps.info

This site is dedicated to the collecting and study of flags on postage stamps (philatelic vexillology), a small and specialised area of thematic or topical stamp collecting. This is a personal and non-commercial website to share information with fellow collectors and to document a selection of my ' flags on stamps' collection.

Images are shown alphabetically by country of issue in the virtual Albums. Image sizes are reduced for viewing but a constant reduction ratio has been generally used (except for mini sheets) to give an idea of the relative sizes of stamps. 

Identification

Although there are many websites with information and images on the design and histories of flags, there is a lack of serious sites providing information about flags on stamps. This is especially evident in the identification of historic stamp issues which contain flag designs within multiple stamp set issues. Luckily a number of thematic dealers list new issues by topic and these are useful references. However, the problem of not knowing what is 'out there' to collect is both exciting and frustrating.

Sharing

Not all flag stamps and flag designs are identified by description or illustration in the mainstream stamp catalogues and this is a major problem for flag stamp collectors. The headache of identifying flag stamps to collect can only be solved by collectors sharing information and knowledge. So far the major catalogue publishers have been reluctant to provide comprehensive catalogues to serve flag stamp collectors, unlike other thematic areas. It therefore falls to collectors to utilise the internet to inform fellow thematic philatelists and some of the most useful are listed in Links 

Collecting 

I combine my life-long interest in the study of flags with philately or philatelic vexillology. The scope of what can be considered and collected as a 'flag stamp' is diverse and can include any major or minor flag image on a stamp; or only flag stamps on postal covers; miniature sheets; unmounted mint or used; or just stamps featuring national flags. Ultimately it is down to individual choice as to how wide or specialised a flag stamp collection becomes. This is the attraction of thematic stamp collecting.

I collect flag stamps in sets or singles, mint, CTO or used condition depicting flags as the major image on the stamp, or flags as a small but essential element in their design. Minor or incidental inclusion of flag(s) in a design or non-identifiable flags are not normally included in my collection unless of the highest historic importance to the development of that nation or flag in question. I do not include extreme stylised designs using national colours in place of a 'real' flag image.

My collection includes national flags or ensigns, state, provincial, municipal and military flags; national, maritime, trade or international organisations; historic and local flags. This does not include miniature or souvenir sheets as a rule, but I have made some exceptions to given the abundance of flag stamps published by the United Nations and some sheets from the UK, USA and Canada in this format. Unlike traditional collectors I do not exclude local post labels, illegals and cinderella issues. However, I do not normally include FDCs or postal covers. Apart from these limited exceptions I am a flag stamp thematic collector in the widest sense.

Contributing

I am always interested in learning of new, existing or informative 'flag stamp' sites. Whatever you collect as a flag stamp collector, if you have a website I invite you to share your knowledge with fellow collectors through the pages of this site. Information that adds to the body of knowledge, such as catalogue number lists, stamp images, or simply general information, tips, or news of new issues, can only assist us all in our collecting and enjoyment of this fascinating and educational pastime.

Contact me to include your 'flags on stamps' website or if you have a question or contribution.  A reciprocal link to flagstamps.info would be appreciated on your links page.

Thanks for your visit today and enjoy your ''flag stamp'' collecting!

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