day of the stamp - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 1983 - 80 Pfennig

For many of the approximately 1,500 collectors' associations and youth groups organized in the Bund Deutscher Philatelisten e.V., the Stamp Day is a welcome occasion to use exhibitions and advertising shows to introduce the beauty and diversity of collecting stamps and postal history to the general public. Central events for the "Stamp Day", in conjunction with exhibitions, special post offices and special stamps, will be held this year on the last weekend of October (29th / 30th October 1983) in the following 11 towns and communities: Berlin - Bad Schwartau - Emden - Neustadt am Rübenberge - Brunswick - Monheim - Bonn-Tannenbusch - Seligenstadt - Illingen - Sindelfingen - Munich. These central philatelic events also draw attention to the tasks and achievements of the Association of German Philatelists e.V. (BDPh), its regional associations and the German Philatelist Youth (DPhJ) for a total of about 90,000 registered members and many close friends. The motif of the special stamp for "Stamp Day 1983", a rider with Posthorn, modern version of the Postillion, is undoubtedly one of the most charming and popular nostalgic symbols of the "good old days". Collectors already know this horseman motive from many stamps at home and abroad. Postreiter - later also called Postillione - had at that time over 18 years old, of good way of life and with good certificates to be provided. To distinguish them from other waggoners, they were to carry "livery, shield and coats of arms, and also the posthorn in the ordinary cordon." The Postillione were sworn in on their respective sovereign. In full uniform they enjoyed certain privileges, such as the right of way over other wagons, entitlement to assistance in accidents and transit without stopping at gates and barriers. Tasks and duties of the Postillione were regulated in many regulations and instructions. With sensitive fines, even with dismissal from the service, the Postillione were punished, who could be guilty of irregularities. Thus, a strict order of the Grand Ducal Oberpostdirektion in Baden from the year 1842 prescribed: »Who does not blow properly or with the whip, is punished with a fine of 12 Kreuzern«! Against the attacks of travelers, the postilions were particularly protected. For example, the Hessian Postal Order of 1788 explicitly forbid the Postilion to be flogged, knifed with knives, or forced into dangerously fast driving. (Text: Bund Deutscher Philatelisten e.V., Federal Office for Public Relations, Frankfurt am Main)