Chev. Emvin Cremona's Christmas stamp designs

Abstract

Malta achieved statehood in September 1964. Four sets of stamps were issued during that year, but only one after Independence. This was a Christmas set, the first Maltese Christmas set, which ever reached the Maltese postal counters. There are several reasons which made the Maltese postal authority decide to start an annual seasonal greetings set. In those days, Christmas sets were considered to be a novelty. The postal authority was doing its best to achieve fame for its stamps, as these were considered to be a source of income. Christmas stamps were already introduced in the local philatelic scene by two immigrate countries. Australia started its Christmas sets in 1957 while the USA five years later. These stamps reached Malta through the annual Christmas greeting cards mail. Moreover, the Vatican issued its first Christmas set in 1959. Many members of the local clergy collected such stamps. These might have created a pressure on the Maltese postal authority to start issuing a yearly Christmas set. The 1964 Independence opened new doors. Decisions started to be taken at local level. [excerpt]