Waltzing Matilda as illustrated in a strip of 5 Australian stamps. I rarely buy stamps but I did buy this strip of 5....for the outrageous cost of $1. I posted 2 of the stamps individually below as it allows the reader to see how the stamp is portrayed and written. I will be back to edit this post with more information about the stamp.
From google I learn that the title was Australian slang for travelling on foot (waltzing) with one's belongings in a "matilda" (swag) slung over one's back. The song narrates the story of an itinerant worker, or "swagman", making a drink of billy tea at a bush camp and capturing a stray jumbuck (sheep) to eat.
Of note, this stamp generated the very first comment ever on this blog. No small feat considering my very limited marketing of it. The PUNK PHILATELIST from Australia is a real stamp blog. I urge everyone interested to check it out.
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ReplyDeleteThis issue has a hidden design element that took years for collectors to really notice. At each end of the strip, the corners show the blazing sun and a campfire. On a whole sheet, where two strips meet, with two more below, these four corners combine to produce a startling 'sunburst' effect. It looks like a comet hurtling down from the sky. Don't waste any time trying to imagine what I'm describing. Do an image search for 'Australia Waltzing Matilda stamp sheet' and all will be revealed!
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