This miniature sheet is yet another philatelic first in the Austiran 2010 issue programme, as it is Austria’s first joint issue with Argentina. The miniature sheet shows part of a world map in which both countries have been enlarged and highlighted graphically.

The stamps themselves depict the meteorological station of the Austrian-Hungarian Society at the Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires as well as the historical weather station at Vienna Stadtpark (City Park). The commemorative volume “Austria-Hungary and Argentina’s Centennial – Austria-Hungary’s Participation in the Centennial Festivities of Argentina’s May Revolution“ (published in 2009) states the following about the meteorological station in Buenos Aires: “On Monday, 7 November 1910, Austrians residing here gathered to partake in the festivities to honour Argentina. They participated in the festivities remembering the centennial of independence by breaking ground for a commemorative column on a small square on the intersection of Peru and Alsina streets. The foundation was laid and the diplomatic representative, Baron von Schmucker, spoke. The Hochmeister and Deutschmeister band played both anthems, the Argentinean and the Austrian. Afterwards, Dr. Indalecio Gomez, the Minister of the Interior, made a speech. The festive act was under the auspices of the Minister of the Interior and Baroness Maria Schmucker.

The first grey block of granite comes from the Nebresina quarry. Once finished, the column will be more than seven meters tall and will be made of granite, bronze and other building materials. The built-in weather station will be equipped with the most sophisticated tools available. After the ceremony, the music band marched towards May Boulevard playing cheerful marches, accompanied by applause from the crowd.” The weather station located at Vienna Stadtpark, on the other hand, dates from 1913 and replaced the old weather station that had been built between 1880 and 1882, which was located where the famous Johann Strauss statue is found today. This weather station, which is also the stamp motif, was fully renovated 11 years ago today, in 1999.

Release Date: 2010|10|13
Number of Copies: 150.000
Printing Style: Offset
Design: Michael Rosenfeld
Printed by: Österreichische Staatsdruckerei
Type: Block issue

Source www.post.at

published October 24th, 2010