The U. S. Postal Service is proud to be a part of Ameristamp Expo 2011, a national stamp exposition presented by the American Philatelic Society, at the Charleston Convention Center from Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13.  Hours: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fri. and Sat., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ameristamp Expo 2011 will feature rare stamps on display, international stamp dealers, free stamp evaluations, seminars, souvenirs and educational resources for both adults and children.  Schedules and more information are posted online at: http://www.stamps.org/AmeriStamp/Index.htm

Charleston Postmaster Tim Shaw will participate in two First Day of Issue stamp unveiling ceremonies for the public with American Philatelic Society officials, President Wayne Saadi and Executive Director Ken Martin, as well as stamp designers Christopher W. Calle and Chris Lazaroff.  The two stamps making their national debut are the 5-cent Art Deco Bird (Fri., Feb. 11) and the 2-cent Navajo Necklace (Sat. Feb. 12) both events are at 11:30 a.m.

A special Postal Service booth, featuring the latest stamps and philatelic products will be present each day of the event.  Two pictorial postmarks (art attached) and a special collectible cachet envelope will be available, as well as First-Day of Issue postmarks for the First-Day of Issue stamps. The cachet envelope, (pictured above) which will sell for $5, features a pictorial cancellation and a beautiful color photograph of Charleston’s Ravenel Bridge by local photographer, John Chilton (Charlestonbridgephotos.com).  The reverse has a descriptive text.

The postmarks are a free service, but must be applied to items bearing First-Class postage.  The First Day of Issue postmarks may only be applied to items bearing the appropriate stamp, and any item postmarked must carry a total of 44 cents, the current First-Class rate. 

Customers may request all of the postmarks by mail for pre-stamped items for 30 days, using a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return.  Requests by mail for the cachet envelope--while they last, must be accompanied by a check for $5 made out to “Postmaster”.  Send all requests to: Postmaster, Attn: Postmark/Envelope Request, 7075 Cross County Rd., Charleston, SC 29423-9998.

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