Total Solstice

Unified Vietnam, Total Solstice, December 23rd, 1995, Michel Nr. 2743; A total solstice occurred in the South of Vietnam, especially in the towns of Phanthiet and Bao-Loc. A single stamp with a 400D nominal was issued in perforation 13:13.25. There are some questions about the actual issuance date of this stamp. Klewitz reports it to be October 23rd, 1995. Special cachets dated October 23rd, 1995 have been found (see below) that suggest that the stamp was either issued two months earlier or that the special cancel was backdated.

Here is what Klewitz titled a First Day Cover that carries a red machine cancel dated October 23rd, 1995 plus a special cachet that refers to the actual date of the event (October 24th, 1995).

Here is the mint stamp in a block of four

Registered air mail letter sent in March of 1996 from Ho Chi Minh City to Klewitz. The letter carries a pair of the Total Solistice stamp plus stamps from the Gladioli, Alpine Roses and Traditional Women Clothing sets for an overall postage of 31,000D.

Registered air mail letter sent in January of 197 from Ho Chi Minh City to Klewitz. The letter carries a pair of the Iodine Campaign stamp plus stamps from the Tapir, Total Sun Solstice, Women Clothing and Liberation of Hanoi sets for an overall postage of 23,400D.