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Hongkong Post announced today (May 24) that a set of special stamps with the theme of "Toys of Hong Kong - 1940s-1960s", with associated philatelic products, will be released for sale on June 8 (Wednesday).
The development of the toy manufacturing industry in Hong Kong can be traced back to the 1940s. At that time, many families could only afford inexpensive toys sold by street hawkers and stationery shops. The industry started to flourish in the 1950s, when toy manufacturers in the United States relocated part of their manufacturing process to Asia, where production costs were lower, and engaged plastics factories in Hong Kong to start secondary production lines for plastic toys. By the 1960s, the toy manufacturing technology in Hong Kong became more sophisticated. Toy manufacturing constituted one of the four pillar industries in Hong Kong alongside the electronics, textiles and plastics industries.
Evoking sentimental recollections of childhood, the "Toys of Hong Kong - 1940s-1960s" stamps feature six memorable classic toys of the 1940s to 1960s, namely a plastic hammer ($1.70 stamp), paper dolls ($2.20 stamp), a water pistol ($2.90 stamp), mini plastic swords ($3.10 stamp), yellow plastic ducks ($3.70 stamp) and a tin frog ($5 stamp). The stamps are printed with a lacquered gloss effect to give a nostalgic touch. Apart from mint stamps, a mini-pane containing three sets of stamps and two versions of souvenir packs will also be available. Containing a set of mini plastic swords or a set of paper dolls, the souvenir packs will be treasure chests of cherished childhood toys and fond memories.
Official First Day Covers will be on sale at $1.20 each at all post offices from tomorrow (May 25). The stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from tomorrow to May 31.
Information about this special stamp issue is available on Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.hk and the Hongkong Post mobile app.
Ends/Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:01
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