(JB/pcp) Halls 7 and 8 of Messe Essen will become a Mecca for stamp collectors from all over the world from 25 to 28 May 2023: the traditional International Stamp Fair and the World Stamp Exhibition IBRA will be held there at the same time under the patronage of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The 12,000 sqm event offers everything a collector’s heart desires. Around 110 dealers, auction houses, publishers as well as postal administrations and agencies will be offering a worldwide range of products in Hall 8, which is the first to be entered. Companies from the USA, South Africa and Australia are represented, as is the postal administration of the Fiji Islands. The largest exhibitor is Deutsche Post, which offers two postal stationery items and nine special cancellations on 300 square metres. More than 20 foreign postal administrations are located near Deutsche Post. At their stands you will find a large selection of new products as well as special trade fair products (e.g. exhibition cards or envelopes) and exclusive postmarks.

The centrepiece of the adjoining Hall 7 is the international competition exhibition IBRA. More than 530 exhibitors will be competing for points and placings with high-quality stamp collections on a wide variety of themes. In a special reading and literature area, the 236 literature exhibits of the competition and other specialist literature can be studied. Two special shows will delve into various aspects, especially of German philately: “100 Years of Hyperinflation in Germany 1923” and “13th German-American Salon”.
World rarities can be marvelled at in the treasure chamber. These include the unique Bordeaux cover with a Blue and a Red Mauritius. Three Old Germany legends from the beginnings of philately in Germany can be admired: the famous Baden misprint, the unique first day cover with the first German stamp and the only sheet of the “Sachsen Dreier”. The other end documents the so-called “Hepburn stamp”, the most expensive modern stamp. Two copies of the unissued welfare stamp from 2001 are on display. A reminder for peace is the “Hiroshima letter”, which survived the atomic bombing of 6 August 1945 almost unscathed and still emits a slight radioactive radiation.

Wide range of services
Anyone who collects stamps also needs information about the hobby. In the “Philately Centre” in Hall 7, representatives of the German philatelic associations will be on hand to offer advice and assistance. Almost 70 working and research associations will provide information about their findings on special collecting areas and present specialist literature. On the large IBRA stage in the foyer and in the “Forum Philately” in room F, there will be lectures around the clock on various collecting areas and special topics, but also on basic things like forgeries, examinations or auctions.
A large action area with games and activities awaits young collectors in Hall 7. In the popular stamp pool, you can search for stamps from all over the world free of charge. Beginners will receive a basic set of album, tweezers and stamps to start collecting.
Another highlight will take place outside the fair at the Schlosshotel Hugenpoet in Essen-Kettwig. There, on 26 May 2023, starting at 5 pm, five top philatelists will sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, the highest and most prestigious award in philately. Attending the ceremony, which is open to everyone, is not to be missed!

The event in the east of Messe Essen is open Thursday to Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Admission is free!