ÖVEBRIA 2024 and first day of the commemorative stamps “2024 Stamp Day”, “Austrian mushrooms, charcoal burner” and “Historic postal vehicles, Citroen Kégresse P15N”
Charcoal burner: colourful and tasty
As part of the "Austrian Mushrooms" series, this edition features the charcoal burner, a tasty and commonly found edible mushroom.
The charcoal burner (Russula cyanoxantha) belongs to the diverse Russula genus and is notable for its wide range of colours. Its smooth cap, which can grow up to 15 centimetres across, is usually purple but can also be blue, grey, green, or yellowish. Initially hemispherical, the cap later flattens out, sometimes developing a depression in the centre. The gills are white and flexible, and unlike other Russula species, they don’t break when touched. The flesh and solid stem, which lacks a ring, are mostly white. Like all Russulas, the stem—up to 10 centimetres long—can be snapped cleanly without splitting.
The charcoal burner is one of the first mushrooms of the year, often appearing as early as late spring. It is widespread across Central Europe and grows in deciduous and mixed forests, where it forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees, particularly beech, oak, and spruce. This popular edible mushroom has no smell and a pleasant, mildly nutty flavour. Its firm flesh can be prepared in a variety of ways and retains its texture after cooking. However, greenish specimens may be confused with the deadly poisonous Death Cap mushroom, so it's always wise to have mushrooms checked by an expert if unsure.
Citroën Kégresse P15N, mobility in the snow
This year’s entry in the "Historic postal vehicles" series features a unique snow-capable bus: the Citroën Kégresse P15N from 1931.
French engineer Adolphe Kégresse first developed vehicles with caterpillar tracks for use on snow-covered roads at the court of Russian Tsar Nicholas II. After returning to France, he began building half-track vehicles for Citroën in 1921, replacing the rear wheels with a caterpillar track system. These vehicles were primarily used in military applications. The Citroën Kégresse P15N, equipped with a six-cylinder engine, was specifically designed for snow in 1928, with the "N" standing for "neige," the French word for snow. Around 100 P15N vehicles were produced until 1934. The 280mm wide caterpillar tracks were powered by the engine, while the skis on the front wheels made the vehicle manoeuvrable even in deep snow. For non-snowy surfaces, the tracks were fitted with rubber blocks.
In 1929, the Austrian Postal Motor Vehicle Administration acquired eight P15Ns, which were used as minibuses carrying up to seven passengers and their luggage. Larger versions accommodating 11 passengers followed. The bodies, featuring removable roofs, were built by the Lohner Works. These postal buses remained in use on mountain roads, particularly in the Arlberg and Tauern regions, until the 1950s, transporting not only mail but also tourists to ski resorts.
2024 Stamp Day, mobility in the post-war era
This year’s Stamp Day design once again highlights the postal service’s electric vehicles in Austria, this time focusing on the 1950s.
The stamp features the 5 ENO electric parcel van (Electro-Low-Floor Bus) from the Austrian automobile manufacturer ÖAF. After the Second World War, the postal service needed new vehicles. Due to the oil shortage, electrically powered parcel vans were purchased between 1950 and 1955: 135 units of the 2 ENO (with a payload of two tonnes) and 25 larger 5 ENO units (with a five-tonne payload) that could also tow trailers. The 5 ENO vehicles were used in Vienna until 1982 for transporting goods between the railway station and post offices, as well as between post offices. Their quiet operation made them ideal for night-time deliveries. The one-ton lead-acid batteries, which allowed a driving range of up to 60 kilometres, were swapped out and recharged at the postal garage in Vienna’s Ungargasse.
The featured design also comes from this period, depicting the second stamp in the "Buildings and Monuments" series, commonly referred to as the "Buildings Series," which was issued between 1957 and 1970, comprising 34 stamps. The stamp shows Heidenreichstein Castle in Lower Austria, the second in the series, with a nominal value of 10 Schillings. Released on 25 October 1957, it remained valid for postage until the Euro was introduced in 2002. The design was created by Hans Strohofer, with engraving by Georg Wimmer, and printed in recess engraving at the Austrian State Printing House.
When?
23 August 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presentation at 1:00 a.m.
Where? Gmunden Congress Centre, Toscanapark 6, 4810 Gmunden
Group picture: Picture 1
Picture of presentation: © Österreichische Post AG
Group picture, left to right:
Horst HORIN (event manager, "phila"-Toscana), Helmut KOGLER (President, Federation of Austrian Philately Associations), Stefan KRAPF (mayor of the city of Gmunden), Anita Kern (stamp artist), Julius Cacka, (President of the SČF), Christoph LEITL (Honorary President of the Chamber of Commerce), Harald KUNCZIER (Austrian Post, head of postal branches)
