The CSS was formed in 1936 for the purpose of promoting interest in all periods of the philately and postal history of China, including the Treaty Ports, Foreign Offices in China, the Japanese Occupation, Hong Kong, Macao, Manchukuo and Tibet. It is a non-political organization.

The CSS underwrites research projects, publishes books, puts on seminars, provides scholarships for young people and is currently putting many out-of-print publications on Chinese philately onto DVDs.

It was incorporated as a New York not-for-profit organization in 1946 and today it is the oldest active affiliate of the APS. Members receive the China Clipper magazine six times a year and discounts on books published by CSS, out-of-print publications the CSS is putting on DVDs and other items it sells.

Members enjoy access to its substantial lending library of reference material on Chinese philately and a free translation service for postal markings and other philatelic items.

Annual, regional and local meetings are held at stamp shows throughout the country and the CSS has five local chapters in the US and three international ones. Since 1999 it has provided an expertization and identification service, available to the public. Members, of course, receive a discount.

The CSS has acquired the rights to publish the Ma Stamp Catalogue and the new edition will be published soon. A new Online Stamp Sales area will soon be available on the CSS website where members can buy and sell Chinese related stamps.

The CSS can also assist families of deceased members in disposing of stamp collections.

There are many areas of collecting interest among members, including:

STAMPS, COVERS, POSTAL STATIONERY AND REVENUES

The China Stamp Society gives out numerous awards for writing and exhibiting. The most important award is the......


Established in 1995, the Meritorious Service Award is to provide recognition for those members who have given freely of their time in furtherance of the goals of the Society. It is generally accepted that a minimum of ten years of service is required in order to be considered for the award. The award is normally given around the time of retirement. However, these matters are all within the discretion of the Board of Directors, which makes all decisions with respect to the award. Any director may propose a recipient. The recipient is awarded a plaque and a life membership in the Society. Past recipients:

J. Lewis Blackburn - March 1995
Charles G. Strowe - May 1995
Fred C. J. de Ridder - January 1997
Henry Nyi - January 1997
Charles W. Dougan - January 1998
Gene C. Mallette - January 2001
Paul Gault - October 2006
Donald R. Alexander - December 2007

Other Awards:

Exhibit Awards

Publication Awards

Youth Scholarship Program

Membership Pins:

Members receive a certificate and a special lapel pin on the twenty-fifth anniversary of their membership in the Society. The pin has the number "25" at the bottom. There is also a lapel pin with the number "50" and a certificate for those that have been members for over fifty years.