Who is the Girl of Bora Bora?

[@lanuiiohu]

We're the French Polynesia stamp club. This YT 203 is the most important stamp in our collection, we have this stamp in Proof, Engrave Proof, Artist Proof, Sheet & Imperf Block. Tumata Teutau is a real person, but rarely mentioned in Philately. Chrsitian Beslu wrote about Tumata Teutau, but he passed away 3 years. He was the leading expert in French Polynesian Philately. Our Research Dept. has been trying to locate the original photo of Bora Bora girl for years.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh Fascinating!! Yes I learned quite a bit about Christian Beslu and his impressive work in French Polynesian Philately, this was a LOT of fun to research and learn about. Maybe someone here will see the video and recognize the original photo, you never know!? if so I'll tag you if they do. We have more people looking now 😊

[@ronaldmansfield.6439]

I would like to purchase one in good unused condition. Regards.

[@simongardner1835]

Great detective work, Graham! And thank you for giving due credit to everyone: artist, photographer, engraver and most importantly to Tumata Teutau herself.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Its such a beautiful stamp, everyone involved should have been VERY proud of it. Thanks for watching!

[@oldhab7890]

Masterful. This has to be the most entertaining and educational video about stamp collecting I have ever seen. I am sharing it with my mystery loving daughter in the hope that she will be inspired to take up collecting.

[@ExploringStamps]

Wow, thank you! Yes please share with your daughter, maybe there are some stamps that she can get interested in and investigate further!! Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@keesdewaard206]

Being a big fan of engraved stamps, I now definitely want this stamp thanks to this fascinating video. That was great research you did Graham, not giving up! Knowing the story behind such stamps make them so much more interesting and desirable even. Thank you Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely, I’m still looking out for more info about the stamp, the journey continues! Thanks Kees 😊

[@nylemonday8630]

Wow! An entire program on my favorite stamp…and I learned a number of new things about it in the process. Thanks Graham! You always come through with the best programs.

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Nyle, this is a great "favorite" stamp, you have my approval 👏😊

[@fareast_de]

Awesome research and a fascinating story, thanks for sharing, merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité ! 😉 Greets from GER, U.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome 😊. So glad to see that you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!!

[@mrbharathkiran.1508]

Nice video

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@kevinsneddon-kay2436]

Hi Graham it was great to meet you thanks for spending time with me at STAMPEX watching your Olympic video, ;will always promote your youtube channel i am looking forward to watching more of your videos

[@adamhuffman3354]

70 years old and she looks modern. Intricate and beautiful. Just amazing details.

[@TheStampBox]

What a great episode. Thank you for all your quality research and presentation.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome 😊 thanks so much, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterconrad2277]

Wonderful!! Its so great to have a name now for the Bora Bora Girl, I think this adds to the beauty of the stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

I think so too! 😊 Thanks Pete!!

[@StampCatStamps]

What a great episode, how excited you must have been to discover some of those photographs! DigiP is awesome- he has helped me find some random sources of images on my stamps, too! Now I'll just be waiting for someone to go watch that video from the French Archives and give us a report... Love this stamp- pretty sure I bought it when I was brand brand new to collecting "buying whatever catches my eye" - it certainly does exactly that. Thanks for sharing your hard work!

[@ExploringStamps]

Yeah DigiP is a hero! I prob wouldn't have made this video had he not sent me down the Tahiti Facebook rabbit hole. Let's hope someone does eventually go watch that 16mm film in Paris. I have no idea how to reach out to Pierre Landry's daughter, but I would like to show her this video...that might be an option to help persuade her to digitize the film (its decaying in 16mm format, yikes get it digitized). Thanks so much, Lisa, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@dr.shahadathossain6658]

A Philatelist like you, can go down to the bottom of the sea for a single piece of information.Great video dear as always 🖤

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh Absolutely! It's just too enticing to not stay on the path and keep researching... Its also loads of fun :D. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@claylapari8403]

Excellent research, Graham! And as a maximum postcard fan, I really appreciated the one here! Imagine finding that in a box somewhere....!!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

I knoww!! I just found out that others have been on the search for the postcard for some time, its not known who has one... soo lets find it!!!!

[@jimgordon6629]

Fantastic research, Graham! I wish our journalists showed such perseverance. You have made a big contribution to a fascinating topic!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Jim 😊. Glad you enjoyed and appreciated the topic, it was loads of fun to research. Thanks for watching!

[@markusbose7786]

What a stamp! What a story! I'll be on the lookout for the picture and stamp for sure. thank you Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

Yes definitely keep your eyes open for the stamp and photo!! 😊 Thanks Markus, glad you enjoyed the story!

[@jeffnewbery7376]

Fascinating story. Well done Graham👍

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Jeff 😊 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@danstars1]

Some fascinating research on a beautiful stamp and hopefully more can be uncovered in time.

[@ExploringStamps]

I hope so too! Maybe someone watching the video will have some information 🤞 You never know 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@greggwilson5221]

Beautiful Stamp, Great Research, THANKS Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome 😊 Thanks for watching!!

[@gerryfedde3040]

Incredible piece of detective work, not to mention inspirational. It sure set me on the course to acquire this stamp and the airmail one you mentioned as soon as possible.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Yes! Keep an eye out for that stamp, the airmail one is beautiful as well, Gandon was a master!

[@dnile50]

Fascinating! The story behind the stamp is often more interesting than the stamp itself. In this case, the stamp and the story are both fascinating - thanks for sharing your philatelic research.

[@ExploringStamps]

I agree! The more I researched this stamp, the more fascinating it's story became... Glad you enjoyed the episode! Thanks for watching :)

[@219belizeman]

An example of depths one can go exploring stamp subjects. Well done.

[@ExploringStamps]

Exactly!! Embrace the rabbit hole, and enjoy it 😊.... Thanks so much!

[@stampsforgramps1268]

Another Over-The-Top presentation. Your extensive research leaves no stone unturned. Always worth the wait.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 So glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@iainmalcolm9583]

What a fantastic journey you have taken us on with this episode.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Iain 😊. Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@markbrill264]

Coming at this a little late, but well done! I collect Pierre Gandon stamps. Hopefully you'll do a segment on the life and work of this extraordinary artist.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊, glad you enjoyed the episode. Pierre Gandon and his work is fascinating to learn about and I enjoyed reading about his career. I’m actually leaving the hobby and only have a few videos to complete, but perhaps another KZbinr will cover his fascinating work 😊 thanks for watching!

[@derekclarke2430]

Great bit of work Graham, I'm pretty sure I have that stamp somewhere in my collection. Keep up the good detective work.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Derek 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonathanparag]

Excellent presentation and stunning information

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelmiller641]

Fascinating! Apropos of nothing in particular, I did once manage to get up close and photograph at the Tate modern, the Gauguin painting "nevermore" that reminds me of this girl!

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh fantastic! Yeah I found Gauguin quite interesting, his artwork is quite important to the Islands' recent history. Thanks so much for watching!

[@laurenb9479]

The amount of research you do continues to amaze me! I am working my way through all of your content and loving it all 😁

[@rickwilmot9127]

Brilliant story, Graham! Hope to see you at Stampex where I will look for this stamp...

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Rick, yes absolutely, I will see you there 😊

[@buzzawuzza3743]

A stamp to grace any collection and another excellent video. Thank you as always.

[@ExploringStamps]

Agreed! 😊. Thanks Buzza Wuzza, glad you enjoyed it!

[@cab710]

very great video🙂 you really shows what stamp collection is about and how man collection areas that exists among philately and how deep every areas can be🙂

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! The fun and exploration possibilities are endless with philately. Thanks for watching!!

[@StampswithSara1]

I waited to see a video about this stamp since you posted it. Its a really beautiful and attractive stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

I agree, it’s a stunning stamp 😍. Thanks for watching, Sara!!

[@siam1883]

Fine work - both on the research and presentation sides. Wow! As usual, this sent me in search of what might be in my collection and I found a very evocative stamp by Pierre Gandon of the Phou Temple ruins in Pakse Southern Laos, SC#62 of 1959. Thanks for the inspiration to research my own collection.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊!! Pierre Gandon’s work is my personal favorite, he has done some incredible work. Glad you enjoyed the episode! 🙏

[@Rangersly]

Fascinating subject and video Graham! You are not just a ''stamp youtuber''. This level of research and detective work is on the level of true professional journalism.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Rangersly! Glad you found the video interesting!!

[@rogerturner1881]

Graham have you visited STAMPEX 2023 in London, England..and if you did let us know your journey exploring once again. I'm just wondering whether there will be a stamp show in Greece sometime.

[@ExploringStamps]

Hi Roger. Yes I filmed 7 videos at Stampex, it’s going to take a while to edit them all, I hope to have the first one soon. Stay tuned.

[@aparajitac6737]

Wow. Abother amazing video. Thank you for bringing happiness to us via your wonderfully researched videos. ❤

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much 😊. Glad to see that you are enjoying the videos, thanks for watching!!

[@stephenogier7499]

A fascinating story of a beautiful stamp. Thank you.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 indeed it is! I enjoyed researching it. Thank you for watching, Stephen!

[@garyholdener2470]

Very interesting and a nice piece of detective work!

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gary 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@physics2112]

Like or Dislike: Like. Exciting investigative work!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kengilbride7182]

Love your work and your videos. Always looking forward to seeing more. And as always Happy Collecting Ken

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Ken 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@kamalabenmayatra6357]

What a great research work for beautiful girl we discovered on our stamp:) Literally Graham finds every useful resources and gets the results, good luck for more amazing detective work, i love it:) and Now i need to find this stamp:)

[@GreatStampAdventure]

Excellent research! What a magnificent stamp and beautiful girl! I WANT the stamp!!! The first stamp that I pertinently put on my want list. First time that I see the stamp! Never noticed it on your wall. How unobservant! Graham, thanks so much again for a thoroughly enjoyable video and story. You certainly are head and shoulders above most YT channels out there including any subject - at least to what I was exposed so far.

[@ExploringStamps]

Wow thank you Charnie 😊, yeah this is a stamp that you will definitely want to have. The more I learned about it, the more I fell in love with it. Keep an eye out for it, maybe even at the next stamp show u visit! Thanks so much for the kind words, they really mean a lot 🙏 😊

[@GreatStampAdventure]

@@ExploringStamps The next show is on Saturday here in Tauranga. Just maybe one made it's way to New Zealand, eventually landing up in Tauranga. 🙂

[@olivermiller2013]

At the beginning I was a bit tricked. I thought to myself, this is the French style of stamps I liked collecting stamps from France or what belonged to France and you do not see such stamps in modern times. And than you came around with 1955, of course. This stamp is beautiful. It is absolute interesting, that you found the girl. With a lot of work, but this picture was surprising. He took this pic and made a nice stamp out of it. What a nice story. Thank you for that.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 yup of course! It really is a beautiful stamp, and the French really knew how to craft a gorgeous engraving, this is one fine example. Glad You enjoyed it, Oliver, thanks so much for watching!!

[@jimhresco1728]

A truly beatiful stamp! I search ebay france colonies all the time a strangely have never seen this stamp before. I will have to do an exact search. Thanks for heads up!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. It is indeed a beautiful stamp.

[@lanuiiohu]

You have to write Francaise Oceanie to search because most Sellers are French. These stamps still exist today if you can search in French, not English writing....Take care, French Polynesia stamp club

[@ExploringStamps]

@@lanuiiohu that is great advice! Even researching the topic, once I switched to French I got loads more hits. Thanks for sharing.

[@LawrenceFisher]

Great research! Excellent episode

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 thank you Lawrence.

[@leslieselby5270]

Stamp collecting must lead to a greater number of different research endeavors than any other hobby. Very informative episode.

[@ExploringStamps]

I bet! One of the key reasons this hobby is so engaging, the topics and possibilities are endless 😊. Thanks Les!

[@reganvercruysse4224]

Once again, a great job. Admire your attention to detail and grateful for time consuming efforts. Thanks!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you very much! 😊 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tinderbox218]

Wow those are gorgeous stamps ❤

[@ExploringStamps]

They sure are!! 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@KingofgraceSARA]

It's the black & white with the red dress that is so captivating.

[@ExploringStamps]

Agreed!

[@rfcote]

Great story Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@bobzahm8758]

Graham - excellent research and video. You point out 3 material changes between the photo and the stamp. I would suggest a fourth - significant lightening of the woman's skin tone. What does it take for a stamp to make it to your office / studio wall?

[@ExploringStamps]

Thats a good point! Thank you Bob. Hmm for something to go on the wall, I have to fall in love with it 🤔😅. This is definitely one of those stamps. Thanks for watching!!

[@kelvidaniels9417]

Excellent stuff, well done!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Kelvi 😊

[@zagatstein]

Fascinating video! As someone who has always admired Gandon's artistry, this was really interesting to watch; I loved the deep dive into a single issue here!

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! I am a big fan of Gandon's work, 😊 thanks so much for watching!!

[@mattys1467]

Great research. Nice work. Thank you for another enjoyable episode

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ralphralf100]

Fascinating!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 it really is interesting!

[@harleyscott8253]

Great research work! Giving credit where due is so important. I have been on a binge with your videos for the past few weeks (well, maybe that’s not a binge) and have really enjoyed and learned a lot. Began at the beginning and am just past the introduction of #Philately although I have watched many current episodes. Keep up the good work. A viewing friend, Judd 🎅🏼

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Judd! Glad to see that you are enjoying the channel, if you are past the intro of #philately, then you have some fun episodes ahead :D. Thank you so much for watching all of them!! 😊 - Graham

[@VicenteKuster]

Congrats Graham!!!! So interesting and amazing video 😊 Just keep going 👏👏👏 We all love your work

[@Numischannel]

Excellent! well researched! 😊👍

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you! 😃🙏

[@kaustavrajpandit414]

It has been very entertaining

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊 thanks for watching!

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

I do like my research... Great video as always. 🤓

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thanks DigiP. I owe you a 🍺

[@serga76.bodrov]

class, great postage stamp

[@ExploringStamps]

Agreed! It is such a great stamp. Thanks for watching 😊

[@mkozlinski]

Another great episode, Sherlock Beck! :) I'm a great fan of French stamps from that era and Gandon in particular. Because you can't have everything the colonial and former-colonial stamp are a bit further positions on my shopping list but now you touched the strings. Damn you! :D

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 🕵🏻‍♂️ 😊 I love French and French Territory stamps from that time. The artwork is incredible. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much for watching!

[@patriciacronin5548]

great content as usual

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Patricia 😊

[@jimboykulit3934]

Hi Graham! Jim here from the Philippines and a Cinderella collector, thanks to your Cinderella video. as a multi collector (i also collect paper money other than stamps), hope you can make a video about some stamps that were also used as actual money 😊

[@ExploringStamps]

Hi Jim! Thanks so much for watching and being a part of the online community. Glad the Cinderella video was helpful 😊. Yes absolutely, stamps as money is something that I have been looking forward to researching at some point, that would be a great topic.

[@hirschy10]

Great information I do have the stamp . Keep it going 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺😎

[@ExploringStamps]

Awesome that you have the stamp! 🌸 😊 Thanks for watching!!

[@selfrighteous88]

awesome video!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@julieyeh9901]

Great piece of investigative reporting about this stamp and this mysterious girl of Bora Bora.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Julie :D Glad you liked it!

[@titiparisien5915]

Great episode, thank you. One thing only. I would say that French Polynesia is no more a French colony than Hawaï is a "US colony".

[@ExploringStamps]

I wont disagree with that :). Glad you liked the episode, thanks for watching.

[@hiris1903]

Your vlogs are amazing - so well done with research and clear images, history and everything possible!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Glad you like them! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@cyrusrodrigues1589]

An amazing episode yet again and an interesting story that you have covered like a detective. Stamp collecting will truly become exciting because of episodes like this and hopefully will generate excitement with new stamp collectors. Cheers!

[@ericalynn8929]

It is such a beautiful stamp, thank you for researching and sharing it with us!

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome, Erica. Thanks for watching!

[@jackmlynek8817]

Loved this episode! You went the extra mile to find the info on the Bora-Bora girl.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. I thoroughly enjoyed researching it. Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@JessicaCristinaMourao]

This episode was so wonderful in so many ways.🎉

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 thank you Jessica 🙏

[@RichardPhilatelist]

That's great! You put a lot of effort into the research, but I'm sure you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Richard 😊. I did enjoy it all, the research has been a lot of fun. Thanks for watching!

[@ericbond5276]

I came across another YT video of the #180 stamp. I got outbid today on a used one. You have quite a few at 14:06.

[@aziziorgtuatksedardiriaziz6019]

Nice postcard

[@ExploringStamps]

It is!! 😊

[@ericbond5276]

I snagged a few used from auction sites this past week. Still a toughie to find.

[@ExploringStamps]

Nice! I’m seeing them less and less on the market, it really is a tough stamp to get

[@ericbond5276]

@@ExploringStamps But reasonable with shipping included. A $5 shipping is not too unreasonable to ask. Funny how sites have US Zeppelins a plenty. Naybe I should get into the printing biz. Cancelled seems to make the stamp a little more legit, maybe. I enjoy Singapore stamps with a nice "bullseye" (as long it isn't a CTO).

[@LarzGustafsson]

The FDC is brilliant!

[@ExploringStamps]

It really is!!! 😍

[@lanuiiohu]

It's possible to purchase this stamp, but it's impossible if you try to get Proof & Sheet. They're rare items & can only found in oversea auction. We've completed the collection on this specific issue & it took us many years to do so - French Polynesia stamp club

[@ExploringStamps]

Amazing, thanks for sharing! While I was at Stampex a couple weeks ago, several collectors stopped me to tell me that they “fell in love” with this stamp after watching the video. It turns out that we are not the only ones that adore this stamp, it’s just too beautiful to not love 💕 🏝️

[@user-ed4rw6ed9h]

Hi, a great episode and a delight to watch. Can you please point me to the website, the screenshot of which appears in the video at 13:10 -13:12 mark. I tried searching in the links provided in the comments but just couldn't find it. Thank you for the great videos.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. The pages at 13:10 is not a screenshot, it’s a scan from the book Philatelie a Tahiti, sadly the book is not online at the moment, and I had the RPSL scan that pages from their library for that scene and research.

[@user-ed4rw6ed9h]

@@ExploringStamps Thanks a lot for the reply.

[@ExploringStamps]

@@user-ed4rw6ed9hyou are very welcome 😊

[@mrbharathkiran.1508]

Plz make a video on Indian and James bond stamps plz

[@ExploringStamps]

Two great topics 🇮🇳 🍸

[@mrbharathkiran.1508]

@@ExploringStamps yes sir

[@SoccerRef67]

I just found your channel because I just inherited a large stamp collection… Actually, I inherited TWO stamp collections. My father’s and my Grandfather’s. There are over 100 3 ring binders at least 3 inches each and no inventory. What software would you recommend using to scan and catalog a huge stamp collection? I do have a very good scanner.

[@rogerturner1881]

seek and you shall find. It's so true.

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely 😊

[@jimboykulit3934]

i like that 2021 calendar!!! any idea where to buy those?

[@ExploringStamps]

Its a wonderful calendar!! Just days before launching this episode, the Tahiti Philatelic Center changed websites and now sells its items on a third party site. I think they are still moving the inventory over there, so eventually the calendar may show up: www.fenuamarket.pf/en/produits/recherche/-/fe19784c-dd1f-4b55-bd42-0ec80cb6c088 Thanks for watching 😊

[@jimboykulit3934]

@@ExploringStamps great! btw how to add or follow you on social media?

[@ExploringStamps]

@@jimboykulit3934 sure! I’m on Instagram and Twitter/X, if you have an account one one of those platforms, search for ‘Exploring Stamps’ and give me a follow ☺️

[@jimboykulit3934]

@@ExploringStamps now following on Instagram :)

[@jamesshattell1425]

Is it possible that the photo with the stamp canceled (11:39) was staged and taken after the stamp was issued? The women in the photo does have a very close resemblance to the image of the woman on the stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

Good question! It is possible, but unlikely. The fact that she is brushing her hair and not wearing a flower wreath, give me confidence that the photo came first. These would be simple things to make the photo match, and the pose is just too perfect. But that would be quite a plot twist!

[@jamesshattell1425]

@@ExploringStamps Good point about the flower wreath.

[@ericbond5276]

You might like the 1952 Japanese red cross lady.

[@ExploringStamps]

I’ll have to check out the stamp ☺️

[@aarontschetter1743]

First again!

[@ExploringStamps]

👏 , you are fast!!

[@yasaslakshan5097]

You know " how to value calculate old postal stamp " describe me please ?

[@ExploringStamps]

There are a LOT of variables to consider, and I'm not the right person to ask really. Consider reaching out to societies and/or dealers if there are particular stamps of yours that you are looking to appraise. Sorry I can't help :(

[@yasaslakshan5097]

Thank you