Literature and Links

• Several books related to the Lion Issues and the Meshed issues exists. Here are some which are helpful.
• Handbuch Iran, Teil 1. Kadjaren Zeit. (In German language). A good and detailed Handbook by Bodo Hartmann.
• Giorgio Migliavacca "A Concise Postal History of Persia" - Laurel Publications International - 1986 - 44 pages. The origins of the Persian Posts, the postal service in the 17th & 18th centuries, maritime mail, adhesive stamps, the first postmarks, 1856/8 Field Force in Persia, postal communications with Russia and Turkey, foot messengers, postal service in 1912, parcel post rates, 1885/1911 statistics, postal bureau and agencies, 1909/12 service improvements, postal routes and network, postal rates 1868/1937, free frank privilege, exchange bureaus, postmarks, bibliography
  This book is still available from: VERNON PICKERING, P.O. BOX 11156, ST THOMAS VI 00801-4156 - USA at US$23.00 (surface mail) or US$28 (airmail)
• The famous Kohl-Handbook (in German Language). Despite his age, still a very detailed book and a good basis to work with. Available sometimes at Auctions or in photocopies.
• "Lion Stamps of Persia" by the late Dr. M. Dadkhah. This book can be found in auctions from time to time at high prices.
• "Lions of Persia" by Mehrdad Sadri. This is still available from the author at Perisphila, P.O.Box 1589, Glendora, CA 91740-1589, USA
• "The Stamps of Persia" by Brigadier H.L. Lewis C.B.E., reprints may still be available from the Secretary of IPSC.
• Postal Markings of Iran by Hassan Shaida, a nice and not to be missed The Postal Markings of Iran is an encyclopaedic study of postal markings of Iran covering a period of over a century, with listings of more than 800, cities towns, villages and postal agencies. The thousands of postal marks illustrated are cross-referenced and computer enhanced to give a clear impression. The subjects cover all the usual needs of a collector of Iran, including barnamehs, sandooqs, a glossary of Persian words encountered on covers, and calendar conversion tables. For ease of identification, calligraphy and seal cancellations, official emblems, pre-paid, postage due etc. are also grouped in special selections. A unified modern name spelling system is adopted to facilitate identification, along with a fully cross- referenced index of names of all villages and towns.
• Early Lion Stamps of Iran, 1865-1879, issue 2000 by F. N. Farahbaksh, Teheran. A beautiful and detailed book, most illustrations in colour. text in English and Farsi. 
• The Iran Philatelic Study Circle has a fine Web Site, divided into a "Open" area for non members and a "Secure" area for members only. Please visit that Site for additional information on that organization.