Burt Todd
| Company type | Government-owned corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Postal services |
| Founded | 1 October 1996 |
| Headquarters | Bhutan |
Area served | Bhutan and international mail services |
Key people | Mr. Lam Penjor (Director of Department of Posts and Telegraphs, historical) |
| Products | Postal and telegraph services, postage stamps |
| Owner | Government of Bhutan |
The inaugural postage stamps of Bhutan were released in 1962, coinciding with the completion of the nation's first motorable road. Before this development, official correspondence was transported by runners, and from 1955 to 1962, internal postage was prepaid using revenue stamps. The establishment of Bhutan's initial road infrastructure in the early 1960s paved the way for an organized postal system.
The introduction of Bhutan’s postage stamp program was significantly influenced by American businessman Burt Todd, who created unique stamp designs aimed at capturing global interest. Under the advisory of Indian postal expert Dr. K. Ramamurti during 1964–1968, Bhutan built a structured postal network led by Mr. Lam Penjor, appointed as Director of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
Mail prior to 1955
Before 1955, Bhutan lacked a formal mail transmission system. Due to the absence of motorable roads, official mail was conveyed by runners or travelers between Dzongs and royal residences, coordinated locally by the Thrimpon—the chief district court official assigned to each Dzong.
Dzong Dak system and fiscal stamp usage
In 1955, Bhutan introduced a regulated mail dispatch schedule from government offices occurring every five days and implemented fiscal revenue stamps as payment for postal services, except for correspondence related to the royal family. This runner-based mail network became known as the Dzong Dak system (with dak meaning 'post' in Hindi).
The system primarily handled domestic mail—including regions near Mount Kailash, Bhutan House in Kalimpong (India), and the Trade Agent stationed in Lhasa—where prepaid fiscal stamps covered postage costs. International dispatches were routed through Indian post offices in Yatung until April 1955; thereafter, Chinese post offices took over following India’s transfer of its Tibetan postal facilities.
Additional postage from destination countries was applied to facilitate further delivery. Most mail pieces were directed to Bhutan House in Kalimpong, while others reached locations in India, Nepal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Some items arrived abroad without foreign stamps affixed. Typically, fiscal stamps appeared on the upper left corner of covers bearing dual frankings; space was reserved for Indian or Chinese stamps acquired at Yatung, resulting in mixed frankings with some additional postage applied on cover backs. Finnish philatelist Iiro Kakko has noted that many covers sent to Kalimpong might have been produced primarily for philatelic purposes rather than genuine correspondence.
Beginning of the contemporary period
The concept of Bhutan producing its own postage stamps to generate revenue was initially introduced by Sir Basil John Gould, the British-Indian political officer overseeing Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet from 1936 to 1945. During the mid-1950s, renewed talks with India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought this idea back into consideration, alongside intentions to join the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and implement a modern postal infrastructure, with India providing support. The late 1950s saw Bhutan’s development initiatives and the end of its isolation lead to an increase in mail traffic, including English-language correspondence and Indian publications intended for project personnel. The existing Dzong-based mail system was insufficient, compounded by staff often lacking English literacy. Postal service enhancement was incorporated into Bhutan’s first Five Year Plan (1961), resulting in the creation of a Posts & Telegraphs Department within the Ministry of Communications. The country’s inaugural official post office commenced operations in Phuentsholing on 10 October 1962, coinciding with the release of Bhutan’s first postage stamps—an important step in asserting Bhutan’s presence on the global stage.
1962–1974: Burt Todd and the Bhutan Stamp Agency
Bhutan’s postal network gradually expanded with new offices and agencies established over time. Previously managed postal runners under Dzong administration were transferred to the Posts & Telegraphs Department. Until Bhutan’s accession to the UPU on 7 March 1969 and membership in the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU), international mail was handled through India under a bilateral agreement. Stamp design and production were initially overseen by Burt Kerr Todd, an American entrepreneur who advised both the Bhutanese government and royal family. Having visited Bhutan in 1951, Todd played a pivotal role in initiating Bhutan’s stamp program aimed at financing infrastructure projects after World Bank funding was declined. He founded the Bhutan Stamp Agency based in Nassau, Bahamas, which targeted global collectors by introducing innovative stamp designs such as 3D printing techniques.
Though early issues from Todd did not immediately attract widespread collector interest, they eventually achieved cult status. His pioneering contributions included the world’s first three-dimensional lenticular stamps, as well as relief and sculptural stamps; he also produced silk and steel foil prints, scented rose stamps, and “Talking Stamps” — miniature phonograph records playable on standard turntables.
Nevertheless, Todd’s emphasis on international philatelic markets resulted in a scarcity of low-denomination stamps for local use. Acting on advice from Indian postal expert Dr. K. Ramamurti, Bhutan released surcharged stamps in 1965 printed by India Security Press in Nashik, which also produced Bhutan’s initial regular low-value definitive series in 1966 featuring motifs of local dzongs. The Posts & Telegraphs Department expressed concerns about the Bhutan Stamp Agency issuing stamps without adequate consultation. After King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck—who maintained a close relationship with Todd—passed away in 1972, Bhutan terminated its contract with the Bhutan Stamp Agency in March 1974.
Following this period, Bhutanese postage stamps adopted a more traditional style while continuing to emphasize miniature sheets and topical themes as key elements of their philatelic offerings.
1974–1996: Department of Posts & Telegraphs and the IGPC
Following Burt Todd's exit, the Department of Posts & Telegraphs appointed the New York-based Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation (IGPC) as its exclusive global representative, granting IGPC authority to design and produce stamps in exchange for royalties. Although some issues during IGPC’s management echoed Todd’s influence—such as the 1975 gold coin stamps and the 1976 series featuring 3D traditional masks—the majority consisted of standard IGPC thematic and commemorative sets along with souvenir sheets. These often lacked direct ties to Bhutan and included high-denomination stamps rarely used for local mail. After mid-1986, revenue from IGPC’s sales experienced a steep decline.
To counter this downturn, in 1992 the P&T Department established a network of philatelic agents worldwide to handle marketing and distribution, while independently issuing topical and commemorative stamp series. International agents were allowed to suggest stamp themes subject to royalty agreements; however, IGPC maintained its production contract at least until 2004.
A significant event was the May 1993 launch of the Famous Paintings - Reading & Writing stamps, initially created by the Bhutan Stamp Agency for the UPU centenary in 1974 but delayed due to contract cessation. These stamps had been held in customs storage until their rediscovery in the early 1990s.
Bhutan became a member of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) on 14 February 1982. The establishment of Druk Air services in 1991, connecting Bhutan with India and Thailand, expanded mail routes beyond traditional overland transit through Phuentsholing to include direct postal exchanges with offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangkok.
1996–present: Bhutan Postal Corporation
During Bhutan’s 7th Five Year Plan (1992–1997), emphasis was placed on privatizing government enterprises, although certain strategic sectors remained government-owned but operated autonomously. As part of this policy, on 1 October 1996, the postal and telegraph services under the P&T Department were corporatized into Bhutan Postal Corporation Ltd., doing business as Bhutan Post.
Stamp subjects
From their inception, Bhutanese postage stamps served dual purposes: promoting national identity internationally and generating revenue, particularly foreign currency. Burt Todd, the first stamp manager, significantly increased income by introducing innovative materials (such as steel foil, silk fabric, and gold-colored metal foil), diverse shapes (including circular and triangular formats), advanced printing techniques (notably 3D effects), and unique features like perfumed ink and playable gramophone recordings. Early stamp themes balanced Bhutanese cultural elements with global subjects; however, during IGPC’s administration, international themes became predominant.
Stamps reflecting Bhutanese heritage depict national monarchs, Dzong architecture, Buddhist traditions, postal runners, indigenous crafts, antiques, scenic landscapes, hydropower projects, wildlife species, and international sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cups. Prominent architectural issues include Expo 2000 sets showcasing six dzongs: Trashigang, Lhuentse, Gasa, Punakha, Tashichhodzong, and Paro.
Distinctive releases feature embossed gold foil coin stamps portraying Bhutanese kings (issued in 1966, 1968, and 1975), rose-scented stamps introduced in 1973, and embossed carton stamps illustrating paintings (from 1970 and 1972). Artistic tributes honor painters such as Titan (1989), Hiroshige (1990), Rubens (1991), Van Gogh (1991), Hokusai (1999), and Japanese Art themes (2003).
Bhutan was a pioneer in producing 3D stamps starting in 1967 with designs featuring astronauts and lunar modules; subsequent series included butterflies, fish, birds, insects, artworks, animals, space exploration themes, vintage automobiles, mushrooms, and ceremonial masks. Molded plastic three-dimensional stamps depicted ancient artifacts (1971) and notable personalities (1972). International figures appearing on Bhutanese stamps include Elvis Presley (2003), Princess Diana (1982 and 2003), Mahatma Gandhi (across multiple years), John F. Kennedy (1972 and 2002), Queen Elizabeth II (2002), Mother Teresa (1998), and Albert Einstein (2000).
The famous "silk" stamps issued in 1969 illustrated Buddhist prayer banners known as Thangkas. In 1973 Bhutan introduced self-adhesive "Talking Stamps" featuring playable gramophone recordings of folk music and national history narratives.
Commemorative releases mark significant occasions such as Bhutan’s admission to the UPU (1969), United Nations membership (1971), King Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s coronation (1975), the postal service’s 30th anniversary (1992), anniversaries celebrating victories over Tibet-Mongol forces (1994), monarchy centennials (2008), royal weddings (2011), and Bhutan Post’s Golden Jubilee celebration (2012).
Since 1993 annual Chinese New Year-themed stamps have been issued alongside frequent motifs depicting animals and flowers. Disney character stamps appeared sporadically between 1982 and 1991.
To commemorate the monarchy’s centenary in 2008, Bhutan Post collaborated with Creative Products International—headed by Frances Todd Stewart, daughter of Burt Todd—to release the world’s first CD-ROM postage stamps; a follow-up CD-ROM issue was launched in 2009.
Personalized stamps
On 6 November 2008, Bhutan Post introduced its inaugural personalized stamp sheet to commemorate King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's coronation alongside the centenary of the Bhutanese monarchy. This issue, named Coronation and Centenary Celebrations 2008, comprised twelve stamps arranged in three rows of four, each bearing denominations of Nu. 5, Nu. 10, and Nu. 15, totaling a face value of Nu. 120. Each stamp included a bordered blank area designed to accommodate custom images such as photographs or logos. Three versions were produced, showcasing depictions of the 4th and 5th Kings as well as the Raven Crown motif, cataloged under Michel numbers 2517–2528.
Encouraged by favorable market response, Bhutan Post released further personalized sheets during 2009 and early 2011. These maintained the total face value of Nu. 120 but introduced fresh designs under the titles Greetings from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and From the Land of the Thunder Dragon, respectively.
In celebration of the Royal Wedding in October 2011, two personalized sheetlets were issued featuring identical stamp denominations but differing in primary color themes—one orange, the other dark blue. Each sheetlet bore the title Celebrating Royal Wedding 2011, displayed portraits of the royal couple, and had a total face value of Nu. 180 with stamps valued at Nu. 10, Nu. 15, and Nu. 20 arranged in three rows. Subsequent personalized releases appeared in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and twice throughout 2019.
Postal postage labels
Bhutan Post utilizes postage labels for standard mail, registered correspondence, and Express Mail Service (EMS) items. These labels provide details such as date and time of mailing, originating post office, destination location, envelope weight, and postage amount. For EMS and registered mail, additional information includes recipient name, tracking code, and registration fees. Domestic registered and EMS items are marked with separate registration or EMS labels bearing a unique 13-digit reference number accompanied by a barcode; for international EMS shipments, this information is incorporated into the main label itself. Traditional registered letters using adhesive stamps often display an analog registration number handwritten directly on the envelope.
Revenue, legal and non-judicial stamps
Bhutan's issuance of revenue stamps occurred in three distinct periods: 1954, 1966/1967, and 1996. The first series from 1954 featured four denominations—1 (blue), 2 (red), 4 (green), and 8 (orange)—without specifying currency units. Produced by Harrison and Sons in London in 1949, these stamps were valid for postal use starting from 1 January 1955 until postage stamps were introduced in 1962; their usage extended at least until 1964. During the 1950s, this set was reprinted with variations in paper stock and ink colors. Alleged surcharged versions dated to 1961 or 1962 on the blue 1-value revenue stamp were later determined to be counterfeit items originating from Kathmandu.
In the mid-1960s, Bhutan prepared a new series denominated in local currency: a red 10 Chetrum and a jade-colored 25 Chetrum stamp issued in 1967 alongside additional denominations including a 20 Chetrum, a 1 Ngultrum, and a 5 Ngultrum value. These were printed at Nasik Security Press in India. Notably, in the early seventies, the official surcharge increased the value of the original 10 Chetrum stamp to 15 Chetrum through application of a purple rubber seal.
On 12 January 1996, Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance released a fresh set comprising one revenue stamp (Nu.1 red), three non-judicial stamps (Nu.10 brown; Nu.100 purple; Nu.500 pink), as well as four judicial stamps (Nu.5 green; Nu.20 blue; Nu.50 orange; Nu.100 yellow). Due to limited available documentation, a full detailed account of Bhutan’s revenue stamp issues remains incomplete.
Postal stationery
Bhutan has issued a range of postal stationery items, which include pictorial postal cards, aerograms, inland letter sheets, and at one time, a stamped envelope. Additionally, covers without pre-printed stamps were released specifically for registered mail. Bhutan Post remains active in producing pictorial postcards.
Postal cards
The earliest postal stationery from Bhutan dates back to 1966 and consisted of a picture postal card showcasing an engraved image of Rinpung Dzong, accompanied by a pre-printed 6 Chhetrum stamp in dark green featuring Simtokha Dzong. The message area on the front was left blank.
In 1967, the Posts & Telegraphs Department introduced a plain postal card with a purple 10 Chhetrum imprinted stamp displaying crossed dorjis (vajras). Alongside this, a reply postcard set bearing the same design was also issued. That year also brought forth a collection of ten postcards, each portraying a different dzong or lhakhang in vibrant colors and a contemporary style. These were bound together with a cover titled "Dzong Series" and marked "His Majesty's Govt. of Bhutan." Essentially, these postcards were overprints applied to the single postal card featuring the purple crossed dorjis stamp.
These represented Bhutan's inaugural genuine picture cards, utilizing the entire front surface for artwork while reserving the divided back for messages and address details. Following this release, no postcards with pre-printed postage appeared until 2008’s "color-your-own-stamp" series carrying a 20 Ngultrum imprinted value.
The Free Post picture cards of February 2008
To honor the 28th birthday of the Fifth King, Bhutan Post collaborated with the national newspaper Kuensel to issue 28 distinct postcards on 20 February 2008 as a newspaper supplement. Distributed across seven cardboard sheets containing four postcards each, these cards were eligible for free domestic postage over three days (21–23 February). The designs featured portraits of the Fifth King and were sponsored by various ministries, para-statal organizations, or private enterprises. All cards were printed in color except for the Bhutan Post-sponsored one, which was rendered in black and white.
The Color-Your-Own picture postal cards of June 2008
In connection with Bhutan’s participation at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival held from 25 June to 6 July 2008 in Washington, DC, Bhutan Post released a set of four postcards that included imprinted "Color Your Own" postage stamps. This project was developed in partnership with Frances Todd Stewart—daughter of Burt Todd—and her company Creative Products International, which managed distribution. The series carried the theme "From gratitude springs happiness," with each postcard presenting a unique image alongside an imprinted stamp depicting one of four 'Lucky Signs' in black and white.
Each postcard measured 100 by 180 mm including an attached perforated section (100 by 150 mm once detached), enabling American children to color the stamps (valued at 20 Nu, Bhutan’s international postcard rate) and write short gratitude messages. Recipients were instructed either to affix a US stamp on the detachable portion addressed to Bhutan Post’s Philatelic Bureau in Thimphu or leave the postcard at Bhutan Post’s festival booth. Subsequently, Bhutan Post distributed these postcards to schools within Bhutan where local children added their own gratitude notes before mailing them back internationally. The address strip was removed by Bhutan Post personnel overseeing this exchange process.
Aerogrammes
Bhutan's Posts and Telecommunications Department has released three distinct aerogrammes over the years. The initial version, issued around 1970, carried an imprinted 85 Chetrum stamp displaying a dancing demon motif. A subsequent edition emerged in 1979, retaining the original design but updated with a Nu 1.25 denomination. The last aerogramme, introduced approximately in 1989, presented a redesigned format featuring a Nu 3.50 imprinted stamp adorned with illustrations of birds and flowers.
The earliest 1970 aerogramme was later overprinted to reflect a Nu 1.50 value, accompanied by a "postage pre-paid" marking. The Nu 3.50 aerogramme remains available at the General Post Office in Thimphu; however, users must affix additional postage stamps to satisfy current airmail tariff requirements.
Inland letter sheets
In December 1998, Bhutan Post launched its inaugural inland letter sheets, distributing them primarily free of charge to promote letter writing among the population. One variant carried campaign messages encouraging family communication and blood donation, featuring an imprinted stamp replicating the Nu 3 stamp from the WHO’s 50th Anniversary set released in April 1998. Another issue from the same period bore a Nu 3 stamp depicting a postal runner from the October 1992 Bhutan Post 30th anniversary set, which served as a template for future inland letter editions.
One of these issues included a special overprint stating "FREE POST CAMPAIGN, 11 – 17 December 1998." The final inland letter sheet release occurred in June 1999 to commemorate King Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s Silver Jubilee. This edition was overprinted with "SILVER JUBILEE, FREE POST CAMPAIGN, 2 – 12th June '99" and featured two variations where the Silver Jubilee emblem was placed differently on the sheets, modifying the original positioning of the "Inland Letter" inscription.
The Free Post envelope for the 2011 Royal Wedding
To honor the Royal Wedding held on 15 October 2011 between Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Bhutan Post organized Free Post Days from 13 to 15 October for domestic mail services. During this interval, limited quantities of Free Post envelopes were made available at post offices for use within Bhutan.
This envelope is a standard white cover prominently displaying "BHUTAN POSTAL CORPORATION LTD." in bold black capital letters. It bears a black circular rubber seal around the border reading 'FREE POST DAY 13-15 OCTOBER 2011,' with the words "IN COMMEMORATION OF THE ROYAL WEDDING" inside. Below this text is a simplified rendition of the official Royal Wedding emblem—two intertwined rings positioned before a khorlo (dharma wheel) threaded by a scarf—omitting some traditional design elements.
First Day Covers
Since Bhutan’s first stamp issue on 10 October 1962, First day of issue covers or First Day Covers (FDCs) have been produced. During the period when Burt Todd's Bhutan Stamp Agency (BSA) operated, both BSA and the Posts & Telecommunications Department issued FDCs, frequently for identical stamps. In recent times, Bhutan Post has occasionally not produced FDCs for certain releases; however, private First Day of Issue covers have sometimes compensated for these omissions—for example, with the Punakha Dzong Cantilever Bridge stamp issued on 20 March 2009.
Event covers
An event cover was issued on 20 October 1967 to commemorate a postal exhibition held at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.
Maxi cards
Maximum cards were first introduced in Bhutan in July 1968, with subsequent editions frequently created in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Picture postcards issued by the P&T Dept. and Bhutan Post
Beginning in 1968, the P&T Department started releasing picture postcards without pre-printed stamps. The initial batch consisted of nine multi-colored cards produced on art board by Calcutta’s Reliable Calendar Company. These postcards depicted iconic Bhutanese scenes such as dzongs, lhakhangs, traditional dances, and everyday life, highlighting "exotic or typical Bhutan." In the mid-1970s, P&T launched a series titled "Views/Dances of Bhutan," comprising four sets of glossy chrome postcards printed on carton board by renowned security printers including House of Questa, Format International Security Printers Ltd., and Reliable Calendar Company.
Around 1992, a collection of 63 large-sized (120 x 180 mm) color postcards was released, showcasing dzongs, landscapes, cultural dances, local people, and the newly established General Post Office in Thimphu. Although published by P&T, only the printing company "D&F Co. Ltd." from Thailand is identified. Approximately a year later, an Environmental Trust Fund series featuring 17 full-color postcards illustrated landscapes, native flora and fauna, and Rinpung Dzong in Paro; these were printed by Singapore’s Secura Ltd.
Following the transformation into Bhutan Postal Corporation Ltd in 1996 (operating as "Bhutan Post"), postcard production continued consistently despite increasing competition from private vendors. Select Bhutan Post postcards remain accessible through their "Philatelic eShop." The most recent set from 2010 includes 17 metallic-effect images portraying the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Telegrams with postage stamps
During the 1960s, the P&T Department affixed postage stamps to telegrams as evidence of payment for telegraph services.
Post offices and postal marks
Bhutan’s inaugural post office commenced operations in Phuentsholing on 10 October 1962. Within a month, a second office opened in Paro using the postmark Rinpung Dzong. Approximately six months later, Thimphu’s post office began service, employing Tashichho Dzong as its postal mark. In addition to offices staffed directly by P&T personnel, smaller extra-departmental post offices operated in remote regions through postal agents working under contract for modest remuneration. These facilities evolved from Branch Post Offices (BPO) to Agency Post Offices (APO), and more recently to Community Mail Offices (CMO). Supported by Bhutan’s Five Year Plans, this network expanded from just three post offices in 1964 to 56 full post offices and 27 BPOs by 1988. By 2006, full post offices had decreased to 47 while APOs increased to 43. In 2010, there were 43 full service post offices—including two General Post Offices in Phuentsholing and Thimphu—and 33 Community Mail Offices.
In the early 1960s, mail frequently bore Indian postmarks from Indian offices responsible for handling Bhutan’s international correspondence or assisting with internal routing via India.
Collecting Bhutanese stamps
The Bhutan Postal Corporation Ltd manages a Philatelic Bureau that provides subscriptions for new stamp issues and sells older releases. Founded in the United States in 1976, The Bhutan Philatelic Society published a quarterly magazine called The Kaleidoscope and has recently reestablished its presence on Facebook under the name Bhutan Stamp Collectors. Additionally, the Nepal and Tibet Philatelic Study Circle supports enthusiasts of Bhutanese stamps and regularly features Bhutan philately in its publication Postal Himal.
Catalogues and Publications
At present, there is no specialized catalogue exclusively dedicated to Bhutanese stamps. Nevertheless, comprehensive details on Bhutan’s stamp issues can be found within the Scott, Stanley Gibbons, and Michel stamp catalogues.
The Royal Government of Bhutan’s P&T Department has issued several works focusing on the nation’s postal history. In May 1969, aligning with the opening of Thimphu’s inaugural General Post Office building, the Department published Postal Services in Bhutan, which documented the growth of postal services since 1962. A year later, in 1970, a thorough 90-page booklet titled Bhutan Through Postage Stamps was released, detailing all stamps issued from 1962 through 1969. Early in 1976, the Department produced Bhutan Stamp History, cataloging stamps from 1962 to 1975. Since that time, no significant publications have emerged from either the P&T Department or Bhutan Post. A planned volume marking the 50th anniversary of Bhutan’s postal service (1962–2012) was ultimately shelved due to budgetary limitations.
During the period when the Bhutan Stamp Agency operated, most stamp releases were accompanied by attractively designed presentation folders, brochures, or flyers. After 1974, such materials were limited mostly to flyers and sporadic brochures; in recent years, their issuance has become irregular. Occasionally, international agents associated with particular stamp issues produced presentation items—for example, the 2007 CD-ROM stamps issued in collaboration with Creative Products International under Frances Todd Stewart’s leadership, and the 2009 World Food Programme collection.
Bhutan Postal Museum
Inaugurated on 7 November 2015 within Thimphu’s General Post Office building, the Bhutan Postal Museum presents the history of communication, transportation, and postal services throughout Bhutan. The museum displays artifacts, narratives, and an extensive assortment of Bhutanese stamps that collectively illustrate this progression.
See also
Further reading
- Bhutan through postage stamps. Thimpu: Director, Posts & Telegraphs Dept., Royal Government of Bhutan, 1969. 72p.
- Cooper, Jal. Bhutan, a short postal history sketch. Bombay: J. Cooper for India's Stamp Journal, 1969. 8p.
- Haverbeck, H.D.S. "Bhutan: Its Postage Stamps". Collectors Club Philatelist. (Mar-May 1967), pp. 2-3.
- The Kaleidoscope: official bi-monthly publication of the Bhutan Philatelic Society. Los Angeles: Bhutan Philatelic Society, 1976-1979.