1. Murphy's law in philately during the design process of philatelic items

1.1. Living beings

1.1.1. Anatomy of mankind or animals

Almost all parts of the anatomy of man or animal
 have been mistreated by stamp designers.

Stamp issued by Monaco in 1947

SIX fingers at the left hand of President Roosevelt, who was a well known philatelist.

Stamp issued by French Equatorial Africa in 1946

Only SEVEN legs for two camels !

Stamp issued by China in 1987

On the stamps and the booklet, the rabbit has its tail pointing to the ground. In fact, rabbits have their tail pointing upwards, even in China.

Stamp issued by China in 1990

Clearly this horse has got three hind legs, and only one in front.

Stamp issued by Mexico in 1958

Angels are supposed to be sexless, but this Mexican angel obviously is equipped with a nice bust.

Stamps issued by Austria in 1934

Pour man, with inverted ears. Fortunately for him, the error was corrected.

Stamp issued by Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1918

Only six (or maybe seven ?) legs for two horses !

Sheet issued by China in 1984

As the black ring is in front of the yellow one, the arm of the lady has to be in front of the yellow ring. And as the red ring is in front of the green one, again the hand of the right woman has to be in front of the green one.

Postmark used in Danmark in 1987

Catch a wasp, and count its legs.
Like most insects they must have 6 and not 4 !

Stamp issued by East Germany in 1964

Uncross these legs, and you will see that the right foot wears a left shoe!

Airmail letter issued by Great Britain in 1964

Airmail letter issued by Great Britain, with on the backside, a beautiful Christmas scene.  Look carefully (but with discretion !) at the child. A miracle : Jesus was not a boy, but a girl ! 

Stamp issued by Greenland

Greenland, a country with fast running little men, who altough they take big steps, manage to leave small traces in the snow.

Stamp issued by the U.S.A. in 1893

A clean shaven Columbus in sight of land. But a while later, after landing, wearing a magnificent full beard.

Stamp issued by the U.S.A. in 1946

Only seven legs for two horses !

Stamps issued by Newfoundland in 1866/76

The seal on this 5c stamp has been criticised because the front flippers are shown clawed. The stamp was redrawn some years later.

Diver with inverted feet.

FDC issued by Canada in 1947

Only four fingers at the right hand.