King Albert’s memorial monument in Leopoldstad. No’s 214-224
The stamps depict the memorial monument that was erected for King Albert I in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa). It resembles a lot with “Monument Commémoratif du Canada” (Viney, France), this most probably inspirited its designer. The “bronze” figure of the king was designed by Arthur Dupagne (1895-1961).
Because of the war situation in Europe, it was decided to print this issue in Kaapstad, South Africa. There are two different paper quality used, one white and the other yellow/white. The picture of the stamp on the yellow paper is more intense/darker.
Date of issue: 7 February 1941
Expiration date: 1 September 1942
Design: M.G.Goodman
Zinconographie by: McManus Bros
Printing: Litho Co. Ltd, South Africa
Perforation: 11
Size: 21 x 27.5 mm
Sheet: 100 (10 x 10)
Marginal inscriptions:
Circulation: see the series*
*For the first time stamps were destroyed after they were demonetized (can no longer be used as postage), 10c, 15, 1.75fr, 5fr & 10fr. I have indicated this with the stamps.
The circulation figures are included the six stamps used for Ruanda-Urundi.
No 214. 10c, gray, 341,800 stamps (-25,000)
No 215. 15c, lilac-brown, 331,300 stamps (-25,000)
No 216. 25c, clear blue, 327,300 stamps
No 217. 50c, violet, 1,040,300 stamps
No 218. 75c, pink, 345,800 stamps
No 219. 1,25Fr, brown-gray, 322,100 stamps
No 220. 1,75Fr, orange, 281,300 stamps (-72,000)
No 221. 2,50Fr, carmine-red, 1,040,700 stamps
No 222. 2,75Fr, violet-blue, 272,900 stamps (-127,000)
No 223. 5Fr, olive-green, 111,400 stamps (-30,000)
No 224. 10Fr, red, 70,700 stamps (-22,000)
The series:
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The imperforated series is in size and coloring exact the same as above:
Remark: the white border around these stamps is much larger when cut from a side, top, bottom or corner of a sheet.
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It is very rare to find blocks of 4 because these stamps were sold as singles (no 217)
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Curiosities, they are numerous, some are rare others not.
No 214-Cu 10c moved perforation
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No 215-Cu 15c moved perforation
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No 220-Cu moved perforation
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Other samples of moved perforation, no’s 216, 217, 219 & 224:
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No 221, smudged print
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Color proofs:
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Question: I would really like to know why these stamps are “mirrored”