Miniature blocks U.P.U., 1949, BL3A-10A

U.P.U. = Union Postale Universelle

 

In the beginning of 1941, in London, Paul Weyemberg, an invalid of WWI, started a monthly issue of “Messages Belgium Review” with as goal to improve the image of Belgium and to strengthen the bands with England.

Very soon this monthly issue became a grip-hold for all Belgians whom escaped to England, but also for fellow countrymen who had fled to other countries, especially those staying in Africa. The Belgian government in exile in London gave the Belgian Post the order to make a special issue to support this monthly review, hence the name of the issue “Messages”.

The 8 Belgian Congo and 4 Ruanda-Urundi blocks were sold only by subscription for Bfr. 1,500 (37 Euro). Each member of the monthly issue received 1 block extra for free. The monthly issue nr 55 appeared for the last time in June of 1946.

 

Remainders of these eight miniature sheets received marginal overprints in various colors in 1950 specifying a surtax of 100fr per sheet and paying tribute to the U.P.U. These 8 sheets, together with four of Ruanda-Urundi, were sold by the Committee of Cultural Works (and not at post offices) in sets of 12 for Bfr. 1,217.15 (30 Euro).

 

Date of issue: 1949

Design:

Printing:

Perforation: 12.5

Size of the whole bloc: approximately 53 x 57 & 61 x 50 mm

Size of image: 26 x 30 mm & 35 x 23.5 mm

Margin: The abbreviation in the cadre C.O.C. = Comité d’Oevres Culturelles.

Circulation: circa 300 series, most probably variable.

 

BL 3A. 30c, clear blue

BL 4A. 75c, violet & black

BL 5A. 1,75F, brown-black

BL 6A. 2,50F, carmine, blue frame

BL 7A. 50c, green

BL 8A. 60c, brown

BL 9A. 1,25F, carmine & black

BL 10A. 2,50F, carmine, green frame

 

BL 3A (Dutch first)                               BL 4A (Dutch first)

      

 

BL 5A (Dutch first)                                           BL 6A (Dutch first)

          

 

BL 7A (French first)                             BL 8A (French first)

       

 

BL 9A (French first)                             BL 10A (French first)

      

 

Errors/varieties:

These are rare. It is not clear if they are made “on purpose” for collectors or they are proofs. Both opinions are theories. To my knowledge there are no curiosities or variations for the Ruanda-Urundi blocks.

 

Reversed: BL 3A (Dutch first)   Reversed: BL 4A (Dutch first)

       

 

Reversed: BL 5A (Dutch first)   Reversed: BL 6A (Dutch first)

                      

 

Reversed: BL 7A(Dutch first)                Reversed: BL 8A (Dutch first)

                      

 

Reversed: BL 9A (French first) Reversed: BL10A (French first)

       

 

Not adopted color of the frame:

 

BL 4A (Dutch first)                                          

 

BL 6A  (Dutch first)                                          BL 10A (French first)

           

 

BL 9A  (French first)                                         BL 9A (French first)