Children's stamps, 1946

Dutch Committee for Children's stamps

During the war the Centrale Propaganda Commissie voor de Kinderzegels (Central Propaganda Committee for Children's stamps) was dissolved, because the members did not want to work together with the pro-German's NSB party members.
It lasted till March 1946 before the committee had its first meeting after the war. On this occasion the committee decided to change its name into Nederlandsch Comité voor Kinderpostzegels (Dutch Committee for Children's stamps). The first series for the Children's stamps were entirely prepared by the postal services.

Design

In April 1946 Aesthetic Advisor of PTT Mr. F.S. Spanjaard asked A.J.W. Bieruma Oosting to design the emission. She made two different designs. One of those was chosen in May. On these first drafts the word "Nederland" was situated at the top of the frame, while the nominal value was placed at the bottom. This was changed in the next design. Remarkably the words "voor het kind" (in benefit of the child) was not placed anywhere in the design.

Surcharge

The gross proceeds of the surcharge were 274.656,49 guilders. After deduction of costs and a contribution to the postal workers children fund an amount of 258.230,96 guilders remained and was given to:
Mentally handicapped children
Sick children
Neglected and underprivileged children
Physically impair children.

Roundabout

The precursor of the roundabout originates from a game in the 12th century invented by Arab horsemen. Men on horses made circles while they threw pots of perfumed water to one another. The horseman with the weakest smell was winner. Later this game was, but a little bit changed, introduced in Europe. Noblemen on horseback attempted to unseat each another. Sometimes the horses were affixed to a wooden wheel with a rope. In this way a living roundabout was established. We find roundabouts mainly on fairs.
The first European fairs were held in the Middle Ages. Most fairs were held in conjunction to a Christian feast and were held in church. In later years other activities were added to the fair. The fair was therefore held outside the church. Merchants, musicians, acrobats and theatre groups took possession of the yearly fairs. In the 19th century the fairs were not held anymore, because many products were available all year long. The fair we are familiar with developed as a result of that. The roundabout was introduced on the fairs around 1900. At first they were driven on steam. Later petrol and electricity replaced steam.

2 + 2 ct Children's stamps

Color: Grey.
First day of use: 2-12-1946.
Last day of use: 31-12-1947.
Quantity issued: 2.319.000.
Size: 24 x 31.5 mm.
Watermark: Circles.
Sheet: 10 x 10.
Gum: Arabic.
Print: Photogravure.
Perforation: comb 12,5 x 12.
Plate number(s): 1.
Punch mark: 14.
Plate characteristics:
White dot on the saddle near the child's bottom (pos. 3).

4 + 2 ct Children's stamps

Color: Green.
First day of use: 2-12-1946.
Last day of use: 31-12-1947.
Quantity issued: 1.208.000.
Size: 24 x 31.5 mm.
Watermark: Circles.
Sheet: 10 x 10.
Gum: Arabic.
Print: Photogravure.
Perforation: comb 12,5 x 12.
Plate number(s): 1.
Punch mark: 15.

7 1/2 + 2 1/2 ct Children's stamps

Color: Red.
First day of use: 2-12-1946.
Last day of use: 31-12-1947.
Quantity issued: 1.494.000.
Size: 24 x 31.5 mm.
Watermark: Circles.
Sheet: 10 x 10.
Gum: Arabic.
Print: Photogravure.
Perforation: comb 12,5 x 12.
Plate number(s): 1, 2.
Punch mark: 16.

10 + 5 ct Children's stamps

Color: Purple.
First day of use: 2-12-1946.
Last day of use: 31-12-1947.
Quantity issued: 2.253.000.
Size: 24 x 31.5 mm.
Watermark: Circles.
Sheet: 10 x 10.
Gum: Arabic.
Print: Photogravure.
Perforation: comb 12,5 x 12.
Plate number(s): 1.
Punch mark: 17.
Plate characteristics:
Dot on the harness of the horse (pos. 92).

20 + 5 ct Children's stamps

Color: Blue.
First day of use: 2-12-1946.
Last day of use: 31-12-1947.
Quantity issued: 1.082.000.
Size: 24 x 31.5 mm.
Watermark: Circles.
Sheet: 10 x 10.
Gum: Arabic.
Print: Photogravure.
Perforation: comb 12,5 x 12.
Plate number(s): 1.
Punch mark: 18.

More information

Postage Stamps 1999
Stamps of The Netherlands