King Albert Memorial issue. No.184
Albert ascended the throne on the death of his uncle, Leopold II, in 1909, due to the death of the intended heirs. Leopold's son died, then his nephew, which left Albert to reign at 16 years old. Before becoming King he was Count of Flanders and was very popular because of his democratic ways. He married the Duchess of Bavaria, Elizabeth. She was as loyal to Belgium as he. He visited the US in 1898 and 1919. He visited the Congo three times, the first in 1909 as crown prince, in 1928 in the company of Queen Elisabeth, and the last time almost incognito without any official ceremonies in 1932.
Seeing the poor condition of Leopold II former colony, he urged technological development and better treatment of the natives in the area. He died in a mountain climbing accident near Marche-les-Dames and was succeeded by his son Leopold III, who would face the Nazis in World War II. Albert's death was mourned universally. The ribbon he is wearing is the “Groot Lint van de Orde van Leopold”.
The issued value of 1,50 francs was the most used in the time and therefore chosen.
Date of issue: 7 May 1934
Expiration date: 1 January 1939
Design:
Printing: Atelier du Timbre, Malines. (Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen-Belgium)
Perforation: 11.5
Size: 24.5 x 34 mm
Sheet: 75
Marginal inscriptions: white all around, “1934” and other numbers on top.
Circulation: 400,000
No 184. Portrait of King Albert in military costume
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The imperforated stamp 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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There are no variations or curiosities known for any of the above shown material.
Proof:
(Sorry no image available)
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