Propaganda for the National Parks (Mitumba). No 196A.

By Royal Decree of 26 November 1934, an Institute for National Parks in Belgian Congo was established. The stamp was issued to promote these National Parks, depict one of the parks. Mitumba Mountain range is the western mountain of the Great Rift Valley. The two main peaks, Mount Kahuzi (3,308m) and Mount Biéga (2,790m) are extinct volcanoes. The National Park is known for its mountain gorillas.

Date of issue: 20 October 1937

Expiration date: 1 January 1939

Design:

Engraving: Malvaux

Printing: Atelier du Timbre, Malines. (Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen-Belgium)

Perforation: 11.5

Size bloc: 115 x 140 mm. (containing 4 stamps)

Size stamp: 24 x 33 mm

Circulation: 100,000 blocs, of which 20,000 where sold in the Congo.

No 196A, 4,50f. Mitumba, red cadre.

Block 1:

Imperforated stamp:

Imperforated block containing the 4 stamps are rare, they were not issued but were proofs. (Sorry no image available)

Variations: there are eight plate positions, which are recognizable by small variations or nuances. One in OBC: “tube”

(Looks like a rocket that’s been fired!)

Philatelic material: Not known to exist