1923 (1 June)
- Watermark: Mult Script CA (sideways on 2a, 3a, 4a, 8a, 5r).
- Perforation: P12.
- Designers and Printers:
- Miss Edith Cheesman (½a, 1a, 4a, 6a, 8a, 2r, 5r, 10r)
- Mrs. C. Garbett (Miss M. Maynard) (other designs).
- Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson (typography and recess printing).
Stamp Listings
| No. (Iraq ID) | SG No. | Face Value | Description/Variety | Mint (£) | Used (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQ 41 | 41 | ½a | Olive-green | 3.50 | 10.00 |
| IQ 42 | 42 | 1a | Brown | 10.00 | |
| IQ 43 | 43 | 1½a | Lake | 5.00 | 10.00 |
| IQ 44 | 44 | 2a | Orange-buff | 8.00 | 30.00 |
| IQ 45 | 45 | 3a | Grey blue (1923) | 10.00 | 40.00 |
| IQ 46 | 46 | 4a | Violet | 15.00 | 45.00 |
| IQ 46a | 46a | 4a | WMK crown to left of CA | – | 250.00 |
| IQ 47 | 47 | 6a | Greenish-blue | 15.00 | 1.25 |
| IQ 48 | 48 | 8a | Olive-bistre | 15.00 | 60.00 |
| IQ 49 | 49 | 1r | Brown and blue-green | 20.00 | 4.50 |
| IQ 50 | 50 | 2r | Black (R.) | 38.00 | 17.00 |
| IQ 51 | 51 | 5r | Orange | 90.00 | 65.00 |
| IQ 52 | 52 | 7r | Olive-bistre (1925) | 90.00 | 3.25 |
| IQ 53 | 53 | 10r | Lake | 200.00 | 85.00 |
Additional Details
- Watermark Variations:
- 46a (4a Violet): Features a watermark crown to the left of CA.
- Other stamps numbered 44, 45, 46, 48, and 52 have the watermark crown positioned to the right of CA when viewed from the back of the stamp.
- Exception: No. 78 and later printings of 49 and 50 are on thinner paper.
- Design Highlights:
- The set reflects a mix of Iraq’s historical and cultural heritage, with architectural and symbolic motifs.
- Designed with input from notable British illustrators like Miss Edith Cheesman and Mrs. C. Garbett.
Why These Designers Were Important
The involvement of British designers in Iraq’s stamp production reflects the historical context of British influence in Iraq after the establishment of the monarchy under King Faisal I. These stamps not only served postal purposes but also projected Iraq’s identity as a nation with a rich cultural heritage, blending modernity with tradition.
1. Miss Edith Cheesman
- Role: A prominent British artist and designer who worked extensively with the Iraqi postal authorities.
- Contributions:
- Designed many of the King Faisal I definitive stamps, including the ½a, 1a, 4a, 6a, 8a, 2r, 5r, and 10r values.
- Known for her ability to blend local Iraqi cultural themes with classical artistic styles.
- Notable Style: Cheesman’s work often featured detailed architectural landmarks and historical motifs, as seen in stamps depicting the Arch of Ctesiphon and the Shiah Mosque.
2. Mrs. C. Garbett (Miss M. Maynard)
- Role: Another British illustrator involved in designing the King Faisal I definitive.
- Contributions:
- Designed several other stamps in the series, focusing on a mix of local symbolism and modern aesthetics.
- Garbett was instrumental in capturing the rural and urban essence of Iraq, as seen in designs like the “Tribal Standard” and “Gufas on the Tigris.”
- Collaboration: Worked closely with Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., the printers, ensuring her designs were accurately reproduced.
3. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.
- Role: The company responsible for printing the stamps.
- Specialty: Known for their typography and recess printing, Bradbury Wilkinson ensured high-quality reproductions of the intricate designs.
- Reputation: A leading printer for many countries, Bradbury Wilkinson was chosen for their expertise in combining artistic design with secure printing techniques.
Details of the stamps
- 2 Fils – Sunni Mosque, Muadhham
This stamp depicts the Sunni Mosque of Baghdad, an important religious and architectural landmark. It symbolizes Iraq’s rich Islamic heritage. - 3 Fils – Gufas on the Tigris
Gufas are traditional round boats used on the Tigris River. This design showcases Iraq’s historic reliance on river transport and its connection to the Tigris. - 4 Fils – Winged Cherub
Inspired by ancient Babylonian or Assyrian art, this design reflects Iraq’s Mesopotamian history. - 5 Fils – Bull from Babylonian Wall-Sculpture
A depiction of the iconic bull motif from Babylonian wall art. This is a nod to the glorious Babylonian civilization. - 6 Fils – Arch of Ctesiphon
The Arch of Ctesiphon, also known as Taq Kasra, is one of the world’s largest single-span brick arches and a symbol of ancient Sassanid architecture. - 7 Fils – Tribal Standard, Dulaim Camel Corps
This stamp features the Dulaim Camel Corps, a tribal militia that symbolizes Iraq’s tribal heritage and defense capabilities. - 8 Fils – Shiah Mosque, Kadhimain
The Shiah Mosque in Kadhimain (Al-Kadhimiya) is an important Shia Islamic shrine in Baghdad, revered for its religious significance. - 9 Fils – Allegory of Date Palm
The date palm is a vital symbol of Iraq’s agricultural economy, representing fertility and prosperity.
These stamps reflect a deliberate effort to highlight Iraq’s diverse cultural, historical, and architectural legacy under King Faisal I’s reign. They are prized among collectors for their cultural richness and historical context.
