Belgium’s 1891 telephone stamps offer a fascinating glimpse into the early days of communication and the evolving role of postal and telecommunication services. These beautifully engraved stamps are not only a testament to the artistry of their time but also a key part of Belgium’s industrial and technological history.
The Telephone Stamps: A Closer Look
Issued on January 1, 1891, these stamps were engraved by A. Duns, whose initials can be seen subtly incorporated into the design, just above the left-hand value. Printed on white wove paper, these stamps have no watermark and are perforated 11½.
Values and Usage
The set consists of eight denominations:
- 25 centimes (purple)
- 30 centimes (gray and green)
- 50 centimes (green)
- 90 centimes (brownish-yellow)
- 1 franc (blue)
- 2 francs (orange)
- 3 francs (red)
- 3.75 francs (brown-lilac)
Each value was sold in booklets of five stamps, with attached counterfoils. However, the use of these stamps ended on July 11, 1903, when telephone fees transitioned to other methods of payment. Notably, the 3.75 franc denomination, introduced on May 1, 1899, had a relatively short period of use, making it a prized find among collectors—particularly with its counterfoil intact.
A Philatelic Rarity: Counterfoils
Due to the discontinuation of their use in 1903, unsold stock was often issued without counterfoils. As a result, complete stamps with counterfoils are rare and highly sought after, offering collectors a tangible connection to Belgium’s telecommunications history.
The International Bell Telephone Company (IBTC)
Belgium’s telephone stamps are deeply tied to the history of the International Bell Telephone Company (IBTC), founded in 1879 by Gardiner Hubbard, Alexander Graham Bell’s father-in-law. Headquartered in Brussels, IBTC rapidly expanded into a major telecommunications provider across Europe.
Key Milestones:
- 1879: IBTC was established to sell telephones and switchboards in Europe.
- 1882: The Compagnie Belge du Téléphone Bell became IBTC’s Belgian subsidiary.
- By 1886: IBTC had laid 6,900 kilometres of telephone lines and served 3,532 subscribers in major Belgian cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège.
In 1925, IBTC and its subsidiaries were sold to the International Telephone & Telegraph Company of Cuba, ending AT&T’s 46-year presence in Europe.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Belgian telephone stamps, along with their association with IBTC, represent a pivotal era in the history of global communication. The monumental achievements of the Bell Telephone Company and its Belgian subsidiary transformed the way people connected, laying the foundation for modern telecommunication.
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