- Printer: Recess by Bradbury Wilkinson
- Perforation: P 12 × 11½ (30f) or 13 × 13½ (others)
Stamp Listings
| No. | SG No. | Face Value | Description | Mint (£) | Used (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQ 411 | 411 | 8f | Deep grey-green and green | 1.40 | 1.30 |
| IQ 412 | 412 | 10f | Black and brown | 1.90 | 1.70 |
| IQ 413 | 413 | 20f | Brown and blue | 1.90 | 1.70 |
| IQ 414 | 414 | 30f | Reddish violet and carmine | 2.75 | 2.00 |
Design Details
- 8f: King Faisal II and Tank.
- 10f: Platoon marching.
- 20f: Mobile artillery unit and de Havilland DH.112 Venom FB.50 jet fighters.
- 30f: King Faisal II (full-length portrait).
Dimensions:
- Stamps measuring 22½ × 27½ mm.
Historical Context: The Iraqi Army in 1958
The Iraqi Army in 1958 played a pivotal role in both national security and shaping the country’s political landscape. By this time, the army had undergone modernization efforts that began under British influence during the monarchy’s establishment in the 1920s. It consisted of a professional officer corps trained in modern military tactics, incorporating infantry, cavalry, and mechanized units.
- Modernization and Expansion: The Iraqi Army had been steadily growing in strength and organization since the reign of King Faisal II. This period saw an increased focus on incorporating modern equipment and technology, such as artillery units and jet fighters, symbolized in the 20f stamp featuring de Havilland Venom FB.50 aircraft.
- Symbolism of Army Day: Army Day commemorates the establishment of the Iraqi Army on 6 January 1921, shortly after Iraq became a League of Nations Mandate under British administration. The stamps in this set celebrate the army’s progression over nearly four decades, portraying its strength, organization, and loyalty to the monarchy.
- The Political Climate of 1958: While the stamps honor the army’s loyalty to King Faisal II, 1958 was a significant turning point in Iraqi history. Just months later, on 14 July 1958, the monarchy was overthrown in a military-led revolution. This marked the end of the Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq and the establishment of a republic.