The Oldest Belgium Stamps 1849

Overview

The first postage stamp Kingdom of Belgium was issued in 1849, depicting portrait of King Leopold I from 1849 to 1865, the 9^th. Country in the World to issue adhesive stamps. Two stamps known  as the Epaulettes Issue were officially issued on 1^st. July, 1849 comprises of 10c and 20c denomination. These stamps were engraved, imperforates and printed on wove paper with a frame monogram watermark.

There were many different printings from 1849 to 1854 on both thin and thick papers for the following issuance:-

Scott	Year	Paper	Denomination	Colour
1	1849	Thin	10c	Brown
2	1849	Thick	20c	Blue
3	1850	Thin	10c	Brown
4	1850	Thin	20c	Blue
5	1849	Thin	40c	Carmine
3a	1850	Thick	10c	Brown
4a	1850	Thick	20c	Blue
5a	1849	Thick	40c	Carmine
3b	1851	Thin	10c	Brown
4b	1851	Thin	20c	Blue
5b	1851	Thin	40c	Carmine
6	1851	Thick	10c	Brown
7	1851	Thick	20c	Blue
8	1851	Thick	40c	Carmine
6a	1854	Ribbed Paper	10c	Brown
7a	1854	Ribbed Paper	20c	Blue
8a	1854	Ribbed Paper	40c	Carmine

     

Note: Scott #3b to Scott #8a above, printed with unframed monogram watermark

Gallery

 Myla Collection: 1849 to 1854 Belgium Stamps (Used)
Note: 40c (Thick Paper) at 2nd. Row  was issued in 1849.

Sample of Watermarks

Myla Collection: Framed Monogram Watermark 1849

Myla Collection: Unframed Monogram Watermark 1851/1854

Conclusion

It is very difficult to determine which one the early stamps of Belgium. You are required to have many samples as you can, otherwise you may end-up with spending a lot of money but does not meet the requirement. The items may looks same however year of issuance are difference between each other.