France 1955 - Deportation Camps

March 1933 marked the beginning of a terrible chapter in world history. That chapter was entitled 'Nazi concentration camps'. After Hitler became Chancellor in Germany, his Nazi Party was given control over the police at the behest of Reich Interior Minister Wilhelm Frick and Prussian Acting Interior Minister Hermann Göring. Immediately after Hitler seized control, the first concentration camps were built. Initially the camps were used to hold and torture political opponents and union organizers. At this time the camps held some 45,000 prisoners in horrid conditions. 

In 1934 things went from bad to worse when Heinrich Himmler's SS took full control of the police and concentration camps throughout Germany. The role of concentration camps changed dramatically. They now also held the so-called "racially undesirable elements" of German society, such as Jews, criminals, homosexuals, and Romani. Before this change occurred the number of people being held in the camps had dropped to 7,500, but it now grew again to 21,000 souls. Astonishingly, that number grew and grew to peak at 715,000 in January 1945. Of this rather alarming number of people, some 200,000 had been deported from Vichy France.

***

On 25 April 1955 France issued a stamp in remembrance of the 200,000 French people deported to Nazi concentration camps during WWII. The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

This stamp is a poignant reminder of the desolation and stark terror of being trapped behind walls of barbed wire with very little chance of leaving alive. One shutters to think what it must have been like for all those poor, wretched souls.

Until next time... 

France 1955 - Television

Radio-PTT Vision was the first television station in France. It began broadcasting on 26 April 1935. Through a transmitter located atop the Eiffel Tower the station broadcast programmes three days a week from 11 am to 11:30 am and 8 pm to 8:30 pm and on Sundays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This channel was the only one in France for 28 years, and it is one of the oldest television stations in the world. Incidentally, the world's first television station started in 1928. It was called WRGB and it broadcast from the General Electric facility in Schenectady, NY. 

***

On 18 April 1955 France issued a stamp commemorating television in France. The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

In this design Decaris has illustrated a television signal emanating from the Eiffel Tower, which has been placed right in the centre of the image. Elongated antennae represent all the television antennas in the city of Paris, picking up the signal. The radiating signal to me suggests of a rising sun spreading its light on a new dawn - a new dawn of technology.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1955 - Sainte Claire Deville

Henri Étienne Sainte Claire Deville was a French chemist, born 11 March 1818. Among his many scientific achievements, in 1849 he discovered anhydrous nitric acid (nitrogen pentoxide), which was the first of the anhydrides, a mono-basic acid. But perhaps his most important discovery occurred in 1855 when he successfully obtained metallic aluminium. He also worked out a method whereby large scale production of the metal could be achieved. 

But this isn't the whole story. It seems that unbeknown to Sainte Claire Deville, a German chemist ten years earlier had already discovered aluminium. If only they had access to the net! That scientist's name was Friedrich Wöhler. Apparently there was no hard feelings, as they collaborated in 1857 and together discovered silicon nitride.

***

On 7 March 1955 France issued a set of six stamps under the theme Famous Inventors. One of these stamps featured Sainte Claire Deville. The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

I think this design is fabulous. Decaris has incorporated the various uses of aluminium over time in a most unique and effective manner. The combination of the streamlined car and interestingly shaped building in the background makes me think of the art deco period in the early 20's.

And of course, I can't finish without mentioning yet another engraved beard for my collection! 

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

I Found...Another Decaris Stamp

A few days ago I spoke to a fellow Decaris collector on a stamp forum. Through him I was made aware of a Decaris engraved stamp that I had no idea existed. I usually always like to verify for myself if a stamp was indeed engraved by Decaris (not to impugn the word of the collector who told me about the stamp). So far I haven't been able to find any information that conclusively proves the stamp was engraved by Decaris, but I am still assuming he did.

With that said, let's take a look. The country of origin of the stamp, I have to say, surprised me somewhat. The stamp in question is from Peru! It was issued in 1957. Below is lovely block of 4 I managed to track down. When I look closely at it I can definitely see signs of Decaris' style.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1955 - Saint-Simon

Louis de Rouvroy, also known as Duke of Saint-Simon, was a French soldier, diplomat and a noted diarist. He was born 16 January 1675. Saint-Simon began his career in the military, but this was not where his heart lie. After serving in the military for some ten years, he retired in 1702 his commission against his father's wishes, and he ensconced himself into the intrigues of court life. 

Saint-Simon now spent his time writing, recording as much of the juicy gossip around him as he could manage to put to paper. Apparently he was incredibly prolific in his note-taking. It is worth noting that during his lifetime, Saint-Simon's writing did not achieve much notoriety. But posthumously he has achieved great literary fame. Critics over time have discovered he had great narrative skill and he was very talented in building quite complex characters. His work has been compared to the historical writings of Tacitus and Livy. Additionally, he can be credited for turning the word 'intellectual' into a noun, and he is possibly the creator of words such as 'patriot' and 'publicity'. Saint-Simon died 2 March 1755.

***

On 7 February 1955, France issued a stamp commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of Saint-Simon. This stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

I particularly like the colour choice of of this striking portrait. The dark background serves to highlight the intricate detail of Saint-Simon's hair. The clothing has also been superbly rendered. In conclusion, an excellent portrait of a truly fascinating character.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1954 - Metric System

The origins of the metric system can be traced back to 1799 during the French Revolution. Fed up with the existing units of measurement, the French Republic implemented a new decimal system based on the kilogram and the metre. Initially, the system didn't last. France reverted back to their old system in 1812. But then in 1837 it was once again adopted by France, and this time it stuck.

In order to maintain this system internationally, three controlling bodies were set up in 1875 in France:-

1. The International Committee for Weights and Measures (French: Comité international des poids et mesures- CIPM). 
2. International Bureau of Weights and Measures (French: Bureau international des poids et mesures - BIPM). 
3. The General Conference on Weights and Measures (French: Conférence générale des poids et mesures - CGPM)

On 6 October 1954 France issued a stamp to commemorate the 10th General Conference on Weights and Measures (number 3 on the list above). The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

This beautiful stamp depicts the Angel of the French Republic measuring a meridian arc across the earth. Decaris has captured the far-reaching impact of the metric system in a profound way. Stunning!

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

I Study...Some Printing Techniques

I have previously written two blogs studying the printing issues surrounding the France 1948 reissues of the 1946 Luxembourg Palace issue, designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. I think I have finally grasped the processes involved in creating the reissues, thanks to the help of a reader of the blog. Thanks Florian.

Okay, let's try to finally put the printing issues faced with the 1948 reissues to bed. I previously discussed the basic principles of intaglio printing, so I won't go into it all again. Click HERE for the blog. What I will do is elaborate on that process, which, I hope will finally explain why the 1948 Luxembourg reissues look different to the original issue in 1946. It has to do with the process required to create an altered reissue.

Here is a brief summary of what happens...to the best of my knowledge. A transfer roller or 'relief' roller is created from the master die. This 'relief' roller then has the alterations made to it. The raised or 'relief' portions that need to be changed are removed from the roller. Then this 'relief' roller is hardened, and used to create a secondary master die. It is on this secondary master die that the new values are created (by an in-house engraver). Then a transfer roller with the new value is created. It is these processes on top of further use by the transfer roller to the printing plate which can, over time, round the edges of the sharp lines of the engraving, having the effect of blurring the image somewhat. 

Also, as I stated in a previous blog (you can find the link above), the ink choice for the 15f stamp contributed to the blurring effect. The consistency of the red ink was quite thick and therefore more difficult to wipe away any excess, which ended up on the paper, effectively blotting the image.

I am the first to admit that I am the farthest thing removed from a printing expert as there ever can be, but I am slowly learning all the lingo etc... I do hope my rambling narrative of this process has not been too tiresome for you. As I said in the 'About Me' page, the purpose of the blog is to chronicle my learning journey, so I'm bound to get things wrong at times. But that's the fun of a hobby in my eyes.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1954 - Abbey of Saint Philibert

Created in 1953, the International Centre for Romance Studies (Le Centre International d'Etudes Romanes) is located in Tournus, Burgundy, France. It is commonly known by the acronym CIER. The aim of the centre is to promote the study of Romanesque Art through exhibitions, study tours, and conferences and other activities. It is also dedicated to the preservation of the local monuments of Tournus, such as the Abbey of Saint Philibert, and the St. Lawrence church.

***

On 20 June 1954, France issued a stamp to commemorate the establishment of the CIER. The stamp has a value of 30f. It was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

This stamp is beautifully designed. It features a Romanesque column in the foreground, while in the background stands the lovely Abbey of Saint Philibert. This striking church was once a Benedictine Abbey. It was founded in 875 by Benedictine monks who were fleeing Viking raids on the community on Noirmoutier. They carried with them holy relics of Saint Philibert of Jumièges.. The building that survives today was designed in the Romanesque style of Burgundy.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1954 - Château Gaillard

Imagine you are travelling along the River Seine in a north-westerly direction from Paris. You enter the Eure département of historical Normandy. Then something catches your eye. A large circular castle standing on a huge mound. It looms some 90 metres over the commune of Les Andelys on the River Seine. You are seeing the stalwart medieval castle known as Château Gaillard.

Construction on the castle began in 1196. It was built for the King of England, Richard the Lionheart. At this time King Richard was also the Duke of Normandy. It was a massive castle with a considerably advanced design, employing the principles of 'concentric fortification'. Its complexity notwithstanding the castle was completed in the record time of just two years. It was built at the same time as the town of Petit Andely, which it overlooked. Today, the castle is in ruins, but it is still an awe-inspiring sight.

***

On 8 June 1954 France issued a set of seven stamps featuring French Monuments. The 8f value features Château Gaillard and Les Andelys on the River Seine. According to Phil-Ouest, Albert Decaris only designed this stamp. But I cannot find another name on the stamp, which usually, from what I've seen, means that it was both designed and engraved by the one person. So I'll assume Decaris engraved this stamp also. If anyone knows differently, I'd love to hear from you.

In this design, the River Seine sweeps through the centre of the stamp, drawing the eye towards the middle distance where the ruin of the medieval castle, Château Gaillard, stands proudly. Below the castle to the left is the commune of Les Andelys.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

I Study...Printing Issues

In my last blog on 12 May I discussed some of the differences between the France 1946 10f Luxembourg stamp, issued on 29 July, and the 1948 12f and 15f reissues issued on 10 May and 10 December respectively. In that blog I suggested the possibility that the reissued values may have been different engravings. Now, I have to say, I did struggle with this idea. Why go to the trouble of re-engraving an entire stamp? And also, a fact that was pointed out in a very good blog by a former French printer (click HERE for the blog), no engraver, no matter how skilled, could replicate the exact same lines in a stamp. Such an endeavour would take even longer than the normally time-consuming and laborious job of engraving a unique design. Why go to all the fuss?

Why indeed! Well, it turns out France's postal authority didn't go to all that fuss. Either the original master die engraved by Albert Decaris or the transfer roller (not sure which) was altered in order to update the values.

So why then did I even entertain the notion of a re-engraved stamp? Well, firstly, as I pointed out in my last blog, it wasn't only the values that were changed. RF was changed to France. The position of Postes is different. And the shading lines along the top have been, naturally, altered to accommodate the changes.

Another bit of information regarding the above changes that I have found out since my last blog is the probability that Albert Decaris did not engrave the changes. These were, in all likelihood, executed in-house.

***

The changes to the upper area of the reissues was not the only reason I considered the possibility that they were re-engraved. When I studied the 10f stamp against the 12f and 15f stamps I discovered many small differences that caused me to consider the possibility of an all new engraving. But the answer as to why there were so many small differences is quite probably twofold. And the first cause actually contributes to the second cause.

In order to explain the first cause for the subtle changes we need to understand the basic process of transferring an engraving to the printing plate. Basically what happens is the engraver creates an image in reverse on a metal die, which is the same size as the stamp. That die is then hardened. Then a transfer roller is applied to the die and rocked back and forth, impressing the image, now the right way around, onto its surface. The transfer roller is also hardened. 

Now that the image is fixed into the transfer roller it can be transferred to the printing plate. This is done in a similar way to the master die/transfer roller exchange. The transfer roller is applied to the printing plate over and over, depending on how many stamps are required per sheet. In the case of the Luxembourg Issue there were fifty stamps per sheet. So the transfer roller was applied to the plate fifty times.

***

Okay, now that we've discussed the process of plate production we can examine where the changes to the actual stamps start to occur. As I said earlier, in order for the printing plate to be created the transfer roller needed to be literally pushed into the metal of the plate some fifty times, and that is just for the first plate of the first issue (I have no idea how many plates were made for this issue). So we can naturally assume that the transfer roller developed a certain amount of wear and tear over time. This wear and tear would appear on stamps as blurry, less crisp lines within the image. This is exactly what we see in the re-issues.

The second cause of the changes was the colour choice for the re-issues. Two shades of red were used for the re-issues. According to Y&T the 12f was red-carmine and the 15f was plain old red. Red is notorious for having the effect of blurring images. Then when we add the fact that the lines on the plating plate were themselves starting to blur...well, we have our answer!

To conclude my rambling, the Luxembourg Issues were not re-engraved. The subtle changes in the stamps are due to wear and tear on the printing plates and the colour choice of the stamps.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

I Study...The Luxembourg Palace Issues

Yesterday I received a comment on one of my blog posts regarding the Luxembourg Palace issues designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. The reader asked me to add an image of the 10f value to my 1948 reissues blog so he could compare the different values against each other (click HERE). I was happy to help him out, and I have to admit that even though I did a blog for the 10f and a separate blog for the reissues, I never thought to compare the different printings. I just assumed they were from the same die with simply a value change. 

So I took out my 10f 1946 stamp and my 12 and 15f 1948 stamps and laid them out side by side. I was immediately surprised at three glaring differences that are so obvious I can't believe I had missed them! I guess sometimes you don't see what's right in front of you. And the more I looked the more differences I found. This got me to thinking: are the reissues totally different engravings?

***

Below is the top portion of the 10f and 15f together for comparison. I have circled the three main differences. Note that the 12f is the same as the 15f so there was no need to add it here.

The biggest difference is the name, which in turn, contributes to the other two changes. The original 10f value has only the initials "RF", whereas the 15f value has the full name "France". This change completely alters the shading at the top middle and the top right corner to the point where in the corner it is non-existent in the reissue.

***

I found some more differences between the original and the reissues. But are these differences due to engraving variances or are they merely a result of colour choice? Both the 1948 reissue stamps were printed in red, which make the image look rather heavy, blotting out some fine details. I have again circled some of the differences in fine detail that I found between the issues. 

Firstly, if we compare the detail I have highlighted within the rectangle of the 10f stamp with the two other values, there is a distinct difference in the clarity of detail. The red seems to have obscured the background somewhat. So I ask again: is this an engraving difference or merely a  colour difference? Not sure? Take a look at the pot on the 10f value. The outline is far better than the reissues. The same goes for the signature; the 10f is by far the clearest of the three. And if you look closely you will notice that the "I' is not dotted in the original 10f, but it is dotted in the reissues. 

These are but a select few of the numerous differences I have found all over the stamps. In fact, as I write this blog with the comparison image staring me in the face I just noticed that the shading on the top left border area is also different. I could go on and on, but I think I've rambled enough for this blog. Perhaps another blog at a later date looking at a few more differences...

To conclude, I initially believed that the reissues of this stamp were from the same die with the value changed, but all the differences suggests to me they were different engravings. I could be totally wrong here, so if anyone has any additional information on the printing of these issues I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1944 - The Grand Condé

The famous French general, Louis de Bourbon, the Prince of Condé, was born on 8 September 1621. His father, Henri de Bourbon, first cousin once removed to King Henry IV, demanded his son have a proper education. Louis spent six years at the Jesuits' school at Bourges, where he studied history, law, and mathematics. After completing his studies at Bourges, he went on to study at the Royal Academy in Paris.

At the young age of 17 Louis began to display talent for leadership. While his father was absent from home, Louis managed to govern Burgundy successfully. It was about this time that young Louis' personal life became somewhat complicated. His father had betrothed him to the 13 year old, Claire-Clémence de Maillé-Brézé, niece of the powerful Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister of the king. The problem was Louis was in love with someone else, a woman named Marthe Poussard (mademoiselle du Vigean), daughter of the king's gentleman of the bedchamber. Despite this, Louis' father forced him to marry the thirteen year old girl.

Even though his young wife bore him three children, he accused her of multiple infidelities and had her locked away at Châteauroux. These charges were in all likelihood false, and merely a way of ridding himself of a woman he didn't love.

By the time of the Thirty Years War in 1643, Louis was already a combat veteran. But at the Battle of Rocroi on the 19 May, he excelled himself against Spanish generals with far greater experience. After a resounding victory, he returned to Paris a hero. But the woes of that annoying  marriage continued. It seemed the only respite from this situation was returning to the battlefront. In 1644, he went to Germany and he was again victorious in the Battle of Frieburg.

Louis' continued military success earned him respect as a general and he was renowned as le Grand Condé, which basically meant he was considered the most successful of the Condé family. For more on Louis, click HERE

***

On 31 July 1944 France issued a set of six semi-postal stamps commemorating 17th Century French celebrities. Each stamp has a surcharge that contributed to national aid. One of these stamps features Louis as The Grand Condé. The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. 

There are a few features in this design that I really like. Decaris has rendered the armour on Louis' right (our left) arm beautifully. I also like the delicate feel Decaris has given to the neck scarf. One final feature I like is the quiver-like country nameplate. A nice suggestion of the subject's military prowess.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

Monaco 1974 - International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo

On this day, 6 May, in 1901, the supremely talented Albert Decaris was born in Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France. This year marks the 115th anniversary of his birthday. 

Over the last couple of days I've spent some time perusing my collection of stamps he engraved, searching for something appropriate to use to celebrate his birthday. When I turned to my stamps he engraved for Monaco, I came across a set that reminded me of one of my most memorable birthdays when I was a kid. I think it was my tenth or eleventh birthday and I recall being told we were going to visit my grandmother. I always enjoyed seeing my grandmother so I was quite excited by the idea, but little did I know we were going somewhere far more exciting! So I jumped into our car and we started driving. It wasn't long before I knew weren't going to my grandmother's. About a half an hour later my eyes nearly popped out of my head as we pulled up right near a Circus Big Top. That birthday was the best. What better way then to celebrate Decaris' birthday but with some circus stamps.

***

The Premier Festival International du Cirque or International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo is an annual festival, created in 1974 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Every January the best circus performers from all over the globe flock to Monte-Carlo to take part in the festival. 

On 12 November 1974, Monaco issued a sumptuous set of seven stamps to celebrate the first year of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. Albert Decaris engraved the stamps and in my humble opinion they are some of the finest stamps he ever produced. The fun and frisky nature of the stamps suit his quirky style to a tee. 

***

Roll up! Roll up! The circus has come to town!

Can you hear the crack of the whip? The roar of the wild beasts? We know what that means. Enter the brave tamer, decked out in his leopard-skin loin-cloth, working hard to maintain control of a group of tigers. Is that a tiger sneaking up behind him ready to pounce? Or is it a bested tiger and an example of what the tamer hopes to achieve with the other three tigers staring him down?

***

The thunk of horse hooves reverberates beneath the Big Top as the prancing horses gallop out and dazzle the crowd with their organised prowess. Such colour. Such beauty.

***

Who doesn't love an acrobatic elephant? Watch these giant lumbering beasts perform staggering feats of balance and control. Take a photo. What a great snapshot! 

***

Prepare to be spellbound by the equestrian event. Marvel at the feats of human agility, all while riding upon a horse. 

***

And here come the clowns! Laugh yourself silly with their zany, side-splitting antics.

***

And what do we have here? Is that a man standing on a bike with a woman doing a handstand on his head? What masterful balance! Quiet now. We wouldn't want to disturb their concentration.

***

Quick. Look up! Watch the grace and poise of the High-Wire acrobats. Just look at them fly. Tumbling, flying, catching, swinging...

Well, I hope you enjoyed the show!

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

Cameroun 1939 - Carved Figures

In 1939 Cameroun issued a beautiful set of Postage Due stamps, featuring examples of carved African statues. The set comprises 10 stamps featuring the same design. A further Postage Due with the same design, but slightly tweaked was issued in 1944 (but more on that later). This design was engraved by Albert Decaris. Each value of this set was issued in a different colour, which in my opinion, subtly changes the impact of the design. As such I will share all the different values here. All colours I have used are according to the Scott Catalogue.

*** 

5c burnt red violet.

***

10c prussian blue.

***

15c carmine rose.

***

20c black brown.

***

30c ultramarine.

***

50c dark green.

***

60c brown violet.

***

1f dark violet.

***

2f orange red.

***

3f dark blue.

***

As I mentioned above, there was a further Postage Due stamp of the same design issued in 1944. But this stamp is slightly different. Can you pick it?

If you haven't spotted it yet, turn your attention to the bottom of the stamp. The R & F are missing. Incidentally, this later stamp was not issued in Cameroun, according to the Scott Catalogue.

So which colour do you prefer?

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1953 - Tour de France

What famous race began as a result of a rivalry between two newspapers? If your answer is the Tour de France, then you are absolutely right! It all started on 20 November 1902 at a crisis meeting at the offices of the  French newspaper L'Auto. The newspaper had been struggling with stagnating sales, and all the while their rival newspaper Le Vélo was dominating the news stands. Naturally the backers of L'Auto were rather unhappy with the situation. Something had to be done...

Enter one  Géo Lefèvre, the 26 year old chief cycling journalist for the paper. He had a radical idea based on the knowledge that cycling races sell lots of papers. That being the case, why not host a cycle race, a race larger than anyone had ever seen? If this audacious idea should work, then perhaps L'Auto may just match its rival in newspaper sales, or even better, put its rival totally out of business! After more excited meetings L'Auto announced the race on 19 January 1903. After much debate, a format for the race was finally agreed upon. The race was to be run over 19 days, commencing on 1 July. 

On 1 July some 80 competitors lined up outside the Café Reveil-Matin in the village of Montgeron for the very first Tour de France. The race commenced at 3:16 pm on 1 July 1903. It goes without saying that L'Auto featured the race on its front page that day. After a gruelling race where only 24 of the 80 entrants finished, the title of winner went to Maurice Garin (pictured below). 

And it should be noted that sales for the newspaper L'Auto doubled due to the race. So it was a cracking success. Not only that, its continued popularity has ensured its longevity. The race still runs annually with competitors from all over he world vying for a place on the winner's podium.

***

On 25 July 1953 France issued a stamp celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Tour de France. The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

The design of this stamp is fantastic. In the centre of the stamp we see a map of France with the course for the Tour de France plotted out. The space within the roughly circuitous route has been used for the title of the stamp. Flanking the map of France are two cyclists. The cyclist on the left is wearing clothes consistent with the early years of the race. Perhaps this is the winner of the first race, Maurice Garin. The cyclist on the right is a 'modern' rider from the 50's. 

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

I Found... Another 1935 Decaris Stamp

Just when I thought I had found and catalogued all of Albert Decaris' early stamps, up pops an issue in which I had no idea he was involved. The issue in question was for French Guiana to commemorate the Tercentenary of the Founding of French Possessions in the West Indies (try saying that one three times fast!). This issue comprises six stamps and it was released on 21 October 1935. There are two designs in this set, one of which was engraved by Albert Decaris.

As you may already be aware, 1935 was an auspicious year for Albert Decaris. It was the year the first and second of his engraved stamps were issued, both for France. Click HERE Well, now we have a third! The issue dates of the three stamps are:

• Normandie: issued 23 April
• St. Trophime: issued 7 May
• Tercentenary: issued 21 October

As you can well imagine, once I found out about this set I went online to try to source a copy for myself. Despite the fact that my Scott catalogue lists all three stamps for $14.75 US, I wasn't able to find the three at anywhere near that price. So I am going to have to purchase them individually. I have found all three, but so far I have only purchased one.

So what does this design look like, I hear you ask? Below is an image of the one value I have purchased, the 50c value.

There are two other values in this design: 40c and 1.50f.

Monaco 1967 - European Migration

In 1951 a committee, initially known as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME), was formed to attempt to deal with the chaos of the displacement of millions of people as a result of World War II. Its purpose was to assist European governments identify countries for the potential re-settlement of some 11 million people uprooted from war-torn countries. During the 1950's it managed to re-settle over a million people - an incredible achievement in my view. The committee has undergone several name changes over the years. In 1952 it became the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM). In 1980 to the Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM). Then in 1989 it changed to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM also deals with the resettlement of people displaced by natural disasters. Click HERE for more on this great organisation.

***

On  28 April 1967 Monaco issued a stamp to publicise the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM), which on the stamp uses the acronym CIME. This stamp was engraved by Albert Decaris.

As far as design goes, this stamp is excellent. The graphics are simple, elegant, and speak volumes. The spirals suggest controlled, successful migration - to me at least.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy! 

France 1950 - Francois Rabelais

A physician. A scholarly monk. A fantasy writer. A bawdy song and joke composer. These couldn't possibly be the talents of just one man...right? Well, if your answer is yes, then you haven't heard of the colourful French Renaissance humanist, Francois Rabelais. And if the above list wasn't impressive enough, Rabelais was considered such a powerful writer that the word "Rabelaisian" has been coined to describe writing "marked by gross robust humour, extravagance of caricature, or bold naturalism" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

It somehow seems fitting that such an interesting character have enigmatic origins. There is some dispute over exactly when Francois Rabelais was born. Some say he was born as early as 1483, but the most likely time of his birth was in November 1494. The place of his birth is also uncertain, but he was probably born near Chinon in the Touraine where his father, a lawyer, worked.

Rabelais' education began when he entered the Franciscan Order of monks. There he studied Greek and Latin as well as science, philology, and law. He eventually left monastic life to study medicine at the University of Poitiers and at the University of Montpellier. In 1532 he moved to Lyon to practice medicine. Here, he also edited Latin texts. In his spare time he wrote and published humorous pamphlets. Using the pseudonym Alcofribas Nasier - an anagram of his name - he wrote Pantagruel. This book was to become the first of his Gargantua series, for which he became famous.

I'll end this brief description of the life of Francois Rabelais with the now famous words that he penned in his will: "I have nothing, I owe a great deal, and the rest I leave to the poor". He died in April 1553. 

***

On 26 June 1950, France issued a stamp in honour of the remarkable Francois Rabelais. The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

Decaris has done a fantastic job capturing the humorous nature of Rabelais. Just look at that cheeky grin and the penetrating gaze. We just know he is formulating some witty yarn to dazzle his readers.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

Ivory Coast 1936-1944 - Definitives

Between 1936 and 1944 Ivory Coast issued a large set of 41 definitives comprising 4 different designs. One of the designs, used for 15 of the stamps, was engraved by Albert Decaris. It's possible he also designed the image, but I'm not sure yet. This was the third design Decaris engraved and one can see the burgeoning of a great artistic talent.

The image Decaris designed depicts a coastal scene. This design was issued over five printings between 1936 and 1944. And 8 different colours were used. I recently purchased a set of the Decaris design, but I discovered the set is missing 3 values unfortunately. I guess I'll have to keep hunting for the 3 missing values. Nevertheless. the 12 stamps I received are absolutely fantastic. They are so nice, I decided to show them all here.

***

In 1936 six values were issued.

Red Brown

Dark Violet

90c carmine rose (stamp not available yet)

Dark Green

Copper Red

1f 50c ultramarine (image not available yet)

***

Two values were issued in 1938.

Black Brown

Carmine Rose

***

One value was issued in 1939.

Dark Green

***

Four values were issued in 1940.

Carmine Rose

Red Brown

Ultramarine

Black Brown

***

One value was issued in 1944.

Greenish Black

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!