Belgium 1912 definitive series postage stamp, 10-centime carmine on blue frame, cancelled 'MONS S-GENERAL'

Name: Belgium 1912 definitive series postage stamp, 10-centime carmine on blue frame, cancelled 'MONS S-GENERAL'
Brand: groggy7857
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Belgium 10-centime definitive stamp from 1912, carmine and blue, with a heavy 'MONS' postmark.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Average(4/10)

BELGIUM 1912 DEFINITIVE SERIES POSTAGE STAMP, 10-CENTIME CARMINE ON BLUE FRAME, CANCELLED 'MONS S-GENERAL': IDENTIFICATION

This is a used postage stamp from Belgium, clearly identifiable as part of their definitive series from 1912. The central vignette features a 10-centime denomination in carmine, framed by an intricate design in blue. The cancellation is a rather heavy black rectangular box featuring 'MONS S-GENERAL / 20 JUIN 1912', which marks its usage on June 20, 1912, at the Mons post office S. General branch.

Compare with other stamps in the archive: 10-Cent Pan-American Union Air Mail Stamp (Scott #C25), Belgian Congo, Queen Elisabeth Mask Issue (1928-1930) - 6 Francs, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1906 1-Heller Town View Stamp with German Overprint.

POSTAL HERITAGE

Belgium's definitive stamp issues, like the one seen here, are cornerstones of any collection of Belgian philately. The 1912 series, often associated with a period of growing industrialization and colonial expansion, depicts allegorical figures (likely Mercury or similar themes related to commerce and communication) and intricate designs reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the era. These stamps facilitated the burgeoning postal service throughout the nation and its colonial territories, a vital component of its infrastructure before the ravages of World War I.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 5 stamps items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

This specific issue is not known for high-value forgeries.
The design and cancellation appear consistent with authentic examples of this stamp.
The relatively low value makes extensive forgery efforts economically unfeasible.

How does authenticity detection work?

PHILATELIST'S VERDICT

Philatelist

Stamp Specialist

The stamp's country, denomination, and precise date of use are all clearly visible and identifiable from the images. The design elements are consistent with known Belgian definitive issues from the early 20th century.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Clear 'BELGIQUE' / 'BELGIE' inscription at the bottom identifies the issuing country.
2Central denomination '10' clearly indicates the face value in centimes.
3Cancellation '20 JUIN 1912' provides precise date of use, confirming a 1912 definitive series issue.
4Dual-color printing (carmine and blue) is characteristic of specific Belgian issues of the period.
5The 'MONS S-GENERAL' cancellation indicates a specific postal location.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Measure perforations with a perforation gauge to determine the exact gauge, which can aid in precise catalog identification.
→Examine the reverse for gum type (original gum, regummed, no gum) and any thinning or repairs.
→Check for watermarks, often crucial for distinguishing among similar early European stamp issues.
→Consult a specialized Belgian stamp catalog (e.g., Scott, Stanley Gibbons, Michel, Yvert) to confirm the exact catalog number based on color, perforations, and watermark.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The stamp is used, as evidenced by the clear cancellation. Centering appears to be good to very good, with the design well within the perforations. However, the cancellation is quite heavy and obscures part of the denomination and design elements, which can affect its aesthetic appeal and value to some collectors. The perforations are mostly intact, though some very minor blunting might be present on the right edge.