door This article takes a closer look at a philatelic cover sent from Leiderdorp, Netherlands, dated 16 February 1944. The cover is notable for its rich variety of stamps, high declared value, and registration status. It serves as an interesting example of a wartime philatelic creation, providing insights into both postal practices and historical context during World War II.
The Cover Details
The cover features an assortment of Dutch stamps from various series, covering multiple denominations. The placement of stamps suggests deliberate care, with the total franking amounting to 2.28 guilders, which slightly exceeds the required postage rate. The rate comprised 10 cents for postage, 10 cents for registration, and 2 guilders for insurance, totaling 2.20 guilders. The 8-cent overpayment and the arrangement of stamps point to this being a philatelic cover, likely crafted for a collector.
The cover was addressed to H.C. Grimmius, a livestock trader (“veehandelaar”) in Winsum, Groningen. The inscription on the cover states a declared value of 8,000 guilders, a substantial sum for that period. A red label reading “WAARDE” (meaning “Value”) accompanies the declared amount, emphasizing the significant insured value of the contents. Additionally, a registration label from Leiderdorp is affixed, highlighting that this was registered mail.
The cancellation date on the stamps, 16 February 1944, is clearly visible. This date situates the cover towards the latter part of World War II, at a time when the Netherlands was still under German occupation. Despite the challenging circumstances, it appears that the sender managed to create an elaborate postal item, likely for philatelic purposes.
Historical Context: The Netherlands in Early 1944
During early 1944, the Netherlands was enduring its fourth year under German occupation. Life had become increasingly difficult for Dutch citizens, with shortages of food, fuel, and other essential goods. The resistance movement was growing, but repression by the occupying forces was also intensifying. Communication channels, including the postal system, were subject to strict control and censorship. Given these circumstances, mailing a high-value item like this cover, complete with registration and declared value, would have been somewhat unusual and logistically challenging.
The declared value of 8,000 guilders was significant, especially during wartime when the economy was under pressure. Livestock trading, the occupation of the addressee, was one of the essential activities that still took place, albeit under strict regulation. The declared value might have related to important documents or some other significant matter requiring secure mailing. However, the aesthetic placement of stamps and the overpayment of postage suggest that the primary intention was not purely practical, but instead aimed at creating a collectible item.
Philatelic Intent
The arrangement of stamps, the declared high value, and the careful preparation of this cover imply it was intended to attract the interest of philatelists rather than simply serve as a means of conveying correspondence. The use of multiple stamps, each featuring different designs, creates a “painting” effect, suggesting the sender was motivated by a desire to craft an attractive, noteworthy postal item.
Philatelic covers like this were often produced by collectors who wanted to create interesting items for exchange, exhibition, or simply for their own collections. Even during wartime, when postal services were restricted, the urge to create such items persisted. This cover illustrates how even in difficult times, collectors continued their pursuit of philatelic interests, navigating around wartime constraints.
Conclusion
This registered cover from Leiderdorp to Winsum, mailed in February 1944, is an example of a philatelic item produced during wartime. Its high declared value, registration status, and diverse stamp arrangement reflect both the challenges and the enduring enthusiasm of collectors during the German occupation of the Netherlands. It is a reminder of how philately persisted even amidst the difficult conditions of World War II, offering insight into the practices of both the postal system and the collectors of the time.
