Phila-Trivia: Belgian Sunday Delivery Stamps

Among the oddest aspects of religion depicted on stamps was the encouragement of the observance of Sabbath on Sunday. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Belgium issued special Sunday Delivery Stamps. Attached to each was a small tab, which could be torn off if necessary, with instructions in Flemish and French that a letter bearing the stamp and tab was not to be delivered on a Sunday. These tabs are found on all Belgian stamps issued between 1893 and 1912. The origin of this instruction is to be found in the Fourth of the Ten Commandments, which commands that the Sabbath be kept holy, and that no work shall be done on it.

With the introduction of Sunday postal deliveries in Belgium, objections were raised by some individuals who regarded Sunday as a holy day and strongly opposed this Sunday mail delivery as a defiance of God’s law. However, many Belgians did not mind Sunday delivery at all, so a compromise was reached: if a person posting a letter did not mind it being delivered on a Sunday, he could detach the tab bearing the instruction “Do not deliver on Sunday.” If, however, Sunday deliveries were against his religious beliefs, he could leave the tab on the stamp and his letter would be held over at the post office until the Monday.

In effect, the religiously observant were given the opportunity to make a sacrifice for their faith by delaying the delivery of their letters by one day. Of course, the sacrifice probably seemed trivial, as delaying progress and being "behind the times" has not bothered believers very much in the past.

Stamp Investment Tip: Belgium 1932 Cardinal Mercier Issue (Scott #B114-22)

In 1932, Belgium issued a semi-postal set honoring Cardinal Mercier (Scott #B114-22). A hero of World War I, Mercier staunchly resisted the occupation of Belgium and issued a pastoral letter condemning German atrocities. 25,509 sets were issued, and Scott '11 values it unused at $573.85.

This is an attractive Religion topical and one of the key semi-postal sets of Belgium. I view it as a conservative investment.

With a population of just under 11 million, Belgium is the world's 15th largest trading nation. Highly industrialized, educated, and affluent, Belgium has a sizable, vibrant stamp collecting community comparable to those of its Northern European neighbors. GDP growth has averaged only 1.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a 3% contraction in 2010. Like most of Europe, the country was hit very hard by the global financial crisis, and is now in recovery mode.

Notes that the set exists with a privately produced black overprint "Braine-L'alleud 17-7-33 Collegio Card. Mercier." 4,700 sets were overprinted, and it is noted by Scott.

Stamp Investment Tip: Belgium 1957 Antarctic Expedition Semi-Postal Souvenir Sheet (Scott B605a)

In 1957, Belgium issued a semi-postal souvenir sheet to benefit its 1957-58 Antarctic Expedition (Scott #B605a). This pleasant souvenir features sled dogs resting at outside a Antarctic camp, and doubles as an Animal and a Polar Topical. 82,700 were issued and Scott '10 values the souvenir sheet at $ 175.00 for unused and $ 140.00 for used.

With a population of just under 11 million, Belgium is the world's 15th largest trading nation. Highly industrialized, educated, and affluent, Belgium has a sizable, vibrant stamp collecting community comparable to those of its Northern European neighbors.


This souvenir sheet is well worth accumulating, either VF NH or used. Attractively cacheted First Day Covers exist, for which Michel assigns a hefty premium over the catalog value for used. Fortunately, many dealers don't keep up with Michel, so it may be possible to find a B605a FDC at a very reasonable price.