Printing plates of the 1st issue of Dutch postage stamps

The first postage stamps of the Netherlands were issued on January 1, 1852. The designs featured a portrait of King William III and were printed using engraved printing plates. Here is an overview of these early Dutch postage stamps and the printing process involved:

The First Issue of Dutch Postage Stamps (1852)

Design and Denominations:

  • The first Dutch postage stamps featured a profile portrait of King William III facing right.
  • Three denominations were issued:
    • 5 cents: Green color
    • 10 cents: Red color
    • 15 cents: Blue color

Engraving and Printing:

  • Engraver: Jacob Wiener, a renowned engraver, was responsible for creating the dies for these stamps.
  • Printing Process: The stamps were printed using the intaglio (engraved) printing method. This method involved engraving the design onto a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing paper onto the plate to transfer the ink from the engraved lines to the paper.

The Printing Plates:

  1. Engraving:
    • Jacob Wiener engraved the dies for each denomination. The die is a small, original engraved piece of metal that contains the stamp design.
    • From these dies, a transfer roller was created. The roller was used to transfer the design onto the printing plates.
  2. Printing Plates:
    • The printing plates were made of steel, chosen for its durability in the high-pressure intaglio printing process.
    • Each plate contained multiple impressions of the stamp design, arranged in rows and columns to form a sheet of stamps. For example, a plate might have had 100 impressions arranged in 10 rows of 10 stamps each.
  3. Plate Composition:
    • The plates for the 5 cents, 10 cents, and 15 cents denominations were created separately.
    • Each denomination had its own unique plate, tailored to the specific design and color required.
  4. Production:
    • The stamps were printed at the Dutch Government Printing Office.
    • The paper used for these early issues was unwatermarked and had varying thickness and texture.

Notable Features:

  • Perforation: The first Dutch stamps were imperforate, meaning they had to be cut from the sheet with scissors or torn along guidelines.
  • Design Details: The intricate engraving work by Wiener provided fine detail and depth to the portraits of King William III.

Collecting the First Issue:

  1. Rarity and Value:
    • The first issues of Dutch postage stamps are highly prized by collectors.
    • Condition is a significant factor in value, with mint condition stamps and those with clear, well-centered designs being particularly valuable.
  2. Plating:
    • Philatelists often study the minor variations and imperfections in the stamps to identify specific positions on the original printing plates.
    • This practice, known as “plating,” helps collectors reconstruct complete sheets and understand the production process.
  3. Historical Significance:
    • These stamps marked the beginning of the Netherlands’ official postal system and are an essential part of Dutch philatelic history.
    • Collectors value these stamps not only for their rarity and beauty but also for their historical context.

Overview

The first issue of Dutch postage stamps in 1852, featuring King William III, represents a significant milestone in the history of the Netherlands’ postal service. The intricate engraving work by Jacob Wiener and the use of durable steel printing plates highlight the craftsmanship and technological advancements of the time. Collecting these stamps provides a fascinating insight into the early days of philately and the rich postal history of the Netherlands.