Mauritania 1938 - Camels

The Sahara Desert constitutes almost 90% of its landmass. Camels are a typical mode of transport. And camel milk is offered to household guests. So where does one go for a camel ride in the desert or partake of some tasty of camel milk? The answer is Mauritania, more formerly known as Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Mauritania is located in West Africa. It is bordered by five other African countries as well as the Atlantic Ocean.

As I mentioned above, camels play an important role in Mauritanian daily life. The species of camel found in Mauritania, and indeed other areas of Africa, is the one-humped dromedary (C. dromedarius). Of the three known species of camel in the world, the dromedary is the most common. In Mauritania, camels are used for transport and they provide all important calcium in the diets of the locals in the form of milk and cheese. And even camel milk chocolate is now being produced!

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Between 1938-1940, the Institut de Gravure issued a set of 34 definitive stamps for use in Mauritania. The set consisted four design types, one of which was engraved by Albert Decaris. This particular design features Mauritanian locals and their camels, and it was issued in seven different values. If you're a regular to my blogs, you will know that I like to collect and feature all values issued. I very much enjoy studying the effects different colours have on a design. Anywho, enough talk! Let's get to the images of this great design.

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It is worth noting that the 40c & 45c values were issued in 1940. Which value colour is your favourite? For me it is the 50c purple stamp.

Until next time...

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.

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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)

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Two values were issued in 1938.

Black Brown

Carmine Rose

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One value was issued in 1939.

Dark Green

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Four values were issued in 1940.

Carmine Rose

Red Brown

Ultramarine

Black Brown

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One value was issued in 1944.

Greenish Black

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

USA 1938 - Airmail

I am officially very excited. Today I received my first Charles A. Brooks engraved stamp in the mail. I first came across the work of Brooks a couple of weeks ago and I instantly fell in love with his style. Charles A. Brooks was an American engraver, who engraved many stamps, mostly vignettes. He worked from 1938 to 1966.

The stamp I received today is the 1938 US Airmail. Charles A. Brooks engraved the vignette of this gorgeous stamp. For the newbies out there, the vignette is the image inside the frame of the stamp, which is often in a different colour.

Let's take a look at the stamp...

The detail of the vignette is stunning.

It is an interesting rendition of the Great Seal of the Untied States. A bald eagle is clutching thirteen arrows and an olive branch. These items symbolize the power of peace and war which is exclusively vested in congress. And the shield bears the stars and stripes of the United States.

I have to say, I can't wait to get more stamps on which this talented engraver worked.

Until next time...

Stay Engraver Crazy!