door Telegram stamps, a somewhat forgotten category of stamps, once played an important role in the communication systems of many countries around the world. These specific stamps were used to cover the cost of sending telegrams, a lightning-fast communication medium that became popular in the second half of the 19th century. Before telephony became widely accessible, telegrams offered a way to quickly send important messages over long distances. This was crucial for both personal and business communication in an era when speed was of the essence.
Telegram stamps were introduced by various countries as a practical solution for collecting fees for this service. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Argentina all had their own versions of telegram stamps. Often, these stamps were only available at telegraph offices and were not intended for regular postal use. Some countries, like Spain, even issued specific designs that differed significantly from regular postage stamps, making them attractive to collectors. The same was true for the Netherlands!
The use of telegram stamps was simple but effective. When someone wanted to send a telegram, they had to go to a telegraph office and submit the message on paper. The telegraph staff would calculate the cost based on the number of words and the distance the message needed to travel. These costs were then paid in cash or with telegram stamps, which were affixed to a form, marked with a blue pencil cross for verification, and, from 1911 onwards, were postmarked as proof of payment.
Telegram stamps were used in the Netherlands from 1877 until 1920. As telephone and other communication technologies improved, sending telegrams became less common. In the 1960s and 1970s, many countries began to phase out their telegram services, and with that, the need for special telegram stamps also disappeared. Today, these stamps are rare and form a fascinating field for philatelists interested in postal history and communication methods from a bygone era.
Despite their limited usage period, telegram stamps hold a unique place in the history of communication. They represent an era when speed was of the utmost importance, and innovation in communication methods was constantly evolving. For collectors and historians, telegram stamps are valuable not only for their rarity but also for the story they tell about the development of international communication in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Telegram stamps were first introduced in the Netherlands in 1877. These stamps had a simple yet distinctive design, with the word “Telegraaf” prominently displayed along with the value in guilders or cents. The designs were generally less ornate than regular postage stamps but still had a formal appearance befitting the official nature of the telegram service. The stamps were often printed in muted colors, such as blue and brown, which were associated with administrative documents.
Dutch telegram stamps were issued in various denominations, depending on the costs associated with sending a telegram. The values ranged from a few cents for short, local messages to higher amounts for international telegrams. Thus, stamps were available in a wide range of values, allowing users to pay the exact cost of a telegram. This made the system both flexible and efficient for users.
The only issuance of Dutch telegram stamps took place between 1877 and 1903, with a hexagonal format designed by A.H. van Thiel. The stamps were printed in sheets of 2 by 50 pieces (5 horizontal rows of 10 stamps) with an interleaf. They were originally intended to be affixed to telegram forms by the telegraph service but were also available to the public.
Perfect perforation and well-centered telegram stamps are rare, making such specimens significantly more valuable. The stamps came in light and dark shades, but very pale versions are actually discolored variants. The darker colors are generally more highly valued, and the later-issued 25-cent stamp was always printed in a dark color.
As for the issue dates, eight denominations were released on January 1, 1877, followed by the 1, 3, and 5 cents on September 22, 1879, and the 25 cents on May 12, 1903. The validity of the 1, 3, and 12.5 cents ended on June 30, 1903, while the remaining denominations remained valid until December 31, 1920. The available denominations were as follows: 1, 3, 5, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, and 60 cents, as well as 1 and 2 guilders. The catalog numbers for this series are TG1 through TG12. Until 1911, the stamps were – for verification – punched with a round hole, and if there were two counters available, counter two used a square hole.
The use of telegram stamps in the Netherlands continued until December 31, 1920, although usage had declined before that. By the late 1950s, the demand for telegram services had started to fall rapidly. Today, Dutch telegram stamps are rare and are sought after by collectors as an important piece of Dutch postal history, providing insight into how people once communicated in a world without instant digital connections.
