Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol4, 1920.pdf/92

paper stamps running through the 2, 6, 10, 20 and 30 denier values and, like all the preceding, printed on white,unwatermarked paper. The numerals of value are in the color of the stamps, set in small, white hearts in the two lower corners. A circle, which touches the edges of the square design, bears the legend “Česko Pošta Slovenská” and, in the center, is a white falcon with outspread wings and tail. All were issued imperforate but the 2 and the 10 have been put out in the perce en lignes and Mr. J. R. Nichols of New York reports all values rouletted vertically.

The special deliveries are of two values—2 and 5 deniers, done on yellow paper. The inscription is in small letters about the border and the numerals of value in large figures in an oval frame at the base of the stamp. The design is of two doves in the act of alighting on linden boughs. Both stamps appear imperforate and perce en ligne.

The postage due set is the least attractive of the series and runs from the 5 to the 100 deniers value. The lower denominations are in olive green but the higher are in colors which break the monotony of the series. The stamps are rather too large, rectangular in form and the design is an interwaving of linden boughs and small hearts. The usual “Československá Pošta” legend runs around the borders and, in a frame in the center, is the word “Doplatit”, while beneath, against a background of the stamp color, is the numeral of value in large, white letters. These were all issued imperforate but Mr. Nichols has been kind enough to send me the 20 deniers both perce en ligne and Perf. 7, vertically, and reports that he has seen all values up to the 40 deniers in both forms. It is presumed that the entire set has been treated in this way unofficially.

No attempt will be made at this time to go into description of minor varieties. There are some, such as the 40 deniers orange of the first set with a small circle in the left edge of the oval of value. What it amounts to, is far too early to state here, for certainly the writer is making no claim to the dignities of an “Advanced Specialist” and, most certainly, is not seeking any debates, merely trying to pass on a bit of tentative information to others who may have taken a fancy to the stamps of Czechoslovakia, as he has done. For this same reason no list of shades is given but two are noted merely to help fill what, at best, is but half a measure-in the first set the 25 deniers is found in both blue and dull blue and the 60 deniers in orange and yellow-orange.

It is as the above article is leaving my hands that the eagerly expected arrives from Czechoslovakia in the form of a part of a new and again distinctive issue of postage stamps. The values so far at hand are the 15, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 120 deniers and are of two types. They measure 25 by 30-mm, the 15 of slate green, the 25 of brown and the 50 of blue. The design shows the large lion of Bohemia in the act of tearing the shackles of ages from his feet, the hind claws being already freed while he gnaws at the irons on the right forefoot. His two-forked tail curves over his back and there is a twist in it which mars the art of the stamp and makes one wonder if the artist dares revive memories of Austrian tortures in such a manner. The value is in a circle in the lower left corner, while across the top, runs the legend “Pošta Československá”, set in a narrow frame.

The three high values, and especially the 120, will go down as among the most beautiful stamps issued. This 120 deniers is a gem of its kind. It is a deep, rich purple on straw colored paper. On either side, against a finely drawn background, is a naked upright bayonet. At the base of each, in a rectangular frame, is the numeral of value and across the bottom of the picture frame is “Pošta Československá.” At the top, on a ribbon, is inscription “Sirotám Našich Legionářů.” But the central design is what makes the stamp stand far above its fellows of other new nations. At first sight one thinks it a modern treatment of The Mother and Child but then the linden leaves on the shoulders and in the hair of the mother, holding little one closer in eager hands, brings ou the symbolism. The engraving is so fine, the lines so soft and the coloring so delicate, that the stamp looks almost like an unusual “Christmas commemorative.” The 75 is in a gray black and the 100 in violet brown. All but the 120 are on white paper and all are unwatermarked, Perf. ⁠13+1/2⁠. All six stamps are the work of J. Obrosku, but one grieves that the first type was ever used. The appearance of the other values is awaited with interest for it may be that there is still a third type in the series.