CPS Resource Centre
Meet Fellow Members at the 6th CPS Meeting during the World Stamp Show NY2016
Luxembourg 2016-05-10
On May 5, 2016 Luxembourg Post issued a new mini-sheet marking the 500th anniversary of the Thurn and Taxis Postal Route’s passage through the country. As described by Luxembourg’s Philatelic web site, the first postal routes were formed from the necessity to exchange messages among the royal, imperial and pontifical courts. Since the 15th century, the Taxis family was known for its courier and message services. Following a convention signed in 1516 between the family and Charles V., the Netherlands – Germany – Italy postal route even passed through northern Luxembourg with a probable postal relay at Hoffelt, as described in a document dated 19 July 1520. On 18 June 2016, this bit of philatelic history will be commemorated through a series of joint events with Luxembourgian, German and Belgian post offices in the cities of Arzfeld and Asselborn with special post offices and philately associations. From a cartophilatelic standpoint, the mini-sheet depicts a map with red circles representing five postal stations (Flamisoulle, Bourcy/Michamp, Hoffelt, Asselborn, Arzfeld) shown in the upper section of the sheet. In addition, the sheet portrays the territorial evolution of Luxembourg. The five postal stations depicted on the sheet were part of Luxembourg 500 years ago. However, since 1839, only two postal stations, Hoffelt and Asselborn, still remain in Luxembourg. Arzfelt is now in Germany and Flamisoulle and Bourcy/Michamp are in Belgium. Historically, the north-western part of Luxembourg was integrated into Prussia, in 1815 and the western, French speaking part of Luxembourg, was integrated into Belgium as the Province of Luxembourg in 1839. Forest areas, depicted by groups of small trees along with postal riders on horses are interspersed in the background of the sheet. In the center of the sheet are two horizontal stamps. The €4.00 left stamp shows the post rider and horse with commemorative slogan. The right stamp is an non-denominated label and shows two coats of arms, the one on the right appears to be the Thurn and Taxis coat of arms, however there is no mention about the one on the left. [ if anyone has clarifications and more information about this sheet or the coat of arms, please let us know. thanks to CPS members Neil C. for telling us about this issue, and Pierre M for providing a clarification of the detailed historical background so much history shown in one small sheet! -web admin ]
