The First Belgian Issue (1849)
Belgium became one of the early adopters of postage stamps when it issued its first series on 1 July 1849, just months after France. Known as the Epaulettes, these stamps reflect both the practical and stylistic trends of early European philately.
The stamps were produced in multiple denominations, primarily 10 centimes and 20 centimes, covering domestic postal rates. Their name comes from the prominent shoulder decorations (epaulettes) on the portrait of King Leopold I, Belgium’s first monarch, whose likeness graced every value. This choice emphasized national identity and royal authority, a common feature in early stamp design across Europe.
Engraved by Belgian artist John Henry Robinson, the Epaulettes combined clear readability with ornamental detail. As was standard at the time, the stamps were imperforate, and printed on handmade paper. They were intended for use across Belgium’s new national postal system, which standardized rates and replaced the older, distance-based fee system.
