Belgium Epaulettes Type I, 10 Centimes Brown

Belgium · 1849 · 10c

This stamp, known as the 'Epaulettes' issue, features a portrait of King Leopold I in military uniform with prominent epaulettes. The design, created by Jacob Wiener based on a portrait by Charles Baugniet, is framed by ornate scrollwork and includes the denomination 'DIX CENT' at the bottom. It was printed on paper with a watermark featuring the King's monogram.

Issued on July 1, 1849, this was the very first postage stamp of Belgium, marking the country's entry into the postal reform movement that began with Great Britain's Penny Black.