The Emir Beshir Booklet
The famous Emir Beshir stamps (six values) issued in 1942 to celebrate the proclamation of independence conceded by general Catroux do not need any special introduction. They were authorized by decree number 395 on the 20th of March 1942, designed by Koroleff and printed by the Imprimerie Catholique in Beirut. An intriguing presentation booklet printed on grey corrugated think paper where the complete set of the Emir Beshir stamps is attached requires explanation. The front of the Booklet has a blue cedar on the top left corner while an inscription in both Arabic and French reads “commemorative issue of postage stamps for Lebanese independence”. The booklet was also printed by the Imprimerie Catholique as can be deduced from the small inscription on the back.
New information came to light that can help us explain these booklets and their purpose. A small note published in the local newspaper “l’Univers Israélite” on the 31th of May 1942 reads as follows: “The direction of posts presented us with a gift consisting of a booklet containing the stamps commemorating Lebanese independence. These stamps represent Emir Beshir with an ornate oriental frame”.
The booklet contains two transparent pocket strips to hold the stamps, while in some booklets the stamps are attached inside and cancelled by a postmark. The booklet in our possession bears the postmark dated 11 may 1942. Thus it becomes clear that all the dates are congruent: the stamps where printed in March 1942, the Post administration prepared these booklets in early may and sent them as a gift to local newspapers or other dignitaries as a measure to promote stamp collection.It is worth noting that these authentic booklets are not to be confused the fake booklets presenting similar characteristics but with the stamps printed inside. It is obvious that these booklets are forgeries inspired by the presentation booklets.
Wissam Lahham
