Denmark – Scott #s B42-42, used

Description

This Denmark semi-postal stamp pair, Scott #B42–B43, issued in the early 20th century, forms part of Denmark’s long-running Red Cross charity series. Like other Danish semi-postals of the era, these stamps combined everyday postal use with a humanitarian surcharge, raising funds for Red Cross relief and medical aid.

Both stamps share an intimate engraved design depicting a mother and father gazing down at an infant, a quiet domestic scene symbolizing care, protection, and family well-being. The imagery reinforces the humanitarian purpose of the issue, linking postal service with social responsibility and public health support. The restrained composition and soft line work are characteristic of Scandinavian stamp engraving of the period, favoring clarity and emotional understatement over ornamentation.

Printed in monochrome tones with crisp intaglio detail, the stamps feature the country name “Danmark,” Red Cross emblem, and surcharge clearly integrated into the design. The denominations of 50ø+10ø and 60ø+10ø reflect standard postal rates with an added charitable contribution, making them practical working stamps as well as instruments of social support.

This offering consists of used examples, showing normal postal cancellation consistent with genuine circulation. Used copies of Danish semi-postals are collected both for their historical postal usage and for their role in documenting early 20th-century European humanitarian fundraising through stamps.

Scott Catalog Numbers: B42–B43
Denominations: 50ø+10ø, 60ø+10ø
Condition: Used
Country: Denmark