Netherlands – Scott #s B373-77, hinged

Description

This Netherlands semi-postal commemorative stamp set, Scott #B373–B377, issued in 1959, features a striking series depicting traditional Dutch windmills, symbols long associated with the Netherlands’ landscape, engineering ingenuity, and water management history. As a semi-postal issue, each stamp includes a surcharge designated to support charitable and social welfare programs.

The designs present five distinct types of windmills, each shown in isolation against a simplified sky, emphasizing form, structure, and silhouette. The compositions focus on strong verticals and diagonals created by towers and sails, highlighting both the functional and sculptural qualities of these historic structures. The restrained realism and careful framing reflect mid-century European design sensibilities.

Each stamp is printed in a single dominant color, creating visual contrast across the set while maintaining stylistic unity. The use of limited palettes enhances legibility and reinforces the graphic strength of each windmill’s profile. The country name “NEDERLAND” and denominations are cleanly incorporated into the lower portion of each design, preserving balance and clarity.

Issued in denominations of 4c+4c, 6c+4c, 8c+4c, 12c+8c, and 30c+10c, the stamps were intended for regular postal use while contributing to charitable causes. This complete set is offered unused with original gum and hinge marks. Hinged sets remain attractive to collectors of Netherlands semi-postals, windmill and landscape themes, and mid-20th-century European graphic design.

Scott Catalog Numbers: B373–B377
Denominations: 4c+4c, 6c+4c, 8c+4c, 12c+8c, 30c+10c
Year of Issue: 1959
Condition: Unused, hinged
Country: Netherlands