POTCHEFSTROOM 1838 - 1988

South Africa, Potchefstroom · 1988-09-16

Unofficial

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front

Cachet: The cachet on this cover uses a faded grey print of the two original Transvaal postage stamps, the 1 penny and 6 pence values, enlarged and set side by side in the background. Over this, the same two stamps reappear at full size and in full colour, showing the coat of arms design that anchored the original issue. Below the stamps a small circular mark reading "2" sits between them, echoing the numbering style used on early philatelic proofs. The bottom of the cover carries the town name "POTCHEFSTROOM" in bold block lettering, with the years "1838 — 1988" printed beneath in a lighter weight. In the top right corner a single RSA 16c stamp by Hein Botha depicts a tortoise, cancelled by a Potchefstroom postmark that includes the letters G.P.K. and the same 1838 to 1988 date range.

Info card

POTCHEFSTROOM 1838 — 1988 VAN EERSTE DORP TOT TOEKOMSSTAD Potchefstroom is in 1838 deur die Voortrekkers onder leiding van Andries Hendrik Potgieter gestig en was die eerste dorp noord van die Vaalrivier. Dit was die hoofstad van die Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek totdat die regeringsetel in 1860 na Pretoria verskuif is. Potchefstroom spog met vele eerstes, onder meer die volgende: — Die Vierkleur is hier ontwerp en vir die eerste keer amptelik gehys. — Die eerste grondwet van die ZAR is hier opgestel. — Die eerste wapen van die ZAR is hier ontwerp. — Die eerste openbare pers in Transvaal het hier tot stand gekom. — Die eerste kerkgebou in Transvaal is hier opgerig. — Potchefstroom was die eerste dorp in Transvaal wat 'n munisipale bestuur verkry het. Uit sy roemryke verlede groei die dorp tot 'n toekomsstad. Potchefstroom is bekend as 'n opvoedkundige sentrum maar staan op die vooraand van geweldige nywerheidsontwikkelinge. Potchefstroom betree nou 'n nuwe era as die nywerheidsreus van Wes-Transvaal. POTCHEFSTROOM 1838 — 1988 FROM FIRST TOWN TO CITY OF THE FUTURE Potchefstroom was founded in 1838 by the Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Hendrik Potgieter and was the first town north of the Vaal River. It was the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (South African Republic) until the seat of government was transferred to Pretoria in 1860. Potchefstroom boasts many firsts, among them the following: — The Vierkleur flag was designed and hoisted here for the first time. — The first constitution of the ZAR was drafted here. — The first coat of arms of the ZAR was designed here. — The first public press in the Transvaal was established here. — The first church building in the Transvaal was erected here. — Potchefstroom was the first town in the Transvaal to obtain municipal management. From its illustrious past the town is developing into a city of the future. Potchefstroom is well known as an educational centre but is on the threshold of enormous industrial development. Potchefstroom is now stepping into a new era as the industrial giant of the Western Transvaal.

Additional information

This cover is postmarked on 16 September 1988 in Potchefstroom. It marks the 150th anniversary of the town's founding in 1838 by the Voortrekkers under Andries Hendrik Potgieter. Potchefstroom served as the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek until 1860, and it was here that the Vierkleur flag was designed and officially raised for the first time.

Theme: Heritage

Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.

Addressed: No

Signed: No

Stamp denomination: R0.16 (ZAR)

Estimated value: ~US$0.1

This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.