National Stamp Day 1993
South Africa, Cape Town · 1993-10-08
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 8 October 1993 in Cape Town and carries the catalogue number SAPO 5.24. It shows four stamps illustrated by Johan van Niekerk, each depicting a stage in the early Cape postal service, from mounted dragoons and mail wagons crossing the Cape Flats to Khoi-Khoi runners carrying mail bags and riders delivering post between towns, all set against small illustrated maps tracing the routes. The stamps referenced the postal services established in the Cape between 1803 and 1806 under Commissioner-General De Mist and Governor Janssens, one of the first formal mail networks at the Cape.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows oval portraits of General J. Janssens and J.A. de Mist side by side against a blue background, above the bold title "Postal Services Posdienste 1803-1806". Beneath the portraits, the bilingual text "Nasionale Seëldag / National Stamp Day" appears in bold black lettering, with the Cape Town postmark featuring a mounted rider on horseback alongside the date.
Information Card
Present but not removed.
Theme: National Events
Condition: AverageNoticeable wear or light damage, such as creases, minor soiling, small tears, or light discolouration, but still collectable.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R3 (ZAR)
SG reference: 822-825
SAPO serial number: 5.24
Estimated value: ~US$0.62
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 209 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
