Militia 1986

Unified Vietnam, Militia 1986, October 1st, 1986, Michel Nr. M47; A singe stamp with a 1D nominal value was issued in perforation 10.75:11.0. This was the first time that a military free frank was issued that showed a nominal value. With that the stamps lost their “Forever” status as now they were no longer worth the cost of a standard domestic letter up to 20g in perpetuity but a fixed 1D. This meant when the postage rates changed the 1D stamp was no longer sufficient to pay for a standard letter. The stamp is also known in perforation 11.0:10.75 a variety that is not yet listed in catalogues.

Here is the mint stamp in the unlisted perforation variety 11.0:10.75

Mint block of four in the standard perforation 10.75:11.0.

This stamp was not officially released imperforate, however, a small number of imperforate trial proofs have come to market. Here is a pair of the imperforate stamps signed by the stamp designer (Đổ Lệnh Tuần) in the margins.

Single franking of the stamp on a local letter sent from Hanoi to HCM City in September of 1987. Illegible transit and HCM City arrival cancel on the reverse.

Single franking of the stamp on a local letter sent from HT 9R (Cambodia) to HCM City in August of 1987. Since all mail originating from the Cambodian theatre of war was processed centrally in HCM City the letter received a HCM City machine cancel. Illegible transit cancel on the reverse.

Single franking of the 1D value on a letter sent in October of 1987 from Cambodia to a student at school at Long An. The domestic letter rate had recently changed from 1D to 5D and hence a postage due “T” hand stamp was applied. Long An arrival cancel on the reverse.

Here is a similar letter, this time from September of 1988. It was mailed from Hanoi to HCM City and the 1D rate was insufficient. As a result a rectangular boxed “Thieu Tem” (Postage Due) was applied directly on top of the stamp which is unusual but not unheard of. Illegible transit and HCM City machine arrival cancel on the reverse.

Rare multiple franking of the stamp (5) paying the new domestic letter rate of 5D on a local letter sent from Thanh Pho Bac to HCM City in August of 1987.