Sunday, April 06, 2008

A story for the design of 3 Iraqi stamps 1923

The Design of three Iraqi stamps ( their face values 4 annas , 8 annas and 5 rupees ) which were issued in year 1923, depicts the Standard bearer of the Dulaim camel corps ( or known as the Desert Police )and faithfully reproduces a painting done in the desert near Ramadi. The corps was a Mobile Police Force, mounted on specially picked fleet camels, and was eminently suitable for desert warfare. It was kept at instant readiness and fully equipped to enable it to operate and maintain itself even in spots far removed from sources of supply. The standard was of bright green silk, on which was inscribed a passage from the Holy Koran in gold thread, while the knob and pendants were silver. The pattern in the frame represents the " agal" – the short rope by which camels are hobbled. in 1923 These stamps designed on paintings of Miss Cheesman (the sister of Cheesman ( explorer Maj. R.E.,who was then in official service in Iraq as Private Secretary of Sir Percy Sykes, High Commissioner in Iraq ).