Proof stamps from the Belgian Congo, the so-called ‘Vloors Type’ series (1923–1924) An exceptional account of the project to produce a series of stamps, documented through all its stages and involving its three key figures: Émile Vloors, a Belgian painter and sculptor, who created the designs; Baron Gaston Stalins, the American Banknote Company’s European representative in Paris, responsible for engraving and printing; and John van Kessel, private secretary to the Minister for the Colonies, Louis Franck, acting as an intermediary between the artist, the printer and the administration. The collection brings together the correspondence that approved the designs, determined the colours, adjusted the face values and monitored the progress of the project, accompanied by the proofs themselves, sent with these letters and annotated by hand as decisions were made. ‘I am pleased to enclose the final proofs: Ubangi (woman) 5 cts, Weaving 75 cts, Ornament 1 franc, one specimen of each. ” (12 June 1923) “I am also enclosing: 17 colour proofs of the ‘Rubber’ stamp, 17 colour proofs of the ‘Palm Oil’ stamp. I am sending the same items to Mr Vloors by the same post. He will now be able to choose the ‘Palm Oil’ and ‘Rubber’ denominations, and the colour for these two stamps as well as that for ‘Ivory’, for which he has had the proofs for quite some time already. ’ (12 June 1923) ‘If we could obtain a prompt decision from Mr Vloors, that would mean we would have 10 out of the 12 denominations finalised, and we could have the satisfaction of supplying you promptly. ’ (12 June 1923) ‘I have just returned from a journey, terribly tired, but I nevertheless intend to come and see you next week in order to settle this Vloors affair, which threatens to prove ruinous for everyone. ” (Autograph letter from Gaston Stalins, 11 December 1923) The correspondence traces the back-and-forth between Paris, Brussels and Antwerp: a colour proposed, rejected, then reconsidered; a face value altered; technical constraints, deadlines, administrative impatience and, at times, personal tensions. Composition of the lot: 252 original proofs covering the 12 face values of the series, from 5 centimes to 10 francs. Control prints produced during the approval phase, comprising multiple colour trials per stamp, most of which are hand-annotated. The lot comprises 25 proofs for the Ubangi (woman) 5 cts, 8 for the Baluba 10 cts, 22 for the Babuende 15 cts, 24 for the Ubangi (hunter) 20 cts, 22 for the Basketry 25 cts, 14 for the Timber 30 cts, 10 for the Hunting 50 cts, 30 for Weaving 75 cts, 24 for Decorating 1 fr, 24 for Rubber 3 francs, 24 for Palm Oil 5 francs and 25 for Ivory 10 francs. Approximately 70 contemporary documents covering the period 1923–1925: correspondence on American Banknote Company letterhead, handwritten and typewritten letters, and administrative documents. Complete file available for inspection on request. (Descriptions provided only for the major items.) Philatelic collection. Provenance: Collection of John van Kessel (Antwerp, 1885), secretary to Louis Franck, Minister for the Colonies (1918–1924), then passed down through the family.