10c Aportacion Voluntaria

This may be Dutch but only because I see a windmill. Other than that and the word Voluntary, I am stuck. Does anyone recognize this? Help would be appreciated. - Thanks Jeff

It's Spain, and not a postage stamp. I think it is an aid or assistance type of label.

thanks Cjd, anyone know what it is?

Spain has a lot of these types of charity labels. "Huerfanos de ________" benefited orphans of this or that trade.

I think yours is meant to benefit postal workers. I've seen the same inscription on a number of different designs. There is a tall ship that is particularly striking. I'll see if I can put my hands on one tonight to post.

thanks cjd

I disagree,
this label had postage validity as far as I know.

Issued by the Postal Mutual Assoc
and used for tax exemption (postage)
for personnel of the Post Office (pensioners)

They were circulated in differing forms
and were sold to the public.

The cancellations would support this argument,
but if any members have irrefutable proof
of them being cinderellas, then I shall stand corrected.

You are going to make me brush up on my high school Spanish, I just know it. The answer to this is going to dwell in Spanish-language websites.

In the meantime, Exhibit A is "Aportacion Voluntaria" which translates to Voluntary Contribution; Exhibit B is that neither Scott nor my version of Edifil Spain and Colonies list these.

I know, I know...so far, not an open and shut case. More work to do, if you need your proof irrefutable.

Well that fixed it now I am absolutely sure - that I am confused. Always appreciate the help - jeff

These were PO employees orphan charity fund labels. They were "voluntarily" used during 1910/1975 on some PO forms (parcels, giro, etc.) in addition to regular postage. And also "voluntarily" by PO communications that had, otherwise, franchise.
Also, in emergency periods (civil war) in place of absent stamps.
Please, note the intentional use of "", as under a dictatorship (as we had in 1923/1931 and 1936/1975)many things are done "voluntarily" (volunteering not to get into troubles...)

Was it as simple as saying that your letter might get better treatment if a label was applied? And perhaps a little less care and attention if no label was attached? Or would it end up in the trash without a label?

Or even worse: that you'll be classed as "not addict to the regime" on your secret police file, that a lot of people had... So, you could face troubles...
At least, most people were afraid of that. So: they paid the "voluntary taxe".