AI says:
Quote:
The labels on the back of this envelope are actually Belgian ration coupons (coupons de rationnement / rantsoenzegels) from the post-WWII period.
During the strict post-war recovery of 1946, Belgium still suffered from widespread shortages. The government issued specialized sheets of coupons for food, clothing, fuel, and other commodities.
Why they are on this envelope:
• The Expiration Dates: The date 17 - 5 - 1946 printed within the calendar grid frame specifies the exact day the coupon expired or its final date of validity.
• The Points/Units: The prominent numerals (25 and 19) indicate the quantity of commodity points or units each coupon was worth.
• Used as Letter Seals: Once a specific date had passed or a ration period ended, unused sheets of coupons became obsolete. Rather than throwing them away, citizens commonly repurposed these sticky, gummed labels as makeshift closure seals to secure the flaps of envelopes.
Replies: 8 / Views: 228
Posted Yesterday 3:39 pm
