Gems of philately:
Red franking stamp FIM–congress 1954

The Dutch Motorcycle Riders Club (abbreviation in Dutch: NMV), founded in 1904, existed 50 years in 1954. During military exercises in 1912 motorcycle riders voluntarily acted as couriers, amongst others in the exercises for a war of positions around Aalsmeer-Mijdrecht. Although the army itself had 6 Douglas motorcycles at its disposal, the volunteers were a welcome addition. In the end the employment of the NMV volunteers led to the establishment of a "Voluntary Militar Motorcycle Riders Corps" (abbreviation in Dutch: VMMK). Partly due to this commitment Her Majesty granted on October 18th 1916 the designation "Royal" to the NMV, which may call itself KNMV from that moment on.

During the congress of the Fédération International des Clubs Motocyclistes (FIdCM) on November 28th 2012 NMV chairman Rob toe Laer got the opportunity to explain the viewpoints of the NMV. The NMV, at that time not yet a member of the FIdCM, called on the members to take their responsibility to steer international events in the right direction. Already at December 14th the countries gathered again to breathe during this congress new life into the FIdCM. During this meeting the NMV joined as a member, for the price of 72 guilders (33 euro) per year.

In 1949 the FIdCM was converted into the FIM (Fédération International de Motocyclisme). In that same year the yearly races for the European and World Championship were changed into series of races in which the riders contested for the championship.
The annual congress was also restored to its former glory. During that congress all important decisions are taken. As the KNMV celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1954, the FIM–congress was held in the Netherlands. From May 3rd to 8th the congres was held in the Kurhaus in Scheveningen. The designer of the jubilee plaque was none other than drawing wonder and motorcyclist Charles Burki.

What I did not know from the moment that I started to collect motorcycle stamps, 1983, until now, is that a special red franking stamp was used during the congress. Until I discovered, in the stock of a trader at the meeting of the Dutch Club of Thematic Philatelists, a letter from the congress (see the image in the lower left corner) with this stamp. Although not cheap, I directly bought it to use it in my exhibition collection.

The complete envelop

Detail of the red franking stamp

Also in 1989, not by coincidence during the 85th anniversary, the KNMV had again the honour to organize the FIM–congress. This time in Maastricht. I don't know whether a special stamp has been used that time. When anybody can answer this question I would be glad to hear it.

Nico Helling

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