China 1968 8f red, black and gold, 41st Anniversary of the Chinese Liberation Army, vertical strip of five, SG2350.
A very fine unmounted mint strip of 5 with full clean original gum. Central stamp with minor black offset on reverse as normal.
This iconic Cultural Revolution issue design features Chairman Mao’s calligraphy on a white panel, flanked by a group of revolutionary soldiers holding aloft the Little Red Book of Mao’s quotations. Printed in vivid red, black and gold, which was the archetypal colour palette of the period symbolising revolution, loyalty, and victory.
SG Catalogue Value: £900+.
Background
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The issue marks 41 years since the founding of the PLA (1 August 1927), and was released amid the fervour of the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), when propaganda themes dominated all Chinese stamp production.
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The inscription reproduces Mao Zedong’s handwritten message:
“Be prepared against war, be prepared against natural disasters, and do everything for the people.”
This slogan was one of Mao’s central ideological statements, promoting perpetual vigilance and loyalty to the Communist Party.
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The design’s vertical format allowed it to fit standard correspondence envelopes, but many were affixed in multiples for decorative purposes, making complete mint strips rare.
