Description
Metrology in Serbia has a long tradition. The National Assembly of the Principality of Serbia voted, on December 1, 1873, the Law on Measures, which officially accepted the decimal metric system in Serbia and established the Department of Measures at the Ministry of Finance of the Principality of Serbia with the task of taking care of the control of measurement and comparison of measurement units. Already in 1879, the Principality of Serbia joined the international "Meter Convention", which was established in 1875, which created a framework for the industrial, commercial and social application of established measures, both in the country and at the international level.
The historical heritage of the Department of Measures of the Principality of Serbia is preserved today by the Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals – an administrative body within the Ministry of Economy, whose task is to develop and ensure the application of appropriate measurement infrastructure, to ensure accurate, reliable and honest measurements for the purpose of prosperity and improving the quality of life of citizens and increasing the competitiveness of the economy in our region. The Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals is a national metrology institute, recognized throughout the world.
Motif on the stamp: the first standards of the Principality of Serbia – a kilogram weight prototype made of gilded brass, which was acquired in 1880 and a meter prototype, made of platinum and iridium alloy, with serial number 30, cast in the first series of prototypes in 1889.
Motif on the envelope: standard weight of 1 kg with serial number 33, which the Principality of Serbia received after signing the "Meter Convention" and cubator, a device used for inspecting and calibrating barrels and casks, which is kept in the Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals.
Background of the stamp and envelope: a certificate from the International Bureau of Measures confirming that the Principality of Serbia received a prototype of the kilogram weight with the serial number 11.
Expert collaboration: Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Serbia. Artistic realization of the issue: Nadežda Skočajić, Academic Graphic Artist
