1873 Newspaper Stamp
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|
Cat. |
Mint Unhinged |
Mint Hinged |
Fine Used |
½d |
Rose |
3a |
$63.00 |
|
$27.00 |
|
$2.70 |
|
Originally there was no charge for newspapers forwarded
through the post for delivery within New Zealand. However, with the number
of newspapers posted frequently dwarfing paid mail, the Post Office decided
it had to charge for newspaper delivery. A rate of one penny was imposed in
1864 and dropped again in 1865 due to public pressure, only to be
reinstated in 1867.
Inspired by the English 1870 halfpence newspaper
stamp, a decision was made in 1872 to reduce the cost of newspaper delivery
and to produce a similar stamp.
The stamp was designed by the
Government Printer, John Davies based on the English newspaper stamp. A
woodblock die was carved in Melbourne, Australia, and electrotypes were
produced from it by W.H. Kirk in Wellington making this the first stamp
where the design, printing plate preparation and printing plates themselves
were completed in New Zealand.
The stamps were printed for 22 years.
For 17 of those a special purpose paper watermarked with a six-rayed
irregular star was used.
Bibliography
The Postage Stamps of New Zealand (Volume I)
Edited by R. J. G. Collins and H. T. M. Fathers B.A. B.Sc.
Published 1938 by The Philatelic Society of New Zealand Incorporated
The Postage Stamps of New Zealand Volume VI
Edited by D. E. G. Naish FRPSNZ and K. J. McNaught FRPSNZ FRPSL
Publsihed 1975 by The Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand Incorporated
The Postage Stamps of New Zealand Volume VIII
Edited by B. G. Vincent FRPSNZ
Published 1998 by The Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand Incorporated (ISSN 0-9597883-1-X)
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