The elegant first issue of St Christopher in 1870 can lay claim to being an inspiration behind De La Rue’s later key-type designs
The Leeward Island of St Christopher (informally known as St Kitts) had enjoyed an organised postal service since 1760, and a Postmaster since 1779. When it was given control of its postal affairs in 1860, however, it had no adhesive stamps.
A circular ‘Paid’ handstamp had to be used on overseas mail for the next 10 years before a stamp issue appeared.
The colonial administrator had written to the Perkins Bacon in London as early as December 1862, requesting a quote for printing 1d and 6d stamps. Before a deal was reached, however, Perkins Bacon lost the printing contract. After a long delay, it would be De La Rue which took up the challenge.
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Stamp Magazine.
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This story is from the October 2017 edition of Stamp Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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