Norfolk Island
Link to a comprehensive Price List of Norfolk Island Stamps
Located in the Tasman Sea. In the Pacific Ocean between Australia & New Zealand with an area of 3,300 hectares. Discovered by Cook on his voyage in 1774. First settled in 1788 as part of NSW. Used as a penal colony until 1813 then abandoned until 1826. when it was re-occuped as a penal settlement under NSW administration. The original settlers were provided with land in Van Diemans Land (Tasmania). Administration was transferred to Van Diemans Land from 1844-1856. IN 1856 was reverted to NSW and the descendants of the Bounty mutineers were transferred from Pitcairn Is.to Norfolk Island. Norfolk Island was later incorporated into NSW in 1896, and became part of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1914.
Postal History
In 1832 a post office was opened on Norfolk Island. In 1840 a civil postmaster was appointed and the first hand stamps were provided. These were two line marks reading 'Free/Norfolk Island' for official mail and 'Paid at/Norfolk Island' for general correspondence. Van Diemans Land (Tasmanian) on Norfolk Island from July 1854 to May1855 stamps were used. A numeral cancellation of "72" was allocated. After 1856 the mail was irregular and few examples have survived but stamps of NSW were first used on Norfolk Island in 1877 but not regularly available until 1896. Stamps of Australia were in use from 1913 until 1947. During World War II New Zealand Forces Post Offices were established on Norfolk Island.
Link to a comprehensive Price List of Norfolk Island Stamps
• Sydney Philatelics • P.O. Box 122 Milton NSW 2538 •
• Phone: +61 (0)2 4455 4011 • Fax: +61 (0)2 8572 9911 •
• E-mail:info@stampsaustralia.com.au •
