Pitcairn Island
Link to a Comprehensive Price list of Pitcairn Island stamps
Pitcairn Island is located to the south-east of French Polynesia. Pitcairn islands comprise the main island of Pitcairn and the uninhabited Henderson, Ducle & Oeno Islands. Doscovered by Phillip Carteret in 1767. The first settlers were the Bounty mutioneers who landed there in 1790. Their presecence was not suspected until 1808 when the American whaler 'Topaz' called there. Due to overcrowding the population was resettled in French Polynesia-Tahiti in 1831 but many soon returned to Pitcairn Islands which was formally annexed by Great Britain in 1838. In 1856 a number of the inhabitants were moved to Norfolk Island because of the risk of famine but some returned to Pitcairn Island between 1858 and 1864. In 1898 Pitcairn island was placed under the jurisdiction of the High Commissioner for the Western pacific. Responsibility for administration was transferred to Fiji in 1952 but Pitcairn island remained a Crown Colony. At its peak, the population reached about 250 but is now down to 46 (2005)
Postal History of Pitcairn Island
With such a small and largely illiterate population, early letters were uncommon. In the 1880's letters were purportedly sent by visiting ships, oftern American whalers and the missionary steamer 'Pitcairn' In 1921-26, Britain & New Zealand agreed to accept mail from the island. Handstamps were used inscribed 'Posted at Pitcairn Island - No stamps available'. In 1927 a New Zealand Post Office was opened and current New Zealand stamps were used until the stamps of Pitcairn island were issued in 1940.
Link to a Comprehensive Price list of Pitcairn 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 •
