Guernsey Stamps.
British postage stamps were used from 1840 - 1969, with the exception of the years of German Occupation, 1940 - 1945; even then, the stamps produced were issued by British postal officials and recognised by the Postmaster General, and for almost a year after liberation, these stamps remained valid until 13th April 1946 for use on letters addressed to all parts of the world.
Supplies of British stamps were no longer obtainable once the Germans were in occupation. Consequently after a few months supplies of both the 1/2d and 1d stamps began to dry up. Due to the acute situation, it was decided to produce stamps locally and in October 1940 work started on an issue. In December, the supplies of the British 1d became exhausted before supplies of the local issue were ready. The decision was taken to cut diagonally the 2d stamps and use as 1d stamps, these ‘bisects’ were authorised by the Post Office on Christmas Eve 1940. The stamps that were bisected were King George VI 2d and Postal Centenary 2d, both available at post offices, and some King George V 2d stamps which were in the hands of
Supplies of British stamps were no longer obtainable once the Germans were in occupation. Consequently after a few months supplies of both the 1/2d and 1d stamps began to dry up. Due to the acute situation, it was decided to produce stamps locally and in October 1940 work started on an issue. In December, the supplies of the British 1d became exhausted before supplies of the local issue were ready. The decision was taken to cut diagonally the 2d stamps and use as 1d stamps, these ‘bisects’ were authorised by the Post Office on Christmas Eve 1940. The stamps that were bisected were King George VI 2d and Postal Centenary 2d, both available at post offices, and some King George V 2d stamps which were in the hands of
collectors, but still valid for postage. The bisects remained valid until February 22nd 1941. There was a trial run of small swastikas overprinted on the bisects, the 2d postal centenary and 1d King George VI stamps, this was vetoed and stocks were meant to have been destroyed. Some samples do exist, but some experts doubt their authenticity.
The locally produced 1d ‘Guernsey Arms’ stamp was issued on February 19th 1941, the ½d appeared on April 7th 1941 and the 2½d on 12th April 1944. With the now famous ‘Blue banknote paper’ stamps being issued ½d on 11th March 1942 and 1d on 9th April 1942.
Along with Jersey, the regional stamps were issued and used from August 18th 1958, the first in a series which went on to be issued with changes from watermarked to unwatermarked paper, the introduction of phosphor bands, and colour changes until 1969.
1st October 1969 heralded Postal Independence for Guernsey, and with it their first truly independent stamp issue.
This day also saw the first stamp postage dues. December 1st saw the first Guernsey commemorative stamps, The Birth Bicentenary of Isaac Brock, with the first stamp booklets issued on 12th December 1969.
The locally produced 1d ‘Guernsey Arms’ stamp was issued on February 19th 1941, the ½d appeared on April 7th 1941 and the 2½d on 12th April 1944. With the now famous ‘Blue banknote paper’ stamps being issued ½d on 11th March 1942 and 1d on 9th April 1942.
Along with Jersey, the regional stamps were issued and used from August 18th 1958, the first in a series which went on to be issued with changes from watermarked to unwatermarked paper, the introduction of phosphor bands, and colour changes until 1969.
1st October 1969 heralded Postal Independence for Guernsey, and with it their first truly independent stamp issue.
This day also saw the first stamp postage dues. December 1st saw the first Guernsey commemorative stamps, The Birth Bicentenary of Isaac Brock, with the first stamp booklets issued on 12th December 1969.
Up until now all stamps were issued in £.s.d. With the change to decimal currency on 15th February 1971, new definitive stamps of the same designs and colours in equivalent decimal values replaced all earlier issues which became invalid for use.
The Victor Hugo set saw the first mini sheet on June 6th 1975, 29th May 1976 brought the first Europa set. Guernsey’s first set of Christmas sheetlets were issued on 20th November 1984, it’s first Post Office Yearbook 1st December 1986, and with the first series of the ‘Guernsey Scenes’ came the first self adhesive issue.
The Victor Hugo set saw the first mini sheet on June 6th 1975, 29th May 1976 brought the first Europa set. Guernsey’s first set of Christmas sheetlets were issued on 20th November 1984, it’s first Post Office Yearbook 1st December 1986, and with the first series of the ‘Guernsey Scenes’ came the first self adhesive issue.
