The 150th Anniversary of the UPU, the Universal Postal Union, is celebrated with this set of four commemorative stamps. Each stamp features a piece of Manx postal history:
International Reply Coupon, 1907: The 3d International Reply Coupon was cancelled at the issuing office by the 22mm Bucks Rd Douglas Single Circle – Whitney 281 on the 28th March 1908 which is believed to have been introduced in 1902. Bucks Road, Douglas Post Office opened in 1885 and closed in 1965.
First Commemorative Stamp, 1924: The 1924 British Empire Exhibition Postcard depicts Peel Castle and Harbour and was published by the Isle of Man (Official) Board of Advertising for their Manx Kiosk and it is one of thirty-two cards issued. The 1½d stamp was one of two issued, the other being a 1d to commemorate the event and it is cancelled by the slogan used throughout the exhibition period.
Air Mail, 1948: The 6d King George VI Air Letter was issued in 1948 to commemorate the first Olympic Games held after the Second World War in London with the imprinted 6d stamp being an exact copy from the set of four stamps issued on the 29th July 1948. It is cancelled by the Douglas Isle of Man Universal Machine – Whitney 214 on the 24th September 1948 with this “die head” being used between 1948 and 1950.
UPU 75th Anniversary Cover, 1949: The Universal Postal Union First Day Cover has the complete set of four stamps issued on the 10th October 1949 cancelled by the registered Douglas Isle of Man Oval – Whitney 94 which is believed to have been introduced in 1948. The Douglas Isle of Man Registration etiquette was applied at Regent Street, Douglas Crown Post Office.
These historical pieces have been chosen from the esteemed Basil Wood Collection, an Isle of Man Postal History Collection, which was especially strong in Prisoner of War/Internment Mail.
Issue text is written by renowned philatelic journalist Richard West MBE and Kerry J Kemp of the Isle of Man Philatelic Federation and curator of the Basil Wood Collection.
