New Zealand stamps from the period 1910 to 1950 feature a wide variety of designs and are highly regarded by philatelists. Here is an overview of some significant issues and themes during this time frame:
1910s
- King Edward VII Issues (1909-1913): These stamps featured the portrait of King Edward VII. They continued to be used in the early 1910s until the stock was depleted.
- King George V Issues (1915-1936): Stamps featuring King George V were introduced in 1915. These stamps came in various denominations and designs, reflecting the transition in the monarchy.
1920s
- Victory Stamps (1920): Issued to commemorate the end of World War I, these stamps depicted a variety of themes related to peace and victory.
- Admiral Byrd Expedition (1928-1930): These stamps were issued to commemorate the Antarctic expeditions of Admiral Richard E. Byrd.
1930s
- King George V Definitives (1935-1936): A new series of definitive stamps featuring King George V were issued.
- King George VI Issues (1937-1953): Following King George V’s death, stamps featuring King George VI were introduced. These included definitive and commemorative issues.
1940s
- Centennial Issues (1940): To mark the centennial of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a series of stamps was released depicting significant events and scenes from New Zealand history.
- Peace Issue (1946): Stamps were issued to celebrate the end of World War II, highlighting themes of peace and reconstruction.
1950s
- Queen Elizabeth II Issues (1953 onwards): After the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II, new stamps featuring her portrait began to be issued. This continued into the 1950s and beyond.
Collectible Highlights
- Errors and Variations: Collectors often seek stamps with printing errors or variations, such as color shifts or perforation differences.
- Covers and Postmarks: Stamps on original envelopes (covers) with clear postmarks from significant dates or locations are also highly prized.
New Zealand stamps from 1910 to 1950 reflect the country’s history and development during the early 20th century, and collecting them offers a window into both philatelic and historical study.
