The posthorn issues of Norway

The posthorns of Norway are famous for having been printed during at least 100 years (1878-1978) with limited modifications.

First issue 1872-1875

6 values in skilling (1 to 7 sk). NORGE in Grotesk (Egyptian capitals) characters. Note the possible use during the öre currency after 1877 (valid until 1908!).

Designed by: Wilhelm von Hanno (1826-1882), Engraved by: Phil. Batz Print Process: Typo by P. Petersen.

Catalogue N°s Michel 16-21, Yvert 16-21, SG (1955) 31-44 with shades.

• 
  1 sk unused
• 
  1 sk late use in 1897
• 
  2 sk blue
• 
  3 sk Antiqua cancel
• 
  3 sk Grotsek cancel
• 
  4 sk violet
• 
  6 sk
• 
  7 sk

Second issue 1877-1878, 1879 (5 öre re-engraved), 1882 (10 öre re-engraved)

Posthorn shaded, first Norway issue in öre (1/3 skilling) currency on 1 January 1877. Sub-issue on 1 October 1878. 10 values (1 to 60 öre). Catalogue N°s Michel 22-31, Yvert 22-31, SG (1955) 46-67 with shades. Two values later re-engraved: 5 öre with small "5" without ball on foot; 10 öre with large "1" numeral with tip pointing downward.

• 
  1 öre unused
• 
  3 öre
• 
  3 öre
• 
  5 öre
• 
  5 öre
• 
  10 öre
• 
  12 öre
• 
  20 öre
• 
  20 öre
• 
  25 öre violet
• 
  35 öre
• 
  50 öre
• 
  60 öre

Third issue 1882-1893

Third posthorn issue, öre currency, posthorn not shaded. Two sizes (21 mm 1882-1885; and 20 mm 1886-1893). Multiple printings and plate settings, particularly with the 3, 5, 10, and 20 values. Catalogue Michel N°s 35-51; SG (1955) 71-107 with shades.

• 
  1 öre 20 mm Plate I 1891 issue
• 
  1 öre 20 mm Plate I 1891 issue
• 
  1 öre 1893 20 mm Plate II issue (plus 5 öre next issue)
• 
  2 öre 1888 surcharge
• 
  2 öre Org-brown 1890 issue
• 
  3 öre orange
• 
  5 öre green
• 
  10 öre red 20 mm (Plate III)
• 
  12 öre 21 mm green rare
• 
  12 öre 21 mm brown
• 
  20 öre ultramarine 21 mm
• 
  20 öre dull blue to light ultra. 20 mm (Plate II)
• 
  25 öre 20 mm

First issue NORGE in Antiqua, 1893-1905

Engraved by Trondsen. Typo printed by Central Printing Works (1893-1895) and Chr. H. Knudsen (1895-1908). Catalogue N°s Michel 52-61; Yvert 46-57; SG (1955) 121-130 with shades.

There are 2 perforations: 14²:13² (1893-1894; 1898-1908) or 13²:12² (1894-1898). Some of the Central Printing issues (3 and 20 öre) from 1893/94 were perforated 13²:12² when the perforation machine gauged 14²:13² was broken or undergoing repairs. Misaligned perforations on stamps 13²:12² are common and are due to bent or misaligned pins.

• 
  1 öre grey
• 
  2 öre (Knudsen) Mi53
• 
  2 öre (Knudsen) Mi53
• 
  3 öre (Central) Mi54B
• 
  5 öre
• 
  10 öre carmine Mi56a
• 
  20 öre ultramarine
• 
  25 öre perf 14²:13² (Knudsen) Mi58A
• 
  25 öre (Knudsen) Mi58
• 
  35 öre perf 13²:12² (Knudsen) Mi59B
• 
  50 öre (Knudsen) Mi60
• 
  60 öre deep blue

1908 sub-issue

• 
  15 öre red-brown (Knudsen), DC at BERGEN, Mi71

Second issue NORGE in Antiqua, 1909-1919, 1920-1929

Ornament detail of the 1909 Rui design.

New design by Hellik Rui (1871-1939). Typo printed by Chr. H. Knudsen (1 to 60 öre). Additional new values and new colours (5 to 40 öre) issued from 1920-1929. Some values printed until June 1937. The 30 öre exists in grey (1910-1925) and slate (May 1926); the 60 öre exists in dark blue (1910-1921) and light greenish blue (1924-1926). This issue is easy to identify as the shading inside the posthorn ring below the crown has been removed and replaced by a faint diagonal line; the small numerals in the oval band are of one type with a bold somewhat rounded font.

Catalogue Michel N°s 75-88.

• 
  5 öre green Mi78
• 
  15 öre, DC at Molde on 22 May 1912, Mi81.
• 
  20 öre ultramarine unused Mi82
• 
  30 öre, DC at AA on 8 July 1915, Mi84.
• 
  50 öre, DC at Fjøsanger, Mi87.