Happy Birthday to the Penny Black.    This is the official day for the official first use of the stamp, I have read it was issued on 1^st May and some post offices in the UK offered the stamp unofficially on 2^nd May 1840.

Nothing is simple is it J  Anyway today (6^th May where I am)  is the official birthday.

The Penny Black was of course the world’s first adhesive postage stamp and has been a collectable item every since it was issued.

There has been so much written on this stamp and so much history is behind the issue that I could not do it justice in a few words or paragraphs. If you are interested in learning more do have a look  at http://postalheritage.org.uk/learning/teachers/freeresources/pennyblack/history/  

Ok, just one interesting fact……….. I think you will agree……... By the middle of May 1840  some 600,000 stamps were being printed a day. These stamps were distributed to Post Offices throughout the UK in sheets of 240 and had to be cut by hand, with scissors. Anyone know the significance of the  240?   J  

So much interesting history.  A question for you.  I’ll find something for a prize for the third correct entry; What where the Rainbow Trials and what was the outcome of whatever they were J

As usual, Email me at cddstamps@gmail.com with your mailing address please

Enjoy your stamps…  Best wishes…………..   Michael