The posthorn issues of Norway

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

First issue 1872-1875

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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.

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

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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.

Third issue 1882-1893

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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.

First issue NORGE in Antiqua, 1893-1905

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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.

1908 sub-issue

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

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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.