Today in History: The Cape Colony issues the first adhesive postage stamp in Africa
The stamp depicted the reclining figure of Hope, in homage to the Cape of Good Hope and the triangular shape of the stamp was a unique design for a stamp during this period.
The first adhesive postage stamp in Africa was issued in the Cape of Good Hope, a British colony at the time, on 1 September 1853.
The stamp became known as the ‘Cape Triangular’ because of its triangular shape. It was designed by Charles Davidson Bell, who was the Surveyor General of the Cape Colony at the time.
The stamp depicted the reclining figure of Hope, in homage to the Cape of Good Hope and the triangular shape of the stamp was a unique design for a stamp during this period.
Sir George Cathcart, Governor at the Cape at the time, proudly commented on how the stamps looked completely different to British stamps.
The first adhesive stamp ever to be issued in the world was the British “Penny Black” in 1840, which depicted Queen Victoria’s head against a black background and had a denomination of one penny.
A centenary edition of the Cape Triangular stamp was later issued on 1 September 1953, which included the original design on a rectangular stamp in sepia and vermilion.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
