Post by alyn on Sept 7, 2013 17:08:26 GMT -5
The above stamp dubbed the "Xmas Map Stamp" was issued on December 7, 1898 to celebrate the introduction of Universal Penny Postage throughout the British Empire. There are 2 main varieties of this stamp. Scott number 85 which is the lavender version and Scott 86, pictured above, which is the blue version. The red areas are to represent the territories that are part of the British Empire.
The stamp is mentioned in John N. Luff's "What Philately Teaches" where he refers to the conceit of the stamp (You can read it here: www.gutenberg.org/files/15713/15713-h/15713-h.htm).
