Guernsey Post’s philatelic bureau is delighted to announce that it has released four stamps depicting Guernsey’s first regional stamps, which were issued prior to its postal independence in 1969 (stamp issue date: 19 July 2023).

Two of the stamps (56p and 87p values) depict the 1d and 2½d stamps, which were issued on 10 May 1948following the approval of King George VI, to mark the third anniversary of the liberation of The Channel Islands.

In the absence of any flora, fauna, or heraldry exclusively associated with the Channel Islands, the stamps depict vraicing (seaweed gathering), alongside The King’s head.

10 years later, on 18 August 1958, the first of Queen Elizabeth II’s Guernsey regional stamps was issued (3d value); a 4d stamp of the same design followed later in 1966, as depicted on the £4.38 stamp. Her Majesty’s portrait is off-centre to the right, with the Crown of William the Conqueror in the top left-hand corner and below it, a stylised Guernsey lily (Nerine Sarniensis).

Completing the set is the £1.86 stamp which features the 2½d regional stamp value, which was released on 8 June 1964. It features Queen Elizabeth II in the centre, with the Guernsey lily in the bottom left corner and the Crown of William of Normandy in the top right corner.

The Queen Elizabeth II stamps were designed by Eric A Piprell, who was born and educated in Guernsey before later studying under H Sandwith, a Fleet Street freelance journalist and commercial artist. Piprell joined Guernsey Press Company Limited as a commercial artist but in June 1957 moved to London.

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, said: – “We are excited to celebrate Guernsey’s regional stamps, which were first issued 75 years ago to celebrate the third anniversary of the liberation of The Channel Islands from German occupation during the war.

“The regional stamps for Guernsey were invalidated for use in Guernsey and Jersey on 30 September 1969, just before Guernsey’s postal independence, although they remained valid for use across the United Kingdom until 30 September 1970.”

The stamp products are available to order at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on +44 (0) 1481 716486.