Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Two Queens"

Dr. I. Evans

On Friday, 8th February, Lanarkshire Philatelic Society gave a warm welcome to Dr Ian Evans of Helensburgh, who gave a fascinating display entitled "Two Queens".　

The two Queens in question were Queen Victoria of Britain and Queen Isabel II of Spain.　

Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and reigned from 1837 - 1901. Queen Isabel II was born in 1830 and reigned from 1833 until she was deposed in 1868. After displaying a sheet showing the Royal Seal of Spain - issued to mark the birth of Queen Isabel II - Dr Evans’ display then used the two Queens "in parallel".　

In 1840, Britain issued the "Penny Black" adhesive stamp with the profile of Queen Victoria - and use of this became the accepted means of postage of mail. This was followed in 1850 by Spain issuing stamps - for the same purpose - with the profile of Queen Isabel II. It was interesting to note that while Britain placed the stamp at the top right hand of the envelope, in Spain the stamp was adhered to the top left hand side!　

Throughout the display was shown the changing designs of the stamps - showing the "ageing" of the two monarchs. Dr Evans also displayed much of the fascinating postal history that occurred during the reigns of the two queens. This showed the varying style of postmarks - beginning from manuscript marking - through the varying designs, sizes and colours used to cancel the stamp - and send it on its way to its destination here or abroad. Examples of registered mail throughout the years were shown - beginning with the payment of extra stamps through to the use of blue lines and a special "registered post" label.　

Through the years the profile of the Queens remained on the relevant stamps - with the exception of the year 1874 - during an Insurrection in Spain - when stamps depicting the Arms of Castile and Leon were issued.　 　

They returned to the profile of the Queen later and continued until she was deposed in 1868. Two years later she abdicated in favour of her son. The stamps bearing Queen Victoria’s profile continued until her reign ended with her death in 1901.

Alan Wishart led Members in giving thanks to Dr Evans for presenting such a knowledgeable and historically interesting display.　

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton is on Friday, 15th February, 2013 at 7:30pm when members will display "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" - stamps　issued by　countries which no longer exist.　

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.