Postage stamps and postal history of Hong Kong

File:Timbre HK Victory 1D 1946.jpg

1946 Victory stamp of Hong Kong

Hong Kong formerly produced postage stamps with the name Hong Kong, with the face of the reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom, or with the royal symbols (e.g. "E.R."). After the Hong Kong's transfer of sovereignty to China, stamps are now issued with the name Hong Kong, China. British Hong Kong postage stamps are no longer valid for prepayment of postage, nor are they repurchased by the Post Office.

First posts

The postal system in Hong Kong began in 1841 when the Royal Mail established an office in the region. Merchants were trading in Hong Kong at the two sides of Victoria Harbour for some years before the establishment of the British possession in 1842. They had complained about the absence of proper postal services and therefore the Postal Department was established.

First stamps

On 8 December 1862, the Office issued the first set of Hong Kong postage stamps. Before that, only British soldiers in Hong Kong could use British stamps while other local residents did not have any.

Later issues

Hong Kong has issued a variety of stamps since 1862.

See also

• China Philatelic Society of London
• China Stamp Society
• Hong Kong Philatelic Society
• Hong Kong Study Circle
• Revenue stamps of Hong Kong

Sources

• Stanley Gibbons Ltd: various catalogues.
• Rossiter, Stuart & John Flower. The Stamp Atlas. London: Macdonald, 1986. ISBN 0-356-10862-7
• Webb, F. W. (1961) The Philatelic and Postal History of Hong Kong and the Treaty Ports of China and Japan, Royal Philatelic Society London.

External links

• China Philatelic Association, Hong Kong
• Encyclopaedia of Postal Authorities
• About Hong Kong stamps Hong Kong Philatelic Society
• Stamp Issuing Entities Of The World Linn's Stamp News
• Queen Victoria Stamps of Hong Kong, China Philatelic Assn., Hong Kong.