Description

Imperforate proof of the 12m value from Calf of Man’s 1962 Europa local issue, printed only in blue.

The black text and coloured tree that feature in the final issue are missing in this proof.

We have several examples of this item, all in the same excellent condition, but with margins that may vary from those illustrated.

U/M / Unmounted Mint / MNH / Mint Never Hinged.

About Calf of Man

Denominated in "Murreys" (after John Murrey, who issued the first Isle of Man coins in 1668), Calf of Man local stamps were issued between 1962 and 1973, theoretically for use on mail being carried from the island to the Isle of Man mainland. More than 300 different stamps were produced over that period.

In reality, they are thought to have been produced more with an eye on the stamp collecting market, and when the Isle of Man took over its own postal service from the British Post Office in 1973, Calf of Man's own issues came to an end.

However, whatever the reasons for their existence, Calf of Man stamps remain an interesting piece of Cinderella philatelic history. For a listing of all the issues, we recommend the "Calf of Man Stamps" booklet, by Jacques Naayer, which is available to order from Isle of Man Sales Ltd.