Norfolk Island
Philatelic Bureau
 


Norfolk Island stamps are sought after by many within the philatelic world, and the territory has a long established and active participation in the collector market.
Norfolk Island was provided with its own distinctive postmarker in 1892, but there was little opportunity for it to be used, as postage stamps of any kind could not be purchased on the island. The situation improved around 1898 when NSW stamps were placed on regular sale.


Norfolk Island secured final approval to have distinctive postage stamps in late 1939. The stamps were printed by the Note Printing Branch in Australia but because of wartime conditions the issue did not proceed. During most of the period of World War II Norfolk Island was garrisoned by New Zealand Army and Airforce units which established their own postal service.

Norfolk Island assumed full control of its postal affairs along with the first issue of Norfolk Island stamps on 10 June 1947. Since then the territory has had complete control and responsibility for its stamp issues. Designs are predominantly of island interest and include convict heritage, pitcairn heritage, tourism, local fauna and flora and special events.