Postage stamps from West Europe

Almost all countries in Western Europe have issued postage stamps since the 19th century, when postage stamps were first introduced. Here is an overview of some Western European countries and their stamp history:

Belgium

Postage stamp with the portrait of King Leopold

  • First Postage Stamp: 1849 – Known for: The “Epaulettes” series, one of the oldest and most recognizable postage stamps in Belgium.

Britisch mail abroad

  • The British Post abroad refers to the network of post offices established by the United Kingdom.

England

  • The world’s first adhesive postage stamp, issued on May 1, 1840, and valid for use from May 6, 1840.

Germany

  • Here’s a comprehensive overview of German postage stamps through different historical periods:

Great Britain

  • Postage stamps from Great Britain, home to the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, are highly significant in philatelic history

 Guernsey

This overview covers key periods and notable issues in the history of Guernsey’s postage stamps.

Geurnsey-Alderny

  • Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, started issuing its own stamps in 1941.

Ireland

  • Irish stamps are popular among collectors for their artistic designs and historical significance.

Isle of Man

  • Before 1973, the Isle of Man used British stamps.

Jersey

  • Before 1969, Jersey used British stamps, and during the German occupation in World War II, local provisional stamps were issued.

Luxembourg

  • First Postage Stamp: 1852. Known for: Postage stamps with portraits of grand dukes and grand duchesses.

Postage stamp from Luxembourgh

The Netherlands

  • First Postage Stamp: 1852 – Known for: The “Willem III” series, with the portrait of King William III.

First Postage Stamp of the Netherlands

Northern Ireland

  • In 1958, the first regional stamps specifically for Northern Ireland were issued as part of the UK’s regional stamp program, which also included Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man.

Scotland

  • The first regional stamps specifically for Scotland were issued in 1958 as part of the UK’s regional stamp program, which also included Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man.

Wales

  • The first regional stamps specifically for Wales were issued in 1958 as part of the UK’s regional stamp program, which also included Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.