Postage stamp prepaying. From when the first postage stamps were used, postmarks were applied to prevent the stamps being used again. The first stamp, the "Penny black", became available for purchase 1 May 1840, to be valid as of 6 May 1840. Two days later, 8 May 1840, the Two penny blue was introduced. The Penny black was sufficient for a letter less than half an ounce to be sent anywhere within the UK. Both stamps included an engraving of the young Queen Victoria, without perforations, as the first stamps were separated from their sheets by cutting them with scissors. The first
Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp The Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp was prepared for issue in June 1921 but cancelled shortly before issue due to political unrest and the controversial subject matter. By some estimates 416,000 stamps were printed and sent to the island in the form of three shipments. The first two consignments got to Jamaica around the same time and were incinerated at the General Penitentiary in Kingston on July 2, 1921. The final consignment arriving in October was similarly destroyed. The Crown Agents were then instructed to destroy the 7220 stamps held in