South Africa Cape of Good Hope 1855-63 pale rose-lilac, intermediate shade, SG7.
A fine used example with large to very large margins, used with part triangular cancel (which leaves "Hope" virtually clear) and a trace of red cancel.
An impressively large example with strong colour.
SG Catalogue Value: £350.
Further Background
The Cape of Good Hope triangulars were issued from 1853 and hold the distinction of being the very first postage stamps ever produced on the African continent. Their introduction marked the beginning of organised postal services in southern Africa, transforming communication during the colonial period.
What makes them truly iconic is their triangular shape. No other country in the world had issued triangular stamps before. The distinctive design served a practical purpose:
• Illiteracy was common among settlers and indigenous communities
• A triangular stamp ensured the public could instantly distinguish pre-paid letters from unpaid mail without needing to read the value
The shape became a symbol of the colony itself because it was instantly recognisable and it is still today considered one of the most visually striking classic stamp designs.
The allegorical figure of Hope, seated with an anchor, was engraved by Henry C. Jervis, and later re-engraved by William Humphrys, one of the greatest stamp engravers of the Victorian era.
This intermediate shade (SG7) is from the second printing produced when the Cape changed from the earlier deep shades to softer lilacs and rose tones. The colour is notoriously prone to fading and strong examples are uncommon.
Many were cut into or poorly cut meaning large to very large margins like this example are premium attributes.
A clean triangular cancellation that leaves the figure of Hope visible is especially attractive.
