In 2001 Enzo Finger and Sverre Morken designed this modern offset issue of the world’s longest-running stamp series, a
series that was started as far back as 1872.
The first announcement about the new posthorn stamps was made in a circular for Norwegian post offices on 16 December 1871. The central postal authorities wrote that “... after the current 3- and 4-skilling stamps are used, red 3-skilling stamps will be entered into circulation.” The circular also described that the stamp would have a large number “3” encircled by a posthorn and under a crown. “Each stamp will also be inscribed with the words, ‘Norge’ and ‘Tre Skilling’.”
A multi-talented German was given the assignment of designing the historic stamp. Wilhelm von Hanno (1826-1882) was a bricklayer, woodcarver, sculptor, drawing teacher, illustrator, painter and one of Norway’s leading architects. He illustrated books and newspapers and was a drawing teacher for, among other, Theodor Kittelsen. He was paid 15 speciedaler for his
sketches for the posthorn stamps. He most likely regrets that he did not have royalties for the stamps, which have been issued regularly for 143 years. Several years ago Norway post estimated that more than five billion posthorn stamps had been issued!
For the first 65 years, the posthorn stamps were printed using letterpress printing. In 1937 the printing process switched to intaglio printing and in 1962 the Norwegian Central Bank’s treasury printing press took over using recess printing. Since 2001 the stamps have been printed using multi-colour offset printing.
The posthorn series is the world’ s longest running series of stamps and has garnered a lot respect since the first 3-skilling stamp was issued. Norway Post is continuing the tradition and Norway has a world record that will most likely never be surpassed!
