150th Anniversary of the UPU

This new commemorative stamp issue not only honours 150 years of the UPU but also celebrates the Isle of Man’s rich postal heritage. This collection serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of international cooperation in postal services and the Isle of Man's significant role in this history.

All stamps are valued at £2.72. Featured on the stamps are:

• International Reply Coupon, 1907: The 3d International Reply Coupon was cancelled at the issuing office by the 22mm Bucks Rd Douglas Single Circle – Whitney 281 on the 28th March 1908 which is believed to have been introduced in 1902. Bucks Road, Douglas Post Office opened in 1885 and closed in 1965.

• First Commemorative Stamp, 1924: The 1924 British Empire Exhibition Postcard depicts Peel Castle and Harbour and was published by the Isle of Man (Official) Board of Advertising for their Manx Kiosk and it is one of thirty-two cards issued. The 1½d stamp was one of two issued, the other being a 1d to commemorate the event and it is cancelled by the slogan used throughout the exhibition period.

• Air Mail, 1948: The 6d King George VI Air Letter was issued in 1948 to commemorate the first Olympic Games held after the Second World War in London with the imprinted 6d stamp being an exact copy from the set of four stamps issued on the 29th July 1948. It is cancelled by the Douglas Isle of Man Universal Machine – Whitney 214 on the 24th September 1948 with this “die head” being used between 1948 and 1950.

• UPU 75th Anniversary Cover, 1949: The Universal Postal Union First Day Cover has the complete set of four stamps issued on the 10th October 1949 cancelled by the registered Douglas Isle of Man Oval – Whitney 94 which is believed to have been introduced in 1948.  The Douglas Isle of Man Registration etiquette was applied at Regent Street, Douglas Crown Post Office.  

The Basil Wood Collection

John Basil Wood was born on the 10th August, 1915 in Ealing, London and he started work at the age of 14.5 in 1929 with Victor F. James, Stamp Dealer in London, Birmingham and Whitstable. The firm had six stamp shops. Victor F. James also owned a travelling auction called G.P. Vessey, which had been purchased from the Vessey family.

Basil worked with the late Robert Clarkson, who was the son of Victor F. James, and who in later life, also moved to the Isle of Man and resided here until his death. Basil and Robert had a life long friendship.

When Basil first started with Victor F. James in 1929 he was a general dogsbody, then around 1935 he became the General Manager of the six shops. This entailed him travelling around the United Kingdom, buying, selling, auctioning stamps. Also at this time, the firm commenced a New Issue Service under the name of the Westminster Stamp Company.

In 1936, Victor F. James bought Puttick & Simpson of Leicester Square, London who were fine art and stamp auctioneers. In 1940, all Victor F. James’s stock due to the commencement of the Second World War were placed in the Chancery Lane, London Safety Deposit Centre, which was destroyed in the Blitz.

Between 1940 to 1946 Basil saw service in the Military Police, under the section known as “ Blue Caps “ with responsibility of guarding military installations, with his service ending in Germany at the end of the war.

Basil returned to the stamp trade in 1946, but he only operated Puttick & Simpson, which included the selling of rare stamps and music instruments including a Stratavarious called Inchquin.  In 1960/61 Puttick & Simpson were taken over by Phillips, Neal – Auctioneers and the late Robert Clarkson left the firm.  Basil stayed on as a Director of Phillips from this point on until his retirement in 1970, when he was succeeded by David Boyd, who remained with Phillips for many years.

In 1970, Basil retired to the Isle of Man, where he continued his philatelic interests by joining the Manx Philatelic Society, the then only stamp club in the Island. Over the next few years, as more clubs were formed including the Isle of Man Postal History Society, Basil joined them and held all positions, from Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman, President, Committee Member, and of course Auctioneer. He held similar positions in the Isle of Man Philatelic Federation and he was the main Auctioneer at all Conventions and Fairs for the best part of twenty-five years.

Prior to coming to reside in the Isle of Man, Basil’s own philatelic interests had been in early colonials, but upon residing in the Island, his main interest became the formation of an Isle of Man Postal History Collection, which was especially strong in Prisoner of War/Internment Mail.  This collection continues to this day under the name of “ THE BASIL WOOD COLLECTION “ and will continue to keep his memory and collecting interests alive.