Description: This sepia-toned definitive stamp captures the historic military might of Fort James, which has guarded the entrance to St. John’s Harbour since the 18th century. The vignette foregrounds a battery of heavy cannons mounted on carriages, pointing out toward the sea, with the fort's masonry walls visible in the distance. In the upper left, an oval medallion presents a classic profile of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, crowned with the State Diadem. The design is framed by an intricate geometric border, with "ANTIGUA" in a stylized serif font at the top and the "1/2 CENT" denomination boxed in the lower right.
Circa: 1953-1956
Condition: Unused - Hinged
Notes:
Fort James was originally built by the British in 1706 to protect St. John's from French invasion and is named after King James II. The cannons depicted are likely the 24-pounders that still remain on the site today as a tourist attraction.