Description: This striking, dual-toned rectangular local post label showcases a bold purple outer border framing a sharp photogravure central vignette of a European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). The marine bird is depicted in a classic silhouette stance perched atop a weathered ocean timber piling, extending its wings to dry against a finely lined sky gradient background. The clean sans-serif text "CALF OF MAN" arches beautifully across the top margin, while the matching territorial geographic identifier "ISLE OF MAN" firmly anchors the base. Positioned immediately beneath the bold numeric value "6" is the unique local currency unit text "MURREYS", paired with the explicit species title "Shag" elegantly scripted in the lower-right corner of the artwork box. The piece is bordered by very crisp, un-faded white margins boasting sharp, intact linear comb perforations.
Circa: 1960s
Condition: MNH
Notes:
Because the tiny, 600-acre islet known as the Calf of Man lacked an official Royal Mail postal facility, these local labels were legally required to cover the private sea carriage costs of moving mail to the main island’s post office at Port St. Mary. To travel beyond the Isle of Man, a standard British postage stamp had to be affixed directly alongside this regional carriage label.
The European shag is one of the absolute deepest-diving members of the entire cormorant family, capable of plunging down to depths of over 60 metres (200 feet) beneath the ocean surface to hunt for sand eels and small bottom-dwelling fish.