Description: The horizontal, rectangular definitive stamp displays a scenic landscape format with the beautifully symmetrical snow-capped cone of Mount Egmont towering over the countryside. Framed by native bush and structured trees on the left, the central vignette captures rolling hills leading up to the majestic stratovolcano. A highly decorative brown border encloses the scenery, complete with stylized Māori-inspired artwork running vertically along both edge panels. Bold circular value tablets flanking the lower edge proudly display the number "3", resting right on top of a central text plate that spells out "POSTAGE & REVENUE" in clean, white block letters.
Circa: 1935-1947
Condition: Used
Notes:
This specific issue holds a significant title in worldwide philately as it is recognized as the first postage stamp in history to ever feature a volcano. The artwork itself was designed by prominent local artist Leonard Cornwall Mitchell, who won a public design competition organized by the postal authority to replace long-running monarch portrait definitives.
The mountain depicted is known today as Mount Taranaki, which translates from Māori as "barren mountain". It was originally named Mount Egmont by Captain James Cook in 1770 in honor of the Earl of Egmont, making this stamp a fascinating historical record of New Zealand's dual geographic naming history.