Description: This stamp features the iconic Dorothy Wilding photographic portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II facing slightly left. As part of the regional country definitive series, it includes specific cultural heraldry for Northern Ireland to distinguish it from the standard UK-wide Wilding issues. The royal cypher E R occupies the top-left corner, while the left side displays the Red Hand of Ulster inside a six-pointed star, topped with the Imperial Crown. Stems and sprigs of the flax plant frame the right side and bottom, symbolizing Northern Ireland’s historic linen industry. The bottom inscriptions state POSTAGE REVENUE alongside the pre-decimal denomination of 3d.
Circa: 1958
Condition: MLH
Notes:
These 1958 regional issues marked a major concession by the General Post Office, bowing to local and nationalist sentiments by incorporating distinct provincial symbols for the first time. Although these stamps were only sold at post offices within Northern Ireland, they were perfectly valid for postage anywhere within the wider United Kingdom.