Cape of Good Hope Triangular, 4d

The Cape's triangular stamps were designed to be recognisable at a glance, a practical advantage for sorting in a busy post office. The 4d blue carries the Hope seated with an anchor, surrounded by the colony's name.

The unusual format makes margins especially important; this example is complete and lightly cancelled. The paper shows the slight irregularity of early colonial printing, which is part of its character rather than a defect.

The first Cape stamps were printed in London, but demand soon outstripped supply and local printing began in Cape Town. The triangular design remained in use for years, becoming one of the most collected classics. Its survival in fine condition is limited by the fragile margins of the period.