After Emperor Josef II became ruler of Austria on 29 November 1780 he decided to fund an array of reforms by imposing a tax on all newspapers and pamphlets, whether published in Austria or imported from abroad. The tax was introduced on 1 July 1789, payment being initially indicated by an impressed marking, showing the Austrian arms with no indication of value, generally known as a ‘signet’. Later newspaper tax adhesive stamps would appear: the tax was abolished from 1 January 1900. In addition, newspaper postage stamps were introduced in 1851, these being withdrawn from 1 March 1922.
It was the story of ‘Newspapers and the Austrian Post 1789-1922’ that was told through an extensive display of exceptional material and on-screen presentation and explanation given by Andy Taylor FRPSL to the members of the Royal Philatelic Society London on 26 March.
It is a complex subject, with Bill Hedley FRPSL, giving the Vote of Thanks, commenting that it had been presented with ‘great clarity and thoroughness, but also with humour’. Bill added that examples of the ‘signets’ from most cities are scarce, having never seen before those in use from 1789 to 1792.
President of the Royal Philatelic Society London, Simon Richards RDP, FRPSL, expressing his own appreciation, presented Andy Taylor with the Society’s plaquette and certificate.
