An in-depth study of the stamps of Transvaal from 1870 to 1885 formed the display and presentation given to the members of the Royal Philatelic Society London by Lars Jørgensen FRPSL on 6 November 2025. Transvaal stamps were issued over a period of 40 years from 1870, covering the First Republic (until 11 April 1877), the First British Occupation (12 April 1877 to 7 August 1881), and Second Republic (from 8 August 1881).
The first stamps, from 1 May 1970, showed the Arms and were inscribed ‘Z. AFR. REPUBLIEK’ (Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek). These were followed by stamps in the same design overprinted ‘V. R. Transvaal’, replaced by stamps depicting Queen Victoria, before returning to the Arms design.
Initially the stamps were printed by Adolph Otto of Germany. To pay the cost the Postmaster, Fredrich Jeppe, sold quantities of the stamps to European stamp dealers before they went on general sale. The subsequent printing of a 3d value was similarly funded.
The presentation had been ‘something special with rich and exceptional items’ commented Danna Strydom giving the Vote of Thanks. He added that Lars had wanted a challenge in identifying and plating the various printings and settings of the stamps, and demonstrates ‘a clear passion for the subject’.
Lars was presented with the Society’s plaquette by its President, Simon Richards RDP, FRPSL.
