Arrowhead

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shipstamps
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Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:12 pm

Arrowhead

Post by shipstamps » Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:22 pm



A type of small motorboat is shown on these two stamps.
These are a local postage issue from Herm Island in the Channel Islands. The stamps are used for servicing charges on letters carried by the motorship Arrowhead from Herm to Guernsey. An oblique view of Herm Island is shown on the three lower values of the set of six, the higher denominations depicting respectively: 3d., the Arrowhead leaving Herm for Guernsey: 6d., the same craft passing Brehon Tower; Is. 6d., entering St. Peter Port Harbour. The Arrowhead is a 37-ft. ex-Admiralty harbour launch. She was bought at an Admiralty disposal sale at Falmouth in 1948 and travelled to the Channel Islands under her own power.
At that time she was powered by a 6-cylinder Chrysler crown petrol engine. This was converted to use petrol-paraffin and three years ago was replaced by a Parson Pike 4-cylinder oil engine, She is an open launch with a canvas hood on a metal frame over the after compartment in which are the engine, controls and the wheel. The craft is a good sea boat in a short, stiff-breaking sea experienced in the three miles between Herm and Guernsey. This interesting set of stamps was overprinted to commemorate the recent visit of Princess Margaret to the Channel Islands.
Sea Breezes 11/59

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