One of the 1.25Kr stamps in the 4-stamp souvenir sheet issued by Norway for the NORWEX ’80 stamp exhibition depicts the paddle steamer S.S. BERGEN.
Built as an iron side-paddle steamer by the yard of Thomas Toward, Newcastle-on-the-Tyne, U.K. for the Det Bergenske Dampskipsselskap (Bergen Steamship Co.), Bergen, Norway.
Launched under the name BERGEN.
Tonnage 467 ton gross, dim. 136 x 23.2 x 14.9ft. (other source 168 x 23 x 13ft.)
Powered by an oscillating steam engine, 70 nhp., speed 13 knots.
Accommodation for 40 first class and 16 second class passengers.
1852 Completed.
On the service from Bergen to Hamburg, later to Hammerfest and Christiania (Oslo).
In the night of 9-10 September 1855 she came in collision with S.S. NORGE of the same company. Bergen was heavily damaged and the NORGE sank with the loss of 40 people.
The BERGEN was repaired and put again in service
09 October 1871 she grounded on a reef outside Mandal, broke in two and sank a few days later.
Source: Watercraft Philately 27/20.