Post horns are valveless horns, with a cupped mouthpiece similar to a modern day trumpet. Because of the lack of valves the sounds produced generally remain the same, and can only be varied by changing the formation of the users mouth on the mouthpiece.

Physically, most post horns were coiled, so that the long tube would be of a manageable size. This permitted a long channel for the sound, but allowed it to be stored in a reasonable small area, making it ideal for carrying.

Over time, the post horn has become a symbol of mail service, and remains so to this day. Many postal administrations and parcel delivery companies use a post horn or a symbolic representation of one as part of their company logo.

The original designs remain primarily the same today. They include the word Norge, which is the Norwegian name for Norway, the Royal Crown of Norway and the famous coiled post horn.

The denomination is printed inside the coil of the horn, and the corners of the stamp are embellished with small wheels with attached wings, symbolising speedy delivery of the mail

The early issues were in single colour and remained the same until 1991, when the stamps were re-issued using multiple colours. There have been numerous issues of the stamps, all with the same basic designs, making it the "ultimate" definitive issue!

Extracts taken from "Stamps of distinction."

Mark Steele

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