Norfolk Island 1981 Pitcairn Migration 125th Anniversary First Day Cover (June 5, 1981)

$5.95

Shipping calculated at checkout.

This is an Official First Day Cover (FDC) from Norfolk Island, issued for the 125th Anniversary of the Pitcairn Migration to Norfolk Island in 1981.

The cover features a joint-issue commemorative set (Scott #277-279 or SG #258-260) with three stamps depicting scenes from the 1856 migration of Pitcairn Islanders (descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers and Tahitians) to Norfolk Island:

5c stamp: Islanders arriving on the beach at Norfolk Island, carrying belongings and settling (family group with children pointing to the landscape).
35c stamp: The sailing ship Morayshire (or similar vessel) anchored off Norfolk Island, with passengers and crew.
60c stamp (or 70c variant shown): Migrants disembarking or journey scenes, including a family walking with bundles.

(Note: The cover also includes Pitcairn Islands stamps from the matching joint issue: 9c arrival scene, 35c ship at sea, 70c ship under sail—postmarked May 3, 1981, in Pitcairn, creating a combination FDC.)

The envelope illustrates a classic sailing ship (likely the Morayshire) on the waves with seabirds, under a cloudy sky. Postmarks include multiple circular cancels: "Day of Issue" from Kingston, Norfolk Island dated 5 June 1981, and Pitcairn cancels from Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands dated 3 May 1981 (reflecting the joint release dates). Text reads "125th Anniversary of Pitcairn Migration to Norfolk Island" with "Official First Day Cover" and bilingual Norfolk/Pitcairn Islands references.

This FDC honors the historic relocation: In 1856, due to overpopulation on Pitcairn, 194 islanders sailed to Norfolk (then a penal colony being phased out) aboard the Morayshire, establishing a new community. About half later returned to Pitcairn. Popular with collectors for its historical theme, joint-issue appeal, beautiful maritime designs (by Jennifer Toombs), and dual postmarks.