{"product_id":"norfolk-island-1981-pitcairn-migration-125th-anniversary-first-day-cover-june-5-1981","title":"Norfolk Island 1981 Pitcairn Migration 125th Anniversary First Day Cover (June 5, 1981)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eOfficial First Day Cover (FDC)\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003eNorfolk Island\u003c\/strong\u003e, issued for the \u003cstrong\u003e125th Anniversary of the Pitcairn Migration to Norfolk Island\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1981.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e5c stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: Islanders arriving on the beach at Norfolk Island, carrying belongings and settling (family group with children pointing to the landscape).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e35c stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: The sailing ship Morayshire (or similar vessel) anchored off Norfolk Island, with passengers and crew.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60c stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e (or 70c variant shown): Migrants disembarking or journey scenes, including a family walking with bundles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e(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.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eKingston, Norfolk Island\u003c\/strong\u003e dated \u003cstrong\u003e5 June 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e, and Pitcairn cancels from \u003cstrong\u003eAdamstown, Pitcairn Islands\u003c\/strong\u003e dated \u003cstrong\u003e3 May 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e (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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51233899151524,"sku":null,"price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/20250520183609.jpg?v=1770400440","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/norfolk-island-1981-pitcairn-migration-125th-anniversary-first-day-cover-june-5-1981","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}