Edwin Fox - World's 9th oldest ship

Date of Issue: March 7, 1990
Scott #: 984

This stamp is one among the six ship stamps showing historic ships of New Zealand. What makes this cover more special is that it is issued in limited quantity autographed by Jack Stace, then President of the Edwin Fox Restoration Committee, and was cacheted on board the vessel on the first day of issue and then postmarked at the Picton Post Office. Many thanks to my friend, Corinne Jennifer, NZ for sending me this cover and increasing value to my collection. She also sent me the pamphlet of the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum (see on right).

some info from the card accompanied the cover... The Edwin Fox is New Zealand's most historic vessel still afloat. She was built at Sukeali in Bengal (India) of solid teak for the British East India Company in 1853.

Historical Significance:  The Edwin Fox is the last surviving vessel built for the British East India Company; the last surviving veteran of the Crimean War; the last surviving vessel to have carried convicts to Australia and the last surviving sailing ship to have carried settlers to Australia and New Zealand.

The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is located at Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore, Marlborough Sounds.