Scouts training on a ropeway
Piece details
Identity
- Piece codeStamp code YYYY.ENT.SS-PP — series code plus stamp order (e.g. 1900.CGH.01-02).
1969.COK.01-02- SeriesThe set this stamp belongs to.
- Boy Scout Jamboree, Christchurch
1969.COK.01· piece 2 of 6 - EntityPostal authority that issued the stamps (country, territory, or historical entity).
Cook Islands (COK)- Year / date
- 1969-02-06
- Face valueDenomination on the stamp; +n is a charity surcharge when present.
- 1 c - Cook Islands - Cent
- Format
- Stamp
- TypeIssue kind. Charity issue = postage + voluntary surcharge (e.g. 6+4), not an overprint.
- Commemorative
- Colors
- Multicoloured
- CollectionIn collection if you have it; Purchased if it is bought but not yet received (do not buy again); Wanted otherwise.
- ✓ In collection
Production
- Designer
- Photographs of Cook Islands Scouts
- Printer
- Heraclio Fournier
- Process
- Photogravure
- PerforationsHole gauge between stamps (e.g. 12, 13½). Higher ≈ finer.
- Line 13½
- Panes
- 10 stamps plus two commemorative corner labels
- Size
- 43 x 43 mm
Catalog numbers
- DomfilDomfil thematic catalog number (scouting).
- 969.2
- ScottScott catalog number (Americas).
- CK 249
- MichelMichel catalog number (Europe / DE).
- CK 213
- YvertYvert & Tellier catalog number (FR).
- CK 198
- Stanley GibbonsStanley Gibbons catalog number (UK / Commonwealth).
- CK 290
Notes
Square stamp labelled PIONEERS. A Scout traverses an aerial ropeway between trees while two others watch from the ground, one in a red beret and green neckerchief. Silver fleur-de-lis at lower left; fluorescent coat of arms. Inscribed BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND JANUARY 3–10 1969.
Series history
The Cook Islands issued six square commemoratives at Rarotonga on 6 February 1969 for New Zealand’s 5th National Boy Scout Jamboree, held at Blue Skies Scout camp, Kaiapoi, near Christchurch, from 3 to 10 January 1969. The issue also marked the diamond jubilee of the New Zealand Scout Movement (1908–1968). The designs were based on photographs of Cook Islands Scouts. Heraclio Fournier printed the set by photogravure, line perforated 13½, each stamp 43 × 43 mm, with a fluorescent coat of arms. The stamps were withdrawn from sale on 31 May 1969.
Each design carries a small activity caption. The ½ cent (COOKS) shows two Scouts in white shirts and yellow neckerchiefs kneeling by a campfire, toasting food on sticks among trees. The 1 cent (PIONEERS) shows a Scout traversing an aerial ropeway while two others watch from the ground, one in a red beret. The 5 cents (SIGNALLING) shows a Scout from behind holding two semaphore flags, with a second Scout signalling in the middle distance against hills. The 10 cents (CONSERVATION) shows one Scout with a pickaxe and another kneeling to set a sapling. The 20 cents (ROVERS) shows four Scouts lashing a timber frame on grass. The 30 cents bears a portrait of Lord Baden-Powell in campaign hat and yellow neckerchief against a Rarotonga lagoon and palms, inscribed for his visit to the island in 1935.
The stamps were issued in panes of ten of a single value with two commemorative corner labels: one for the New Zealand Scout Movement diamond jubilee, the other the 5th National Jamboree emblem (Canterbury, 1969) among flowers. Sheet margins repeat a gold fleur-de-lis.