Issue: Great Britain Sherlock Holmes & Lestrade The Six Napoleons 1996 Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Stamps Denomination: 24 P
Issue Date: 1996
Issued By: Royal Mail, United Kingdom
About
The Sherlock Holmes & Lestrade Stamp is a special stamp released by the Royal Mail in 1996. It features characters from one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous Sherlock Holmes stories The Six Napoleons. This stamp is part of a series celebrating classic British literature and its iconic characters.
Overview
Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous fictional detectives created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes known for his brilliant deductive reasoning and keen observation skills is a beloved character in literature. His adventures often accompanied by his loyal friend Dr. John Watson have captivated readers for over a century.
In The Six Napoleons one of Holmes’s most intriguing cases involves the mysterious destruction of busts of Napoleon Bonaparte. The story is filled with suspense and showcases Holmes’s exceptional investigative skills as he unravels the mystery behind the vandalism.
Design of the Stamp
The Stamp features illustrations of two key characters from the story:
- Sherlock Holmes: The stamp depicts Sherlock Holmes in his classic detective attire, including his deerstalker hat and Inverness cape. Holmes is shown in a thoughtful pose, reflecting his sharp intellect and analytical approach to solving crimes.
- Inspector Lestrade: Alongside Holmes is Inspector Lestrade, a recurring character in the Holmes stories. Lestrade is a Scotland Yard detective who frequently collaborates with Holmes. The stamp illustrates Lestrade in a professional, authoritative pose, emphasizing his role in the investigation.
The design captures the essence of the story and the characters, bringing the literary world of Sherlock Holmes to life. The artwork on the stamp is detailed and true to the classic portrayal of Holmes and Lestrade, making it a fitting tribute to the characters and their adventures.
Historical Context
“The Six Napoleons” is a Sherlock Holmes story published in 1904. It is part of the collection titled “The Return of Sherlock Holmes,” which marked the detective’s comeback after a brief hiatus. The story revolves around the mysterious smashing of busts of Napoleon Bonaparte, which Holmes is called upon to investigate.
The tale is notable for its complex plot and the clever way Holmes uncovers the motive behind the vandalism. It showcases the detective’s ability to piece together seemingly unrelated clues and solve the case through sheer intellect and deduction.
Collectibility and Appeal
The Sherlock Holmes & Lestrade Stamp is of great interest to philatelists and fans of Sherlock Holmes alike. For collectors, the stamp represents a unique piece of British literary history, celebrating one of the most enduring characters in fiction. It is part of a broader collection of stamps that honor classic British literature and its influential characters.
Fans of Sherlock Holmes will appreciate the stamp for its depiction of the beloved detective and his interactions with other characters from the stories. The stamp serves as a tangible connection to the world of Sherlock Holmes and the literary legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Legacy
The release of the Stamp highlights the enduring popularity of Sherlock Holmes and his place in British cultural heritage. By commemorating characters from “The Six Napoleons,” the stamp continues to celebrate the impact of Sherlock Holmes on literature and popular culture.
The stamp is a reminder of the timeless appeal of Sherlock Holmes and the enduring fascination with detective fiction. It serves as a tribute to the character’s contributions to literature and the lasting legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation.
Conclusion
The special edition that captures the essence of one of Sherlock Holmes’s classic stories. Featuring detailed illustrations of Holmes and Inspector Lestrade, the stamp pays homage to the detective’s enduring legacy and the rich literary history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work. It is a valuable collectible for both philatelists and fans of Sherlock Holmes, celebrating the detective’s impact on literature and British cultural heritage.
