The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

C.S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) is recognised by many as one of the most respected literary minds of the 20th century. Writing everything from novels to scholarly dissertations on Christianity, this amazing man must rate as one of the most versatile academics of his time.

In 1950, Lewis entered the area of fantasy, penning the first of seven books for children that would come to be known as The Chronicles of Narnia that are still adored by children today. This timeless classic is set during World War II bringing the carnage and terror of the Blitz to London. The four Pevensie children - Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy - are sent to stay with Professor Kirke in his ancient mansion during this time. It is there that their real adventures begin, when they literally find themselves in a world that challenges everything they know and understand about what's around them.

It was privilege that New Zealand was chosen as the ideal place to turn this most famous story, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, into a movie. It was with great pleasure that New Zealand Post was able to release a range of collectabes to commemorate the New Zealand film industry's interpretation of C.S. Lewis's most famous book. This fascinating issue took those of us who know the stories back into a world that is still enchanting, exciting and awe-inspiring today as it was when we first entered it. For those who have never encountered Narnia before, this issue was a captivating glimpse into a story that has become nothing short of a classic.

The esteem this great tale generates was reflected in the full choice of collectables available, from a set of five stamps (available in a gummed format or in a self-adhesive se-tenant strip) to a striking collector's pack, and for those who must have it all, the ultimate collection.

Miniature Sheets

The five miniature sheets featured the scenes depicted in the stamps, and provided even more detail from this rich and beautifully told story.

Postage-included Souvenir Cards

Up close and yet larger than life, these postage-included souvenir cards drew you into the magical yet perilous kingdom of Narnia.

Self-adhesive Strip

The full set of stamps were also available as a self-adhesive se-tenant strip.

First Day Covers

Seven stunning first day covers were issued. One with the full set of gummed stamps; a second with the full set of self-adhesive stamps; and a series of five first day covers that featuried each of the miniature sheets. All seven first day covers included lavish scenes from the film and were stamped with the official The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe date stamp.

Collector's Pack

This exquisitely produced collector's pack truly brought this magnificent story to life, with full explanations of each stamp in the series as well as valuable background information about the author and the story itself. The pack included the set of five gummed stamps, set of five miniature sheets, a gummed first day cover and a self-adhesive se-tenant strip.

The Ultimate Collection

Two full sets of stamps, the seven first day covers, five miniature sheets, five postage-included souvenir cards, the collector's pack and full sheets of stamps - all together in what was truly the ultimate collector's pack.

Commemorative Coins

Take a look at the commemorative coins that were also part of this issue. Click here to find out more.

Product Listing for The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Image	Title	Description	Price
	Single Stamp	Single 45c 'Lucy and the Wardrobe' gummed stamp. An innocent game of hide-and-seek prompts Lucy to duck into what looks like an old wardrobe... only to find herself in the strange and mysterious world of Narnia. She meets the faun Mr. Tumnus, who tells her more about this extraordinary yet dangerous place ruled by the cruel White Witch.	$0.45
	Single Stamp	Single 90c 'Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan' gummed stamp. The children enter Narnia and Lucy takes them to meet Mr Tumnus, only to find that her one friend in this world has been captured by the White Witch. It is then that the children meet Mr Beaver - the first talking animal they have ever encountered.	$0.90
	Single Stamp	Single $1.35 ' The White Witch and Edmund' gummed stamp. Edmund enters the world of Narnia through the wardrobe. He finds himself in a snow-covered forest, where he meets the White Witch. Knowing that when four human children come to Narnia, her evil reign will end, the White Witch intoxicates Edmund with magical Turkish Delight.	$1.35
	Single Stamp	Single $1.50 'The Frozen Army' gummed stamp. Statues in the courtyard of the White Witch's Castle show what awaits those who challenge the White Witch. They will remain frozen in stone until Aslan, the Great Lion and King of the Wood, returns to free them. Only he is powerful enough to break the Witch's spell and bring the dissenters back to life	$1.50
	Single Stamp	Single $2.00 'Aslan and Lucy' gummed stamp. Susan and Lucy keep vigil over the body of their friend Aslan. Dawn breaks and as it does so, the Stone Table on which Aslan rests shatters. Aslan comes back to life, and together the mighty lion and the children rush to the Witch's castle, to restore the stone statues to life.	$2.00
	Se-tenant Set	Mint, used or cancelled se-tenant strip of five self-adhesive stamps.	$6.20
	Set of Miniature Sheets	Set of five mint, used or cancelled miniature sheets.	$8.70
	First Day Cover	First day cover with gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$6.70
	First Day Cover	First day cover with self-adhesive stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$6.70
	Set of Miniature Sheet First Day Covers	Set of five first day covers with miniature sheets affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$11.20
	Set of Maximum Cards	Set of five pre-paid postcards featuring a stamp on the front and artwork from the stamp issue.	$10.00
	Presentation Pack	The presentation pack included a set of five gummed stamps, a set of five miniature sheets, a gummed first day cover and a self-adhesive se-tenant strip.	$29.95
	Ultimate Collection	The ultimate collection contained two sets of stamps, the seven first day covers, five miniature sheets, postage included souvenir cards, presentation pack and full sheets of stamps.	$229.95

Date of issue:	1 December 2005
Number of stamps:	Five
Denominations and designs:	(gummed and self-adhesive) 45c Lucy and the Wardrobe, 90c Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan, $1.35 The White Witch and Edmund, $1.50 The Frozen Army, $2.00 Aslan and Lucy
Stamps and first day cover designed by:	Commarts Design, Wellington
Printer and process:	Gummed: Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by offset lithography; Self-adhesive: Wyatt & Wilson, New Zealand
Number of colours:	Four process colours
Stamp size and format:	Gummed: 30mm x 45mm (vertical and horizontal); Self-adhesive: 37mm x 26mm (vertical and horizontal)
Paper type:	Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor stamp paper; Self-adhesive: red phosphor coated stamp paper
Perforation gauge:	Gummed: 14; Self-adhesive: die cut
Special blocks:	Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B format.
Period of sale:	These stamps remained on sale until 30 November 2006.

All images supplied by Disney/Walden. The Chronicles of Narna, Narnia, and all book titles, characters and locales origninal thereto are trademarks of CS Lewis Pte Ltd. and are used with permission.
©Disney/Walden