• L10 8d TUATARA Summary of Issues                     
• L10 8d TUATARA Timeline of Issues
• L10 Notes from Vol 2 The Postage Stamps of New Zealand.
• L10 Notes by Campbell Paterson
• L10 Notes from NZ Stamp Images
• L10a 1935 May 1 Original Issue
• L10b 1936 June Change to Watermark W
• L10c 1939 July Change to upright watermark W.8
• L10d 1941 July Wartime Issue Waterlow Print and Perf
• L10e 1942 July Final Issue course paper
• LO10c 1942 Jul Official Overprint on L10c
• LO10d 1942 Aug Official overprint on L10d W8a
• LO10e 1945 Aug Official overprint on L10e watermark W8a

 

The Tuatara lizard is the central subject of this denomination. The reptiles found in New Zealand are very small and harmless. The Tuatara is a link between the lizard and the crocodile, and is the sole living representative of some of the oldest creatures that have ever inhabited the earth – evidence of the great antiquity of New Zealand. The Tuatara is peculiar in having the relic of a third eye. It is 12 to 18 inches in length, covered with a grey leathery, wrinkled skin, and this, with the dour expression given by its drooping mouth, supports the impression that it is truly a survival from prehistoric times.

Artist: L.C.Mitchell of Wellington. Colour: Brazil Nut 

Updated 6/7/2016