Great Britain Used In Antigua

Commencing May 8, 1858 the Postmaster General allowed the stamps of Great Britain to be used in the West Indies for prepayment of British Packet postage. Prepayment on such Packet postage compulsory. Usage of Great Britain stamps was extended to local mail on February 1, 1859.

On April 1, 1860, when the control of the Post Office was transferred to the individual West Indies colonies, Great Britain stamps were no longer available for prepayment of postage in Antigua.

Two standard barred numeral devices were sent from London to Antigua for usage there. The "AO2" device was used at St. Johns and the "A18" device was used at English Harbor.  The "A18" cancels are substantially rarer. Excellent fake cancels are known.

These Great Britain stamps have "AO2" cancels. They are (from left):

1d 1857 (perf 14), 2d 1858 (plate 7), 2d 1858 (plate 8), 4d 1857, 6d 1856, and 1s 1856

additionally the 2d 1855 (perf 14, plate 6) and 2d 1858 (plate 9) are reported