THIS STYLE OF POST BOX ON LOWER KIMMAGE ROAD IS RARE [BUT NOT UNIQUE]-245863

            This Post Box caught my attention today because it is different in a number of ways so I decided to check if there was any information available:

Is it Unique?

While not entirely unique in the sense that there are a few of this type remaining, it is certainly a rare and special example of a particular type of British-made post box that was repurposed after Irish independence.  It is likely a Type B wall box, a model that was introduced in 1859 and was the standard wall-mounted box across the UK. The larger size that initially caught my attention was common for the earlier Type B models.

Why It Appears Different:

Absence of Royal Cypher: There is no British Royal Cypher. This is because the box likely pre-dates 1922 and was originally installed during British rule. After independence, the Irish Free State made a conscious decision not to remove all British boxes. They simply painted them green and either removed the Royal Cypher or covered it over. The original purpose of the Royal Cypher was to identify the reigning monarch at the time of the post box's installation.

"POST OFFICE" Lettering: The "POST OFFICE" lettering was standard on British Type B wall boxes of that era. In this case, it remains as a vestige of its original manufacture and purpose. An Post, the Irish postal service, would typically use either their logo, or the Irish language "An Post" on their post boxes.

Flush Mounting: The flush mounting to the pavement is also somewhat unusual but not unheard of. Given that the box is larger than later models, it might have required a deeper setting to ensure stability, especially since it is a wall box.

Graffiti: The yellow graffiti "AKEN" is a modern addition and unfortunately detracts from the historical significance of the post box.

Why the Difference?

Practicality and Cost: Replacing every post box across the newly independent Ireland would have been a massive and expensive undertaking. Repainting was a far more practical and cost-effective solution during a time of significant political and social change.

Symbolic Gesture: While retaining the boxes, painting them green served as a powerful visual symbol of Irish independence. The vibrant green, a colour strongly associated with Ireland, asserted the nation's new identity. It is suspected that in many cases the initial green paint used was not durable, as these post boxes were regularly repainted.

Evolution of An Post: Over the decades, An Post has gradually introduced its own designs and styles of post boxes. However, many of these repurposed British boxes remain in service, creating the variety one may observe today. Many of these older post boxes are now heritage listed.

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Taken in: Ireland / Leinster / Kimmage (show map)

Taken on: December 28, 2024

Tags:

POST OFFICE

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