Osborne Avenue, Penfold Pillar Box

Newcastle's only hexagonal "Penfold" pillar box was erected in the period 1872-9. The type, which is one of the earliest, was named after the designer, Mr J.W. Penfold, and was introduced in 1866. In 1879 the more familiar cylindrical shape was adopted (or more accurately reintroduced, as the earliest boxes introduced by the novelist Anthony Trollope, who was also a Post Office Surveyor's Clerk, were also cylindrical). Pillar box. Between 1872 and 1879. Octagonal box of third Penfold type; plinth with moulded coping; high band with slot flanked by POST and OFFICE; moulded cornice; leaf-decorated low ogee top with bud finial, VR monogram below frame for list of collection times. Founder's name on plinth illegible under thick paint. LISTED GRADE 2