British Bechuanaland Stamps
British Bechuanaland was a British protectorate located in Southern Africa, situated north of the Cape Colony. Its postal history is characterized by issues under British colonial administration, often featuring definitive series overprinted with local currency denominations.
- Issued stamps
- 1885–1897
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
Stamps primarily display English text, reflecting the official language of the governing power. The territory's postal administration was eventually absorbed into the Cape Colony's system, leading to the cessation of distinct British Bechuanaland issues.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- BRITISH BECHUANALAND
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND' or overprints on stamps of Cape of Good Hope or Great Britain.
- Pay attention to the specific type of overprint, including the font, color, and whether it includes a surcharge.
- Examine the watermark (e.g., Crown CC or Crown CA for Great Britain overprints) and perforation.
Popular series
-
Cape of Good Hope Stamps Overprinted 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND'
1885
The first issues for British Bechuanaland were stamps of the Cape of Good Hope overprinted 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND' in various settings and colors, often with additional surcharges.
-
Great Britain Stamps Overprinted 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND'
1887-1888
Following the initial issues, stamps of Great Britain (Queen Victoria 'Jubilee' type) were overprinted 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND' and surcharged with local currency values.
-
Queen Victoria Definitives
1888-1897
A definitive series featuring Queen Victoria's portrait, inscribed 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND', was issued, with various denominations and printings until the territory's absorption.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- £1–£20
- Scarce stamps
- £100–£5,000+
Early overprints, especially those with errors or rare surcharge varieties, can be highly valuable. Later definitives are generally more affordable, but high values or specific shades/watermarks can command higher prices. Condition is crucial.
Catalogs. British Bechuanaland stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about British Bechuanaland stamps
British Bechuanaland stamps are postage stamps issued for the British protectorate of British Bechuanaland, located in Southern Africa, between 1885 and 1897. They primarily consist of overprinted stamps of the Cape of Good Hope or Great Britain, and later a definitive series featuring Queen Victoria.
The value of British Bechuanaland stamps varies significantly. Common later issues can be found for a few pounds, while early overprints, especially those with rare varieties, errors, or high denominations, can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Condition plays a major role in determining value.
To identify British Bechuanaland stamps, look for the 'BRITISH BECHUANALAND' inscription or overprint. Pay close attention to the underlying stamp (Cape of Good Hope or Great Britain), the type of overprint, and any surcharges. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
British Bechuanaland stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Stanley Gibbons (especially the Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue), Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, printings, and estimated values.
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