British Middle East Forces Stamps
British Middle East Forces (BMEF) stamps were issued across a vast geographical region spanning the Middle East and parts of Africa, primarily serving military personnel and associated civilian staff during and immediately following World War II. These issues were administered by the British military postal service, operating under the authority of the British Colonial Office rather than as independent national entities.
- Issued stamps
- 1942–1943
- Region
- Middle East, Levant, North Africa, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- GBP
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
The stamps generally featured English text, often denominated in British currency, and their usage ceased as these territories transitioned to independent national postal administrations following the dismantling of the British military presence in the region.
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.
- M.E.F.
How to identify them
- Look for the 'M.E.F.' overprint, typically in black, on stamps of Great Britain or Egypt.
- Examine the base stamp to determine its origin and denomination.
- Check for variations in the overprint's font, size, and position, as these can indicate different printings or errors.
Popular series
-
Overprinted Great Britain Issues
1942-1943
British definitive stamps overprinted 'M.E.F.' (Middle East Forces) for use by military personnel.
-
Overprinted Egyptian Issues
1942-1943
Egyptian definitive stamps overprinted 'M.E.F.' for use in areas under British military administration.
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–£10
- Scarce stamps
- £50–£500+
Values vary significantly based on the base stamp overprinted, the specific overprint variety, condition, and rarity of the original issue. Errors or specific printings can command higher prices.
Catalogs. British Middle East Forces 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 Middle East Forces stamps
British Middle East Forces (BMEF) stamps were British or Egyptian postage stamps overprinted 'M.E.F.' (Middle East Forces) for use by British military personnel and associated civilians in various territories across the Middle East and North Africa during and immediately after World War II (1942-1943).
The value of British Middle East Forces stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few pounds, while rarer overprints, specific base stamps, or varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Condition, centering, and the specific overprint type are key factors in determining value.
You can identify British Middle East Forces stamps by looking for the distinctive 'M.E.F.' overprint on stamps originally issued by Great Britain or Egypt. Pay attention to the base stamp's design, watermarks, and perforations. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
British Middle East Forces stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Stanley Gibbons (particularly the Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue), Scott, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, printings, and estimated values.
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