British Military Administration Somalia Stamps
British Military Administration Somalia (BMAS) was a temporary administration established in the Horn of Africa following the expulsion of Italian forces during World War II. Stamps issued under this authority primarily served the occupied territories of former Italian Somaliland, reflecting a transitional phase in East African postal history.
- Issued stamps
- 1948–1950
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- EAS
- Languages
- English, Italian, Somali
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
These issues typically bore English inscriptions alongside the name of the territory, often overprinted on existing colonial issues. The administration's postal operations were brief, preceding the eventual return of Somaliland to Italian trusteeship or the unification of the Somali territories.
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.
- B.M.A. SOMALIA
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'B.M.A. SOMALIA' (British Military Administration Somalia).
- Many issues are overprints on stamps of the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates, featuring King George VI.
- Check for the currency in East African Shillings (E.A.S. or Shillings).
Popular series
-
King George VI Overprints
1948-1949
Stamps of East Africa and Uganda Protectorates overprinted 'B.M.A. SOMALIA' and new values in East African Shillings.
-
Definitive Issues
1949-1950
Definitive stamps featuring King George VI, inscribed 'B.M.A. SOMALIA'.
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 condition, specific overprint varieties, and completeness of sets. Full sets in fine used or unused condition are more desirable. Errors or specific plate flaws can command higher prices.
Catalogs. British Military Administration Somalia 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 Military Administration Somalia stamps
British Military Administration Somalia (BMAS) stamps were issued during a brief post-World War II period (1948-1950) when the British administered former Italian Somaliland. These stamps were used for postal services in the occupied territory before its return to Italian trusteeship.
The value of British Military Adm. Somalia stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few pounds, while complete sets, specific overprint varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds of pounds. Rarity is often tied to specific printings, errors, or postal history items.
You can identify British Military Adm. Somalia stamps by the prominent 'B.M.A. SOMALIA' inscription, often as an overprint on stamps of the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates. They typically feature King George VI and are denominated in East African Shillings. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
British Military Adm. Somalia stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Stanley Gibbons (especially the Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalog), Scott, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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