British Military Administration Tripolitania Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About British Military Administration Tripolitania Stamps
British Military Administration Tripolitania was a territory in North Africa administered by the United Kingdom following the defeat of Italian forces in World War II. Stamps issued for this region reflect its status as a post-conquest occupation zone, operating under the authority of the Allied Military Government. The postal issues predominantly feature English inscriptions, often overprinted on existing Italian colonial stamps, signifying a transitional administrative period before the territory became part of the independent Kingdom of Libya. This administration was temporary, lasting until the establishment of Libyan self-governance.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- North Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1948 – 1951
- Languages:
- English, Italian
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular British Military Administration Tripolitania Stamp Series
Italian Stamps Overprinted 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' (1948-1950)
Italian stamps of the 'Imperial' and 'Democratica' series overprinted 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' and new values in Italian Lire. These are the most characteristic issues of the administration.
Italian Stamps Overprinted 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' with 'G.R.I.' Monogram (1950-1951)
Later issues featuring Italian stamps overprinted with 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' and a 'G.R.I.' (Georgius Rex Imperator) monogram, indicating British sovereignty.
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issuer:british-military-adm-tripolitania.series.items.2.description
British Military Administration Tripolitania Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Higher values are typically found in complete sets, specific overprint varieties, or on cover. Errors or scarce postmarks can significantly increase value.
How to Identify British Military Administration Tripolitania Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps:
- 1 Look for the overprint 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' (British Military Administration Tripolitania) on Italian colonial or Italian Republic stamps.
- 2 Check for the 'G.R.I.' monogram on some later issues, often alongside the 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' overprint.
- 3 Examine the original Italian stamp design underneath the overprint, as this helps in identifying the base stamp.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps?
British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps were issued between 1948 and 1951 for the territory of Tripolitania, which was under British occupation after World War II. These stamps are primarily Italian colonial or Italian Republic stamps overprinted with 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' and new denominations, reflecting the transitional period before Libya's independence.
Are British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps valuable?
The value of British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps varies. Common individual stamps are generally inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $10. However, complete sets, specific overprint varieties, stamps on original covers, or those with errors can be more valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars. Rarity is often tied to the specific Italian base stamp and the overprint details.
How can I identify British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps?
You can identify British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps by looking for the distinctive 'B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA' overprint, usually in English, on underlying Italian stamp designs. Some later issues also feature a 'G.R.I.' monogram. For precise identification and catalog numbers, using a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize these overprints and base stamps is highly recommended.
Which catalogs list British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps?
British Military Administration Tripolitania stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find listings for them in Scott (often under 'Tripolitania, British Occupation'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons catalogs. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, issue dates, and estimated values.
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