British Military Administration Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About British Military Administration (BMA) Stamps
The British Military Administration (BMA) operated across various territories in Europe and Asia following World War II, most notably in occupied Germany and Austria, and temporarily in parts of the former British Empire. These issues served as provisional postal instruments in areas where established civil postal services had collapsed or were under direct Allied control. Stamps typically bore English inscriptions alongside local languages, reflecting the temporary nature of the administration. The BMA issues ceased upon the establishment of sovereign governments or the return to civil postal control in the respective regions.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe, Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1943 – 1950
- Languages:
- English, German, Malay
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
British Military Administration (BMA) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular British Military Administration (BMA) Stamp Series
Germany (British Zone) (1945-1949)
Issues for the British Occupation Zone in Germany, often overprinted 'AM POST' or 'DEUTSCHE POST'.
Austria (British Zone) (1945-1946)
Stamps issued for the British Occupation Zone in Austria, typically overprinted 'BRITISH ZONE' or 'MILITARY GOVT.'.
Malaya (BMA) (1945-1948)
Overprints on Straits Settlements or Federated Malay States stamps, often 'B.M.A. MALAYA'.
British Military Administration (BMA) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly by territory and specific issue. Overprints and errors can be highly sought after. Complete sets and covers are more valuable.
How to Identify British Military Administration (BMA) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying British Military Administration (BMA) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'B.M.A.' or 'British Military Administration' inscriptions or overprints.
- 2 Identify the underlying country's stamps (e.g., Germany, Austria, Malaya) with BMA overprints.
- 3 Note the language of the overprint, which often indicates the specific territory.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are British Military Administration stamps?
British Military Administration (BMA) stamps are provisional postal issues used in territories under British military control, primarily after World War II. These were issued in areas like occupied Germany, Austria, and parts of the former British Empire (e.g., Malaya, Sarawak) where civil postal services were disrupted or under Allied supervision.
Are British Military Administration stamps valuable?
The value of BMA stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few pounds or dollars, while rarer overprints, specific varieties, errors, or complete sets, especially on cover, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds/dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance play a major role.
How can I identify British Military Administration stamps?
BMA stamps are typically identified by overprints such as 'B.M.A.', 'BRITISH ZONE', 'AM POST', or 'MILITARY GOVT.' on existing stamps of the occupied territory. The underlying stamp design and the specific overprint will help pinpoint the exact issue. For precise identification and valuation, use a stamp identifier app or consult specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list British Military Administration stamps?
British Military Administration stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in Stanley Gibbons (especially the Commonwealth & British Empire catalogs), Scott (under the respective country entries, often with 'Occupation Issues' or 'Military Government' sections), and Michel (particularly for German and Austrian issues).
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