British Post Madagascar Stamps
British Post Madagascar refers to a specific period of postal administration on the island of Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. This entity existed primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when British postal services operated in areas under French influence or control, often involving concessions or specific agreements.
- Issued stamps
- 1884–1895
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- English, French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
Stamps issued under this designation typically feature English inscriptions, reflecting the British postal authority, though the broader political context involved French colonial administration. These issues are historically significant as they represent a transitional phase in Madagascar's complex colonial postal history, bridging British and French spheres of influence.
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.
- MADAGASCAR
How to identify them
- Look for 'MADAGASCAR' overprints on British Queen Victoria stamps.
- Examine the design for British postal markings or inscriptions.
- Check for cancellations from British Consular Post Offices in Madagascar.
Popular series
-
Queen Victoria Overprints
1884-1895
British stamps overprinted 'MADAGASCAR' for use by the British Consular Post Office.
-
Consular Mail Issues
1884-1895
Stamps issued specifically for the British Consular Post Office in Madagascar.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $200–$2,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and cancellations. Early issues and rare errors command higher prices.
Catalogs. British Post Madagascar 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 Post Madagascar stamps
British Post Madagascar stamps were issued during a period from 1884 to 1895 when the British operated a postal service in Madagascar, primarily through a Consular Post Office, despite the island being under French influence. These stamps often consisted of British stamps overprinted 'MADAGASCAR'.
The value of British Post Madagascar stamps can range from a few dollars for common examples to several thousand dollars for rare varieties, errors, or stamps in pristine condition. Factors like the specific overprint, cancellation, and rarity of the base stamp significantly influence their market price.
To identify British Post Madagascar stamps, look for the 'MADAGASCAR' overprint on British Queen Victoria stamps. Also, examine the design for any British postal inscriptions or specific Consular Post Office cancellations. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
British Post Madagascar stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for various issues.
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