British Post Offices Abroad Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About British Post Offices Abroad Stamps
British Post Offices Abroad, while not a single geographical entity, represent the extensive global reach of the United Kingdom's postal administration across various continents, primarily during the height of the British Empire. These offices operated under the authority of the General Post Office (GPO) in London, often issuing stamps overprinted with the name of the specific territory or simply bearing the "B.P.O." designation. The stamps predominantly feature English text and denominations in British currency, reflecting the administrative control exercised until territories achieved independence or established their own postal services. This system highlights a crucial period of imperial connectivity, with issues spanning from the mid-19th century until the mid-20th century as colonial structures evolved.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Oceania
- Subregion:
- issuer:british-post-offices-abroad.overview.subregionValue
- Issuing period:
- 1857 – 1957
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
British Post Offices Abroad stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular British Post Offices Abroad Stamp Series
British Post Offices in Morocco (1886-1957)
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'MOROCCO AGENCIES' or 'GIBRALTAR' for use in British Post Offices in Morocco.
British Post Offices in China (1879-1922)
Stamps of Hong Kong and Great Britain overprinted 'CHINA' for use in British Post Offices in various Chinese treaty ports.
British Post Offices in Turkish Empire (1885-1923)
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'LEVANT' or 'TURKEY' for use in British Post Offices in the Ottoman Empire.
British Post Offices Abroad Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific territory, overprint, condition, and rarity of the issue. Early issues and specific overprints are generally more valuable.
How to Identify British Post Offices Abroad Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying British Post Offices Abroad stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Great Britain' or 'Hong Kong' base stamps with specific overprints indicating the territory (e.g., 'MOROCCO AGENCIES', 'LEVANT', 'CHINA').
- 2 Denominations are typically in British currency (pence, shillings, pounds).
- 3 Many issues feature portraits of British monarchs (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, etc.).
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are British Post Offices Abroad stamps?
British Post Offices Abroad stamps refer to stamps issued by the United Kingdom's postal administration for use in various British Post Offices established in foreign countries, primarily during the British Empire. These were often regular British stamps overprinted with the name of the specific territory or a general 'B.P.O.' designation.
Are British Post Offices Abroad stamps valuable?
The value of British Post Offices Abroad stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few pounds, while rare overprints, errors, or stamps from less common territories, especially in fine condition, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Rarity is often tied to the specific overprint and the period of use.
How can I identify British Post Offices Abroad stamps?
To identify British Post Offices Abroad stamps, look for base stamps of Great Britain (or sometimes Hong Kong) that bear overprints indicating a specific foreign territory such as 'MOROCCO AGENCIES', 'LEVANT', 'CHINA', or 'EGYPT'. Denominations will be in British currency. For precise identification and valuation, use a stamp identifier app that can scan your stamp and provide detailed information.
Which catalogs list British Post Offices Abroad stamps?
British Post Offices Abroad stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Stanley Gibbons (particularly the Commonwealth & British Empire catalogs), Scott, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for these issues.
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