Cameroon Expeditionary Force Stamps
The Cameroon Expeditionary Force stamps were issued for the military administration of the former German Kamerun during and immediately following World War I, primarily covering territories in West-Central Africa. These provisional issues were necessary after the Allied capture of the colony, as regular German postal services ceased and British and French forces took control.
- Issued stamps
- 1915–1915
- Region
- Africa, West-Central Africa
- Languages
- English, French, German
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
History and background
The stamps often feature bilingual or trilingual inscriptions reflecting the mandatory administration by the Entente powers, particularly English and French, and they represent a unique transitional phase before the League of Nations mandates were fully established.
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.
- C.E.F.
How to identify them
- Look for 'C.E.F.' overprints on stamps originally issued by German Kamerun or Great Britain.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of origin and denomination.
- Note the color and type of the overprint, as variations exist.
Popular series
-
German Kamerun Overprints
1915
Stamps of German Kamerun overprinted 'C.E.F.' (Cameroon Expeditionary Force) by British forces.
-
British Occupation Issues
1915
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'C.E.F.' for use in the occupied territory.
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
- $10–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
Values vary significantly based on the base stamp used, the specific overprint variety, condition, and whether it's on cover. Early occupation issues are generally more sought after.
Catalogs. Cameroon Expeditionary Force 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 Cameroon Expeditionary Force stamps
Cameroon Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) stamps are provisional issues used by British and French forces during and immediately after the capture of German Kamerun in 1915. They consist primarily of German Kamerun stamps or British stamps overprinted 'C.E.F.'.
Yes, many Cameroon Expeditionary Force stamps can be valuable, especially those with rare overprint varieties, good condition, or on original covers. Common examples might be in the $10-$50 range, while rare items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
To identify Cameroon Expeditionary Force stamps, look for the 'C.E.F.' overprint on stamps. You'll need to determine if the base stamp is German Kamerun or British. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Cameroon Expeditionary Force stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these occupation issues.
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