China Expeditionary Forces Stamps
The China Expeditionary Forces stamps were issued by a temporary military administration operating primarily in East Asia, specifically within China, during the early 20th century. These issues relate to the presence of foreign military contingents, often reflecting the complex geopolitical environment of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era.
- Issued stamps
- 1900–1921
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- English, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
History and background
The stamps typically feature inscriptions in English, sometimes alongside Chinese characters, denoting their provisional military postal service status rather than a sovereign national issue. Their existence marks a specific, non-territorial administrative phase tied directly to military occupation or intervention.
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.
- CHINA EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
- C.E.F.
How to identify them
- Look for overprints such as 'CHINA EXPEDITIONARY FORCE', 'C.E.F.', or similar on stamps of China, Great Britain, or British India.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue and design to determine the specific contingent's usage.
Popular series
-
Overprints on Chinese Imperial Post Stamps
1900-1901
Stamps of the Chinese Imperial Post overprinted with 'CHINA EXPEDITIONARY FORCE' or similar, used during the Boxer Rebellion.
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Overprints on British Stamps
1900-1901
British stamps overprinted for use by the British contingent of the Expeditionary Force, often with 'C.E.F.'.
-
Overprints on Indian Stamps
1900-1901
Stamps of British India overprinted 'C.E.F.' for use by Indian troops serving with the Expeditionary Force.
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–$5,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity. Early provisional issues and errors are highly sought after.
Catalogs. China Expeditionary Forces 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 China Expeditionary Forces stamps
China Expeditionary Forces stamps were provisional issues used by various foreign military contingents operating in China, primarily during and after the Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901). These stamps facilitated military postal services and often consisted of existing stamps from their home countries or China, overprinted with inscriptions like 'C.E.F.' or 'CHINA EXPEDITIONARY FORCE'.
The value of China Expeditionary Forces stamps varies greatly. Common examples can be found for $5-$50, while rare overprints, specific base stamps, or errors can fetch hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity of the overprint, and the base stamp's origin significantly influence their market price.
To identify China Expeditionary Forces stamps, look for overprints such as 'CHINA EXPEDITIONARY FORCE', 'C.E.F.', or similar on stamps originally issued by China, Great Britain, British India, or other participating nations. Pay close attention to the font, color, and placement of the overprint. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
China Expeditionary Forces stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs including Scott (often under China or Great Britain/British Commonwealth), Michel (under China or the respective European countries), and Stanley Gibbons (under China or British Commonwealth). These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values.
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