Egyptian Expeditionary Force Stamps
The Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) operated primarily across the Middle East and North Africa during and immediately following World War I, functioning as a distinct military administration rather than a sovereign nation. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of provisional stamps, often overprinted on existing Egyptian or Indian issues, to serve military personnel and occupied territories like Palestine and Syria.
- Issued stamps
- 1918–1918
- Region
- Middle East, Levant, North Africa
- Currency
- EGP
- Languages
- English, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
These issues typically bore English inscriptions alongside Arabic, reflecting the British military control and the diverse populations encountered during the campaign. The postal arrangements ceased as the military administration transitioned into the British Mandate systems in the successor states.
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.
- E.E.F.
How to identify them
- Look for the 'E.E.F.' overprint, typically in black, on stamps originally issued by Egypt or India.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue (e.g., Egyptian Sphinx and Pyramids designs, or Indian King George V issues).
- Check for variations in the overprint's font, size, and position, as these can indicate different printings or forgeries.
Popular series
-
EEF Overprints on Egyptian Stamps
1918
Provisional issues created by overprinting 'E.E.F.' on contemporary Egyptian stamps for use by military personnel.
-
EEF Overprints on Indian Stamps
1918
Provisional issues created by overprinting 'E.E.F.' on contemporary Indian stamps, particularly for use in occupied territories.
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
- $100–$1,000+
Values vary significantly based on the base stamp used, the specific overprint variety, condition, and postmark. Errors or rare combinations can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Egyptian 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 Egyptian Expeditionary Force stamps
Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) stamps are provisional issues created in 1918 for use by the British military forces operating in the Middle East during and immediately after World War I. They typically feature an 'E.E.F.' overprint on existing stamps of Egypt or India.
The value of EEF stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while rarer overprint varieties, specific base stamps, or well-preserved examples with clear postmarks can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition is a major factor in their philatelic value.
To identify EEF stamps, look for the distinctive 'E.E.F.' overprint on stamps that are clearly identifiable as Egyptian or Indian issues from the World War I era. Pay attention to the details of the overprint itself, as variations exist. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Egyptian Expeditionary Force stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (often under Egypt or Great Britain's military issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these provisional issues.
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