Indian Police Forces In Congo Postal History
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) Stamps
The Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) operated in Central Africa during the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) from 1960 to 1964. This entity was not a sovereign nation but a contingent of Indian personnel serving under a UN mandate following the rapid decolonization of the Belgian Congo. While the primary postal service was managed by the UN or the Congolese administration, Indian contingents sometimes utilized special postal markings or cachets reflecting their temporary administrative presence within the broader African context. Stamps issued during this period would primarily reflect the sovereignty of the newly independent Congo, often featuring French or local languages, though Indian military mail might carry specific service markings.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- Central Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1962 – 1962
- Languages:
- French, English, Swahili, Lingala
- Currency:
- CDF
- Parent issuer:
- India
Stamp Catalogs
Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) Stamp Series
UN Operation in Congo (ONUC) Overprints (1960-1964)
While not directly issued by IPFCON, stamps of Congo (Leopoldville) overprinted for UN use are closely associated with the period and mission.
Indian Military Post Office (FPO) Markings (1960-1964)
Special cachets and cancellations used by Indian military postal units serving with ONUC, often applied to regular Congolese or Indian stamps.
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Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Indian Police Forces in Congo did not issue their own postage stamps. Philatelic interest lies primarily in postal history, specifically covers and mail bearing Indian Field Post Office (FPO) markings or special cachets from their deployment within the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). The value of such items is highly dependent on rarity, condition, and specific markings, often ranging from $20 to $200+ for significant pieces.
How to Identify Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) stamps:
- 1 Look for covers or mail originating from the Congo during 1960-1964 bearing Indian Field Post Office (FPO) cancellations.
- 2 Identify cachets or handstamps indicating 'Indian Contingent ONUC' or similar wording.
- 3 Examine the stamps used on such covers; they would typically be from Congo (Leopoldville) or, less commonly, Indian stamps used for internal military mail.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Indian Police Forces In Congo stamps?
The Indian Police Forces in Congo (IPFCON) did not issue their own postage stamps. Instead, philatelic interest revolves around postal history items, such as letters or covers, that bear special cancellations or cachets from the Indian military postal units operating within the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) from 1960 to 1964. These markings would typically be found on stamps issued by Congo (Leopoldville) or sometimes Indian stamps for military mail.
Are Indian Police Forces In Congo postal history items valuable?
The value of postal history items related to the Indian Police Forces in Congo can vary significantly. While there are no 'stamps' per se, covers with clear and well-preserved Indian Field Post Office (FPO) cancellations or specific ONUC-related cachets can be quite valuable to collectors of military mail and UN philately, often ranging from $20 to $200 or more depending on rarity, condition, and historical significance.
How can I identify Indian Police Forces In Congo postal history?
To identify postal history from the Indian Police Forces in Congo, look for envelopes or postcards postmarked between 1960 and 1964, originating from the Congo. Key indicators include cancellations from Indian Field Post Offices (FPO numbers often associated with UN deployments) or specific handstamps mentioning 'Indian Contingent ONUC' or similar. The stamps themselves would typically be those of Congo (Leopoldville). A stamp identifier app can help identify the base stamps, but the unique value comes from the postal markings. Consulting specialized catalogs for military mail or UN philately is also recommended.
Which catalogs list Indian Police Forces In Congo philatelic material?
Standard stamp catalogs like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons do not list 'stamps' for the Indian Police Forces in Congo as they did not issue their own. Information regarding their postal history, including FPO markings and cachets, would be found in specialized catalogs or reference works dedicated to Indian military mail, United Nations philately, or the postal history of Congo during the ONUC period. Philatelic societies focusing on these areas are also excellent resources.
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