Indian Police Forces In Korea Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Indian Police Forces in Korea Stamps
The Indian Police Forces in Korea operated as part of the United Nations Command during the Korean War (1950–1953), a period of significant geopolitical tension in East Asia. While these forces were deployed under the auspices of the newly independent Republic of India, their postal arrangements were highly specialized, often utilizing overprints or specific markings on existing Indian postage or provisional issues for internal mail within the operational zone. The stamps and postal stationery associated with this contingent primarily feature English and Hindi, reflecting the official languages of the Indian contingent serving under the UN mandate. This brief but significant deployment represents a unique chapter in India's post-colonial international engagement and its early participation in multilateral peacekeeping efforts.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1953 – 1953
- Languages:
- English, Hindi
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- India
Stamp Catalogs
Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Indian Police Forces in Korea Stamp Series
Overprinted Indian Stamps (1953)
Indian postage stamps overprinted or specially marked for use by the Indian Police Forces in Korea.
Provisional Issues (1953)
Possible provisional issues or stationery used internally within the contingent's operational zone.
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Indian Police Forces in Korea Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps from this short-lived and specialized postal entity are rare and highly sought after by collectors of military mail, Indian philately, and UN-related issues. Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and postal history context (e.g., on cover).
How to Identify Indian Police Forces in Korea Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps:
- 1 Look for Indian stamps (often King George VI or early Republic of India issues) bearing specific overprints or handstamps indicating use by 'Indian Police Forces in Korea' or similar designations.
- 2 Examine postmarks for dates within 1953 and locations related to the Korean War zone.
- 3 Verify any overprints against known examples, as fakes and forgeries can exist for rare military issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps?
Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps refer to the postal issues, primarily Indian stamps with overprints or special markings, used by the Indian contingent serving under the United Nations Command during the Korean War in 1953. These were specialized issues for internal mail within their operational zone.
Are Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps valuable?
Yes, stamps and postal history from the Indian Police Forces in Korea are generally considered rare and valuable due to their very limited period of use and specialized nature. Their value can range from €5 for common items to well over €200 for rare overprints or items on cover, depending on condition and specific markings.
How can I identify Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps?
To identify Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps, look for standard Indian postage stamps from the early 1950s that bear specific overprints or handstamps related to the 'Indian Police Forces in Korea' or similar. Postmarks from 1953 within the Korean War zone are also key indicators. For precise identification and authentication, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting with a philatelic expert specializing in military mail or Indian philately.
Which catalogs list Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps?
Due to their highly specialized and often provisional nature, Indian Police Forces in Korea stamps may not be extensively listed in general catalogs like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons as distinct issues. They are more likely to be found in specialized catalogs for Indian philately, military mail, or UN-related postal history, often as footnotes or specialized sections.
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