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.
- Issued stamps
- 1953–1953
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- English, Hindi
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- India
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- 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.
- Examine postmarks for dates within 1953 and locations related to the Korean War zone.
- Verify any overprints against known examples, as fakes and forgeries can exist for rare military issues.
Popular 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.
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–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€200+
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).
Catalogs. Indian Police Forces In Korea 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 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.
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.
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 a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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