Indian Police Forces in Vietnam Stamps
The Indian Police Forces in Vietnam operated under the auspices of the International Control Commission (ICC) during the post-Geneva Accords period of the mid-20th century, primarily serving in Southeast Asia. While not a sovereign postal entity, the presence of Indian contingents meant that mail originating from or routed through these personnel often utilized the postal systems of British India or the independent Republic of India, reflecting the administrative legacy of the subcontinent.
- Issued stamps
- 1954–1962
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- English, Hindi
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- India
History and background
Stamps associated with this deployment would therefore typically bear inscriptions in English and potentially Hindi, reflecting the official languages of the contributing Indian contingent. This unique administrative context places the postal history within the broader framework of international peacekeeping operations rather than standard colonial or national postal issuance.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for standard definitive or commemorative stamps of India issued between 1954 and 1962.
- Crucially, identify postmarks that indicate origin from Vietnam, especially those from Field Post Offices (FPO) or Army Post Offices (APO) associated with Indian contingents.
- Examine covers and entire postal history items for sender/recipient addresses and any official markings related to the International Control Commission or Indian forces.
Popular series
-
Indian Definitive Issues used in Vietnam
1954-1962
Standard definitive stamps of India, often bearing postmarks from military postal units or civilian post offices in Vietnam, indicating their use by Indian personnel.
-
Indian Commemorative Issues used in Vietnam
1954-1962
Commemorative stamps issued by India during this period, used by Indian Police Forces personnel in Vietnam, identifiable by their postmarks.
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
- $0.50–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $20–$200+
Stamps themselves are standard Indian issues. Value comes from clear, identifiable postmarks (e.g., FPO, APO markings) linking them to the Indian Police Forces in Vietnam. Covers and complete postal history items are significantly more valuable than loose stamps. Rarity depends on the clarity and specific type of cancellation, and the content of the mail.
Catalogs. Indian Police Forces in Vietnam 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 Vietnam stamps
These are not distinct stamp issues but rather standard postage stamps of India (both British India and the independent Republic of India) that were used by Indian Police Forces personnel serving with the International Control Commission (ICC) in Vietnam between 1954 and 1962. Their philatelic significance comes from their usage and associated postmarks.
The stamps themselves are generally common Indian issues. Their value is primarily derived from their postal history context, specifically clear and identifiable postmarks linking them to the Indian Police Forces' operations in Vietnam. Covers, especially those with military postal markings or correspondence from personnel, can be quite valuable, ranging from $20 to over $200 depending on rarity and historical significance.
To identify these, you need to look for standard Indian stamps from the 1954-1962 period. The key identifying feature will be the postmark, which should indicate a Vietnamese origin or a military postal unit (FPO/APO) associated with the Indian contingent. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable. Look for covers and complete mail pieces for the best identification.
These stamps are not typically listed as a separate entity in major stamp catalogs like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons, as they are not distinct issues. Instead, the underlying stamps would be found under 'India'. Information regarding their specific postal history and cancellations might be found in specialized military postal history catalogs or literature focusing on Indian military mail or the International Control Commission.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.