Indochinese Post Tchongking Stamps
Indochinese Post Tchongking refers to a specific postal entity operating within the context of French Indochina, geographically situated in Southeast Asia. This entity was established to serve French interests and residents in the interior of China, specifically in the city of Chongqing (then known as Tchongking), during a period of French colonial influence.
- Issued stamps
- 1902–1919
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- French Indochina
History and background
Stamps issued under this designation typically feature French colonial iconography and are denominated in the currency system of French Indochina, often bearing French or bilingual inscriptions. This issue represents a unique extension of the French postal administration outside its primary colonial territories, reflecting the extraterritorial postal arrangements common in treaty-port China.
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.
- TCHONGKING
- TCH'KING
How to identify them
- Look for the overprint 'TCHONGKING' (or 'TCH'KING') on stamps originally issued for French Indochina.
- Examine the surcharge, if present, which will be in French currency (centimes or francs).
- Verify the underlying stamp design matches known issues of French Indochina from the early 20th century.
Popular series
-
General Issues with Surcharge
1902-1903
Stamps of French Indochina overprinted 'TCHONGKING' and surcharged in centimes or francs, reflecting the local postal rates.
-
Pictorial Issues
1903-1907
Definitive stamps of French Indochina, often featuring colonial motifs, overprinted 'TCHONGKING' without additional surcharge.
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+
Value varies significantly based on condition, specific overprint variety, and denomination. Early surcharged issues and those with clear, well-centered overprints tend to be more valuable. Used stamps with legible postmarks can also command good prices.
Catalogs. Indochinese Post Tchongking 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 Indochinese Post Tchongking stamps
Indochinese Post Tchongking stamps are issues of French Indochina that were overprinted for use in the French postal agency in Chongqing (then Tchongking), China, between 1902 and 1919. They represent a unique aspect of extraterritorial postal services during the colonial era.
Yes, many Indochinese Post Tchongking stamps can be quite valuable, especially early surcharged issues, rare varieties, and stamps in fine condition. Their historical context and limited usage contribute to their desirability among collectors. Common examples can be found for a few dollars, while rare items can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
To identify Indochinese Post Tchongking stamps, look for the distinctive 'TCHONGKING' or 'TCH'KING' overprint on stamps of French Indochina. Pay attention to any surcharges and the original design of the underlying stamp. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Indochinese Post Tchongking stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically within the sections for French Indochina or French Post Offices in China. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, overprints, and estimated values.
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