Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma Stamps
Japanese Occupation of Burma, a region in Southeast Asia, issued stamps during the Second World War following the Japanese invasion and subsequent British withdrawal. These provisional issues, often overprinted on existing British colonial stamps, reflect the temporary military administration established by the Empire of Japan.
- Issued stamps
- 1942–1944
- Region
- Asia, Southeast Asia
- Currency
- MMK
- Languages
- English, Japanese, Burmese
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Japan
History and background
The postal markings and inscriptions on these stamps primarily feature English alongside Japanese or Burmese script, illustrating the shift in administrative control during this turbulent period. This ephemeral postal entity ceased upon the reoccupation by Allied forces, marking a brief but significant interruption in the region's standard postal history.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for overprints on British Burma stamps, typically in Japanese characters (e.g., 'Dai Nippon') or symbols.
- Examine the base stamp for its original British colonial design and watermarks.
- Be aware of different types of overprints, including handstamps and printed overprints, and their specific characteristics.
- Check for signs of forgery, as these occupation issues are frequently faked.
Popular series
-
Overprints on British Burma Stamps
1942-1944
Provisional issues created by overprinting existing British colonial stamps of Burma with Japanese characters or symbols, often 'Dai Nippon' (Great Japan).
-
Occupation Issues with Japanese Designs
1942-1944
A limited number of stamps featuring Japanese designs or inscriptions, sometimes incorporating local Burmese elements, though less common than overprints.
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 the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity of the overprint variety. Forgeries are common, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
Catalogs. Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma 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 Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma stamps
Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma stamps are provisional postage stamps issued by the Japanese military administration in Burma (present-day Myanmar) between 1942 and 1944, following their invasion and the British withdrawal during World War II. These were primarily existing British colonial stamps overprinted with Japanese inscriptions or symbols.
The value of Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma stamps varies. Common overprints on readily available base stamps might be worth a few dollars, while rare overprint varieties, specific errors, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Expert authentication is crucial for higher-value items due to prevalent forgeries.
To identify Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma stamps, look for Japanese overprints on British Burma colonial stamps. Pay attention to the specific characters, their placement, and the base stamp's design. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Japanese WWII Occupation of Burma stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, including different overprint types, varieties, and estimated values, often under sections dedicated to Japanese Occupation issues or Burma.
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