Postmasters Issues Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Postmasters' Provisional Issues Stamps
Postmasters Issues are not associated with a single sovereign country but rather represent a specific, localized postal phenomenon, most commonly found in British colonial territories during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These provisional issues arose in remote areas or smaller dependencies where the central colonial postal authority could not immediately supply official stamps, leading local postmasters to overprint existing postage or use locally printed labels. The language on these provisional issues usually reflects the official language of the controlling colonial power, such as English, French, or Portuguese. These stamps document brief periods of administrative autonomy or logistical gaps before full integration into the main colonial postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
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- Subregion:
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- Issuing period:
- None
- Languages:
- English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, German
- Currency:
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- issuer:postmasters-issues.overview.parentIssuer:
- issuer:postmasters-issues.overview.parentIssuerValue
Stamp Catalogs
Postmasters' Provisional Issues stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Postmasters' Provisional Issues Stamp Series
British Colonial Postmaster Provisionals (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)
Overprinted or locally produced stamps from various British colonies due to shortages of official issues.
French Colonial Postmaster Provisionals (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)
Emergency issues from French colonial territories, often featuring handstamps or local printing.
Portuguese Colonial Postmaster Provisionals (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)
Provisional stamps from Portuguese colonies, frequently overprinted on existing stock.
Postmasters' Provisional Issues Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Postmasters Issues varies widely based on the specific territory, rarity, condition, and the nature of the provisional overprint or local printing. Some are common, while others, especially those from short-lived situations or with unique errors, can be extremely valuable. Authentication is crucial.
How to Identify Postmasters' Provisional Issues Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Postmasters' Provisional Issues stamps:
- 1 Look for handstamps, overprints, or locally printed designs on existing stamps or blank paper.
- 2 Examine the text for 'Provisional', 'Postmaster', or local administrative names.
- 3 Note the absence of standard colonial postal markings or the presence of unusual denominations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Postmasters Issues stamps?
Postmasters Issues are provisional stamps created by local postmasters in remote or smaller colonial territories when official stamps were unavailable. They often involve overprinting existing stamps or using locally printed labels to maintain postal services.
Are Postmasters Issues stamps valuable?
Yes, many Postmasters Issues can be quite valuable, especially rare examples from specific territories, those with unique overprints, or issues from very short periods of use. However, common examples can be affordable. Value depends heavily on rarity, condition, and demand.
How can I identify Postmasters Issues stamps?
To identify Postmasters Issues, look for unofficial overprints, handstamps, or crude local printing on stamps. They often lack the uniformity of official issues. Consulting specialized catalogs and using a stamp identifier app can help confirm their authenticity and origin.
Which catalogs list Postmasters Issues stamps?
Major stamp catalogs like Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons list Postmasters Issues, often within the sections for the respective colonial territories. Specialized catalogs for specific colonial areas may also provide more detailed listings.
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