Szechwan Stamps
Szechwan, now known as Sichuan Province, is a large region situated in Southwest China, historically characterized by its basin geography. As an integral part of the Republic of China, its postal history is generally tied to the national postal administration, though local overprints or provisional issues sometimes appeared during periods of internal instability.
- Issued stamps
- 1933–1949
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Chinese, English, French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Republic of China
About Szechwan stamps
Stamps issued for this region would predominantly feature Chinese characters, often alongside English or French transliterations during the treaty port era. The administrative history of Szechwan is marked by its transition from an imperial province to a modern provincial entity within the evolving political landscape of 20th-century China.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Szechwan stamps
- Look for Chinese characters (四川郵政 or similar) indicating Szechwan postal administration.
- Examine for overprints or surcharges, often in red or black ink, applied to standard Chinese Republic stamps.
- Note the presence of English or French transliterations, especially on earlier issues or those related to treaty ports.
Popular series
-
Provisional Issues
1930s-1940s
Stamps overprinted with new values or surcharges due to currency fluctuations or postal rate changes during periods of instability.
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Local Surcharges
1940s
Stamps issued with local surcharges to meet specific regional postal needs, often during the Sino-Japanese War and Chinese Civil War.
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
- $1–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common Szechwan stamps, especially those from the later Republic period, are generally affordable. Provisional issues and specific local surcharges, particularly those with scarce overprint varieties or errors, can command significantly higher prices. Condition plays a crucial role.
Catalogs. Szechwan 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 Szechwan stamps
Szechwan stamps refer to postal issues used in the Szechwan (Sichuan) Province of China, primarily during the Republic of China era (1912-1949). While often using national issues, Szechwan also produced provisional stamps, surcharges, and local overprints, especially during times of war and political upheaval.
The value of Szechwan stamps varies widely. Many common issues are inexpensive, but certain provisional issues, rare overprints, or stamps with specific errors can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars. Rarity, condition, and philatelic demand are key factors.
To identify Szechwan stamps, look for Chinese characters indicating 'Szechwan Post' or specific overprints on standard Chinese Republic stamps. Pay attention to the dates of issue, as they fall within the 1933-1949 period. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Szechwan stamps are typically listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the China section or as specific regional/provisional issues. Specialized catalogs for Chinese philately will offer more detailed listings.
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