"Upgrades" to some smaller Countries in Big Blue Blog

1892 Anjouan  "Navigation & Commerce"

Do you know Anjouan's stamp history and the location?

I revisited some of the smaller countries already published in the Big Blue Blog, and "upgraded" them with additional stamp issue pics and captions. I reformatted the checklist to conform to current standards. In addition, I put maps in the blogs, so you and I know where in the world these entities are. :-) I also re-edited the information for Azerbaijan. Click on February, March, April, or June archives, and find the countries.

Aden
Aguera
Aitutaki
Alaouites
Alexandretta
Allenstein
Andorra
Angra
Anjouan
Antigua
Armenia
Ascension
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Basutoland
British Central Africa
British East Africa
Caroline Islands
Cochin China

Check them out, and hope you enjoy!

Jim Jackson

Corfu

Map of Corfu Island in the Ionian Sea

Quick History
Corfu, or Kerkyra (Greek), is the second largest Greek Island on the Ionian Sea. The main settlement is also called Corfu, and the population was 122,000 in 1920. Corfu became part of Greece in 1864, but in 1923 the island was occupied by Italy; and hence these overprinted Italian Stamps entered the catalogue.

Greek mythology and Homer: Poseidon, god of the sea, fell in love with a nymph, Korkyra, and transported her to this heretofore unnamed island. The island name Korkyra evolved through Doric influences to the present day Kerkyra.  Homer named seven plants that grew in the gardens of this island: wild olive, oil olive, pear, pomegranate, apple, fig and grape vine.

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on two lines of one page, has six stamp spaces for the year "1923". The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 14 major stamp descriptions while Corfu was under occupation by the Italians. These are the only stamps ever issued specifically for Corfu. Coverage for this small issue in Big Blue is 43%.

All of Big Blue's stamps come from the eight stamp issue with "CORFU" overprint. The other 1923 issue (six stamps) which was also surcharged, is not represented. However, the minimum catalogue price is $10+ and up; so perhaps a bit too expensive for inclusion in Big Blue.

 Issued under Italian Occupation

Italian Issues of 1901-23 Overprinted - 1923
The eight stamp 1923 Issue in Steiner (Deep Blue)

Additionals...
If one wants to complete the 1923 set, the two remaining stamps are the same price as the others.
60c blue: N7 ($5+)
1 l brown & green: N8 ($5+)

There are also two stamps (N10,N11) in the second 1923 overprinted/surcharged set for $10+.

Big Blue Checklist
1923  Italian stamps of 1901-23 overprinted "CORFU"
5c green: N1 ($5+)
10c claret: N2 ($5+)
15c slate: N3 ($5+)
20c brown orange: N4 ($5+)
30c orange brown: N5 ($5+)
50c violet: N6 $5+)

Kinds of Blue
The '97,'69,'47, and '41 editions are identical in content. Note the Corfu section can be found at the bottom of the last page of Crete in the '69 and earlier editions. Surprisingly, if one checks the '69 table of contents list, Corfu is nowhere to be found. Corfu is listed in the table of contents in the '41 and '47 editions.

Big Blue Bottom Line
If it hadn't been for this occupation stamp issue, I and probably you, would not have known that Italy occupied Corfu in 1923.  :-)  Unfortunately, this was not the last occupation. More horrifically, Italy under Mussolini , and then the Nazis, controlled Corfu between 1941-44.

Note: Map in Public domain with this stipulation. "Any use of this map can be made as long as you credit me (Eric Gaba-Wikimedia Commons user:Sting) as the author"


If you enjoyed this post, or have some information to share, or have some constructive criticism, please share your thoughts and reactions in the "comment" section. 

Cook Islands (Rarotonga)

1937 Scott 110 2 1/2p dark blue 

Coronation of George VI

Overprinted on New Zealand " Elizabeth and King George VI" 

Quick History
The Cook Islands consist of 15 small islands spread out in the south Pacific Ocean. The Cook Islands became a British Protectorate in 1888, and a Dependency of New Zealand  in 1901. The population was 12,000 in 1936, and the Capital is Rarotonga. Stamps were issued beginning in 1892. Aitutaki (1903-32), and Penrhyn Islands (1902-32), part of the group, also have had separate stamp issues with the dates listed. Since 1965, the Cook Islands are in "free association" with New Zealand, and the inhabitants are New Zealand citizens.

Cook Islands naming history: British captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and 1777, and named them the Hervey Islands. But a Russian naval chart from the 1820s called them the "Cook Islands", and the name has persisted.

1935 Scott 92 1p dark carmine & black "Captain James Cook"

Has wmk. 61 and Perf 14

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on one page , has 37 stamp spaces from 1893-1937. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 115 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 32%.

The Cook Islands have no stamps over the $35 dollar cutoff for the "most expensive list", but have two stamp spaces (Scott 1 or 5, 44,) that miss it by a few dollars, and many more that are in the $5+-$10+ category. Inexpensive the Cook Islands are not. ;-) The 1893-1919 issues (12 stamp spaces) and the 1932-36 issues (7 stamp spaces) often have 2-3 Scott choices per space ; so also simple it's not. ;-) Then there are the 1944-46 issues, clearly ineligible for BB by dates, that mimic the 1932-36 "type"issues, and are often less costly. One should be aware of these impostors.

One is left then with few "additionals", but there are some curious exceptions. The Cook Islands "Silver Jubilee" issue of 1935 (Scott 98-100)- which consists of overprinted Cook Island stamps- are NOT in BB, even though the price is a modest <$1-$2+. Other "additionals" include the choices not taken in the checklist for the 1893-1919 issues, and 56,58,59,65,78,115 (<$1-$2+). That's it.

1932 Scott 84 1/2p deep green (center in black) "Landing of Captain Cook"

Has Perf 13 and is unwmk.

Big Blue Checklist
1893-1919
1p black (A1 design): 1 or 5 ($30+)

("Wrybill" design)
1/2 p blue: 15($5+)
1/2p green: 27($5+) or 30($2+) or 39($5+)
2p (Illust): 19 chocolate (5+) or 33 chocolate($5+) or 42 deep brown($5+)
1s carmine rose: 24($50+) or 38($50+) or 44($30+)
Note: stamps vary by unwmk/wmk61, perf, and paper

("Queen Makea Taku" design)
1p (illust): 9 brown($40+) or 16 brown($20+) or 40 red($5+)
Note: stamps vary by unwmk/wmk, and perf

1893-1919
("Queen Makea Taku" design-continued)
1p blue: 10($2+) or 17($5+)
1p rose: 28($10+) or 31($2+)
1 1/2p bright violet*: 11($5+) or 32($2+)
2 1/2p dull blue: 29($10+) or 34($2+)
Two blank spaces: suggest choices not taken above, or 13($10+) and/or 20($10+)
*Note: 1 1/2p Scott 18 violet($5+) and Scott 41 purple ($2+) ruled out for color
Note: stamps vary by unwmk/wmk61, perf

1919 (New Zealand stamps 1909-19 overprinted "Rarotonga" and surcharged)
48,49,($1+)

1919 (continued)
50,51,53,52 3p chocolate*,55,57,($1+-$2+)
*Note: 3p Scott 54 violet brown($2+) ruled out for color.

1938 King George VI
112($5+)

1920-27 "Rarotonga" inscribed Pictorials
61 or 72 ($5+), 62 or 73 ($5+-$2+), 63($5+),76($5+),64($2+),77($5+)

1932-36 "Cook Islands" inscribed Pictorials
1/2 p: 84 deep green(2+) or 91 deep green($1+)
1p: 85 brown lake($5+) or 92 dark carmine & black($1+)
2p: 86 brown($2+) or 93 brown & black(<$1)
2 1/2p: 87 dark ultra($10+) or 94 dark ultra & black($1+)
4p: 88 ultra($10+) or 95 ultra & black(<$1)
6p: 89 orange ($2+) or 96 orange & black($1+)
Note: Scott 84-90 is unwmk, Perf 13; while Scott 91-97 is wmk 61, Perf 14.

1932-36 (continued)
1sh: 90 deep violet($10+) or 97 deep violet & black($30+)

Note: There are "1932-36 types",Perf 14, wmk 253?, issued 1944-46 and therefore not eligible for BB.
1/2p: 116 dark olive green & black(<$1)
1p: 117 dark carmine & black($1+)
2p: 118 brown & black((<$1)
2 1/2p: 119 dark blue & black(<$1)
4p 120 blue & black(($2+)
6p: 121 orange & black((<$1)
1sh: 122 dark red brown & black((<$1)
Differentiate by Color, Perf, and unwmk/wmk61 vs wmk 253?
(Note: 1944-46 issues wmk 253? Unclear to me in Scott)

1937 ( New Zealand Coronation issue overprinted "COOK IS'DS)
109,110,111,(<$1)

Cook Islands

Kinds of Blue
The '97,'69,'47, and '41 editions are all identical in content. Note that the Cook Islands are located before Cyprus in the '69 edition. In the '47 and '41 editions, the Cook Islands are located after Congo (Belgian Congo).

1936 Scott 93 2p brown & black "Double Canoe"

Has Perf 14 and wmk. 61

Big Blue Bottom Line
The Cook Island stamps are a little trickier than I expected. One may need the Perforation gauge, Watermark tray, and a keen eye for color to differentiate. Also there are no bargains to be had here.
I've really said nothing about the stamp designs themselves. Well, if one examines the Cook Island issues, one will immediately understand their popularity. ;-)

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

If you enjoyed this post, or have some information to share, or have some constructive criticism, please share your thoughts and reactions in the "comment" section. Thanks!

Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.

Congo (Belgian Congo)

1932 Scott 144 50c violet "Musicians of Lake Leopold II"

Quick History
King Leopold II of the Belgians was very interested in acquiring a colony for Belgium for the usual reasons: to enhance prestige for his small country, and to provide a source of income. But Belgium was not particularly interested in the monarch's ambitions. So in 1884, with the help of explorer Henry Morton Stanley, he privately acquired the Congo Free State for himself. The spoils were divided all around, as France took the north bank of the Congo river (Republic of the Congo; eventually part of French Equatorial Africa), and Portugal took land to the south (now part of Angola). Stamps with the portrait of King Leopold II were issued in 1886.

 The Congo Free State existed until 1908, when, after an expose and scandal about inhumane working conditions for the natives in the rubber industry, the King was forced to give up his interests. Then, the newly named Belgian Congo was officially annexed by Belgium. The Capital was Boma until 1926, then Leopoldville, and the population was 10,500,000 in 1944. Congolese independence from Belgium finally occurred in 1960.

Colonial Reality: The Congolese called  the authority of the Colonial State "bula matari", meaning "break rocks"; as it was an irresistible and compelling force.

1896 Map of Congo Free State

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, on seven pages, has 138 stamp spaces for Regular, Semi-Postal, Air Post and Postage Due issues. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 226 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 61%.

Belgium Congo stamps, for the most part, are "classic" African Pictorial issues featuring African animals (Elephants and Watusi cattle), natives (Bangala Chief, Ubangi Woman), landscape (Oil Palms), and transportation (River Steamer on the Congo River). Well designed  and highly attractive to the stamp collector, one would suspect from the beginning these issues were a not insignificant source of income for the Colony.

Big Blue has a nice selection indeed; and, although prices are sometimes moderately high ($2+-$10+), the Colony has no listing candidates for "most expensive  stamps in Big Blue". As usual, there are some inexpensive issues not found in Big Blue, and I list them at the end of this section under "Additionals".

But a warning: The 1894-1927 Belgian Congo stamp issues and designs are a minefield for the Big Blue collector. I was shocked that my acquired albums ALL had misplaced stamps for these issues. Let's take a closer look.

A) The 1894-1900 issue. (inscribed "Etat Independent Du Congo")
This is a nice pictorial issue which features natural scenes and landmarks, "Hunting Elephants", "Bangala Chief and Wife", and "Climbing Oil Palms". The 5c and 10c were issued in three different colors, while the 25c, 50c, and  I fr were issued in two colors. So, per usual, Big Blue only offers one space for each denomination.
But the larger problem is the next three pictorial issues-the 1909, 1910, and 1915- on superficial examination LOOK ALMOST IDENTICAL. The "key" to identifying the 1894-1900 issue is they are inscribed "Etat Independent Du Congo". The other three issues are inscribed "Congo Belge" So separating out the first issue is just a matter of being reasonably attentive.

B) The 1909, 1910, and the 1915 issue (inscribed "Congo Belge")
There are three 5c green & blacks (Scott 41, 45,60), three 10c carmine & blacks (Scott 42,46,61), two 15c ochre & blacks (Scott 43, 47)  and a 15c green & black(Scott 48), two 25c blue & blacks (Scott 49, 62), and two 50c olive & blacks (Scott 44,62); ALL of which need to be identified and put in their rightful stamp space. There  ARE design differences, of course, so pay careful attention to Scott's illustrations in the catalogue.

C) The 1923-24 and 1925-27 stamp issues.
These issues consist of head portraits of different tribal members, and illustrating daily activities such as carving wood and weaving. Unfortunately, Big Blue leaves many stamps in the series without a home because of specified date requirements (75c-Scott 101,102; 1 fr- 104,105,), or denominations without a space (Scott 96,106,107,108,109,112,114,). A pity.

Additionals... ( 29 stamps)

Belgian Congo

1908 overprinted "CONGO BELGE"

34,35,36,($2+)

1921 Stamps of 1910 with surcharges

69($1+)

1921 overprinted "1921"

70,71,($1+-$2+)

1922 Stamps of 1915 (Belgian surcharges)

78(<$1)

1922 (Congo surcharges)

80,81,(<$1)

1922 surcharged vertical bar

84,85,(<$1-$2+)

1925-27 Watusi cattle & other Pictorials

96,101,102,104,105,106,107,112,114,(<$1)

1931 surcharged

130,131,132,133($2+),137($2+),(<$1 eN)

1931-37 Pictorials

154,155,156,(<$1-$1+)

1938 Pictorials

172(<$1)

Semi-postal stamps

1918 Type of 1910-15 surcharged

B3,B6,B7,(<$1-$2+)

Air Post

1934

C15,C16,($2+-<$1)

The 25c  light blue & black "Inkissi Falls"

Upper stamp is the 1894 issue, while the lower stamp is the 1915 issue.

Big Blue Checklist
Independent State
1886 King Leopold II
1($10+),2($5+)
Blank space: suggest 4 ($5+)

1887-94 King Leopold II
6,7,8,($1+)
Blank space: suggest 10($2+)

1894-1900 Pictorials  (inscribed "Etat Independent Du Congo")
5c: 16 green & black(<$1) or 15 red brown & black($1+) or 14 pale blue & black($10+)
10c: 19 carmine & black($1+) or 18 greenish black & black($1+) or 17 red brown & black($10+)
15c: 27 ocher & black($1+)
25c: 21 blue & black($2+) or 20 yellow orange & black($2+)
40c: 28 bluish green & black($2+)

1894-1900 (continued) (inscribed "Etat Independent Du Congo")
50c: 23 olive & black($1+) or 22 green & black($2+)
1 fr: 25 carmine & black($5+) or 24  lilac & black($10+)

 Belgian Congo
1908 overprinted "CONGO BELGE"
33($5+), 31($5+), 32($10+)

1909 Pictorials (inscribed "Congo Belge")
41,42,44,($1+-$2+)
General Note: The 1909, 1910, and 1915 issue designs are quite similar.
Pay careful attention. See Big Blue Picture for discussion.

1910 Pictorials (inscribed "Congo Belge")
45,46,(<$1)

1910 Pictorials (continued) (inscribed "Congo Belge")
49,50,,47,52,54, (<$1-$2+)

1915 Pictorials (inscribed "Congo Belge")
60,61,48,58,62,(<$1-$1+)

(1915) Type of 1910 Pictorials (inscribed "Congo Belge")
51,53,55,($2+-$1+)

1921 Stamps of 1910 with surcharges
64,65,67,66,68,(<$1-$1+)

1922 Stamps of 1915 (Belgian surcharges)
74,75,76,77,(<$1)

1923-24 Ubangi woman & other Pictorials
88*,89,90,91,93,(<$1)
94,98,100*,103*,109,(<$1)
*Note 88 5c "yellow" in Scott actually looks brown-orange in my samples.
*Note 100 75c red orange; BB offers no space (date restrictions) to 101 gray blue('25) and 102 salmon red ("26).
*Note 103 1 fr bister brown; BB offers no space (date restrictions) to 104 dull blue('25) and 105 rose red('26).
Note: BB doesn't offer some denominations space (Scott 96,106,107,108,109,112,114,)

1925-27 Watusi cattle & other Pictorials
92,95,97,99,113,(<$1)

1928 Sir Henry Morton Stanley
115,116,117,118,119,120,121,(<$1)
122($5+),123,124,125($1+), (<$1 eN)
Two blank spaces: suggest 127,128,($1+)
eN=except noted

1934 King Albert Memorial issue
158(<$1)

1931-32 Pictorials
139,140,141,142,(<$1)
143,145,144,146,147,(<$1)

1931-37 Pictorials (continued)
149,150,(<$1)
151,152,153,(<$1)

1935 Four Belgian Kings
159,160,161,162,(<$1-$1+)
163,164,165,($1+-$2+)

1938 Pictorials
166,167,168,169,(<$1)
170,171,(<$1)

Semi-postal stamps
1918 Type of 1910-15 surcharged
B1,B2,B4,B5,(<$1)

1930
B14,B12,B13,B16,B15,($1+-$2+)

1936 Regular issue 1935 surcharged
B21,B22,($5+-$2+)

(1936) Queen Astrid with Congolese children
B23,B24,B25,(<$1-$1+)

1939 Pictorials Surtax for Zoological gardens
B27,B28,B29,B30,($5+)

Air Post
1920
C1,C2,C3,(<$1)
C5*,C4,C6*,($1+)
*Note: 1930 issue

1934
C7,C8,C9,C10,(<$1)
C11,C12,C13,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest C14($1+)

Postage Due
1923-29
J1,J2*,J3,J4,J6,J7,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest J5(<$1)
*Note: "deep rose" in BB is "rose red" in Scott

5c green & black 'Port Matadi" and 10c carmine & black "Stanley Falls, Congo River"
Upper stamps 1910 issue, lower stamps 1915 issue
Can you spot the differences?

Kinds of Blue
The '69 and '97 editions are identical in content.

The '47 and '41 ( in comparison to the '69 and '97), are  MISSING:
1931-37
150,152,153,(<$1)

Air Post
1930
C5,C6,($1+)

1934
C11,C12.,C13,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest C14($1+)

The '47 and '41 ( in comparison to the '69 and '97) HAS this addition.
Semi-postal
1918
B3(<$1)

The '47 and '41 editions are identical in content.

1932 Scott 142 25c deep blue "Uele Hut"

Big Blue Bottom Line
If you like classic African Pictorials, you will LOVE Belgian Congo issues. Now, just put them in the right space. ;-)


Note: Map in public domain.

Links
Belgian Congo Pt I: a closer look
Belgian Congo Pt II: a closer look
Belgian Congo - Bud's Big Blue


If you enjoyed this post, or have some information to share, or have some constructive criticism, please share your thoughts and reactions in the "comment" section. Thanks!

Missing C's-Colombian States

Antioquia 1893 Scott 95 5c vermilion

Quick History
The United States of Colombia (1862-85) consisted of nine original States: Antioquia, Bolivar, Boyaca, Cundinamarca, Panama, Santander, Cauca*, Magdalena*, and Tolima. Naturally, all of them  issued stamps as early as 1863. After a new constitution was adopted in 1886, the States became Departments, losing their sovereignty. But the Departments retained some rights, including issuing stamps as late as 1904. It should be noted that Panama left the Republic in 1903.
* Cauca and Magdalena did issue "stamps", but they are not presently listed in Scott.

Cundinamarca 1904 Scott 23 1c orange

Big Blue Picture
Imagine collecting the Union of South Africa stamps without being interested in  the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange River Colony issues? Or how about collecting Canada, while ignoring Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland stamps? Wouldn't make any philatelic sense, would it?
So the collector of Colombia should clearly be interested in the Colombian States/Department issues.

Unfortunately, Big Blue dropped coverage of the Colombian States with the '69 edition. Ironic, as these issues are quite inexpensive, and have been offered even in beginner/intermediate Scott albums for a long time. Scott's "The Modern Postage Stamp Album", my Father's album copyright 1933, had 3 1/2 pages and 122 spaces reserved for these issues!

So what should a compleat Big Blue collector do? If one has a '69 edition or later, adding several supplemental pages for these issues, or even pirating the pages from an earlier edition is recommended.

Well,  what does the '47 and earlier editions offer for Colombian States?

Big Blue '47, on six pages, has 69 spaces for Antioquia, 8 spaces for Cundinamarca, 34 spaces for Bolivar, 7 spaces for Boyaca, 58 spaces for Santander, and 25 spaces for Tolima; for a total of  201 spaces. But the 2011 Scott Classic catalogue has dropped 38 of the listings for Santander ( and the city of Cucuta), leaving 20 "recognized"spaces for Santander, and a total of  163 spaces. More about that later.

The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 156 descriptions for Antioquia (44%), 35 descriptions for Cundinamarca (23%), 103 descriptions for Bolivar ( 33%), 18 descriptions for Boyaca ( 39%), 35 descriptions for Santander ( 57%), and 67 description for Tolima ( 30%), for a total of 414 major stamp descriptions.
Overall coverage by Big Blue is 39%. Each State/Department percentage coverage by BB is indicated above.

 Big Blue '47 gives a nice representational selection of the Colombian States. I find the stamps quite attractive, and to boot, very inexpensive!

The selection, though,  is marred by 38 stamp spaces in Santander which Scott has now removed from their catalogue. The City of Cucuta's stamps with and without surcharges are believed by Scott to have been produced without government authorization. But I did find the Scott numbers in my '47 catalogue for these stamps if one still would like to fill the spaces.

Naturally, there are a LOT of additional inexpensive Colombian States the BB collector could add on supplemental pages. I list them below.

Additionals.... (132 stamps)
Antioquia (49 stamps)
5,6,7,8,9,12,16,17,20,21,22,27,29,30,32,35,37,39,40,41,43,57,58,59,61,62,63,66,67,68,71,76,77,79,80,81,84,85,109,110,130B,141,142,143,153,154,155,156,157, (<$1-$2+)

Cuninamarca (6 stamps)
3,10,11,17,19,20,(<$1-$2+)

Bolivar (36 stamps)
10,33,34,35,36,47,48,54,59,60,63,67,68,69,71,72,75,76,F1,F2,F3,F4,F5,F6,F7,F8,F9,F11,H1,H2,H5,I1,I2,I3,I4,(<$1-$2+)

Boyaca (4 stamps)
1,6,8,9, (<$1-$2+)

Santander (13 stamps)
3,5,6,8,11,12,14,15,28,29,35,36,37,(<$1-$2+)

Tolima (24 stamps)
9,16,17,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,36,37,38,39,51,52,64,65,68,69,70,71,87,(<$1-$2+)

Tolima 1879 Scott 15 10c blue

Big Blue Checklist ('47 & '41 editions)
Antioquia
1886-88 "Coat of Arms"
55,64,56,65,(<$1)

1889-90
73,74,75,(<$1)

1892
89,90,92,(<$1)

1893
93,94,95,96,(<$1)

1896
97,98,99,100,101,102,103,(<$1)
104,105,106,(<$1)
Two blank spaces: suggest 107,108,($1+)

1899
117,118,119,120,121,122,(<$1)

1899
123,124,125,126,127,(<$1)

1901
128,129,(<$1)
Two blank spaces: suggest 130,130A,(<$1)

1902-03
131,143A,132,144,133,134,135,(<$1)
136,137,138,139,140,(<$1)

1903-04
145,146,147,148,149,150,151,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 152(<$1)

Registration stamp
1899-1902
F3,F4,F5,(<$1)

Acknowledgement of Receipt Stamps
H1($1+),H2(<$1)

Too Late Stamps (Late Fee)
I1,I2,I3,(<$1)

Cuninamarca
1904
23,24,25,26,27,28,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 29(<$1)

Registration stamp
1904
F2(<$1)

Bolivar
1879
11 or 15, 12 or 16($1+), 13 or 17, (<$1 eN)
Note: Scott 15-17 is bluish laid paper.
eN=except noted

1880 Dated "1880"
19 or 25, 20 or 26($2+), 21 or 27,(<$1 eN)
Blank space: suggest 23(<$1)
Note: Scott 25-27 is bluish laid paper.

1882
29,30,31,(<$1)

1883 Dated "1883"
37,38,39,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 41(<$1)

1884 dated "1884"
43,44,45,(<$1)

1885 dated "1885"
49,50,51,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 53(<$1)

1891
55,56,57,58,(<$1)

1903 
62 or 70($1+), (<$1 eN)
1p(illust): 65 or 66($1+) or 73($2+) or 74($5+),(<$1 eN)
Blank Space: suggest 67(<$1)
Note: Scott 62,65,66,67,is Imperf; Scott 70,73,74, is Sewing Machine Perf.

1904
89,90,91 or 92, 93,94($1+),95($1+),(<$1 eN)
Blank space: suggest 73 or 74($2+)

Boyaca
1903 Imperf "Coat of Arms"
4,5,(<$1)

1903 Perf
10,11,12 or 13($2+), 14,(<$1)

1904
18(<$1)

Santander
1884
1,2,(<$1)

1886
4(<$1)

1887
7(<$1)

1889
10(<$1)

1892-96
13($1+)

1899
16,17,18,(<$1)

1903
19(<$1)

1904
22,24,25,(<$1)

1904
26,27,(<$1)

1905
30,31,32,33,34,(<$1)

Tolima
1879
14,15,(<$1)

1880-83
18,19,16*,(<$1)
*Note BB's illustration is for Scott 16  50c green/bluish, an 1879 issue.


1884
23,24,(<$1)

1884
25,26,(<$1)

1888-95
66,67,62,63,(<$1)

1903-04 Sewing Machine Perf/Perf 12
79,80,81,82,82a*,(<$1)
84,85,86,(<$1)
*Note 82a is 50c black/buff, while 82 is black/rose

1903-04 Imperf 
79a,80a,84a,85a,(<$1)
Note: Scott catalogue now has these as minor numbers.

These stamps below are not currently recognized/listed by Scott. The catalogue used is the 1947 Scott. No prices are included, as no current listing.
Santander
1907 (Stamps of 1904-05 Surcharged)
38,43,48,51,54,60,61,
65,66,67,68,69,70,71,

Issued in Cucuta, a city in Santander
1904
114,115,116,117,

1907 (Cucuta stamps of 1904-05 surcharged)
134,139
Cucuta 140 or Santander 39*, Cucuta 135 or Santander 44 *
*Note: BB specifies "Medio Cvo" (type "b") surcharge "on 50c yellow", and "on 50c red violet" respectively.
As Bob Skinner of Filling Spaces Blog fame points out in the comment section, these descriptions fit exactly the Santander issues Scott 39 & 44. (Prior Comment "But there is already a space for these numbers in the Santander section."- Not true! The OP is actually Type "a", and should be Scott 38 & 43. I changed the Santander 1907 (Stamps of 1904-05 Surcharged) checklist today (11-13-2015) from 30 & 44 to 38 & 43 for the first two stamp spaces.
So I am giving a choice here. One could substitute the Cucuta issues Scott 140  "Medio Cvo" (type "b") surcharge "on 50c carmine/yellow", and Scott 135 "Medio Cvo" (type "b") surcharge "on 50c violet" for the spaces. Or one could put in the Santander 39 & 44 stamps. Your choice.

1907 (Cucuta stamps of 1904-05 surcharged)
144,147,150,153,159,162,166,
*Cucuta161 or Santander 57D,
*169
*Santander 64 or Cucuta 157, 
170,171,172,173,175,174,
*Note: more detail below.
Stamp space: "Blue surcharge: 2 Cvs (type L) on 5c green" : Cucuta issue Scott 161 "5c blue/yellow" or Santander issue 57D ('47 catalogue) "on 5c green"
Stamp space: "Blue surcharge: 2 Cvs (type L) on 20c brown violet" : Cucuta issue Scott 169 "2c on 20c gray green/yellow"
Stamp space: "Blue surcharge: 2 Cvs (type L) on 5p dark blue" : Santander Issue Scott 64 "2c on 5p blue" or Cucuta issue Scott 157 "2c on 5c blue/yellow"

*Note: A mess. BB describes Santander issues (Scott 57D, 60, 64) in the middle of the Cucuta issues. I elected to insert and "favor" Cucuta issues if they had the right ( L type) overprint on an appropriate denomination; and in one case, even an inappropriate denomination. ;-)  Naturally, these Cucuta issues will have a different color than BB specifies. I did include the Santander issues as choices; but not Scott 60 "on 20c brown violet", as there is already a space in the Santander section for this stamp. Then, BB specifies a 5p denomination, which doesn't exist for the Cucuta issues. I substituted ,as a shaky choice, the 5c Cucuta denomination (Scott 157).

Note: A big "Thank You" to Bob Skinner who found a way through these puzzlers. See his analysis under the Comment section.

Antioquia 1899 General Jose Maria Cordoba

2c "slate brown" & 5c "green"

Shades & Tints abound for Colombia issues.

Kinds of Blue
The '97 edition clearly does NOT have any Colombian States stamp spaces. I have two '69 editions, and NEITHER ONE has any Colombian states coverage.
The '47 and '41 editions are identical in coverage as outlined in the Big Blue Checklist section.

1824 Colombia Map

Big Blue Bottom Line
Unfortunately, the '47 and '41 editions include 38 stamp spaces in Santander which Scott's catalogue now states were not produced with government authorization, and the catalogue numbers have been withdrawn. So if one is using these pages, either leave them blank (163 spaces), or fill them anyway (201 spaces).

The good news is the Colombian States stamps are quite inexpensive. Also there are considerable additional stamps (132!) that could be added by the Big Blue collector. The reality is that the BB collector will need to provide spaces for these interesting stamps, as Big Blue ('97 &'69) does not. A pity.

Note: Map in public domain.

If you enjoyed this post, or have some information to share, or have some constructive criticism, please share your thoughts and reactions in the "comment" section. Thanks!

Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.
<$1= less than a Dollar
$1+= more than a Dollar
$2+= more than two Dollars
$5+= more than five Dollars
$10+= more than ten Dollars
$20+..and so on.

Colombia

1910 Colombian Independence Centenary 2c scarlet

Quick History
Colombia is on the northwest coast of South America. The Capital is Bogota, and the population was 9,500,000 in 1942. The State of Greater Colombia was formed in 1810, gaining independence from Spain along with Venezuela and Ecuador. In 1832, the state split into Venezuela, Ecuador, and the Republic of New Granada. Subsequently, stamps were issued by the Granadine Confederation (1859-60), the United States of New Granada (1861), the United States of Colombia (1862-1886), and then the Republic of Colombia (1886-present). Of philatelic interest, the individual States as sovereign governments under the United States of Colombia, also issued their own stamps. Even after the Republic was formed in 1885, the individual States retained some rights; and stamps were issued by them as late as 1904.

1902 Scott 266 2c black on rose

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97, with 7 pages covering regular, air post (Colombia government issues), and postal tax categories, has 206 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 400 regular, 37 air post (Colombia government issues), and 13 postal tax major descriptions, for a total of 450 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue for these categories is 46%.

With over 200 stamp spaces, one can hardly argue that the coverage is meager. But Big Blue ignores whole categories of stamps that any collector with a passing interest in Colombia should have. The most egregious absence are the Colombian States. I will say very little about it here, as I will have a separate blog about this category.
 But the other large area missing are non government issued, but government endorsed air post stamps produced from 1920-1932 by "SCADTA". This was a group of German and Colombian  businessmen that desired reliable air post service, and managed to obtain the monopoly, both domestically and internationally. This is a very interesting part of air mail philatelic history; yet Big Blue has no stamp spaces for SCADTA issues. The 2011 Scott Classic catalogue devotes over four pages to these issues! I found 36 stamps (<$1-$2+)-listed under "additionals" -that the Big Blue collector could add to their collection.

In addition, there are a LOT of inexpensive early Colombian stamps left out of Big Blue. Some 40 stamps from the 19th century are listed under "additionals".

Finally, Colombia has a lot of "Back of the Book" stamps and categories. Big Blue does carry some Postal Tax issues, but the '69 editors dropped Late Fee,City of Bogata, Registration, Acknowledgement of Receipt,and Special Delivery stamps. Actually, the '69 and '97 Big Blue collector might be grateful that the Special Delivery (E1) stamp was dropped, as the price is well north of $50.  :-)

The other curiosity is that many of the early Colombians through 1904 were issued in multiple perforation formats: imperforated, sewing machine perforation, and regular perforation. In fact Scott often, but not always, recognizes the Imperf variety as the major number; relegating the perforated and/or "sewing machine perf" to a minor number. For these issues, I will call your attention to the minor number varieties with a note indicating their existence and generally higher prices, but will concentrate on the major numbers and their cost.

Additionals... (69 regular, 45 air post, 49 BOB)
1865-68 Imperf
38,42,48,56, ($2+-$10+)

(1869-74) Imperf
59,62,63,66,67,68,69, ($1+-$10+)

1877 Imperf
75,79,95,96,97,($1+-$2+)

1883 Imperf "redrawn"
112,113,114,115, ($1+-$2+)

1883-86
125,126,127,128,($5+)

1886-88 Perf
134,135,136,137, ($1+-$2+)

1892 Perf
158,159,($2+)

1899 Perf
165($1+)

1900 Perf
175,176,177,178,179,180,181,182,183,184,($5+)

1902 Imperf, sewing machine perf
255,256,($2+)

(1904) Types of 1902 Pelure paper Imperf
308(<$1)

1917
346,347,348,(<$1)

1918 surcharged in red
351,352,(<$1)

1920-21
366,367,($2+)

1921 surcharged in red
369,370,(<$1-$2+)

1924 surcharged in red
377($1+)

1926-29
400,401,402,403,404,405,(<$1-$2+)

1932 surcharged
409,410,(<$1)

1935 surcharged
440($1+)

1935-36
441,442,(<$1)

1939
468,470,474,(<$1-$2+)

1940
492($1+)

Air Post
Issued by Sociedad Colombo-Alemania de Transportes Aeros (SCADTA)
Under government contract and sanction from 1920-32, SCADTA issued stamps and had Post Offices for both internal and international mail. The letters had to bear government stamps also.

1921
C25,C26,C27,C28,C29,C30,($1+-$2+)

1923-28
C38,C39,C40,C41,C42,C44,C45,C47($2+), (<$1 eN)

1929
C55,C56,C57,C58,C59,C60,C61,C62,C63($2+),C64($2+),(<$1 eN)

SCADTA-Consular overprints
To encourage foreign mail to Colombia, these stamps could be bought at Colombian consular offices and trade missions. One or two letter overprints were applied indicating the country of origin.

United States (E.U.)
1923 June 4
CLEU50,CLEU51,CLEU52,CLEU54,CLEU55,($2+)

Belgium (B)
1923 Aug 1
CLB2,CLB4,($2+)

Germany, Austria etc (A)
1923 June 4
CLA25,CLA26,CLA27,CLA28,CLA29,($2+)

Colombia Government Issues
1932 overprinted
C84,C85,C86,C87,C88,C89, (<$1-$2+)

1934
C111($2+)

Air Post registration stamps (issued by SCADTA)
1923-32
CF1,CF5,($1+)

Registration stamps
1870-1925
F3,F4,F8,F9,F10,F11,F12,F13,F17,F19,F20,F21,F22,F24,F25,(<$1-$2+)

Acknowledgement of Receipt stamps
1893-1903
H1,H2,H3,H16,H19,($2+)

Late Fee stamps
1886-1914
I1,I2,I3,I4,I6,I7,($2+)

Department stamps
1909
L1,L2,L3,L4,L9,L10,L11,L12,L15,L16,L22,($2+)

Local stamps for the city of Bogota
CX1,CX2,CX3,($1+)

Official stamps
1937
O1,O2,O3,O4,O5,O10,O11,O12,O13,(<$1)

1902 Medellin Issue Scott 257 1c green on straw

Big Blue Checklist
United States of Colombia
1865-68 Imperf
35($5+), 46($5+), 54($1+),55($1+), 57($10+)
Note: Three issues: 1856 Scott 35-42; 1866 Scott 45-52; 1868 Scott 53-57.

1877 Imperf
73($2+) or 93($10+) or 80($60+)
74(<$1) or 94($2+) or 81($60+)
Note: 1877 Scott 73-74 wove paper; 1876-79 Scott 80-81 laid paper; 1881 Scott 93-94 blue wove paper.
Note : included 1876-79 and 1881 issues as choices, as only difference is type of paper.

1881 Imperf
103,104,106,107,108,109,110, ($1+-$2+)
Note: 1883 Scott 112-115 "redrawn" not included as choices. See "additionals"

1883 Perf
116,117,118,119,120,122, ($1+-$2+)
Blank space: suggest 123($1+)

Republic of Colombia
1886-88 Perf
129,133,130,131,141*, (<$1-$1+)
*Note: actually 1899

1890-97 Perf
142,143,144,146,($1+-<$1)
Two blank spaces: suggest 147($2+), 155(<$1)
152(<$1)

1892 Perf
148,149*($40+) or 150, 151,153,154,156, 157, (<$1)
*Note: 149 is 2c red/rose, while 150 is 2c green.

1899 Perf
162,163,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 164 (<$1)

1901 purple & rose overprint Sewing machine Perf
185,186,187,188, ($1+)

1902 magenta overprint Sewing machine or regular Perf
189,190,191,192,193,($1+-$2+)

1902-04 Barranquilla issues Imperf*
2c green: 194($1+)
2c dark blue*: 195($1+)
10c (Illustrated)* : 197 scarlet($1+) or 201 claret($1+) or 198 orange($10+) or 240 dark blue/lilac($5+) or 241 dark blue/bluish($2+) or 242 dark blue/brown($2+) or 243 dark blue/salmon($70+) or 244 dark blue/greenish blue($10+) or 245 dark blue/deep rose($2+)
10c rose: 199($1+)
10c maroon: 200($1+)
20c (Illustrated): 202 violet($2+) or 203 dull blue($5+) or 204 dull blue/pink($120+) or 205 carmine rose ($10+)
*Note: Imperf is the major number, but the issues also exist as sewing machine perf /perf 12 with minor numbers for generally higher values. See Scott for details.
*Note: 10c (Illustrated): BB's space could be filled by 18 stamp major/minor numbers! (Imperf or sewing machine perf/perf12). Also Scott 240-245 is laid paper.
*Note: "dark blue" specified for 2c; 196 2c rose ($20+) is ruled out for color.

(1902-04) Imperf*
209* or 210, 211* or 213 or 214, 212, 215, ($2+)
1p (Illustrated: 216 yellow brown($1+) or 217 rose($2+) or 218 blue($2+) or 219 violet($20+)
*Note Imperf: Also exists as minor number Perf 12 for higher values.
*Note: 209 is 5c blue, 210 is bister
*Note: 211 is 50c yellow, 213 is scarlet, 214 carmine.

1902-04 Medellin Issue Perf*
257,258,259,260,261,262($2+)(<$1 eN*)
Blank space: suggest 263($2+)
*Note Perf: Also exists as minor number Imperf for higher values.
* eN=except noted

1902 regular issue Imperf*
266,267,268,269,270,271* or 288,272,(<$1-$1+)
*Note Imperf: Also exists as minor number sewing machine perf & as perf 12 for higher values.
*Note 271 50c dark green/rose, 288 blue/rose

Types of 1902 Imperf*
284,285,286,(<$1)
*Note Imperf: Also exists as minor number sewing machine perf & as perf 12 for higher values.

(1904) Types of 1902 Pelure paper Imperf*
303,304*,306,307,(<$1-$1+)
*Note Imperf: Also exists as minor number perf  for higher values.
*Note 304 is 1c "blue green" in Scott, "green" in BB.

1904-08 Perf*
314,315 or 326, 316,317 or 328, 318 or 329, 319,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 320($2+)
Note: 1904 Scott 314-322 is perf 12 and imprint "Lit. J.L.Arango Medilin.Col"; 1908 Scott 325-330 is not perf 12, height of design is higher,and imprint "Lit. Nacional".
Note: 1908 issue: BB rules out some because of specified color.
*Note Perf: Scott 314-320 exists as Imperf with minor numbers for higher values; while Scott 314-319 also exists "redrawn" as a minor number. See Scott for details.

1910 "Bolivar demanding liberation of  Slaves" Perf
331,332,333,334,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 335($2+)

1917
339,340,341,342,343,344,345,(<$1)

1918
358(<$1)

1920
359(<$1)

1920-21
360,361,362,363,364,365($1+),(<$1 eN)

1923-24 (type of 1917-21)
371,372,373,374,(<$1)

1924
379,380,(<$1)

1925 surcharged/overprint
382 or 384($5+), 383 or 385, (<$1)
Note: 382-383 Waterlow & sons; 384-385 ABNC, perf 12.
Note: BB's illustration shows Waterlow & Sons, but I include ABNC also.

1926 Litho
395,396,(<$1)

1930
408(<$1)

1932-38
411,412,415,413,414,416,(<$1)

1339
417,418,419,(<$1)

1934
420(<$1)

1935
437,438,(<$1)

1935 (III Olimpiada 1935)
421,423,424,422,(<$1-$1+)
425,426,427,428,($1+-$2+)
429,430,($5+)
RA1*($1+)
*Note RA1: 1935 5c olive black & scarlet "Greatest Mother": Yes, a Postal Tax stamp space among the 1935 regular issues. RA1 also has a more appropriate space in BB's Postal tax section.

1937
443,444,445,447*($20+),446,(<$1-$1+ eN)
*Note 447 1p black "runner": Most expensive stamp of the designated spaces for BB's Colombia.

1937-38
448(<$1),449($2+),461($1+)
450($5+),459,458,457,460,462($1+), (<$1 eN)

1939
467,471,469,472,473,(<$1)

1940
475,476,477,478($1+),480,(<$1 eN)
481($2+),479(<$1),482($5+)

1940
488(<$1)

Air Post stamps
Colombian Government Issues
1932-39
C96,C97,C98* or C99,C100,C101,(<$1)
C102,C103,C104($1+),C105,C106($1+),(<$1 eN)
C107($1+),C108($2+),C109($5+),C110*($20+)
*Note C98 15c blue green & violet black; C99 vermilion & violet black
*Note C110 5p gray black & emerald

1939-40 surcharged
C115,C116,C117,(<$1)
C118,C119,C120,(<$1)

Postal Tax stamps
1937
RA2(<$1)

1935
RA1*($1+)
*Note RA1: also space in 1935 regular stamp section. Required on all mail during Red Cross week in 1935 and 1936.

1940
RA13(<$1)

1939
RA3*,RA4,RA5*,RA6,RA7($1+), (<$1 eN)
*Note RA3 1/4c deep blue; RA3A dark violet brown('45) not eligible by date and color.
*Note RA5 1c violet; RA5A yellow orange('45) not eligible by date and color.

1940
RA8,RA9,RA10,RA11,RA12,(<$1)

1904 Scott 317 5c blue

Kinds of Blue
The '69 and '97 editions are identical in content. The '69 editors appeared to  DROP all coverage of the Colombian States. I have two '69 editions, and neither one has Colombian States.  They did not return in the '97 edition. I will have a separate blog about the Colombian States coverage in the '47 and '41 editions.

The "47 and "41 editions do NOT have five classical era stamps spaces
Missing from the album are 1881 Scott 108($1+), 1883 Scott 122($2+) and one blank space ( suggest 123($1+)), and 1890-97 two blank spaces (suggest 147($2+) and 155(<$1)).

Also missing from the "47 and '41 editions are Air Post C101,C107,C108 ,C109(<$1-$5+).

Interestingly, only in the '47 edition will one find the 1932 Air Post Registration overprinted stamp.CF4 20c carmine ($5+).

The '47 and '41 editions of course do not have the Postal Tax stamp RA1 in two places-an error introduced by the '69 editors. The "47 and '41 DO have RA1 located in the 1935 regular stamp spaces, but do NOT have another space in the Postal Tax section.

Now the '47 and '41 editions DO have 16 spaces for Late Fee, City of Bogata, Registration, Acknowledgement of Receipt, and Special Delivery categories. This stamps were removed by the '69 editors, and not restored in the '97 edition. By the way, the Special Delivery E1 is $50+! Here is the list.

IN '47 edition and '41 editions.
Late fee stamp
1886,
I1($2+)

1892
I2 or I3 ($2+)

1902
I4($1+)

1914
I6($2+)

For City of Bogata
1889-1903
LX1,LX2,($1+)

Registration Stamp
1889-1917
F9* or F10 or F11 or F12, ($1+-$2+)
F19($2+)
F20(<$1)
F24(<$1)
*Note F9,10,11,12: different colors

Acknowledgement of Receipt stamp
1893-1904
H1* or H2($2+)
H3 ($2+)
H16($2+)

1917
H18($5+)
H19($2+)

Special Delivery stamp
1917
E1*($50+ mint)!
*Note E1: Most expensive Colombian stamp in BB for '47 and '41 editions.

The '41 edition is missing some additional Air Post - compared to the '47, '69, and '97 editions: C115, and Two blank spaces for C116 and C117.

Finally, the "41 has seven spaces for a "1940" Air Post issue (Four spaces illustrated: Scott C27-C30, and three blank spaces (could add C31-C33). But the issue didn't come out until 1941, so the spaces were subsequently removed from the '47 and later editions.

SCADTA Air Post 1923-28 30c blue "Plane over Magdalena"
Make room for these fascinating issues!

Big Blue Bottom Line
Big Blue printing error, Classic inexpensive stamps in three perforation varieties, Colombian States, SCATDA, and lots of BOB: Columbia has it all! I've found Colombia with the tremendous variety to be perhaps one of the best "collectable" countries in Big Blue. Go for it!

If you enjoyed this post, or have some information to share, or have some constructive criticism, please share your thoughts and reactions in the "comment" section. Thanks!

Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.
<$1= less than a Dollar
$1+= more than a Dollar
$2+= more than two Dollars
$5+= more than five Dollars
$10+= more than ten Dollars
$20+..and so on.

Cochin China

1886-87 Scott 3 5c on 25c yellow/straw

Quick History
A former French Colony from 1862 to 1954, and an administrative unit of French Indochina, the population was 4 million in 1940, and the Capital was Saigon. The territory of Cochin China is now the southern third of Vietnam. South Vietnam was created in 1954 by adding part of southern Annam to Cochin China.

Big Blue Picture
From 1886-88, Five stamps of French Colonies were surcharged in black and issued for Cochin China. Indochina stamps were used after 1892.

Big Blue '97, on one line of one page, has 4 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 5 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 80% for this small group.

Big Blue Checklist
1886-88
5c on 25c yellow/straw with "b" overprint: Scott 3 ($20+)
5c on 2c brown/buff with "b" overprint: Scott 2 ($20+)
5c on 25c black/rose with "c" overprint: Scott 4 ($40+)!
15c on half of 30c brown/bister: Scott 5* ($70+)!
*Note: Scott 5 exists mint; was prepared, but never issued ! But it is in Scott. !?

Map of Cochin China

Kinds of Blue
The "97, '69, '47, and '41 editions are all the same in content. Cochin China is found in front of Brunei in the '69, and after Brunei in the '47 and '41. Curiously, I was unable to find Cochin China listed in the "Table of Contents" in the '69.

Big Blue Bottom Line
Four stamps in Big Blue, and two make the "Most Expensive" list. !!!!

Note: Map in public domain.

If you enjoyed this post, or have some information to share, or have some constructive criticism, please share your thoughts and reactions in the "comment" section. Thanks!

Missing C's- China: Offices Abroad (Provinces)

Manchuria Province 1927 4c olive green "For use in Ki-Hei District"

Quick History
Stamps of China were overprinted for various provinces beginning in 1915. My understanding is the overprinting was done to prevent the purchasing of stamps with the depreciated currency of a Province, and used elsewhere.

Big Blue Picture
Unfortunately, Big Blue removed the "China: Offices Abroad" page in the '69 edition, and the page was not restored in the '97 edition. The page had representation from  Offices in Tibet ( 2 spaces), the Sinkiang Province (13 spaces), the Yunnan province ( 8 spaces), and the Manchuria Province (8 spaces), for a total of 31 stamp spaces. The Szechwan Province was not represented. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 23 descriptions for Szechwan, 60 for Yunnan, 32 for Manchuria, 143 for Sinkiang, and 11 descriptions for the Offices in Tibet, for a total of 329 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue "47 & '41 is 9%.

Reviewing the stamp selection in BB, there are some expensive varieties. The 1929 "Unification issue of China, 1928 overprinted in red" for the Sinkiang Province and the Manchuria Province has the $1 dark red for  $40+ and $50+. The" Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum issue of China overprinted in black" for the Sinkiang Province and the Manchuria Province has the $1 dark red stamps for $30+.

But there are 152! inexpensive "additionals"  if the Big Blue collector wishes to expand their China collection to the provincial overprints.

Sinkiang Province (84 stamps)
(6,7,9,10,11,13,23,24,27,30,31,32,33,39,40,43,44,47,48,49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63 64 65, 70, 71, 72, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89, 9,0 91, 92, 93,93A,94,98,99,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110,111,112,113,115,116,117,118,119,120,121,122,123,127,129,130,131,132,133,134,136,137,138,139,C1,C2,) (<$1-$2+)

Yunnan Province  (27 stamps)
(8,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,21,22,29,30,31,32,37,45,46,47,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,57,) (<$1-$2+)

Manchuria Province (21 stamps)
(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,21,22,23,) (<$1-$2+)

Szechwan Province (20 stamps)
(1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,22,23,) (<$1-$2+)
Note: Scechwan Province has never been represented in BB.

The city of Shanghai , which has 192 major varieties in the Scott catalogue, IS represented in BB, so nothing more will be said about these interesting issues here.

The China Treaty Ports were ports opened up for foreign trade by the interestingly named "Unequal Treaties". These very interesting stamps were issued from 1893-1899. The stamp issues cover over 5 1/2 pages in the Classic specialized catalogue! Big Blue has no spaces for the Treaty Port issues. Admittedly, many of the ~440 stamp issues are $5+-$10+. But I will present  41 stamps (<$5) here for consideration...
Amoy
1,2, J7,
Chefoo
2,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,
Chinkiang
1,2,3,8,J2,J18,J25,J33,J34,
Chungking
3,4,5,6,
Foochow
1,2,10,11,
Hankow
19
Ichang
9,
Kewkiang
1,2,3,4,5,11,12,13,
Nanking
1,2,($5+)
Wei Hai Wei
Least expensive is 3($120+)!
Wuhu
11,12,13,

Szechwan Province 1933-34 Sun Yat-sen 5c green

"For use in Szechwan Province exclusively"

Big Blue Checklist ('47 & '41)
Offices in Tibet
1911
1,2, ($10+)


Sinkiang Province
1915-20 overprinted
1 or 17($1+), 2 or 18($1+), 19($2+), 3 or 20($1+), 4 or 21, (<$1 eN)
Note: Scott 1-16 is 1915 issue, while Scott 17-38 is 1916-19 issue. BB's illustration is from the 1915 issue, but the 1 1/2 violet (Scott 19) is only found in the 1916-19 issue, and the "1915-29" date also covers; so I include 1916-19 issue as a choice.
Note: For the 1915 issue, the first character of the overprint is 1/2 mm out of alignment to the left.
eN=except noted

1929
(Unification issue of China, 1928 overprinted in red)
74,75,76,($2+-$5+)
77 $1 dark red ($40+)!
(Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum issue of China overprinted in black)
78,79,80, ($1+-$2+)
81 $1 dark red ($30+)!

Yunnan Province
1925 overprinted
1,2,3($2+),4,5,6,7,9($1+),(<$1 eN)

Manchuria Province
1929
(Unification issue of China, 1928 overprinted in red)
25,26,27,(<$1-$5+)
28 $1 dark red ($50+)!
(Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum issue of China overprinted in black)
29,30,31,($1+-$2+)
32 $1 dark red ($30+)!

Szechwan Province 1933 Martyrs Issue

 1c orange "Ch'en Ying-shih" & 10c dull violet "Sung Chiao-jen"

Kinds of Blue
As noted, the overprinted Chinese provincial stamp coverage on one page was removed in the '69 edition, and did not return in the '97. The 31 stamp selection available in the "47 and '41 editions is outlined above.

Big Blue Bottom Line
I will include the Chinese Province stamps in my Big Blue album, either on a separate page, or perhaps by inserting the '47 page. I might very well expand the collection to include some of the 'additionals". The China Treaty Port stamps are quite interesting. Perhaps I will find some room for some of those also. :-)

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Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.
<$1= less than a Dollar
$1+= more than a Dollar
$2+= more than two Dollars
$5+= more than five Dollars
$10+= more than ten Dollars
$20+..and so on.