Fiume

1919 Scott 33 25c dark blue "Revolution"

Fiume's first non overprinted stamp issue

Quick History

The allied troop occupation of Fiume (November,1918), the takeover by the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio and his legionnaires (1919), and the creation of The Free State of Fiume (1920-24), gave philatelists a stamp issuing entity that, during six years, issued 262 stamps!  Fiume, on the Adriatic Sea, consisted mostly of the city of Fiume.  The city became known as Rijeka after WWII, and today is in Croatia.

Who was in charge during those six years is complicated.  But the reality is the "Free State of Fiume" was recognized internationally in 1920, and lasted until Fiume was annexed by Italy in 1924.

Fiume was  for 140 years nominally part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The city was important, as Fiume was Hungary's only international seaport. And Fiume had a relationship with Hungary where it actually existed as an autonomous entity within the Kingdom.

The city consisted of Croats, Italians and Hungarians during the 19th century. German was also an official language. The population was 45,000 in 1924.

After WWI and the defeat of Austria-Hungary, Fiume was disputed between the Kingdom of Serbs,Croats and Slovenes (Yugoslavia), and the Kingdom of Italy. With the situation in flux, the ultra-nationalist  Italian Poet Gabriele d'Annunzio led the seizure of the city with 2,000 Italian nationalist irregulars on September 12, 1919.

D'Annunzio and his followers wanted Italy to annex Fiume, but Italy refused. In fact, Italy demanded that the interlopers surrender. Subsequently, the Treaty of Rapallo was signed November 12,1920 between the Kingdom of Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs,Croats and Slovenes, which, among other things, set up the Free State of Fiume. This ended the military occupation of d'Annunzio and his troops.

Control of the Free State of Fiume passed internally from group to group. Then Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs,Croats and Slovenes signed the Treaty of Rome on January 27,1923, which  annexed Fiume to Italy, while  nearby Susak was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs,Croats and Slovenes. This formally took place on March 16, 1924, with Italian stamps used after March 31,1924.

Subsequently, Fiume again was in play after the defeat of Italy in WWII. With the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947, Fiume (now called Rijeka) became part of Yugoslovia. Today Rijeka is part of Croatia.

1918 Scott 3 2f brown orange

Hungarian stamps of 1916-18 overprinted

Note: This OP is a Fake

Into the Deep Blue

Affordable collectability

The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, from 1918-1924, 262 major stamp descriptions ( 199 regular, 16 semi-postal, 17 special delivery, 26 postage due, and 4 newspaper stamps).

1918-1924: 262 stamps: <$5 - 120 stamps; of those 2 are <$1.

Total "inexpensive" stamps: 120

Affordability Index = 46%.

Of note is, although there are 120 stamps valued <$5, only two of them are <$1! The "minimum" is really $1.75, no 20 cent stamps here. ;-)

The second concern is "most" stamps of Fiume have been expertly counterfeited. If one is buying a higher priced Fiume stamp, one should have it authenticated.

A closer look at the stamps and issues

1918 Scott 16 1k red brown & claret

Hungarian 1916-18 stamps overprinted

Fiume's first stamp issue

Fiume's first issue was a 20 stamp series that overprinted 1916-18 Hungarian stamps. The basic designs are shown in the two above images. The overprint is found both typographed and handstamped.  Scott notes "the overprints have been extensively forged". For the collector, one has to assume one has a forged stamp until "authenticated" otherwise. Cold reality.

1919 Scott 27 Fiume 2c dull blue "Italy"

1919 Scott 47 Posta Fiume 10c rose "Italian Flag on Clock-Tower in Fiume"

1919-20 Scott 60 10c on 45c orange "Revolution" Handstamp Surcharged 

The 2c dull blue is part of the April,1919 17 stamp issue. This was produced in 3 types of paper, which Scott acknowledges with minor numbers. 

In July, an eight stamp issue was redesigned with a "Posta Fiume" inscription.

Then in later 1919, the higher values were given a lower handstamped surcharge.

 1919 60c claret "Sailor raising Italian flag at Fuime"

This design is part of the first non-overprinted April,1919 issue. All the designs are highly allegorical and nationalistic.

The rise and fall of Gabriele d'Annunzio

September 12, 1920 1 lira black (Note: a forgery)

February 2,1921 10c carmine "Governo Provvisorio"

The September 12,1920 fourteen stamp issue, all with a head bust of d'Annunzio, was issued by the Fiume government to honor the one year anniversary of the nationalistic poet and his legionnaires occupying Fiume.

The February 2, 1921 fourteen stamp issue was issued by the new provisional government (overprinted), after d'Annunzio and his followers were removed by Italian troops.

1919-20  60c on 60c rose "Venetian Galley"1919 semi-postal surcharged

1922 1 lira on 1cor dark slate overprinted

The 12 stamp original 1919 semi-postal issue (not illustrated) was to aid Fiume students in Italy. A 13 stamp issue was then surcharged  "Valore globale" for use as regular stamps. With the new provisional government, a 12 stamp issue (not illustrated) for the first constituent assembly of April, 1921 was overprinted "Costituente Fiumana". Finally, the issue was again overprinted with a "1922" added (illustrated) for the 1922 second constituent assembly.

1923 5c blue green "Venetian ship"

1924 20c orange red "roman arch"  overprinted "Regno d'Italia"

1924 60c red "St Vitus" overprinted " Annessione  Allitalia"

A 1923 twelve stamp issue featured "Venetian ship", "Roman arch", "St. Vitus", and "Rostral column" designs. When the Treaty of Rome gave Fiume to Italy, the stamps were twice overprinted in 1924 as above.

1921 postage due 5c on on 25c blue "Dr. Antonio Grossich"

1919 semi-postal with overprint "Valore Globale" surcharged

One has to admit, this is an interesting stamp for a postage due!

1920 newspaper stamp 1c gray green "Steamer"

Not many newspaper stamps are this attractive!

Deep Blue
All of the major numbers in the Scott catalogue have a space in Deep Blue. However, Deep Blue does not give space for 68 bold minor numbers ( as opposed to italic minor numbers, which are more minor ;-) ). The handstamped overprints are given minor numbers, while the typographed overprints have major numbers. Some paper types are given minor numbers. Some overprint width types are given minor numbers.
The solution, if one would like to, as an example, differentiate paper types, is simply print another page of the issue for use in the album. ;-)

1920 2c on 25c indigo with red surcharged

Hands holding Daggers

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on three pages, has 70 stamp spaces. Coverage is 27%. Big Blue begins with the April,1919 issue (Scott 27-43). The Scott 32 20c green "Italian Flag on Clock-Tower in Fiume" stamp @ $95 mint is given a space.

Simple Checklist

1919

27,28,29,30,31,32,

33,35,36,

(1919)

46,47,50,

48,51,52,

1919-20

58,59,61,60,62,

73,74,75,76,

78,79,80,

Next Page

1920

86,87,88,89,90,91,

1921

134,135,136,137,138,139,

1923

172,173,174,175,176,177,

1923

178,179,180,

1924

184,185,186,

187,188,189,190,191,192,

Next Page

Special Delivery

1920

E2,E3,

1923

E12

Postage Due

1919

J13,J14,

1921

J15,J16,J17,J18,

Semi-Postal

1919

B4,B16

Newspaper stamps

1919

P2,P4,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps (Threshold $10):

1919

Scott 32 20c green “Italian Clock Tower in Fiume” $95 mint!

Special Delivery

1920

Scott E2 30c slate blue >$20

Scott E3 50c rose >$20

Semi-Postal

1919

Scott B4 5c + 5c blue green >$20

B) Big Blue leaves many Fiume stamps out of the album, often @ $1+.

1920 Scott E3 Special  Delivery  50c rose 

Out of the Blue
Very interesting philatelic and "real" history. No doubt, many of these stamps were for "propaganda" purposes as one would expect in this revolutionary environment. Perhaps selling all these issues to stamp collectors helped too. ;-)


Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Links
Fiume - Bud's Big Blue

Comments appreciated!

The Free State of Fiume

Finland 1917-1940

1918 70p gray brown

"Arms of the Republic"

Quick History
When the October Revolution occurred in Russia, Finland declared independence on December 6, 1917. But a civil war broke out in Finland between the Whites, who had the support of Imperial Germany, and the Reds, with the Whites prevailing. The enmity between the Whites and Reds strained the social and political fabric of Finland for many years: well until the Winter War with the Soviet Union (1939-40) and beyond.

In 1917 the population was 3 million, and of course Helsinki was the capital.

But Finland after 1917 was now independent. After a short monarchy, Finland became a presidential republic. The relationship with the Soviet Union continued to be tense.

During WWII, Finland fought the Soviet Union in the Winter War (1939-40) and the Continuation War (1941-44). As a result, Finland was forced to cede Karelia, Salla, and Petsamo to the Soviet Union.

Areas ceded to the Soviet Union 1944

But Finland was never occupied by the Soviet Union and maintained its independence, but at a cost of 93,000 soldiers killed.  Finland also forced the Germans out of northern Finland in the Lapland War (1944-45).

1938 2m + 1/2m blue semi-postal

Victory of the White Army over the Red Guards

Into the Deep Blue

Affordable collectability

The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, from 1856-1940, 281 major stamp descriptions.

Prior to 1900: 63 stamps: <$20 - 27 stamps; Of those 12 are <$5.

1900-1952: 218 stamps: <$5 - 181 stamps; of those 144 are <$1.

Total "inexpensive" stamps: 208

Affordability Index = 74%.

  

Finland's stamps are quite reasonable in price, but not dirt cheap. ;-) The issues after 1917 are dominated by two long definite series: the 69 stamp 1917-29 "Arms of the Republic", and the 43 stamp 1930-46 "Arms" issues. In fact, for many collectors, these two series is what characterizes Finnish stamps to them. And the bonus: The issues are both inexpensive and striking in design.

In addition, Finland has issued from 1922-1940 some lovely 43 semi-postal stamps; many for the benefit of the Red Cross.

A closer look at the stamps and issues

1917 10p rose & 1919 50p deep blue

Arms of the Republic

The iconic designed 1917-29 Helsinki issue was the first for this newly independent republic. It features the heraldic Finnish lion without the crown seen in earlier issues. This 26 stamp issue was unwatermarked, and generally is perforation 14. Some stamps also come in perforation 14 1/4 X 14 3/4, and are given minor numbers in Scott.

 1919 75p on 20p orange & 1921 60p on 40p red violet

There are eight stamps of the "Arms of the Republic" design that can be found surcharged in 1919 and 1921. Presumably, this reflects the inflation occurring in central Europe during this time?

1926 40p blue green Type I, 1925-29 "multiple swastika" wmk

1928 40p blue green Type II, 1927-29 "post horn" wmk

The 1917-29 "Arms of the Republic" design was printed again in 1925-29 with a "multiple swastika" watermark (9 stamp issue), and then in 1927-29 with a "post horn" watermark (10 stamp issue). If you review the watermarks in a catalogue, it should help to pick out the admittedly faint "multiple swastika" and "post horn" watermarks imaged above.

The "swastika" is a jarring watermark to find here in a Finland issue, as today we generally associate the symbol  with the Nazis.  But in the earlier 20th century, it was a symbol of good luck. The Finnish Air Force from 1918-45 used the swastika as an insignia.

Insignia used by the Finnish Air Force 1918-45 as a good luck symbol.

 Nothing sinister about it.

Of interest,  the 1927-29 issue reverts to a more familiar  "post horn" watermark.

The (Stamps)  image above also illustrates two types of 40p inscriptions: the type I -a thin figure of value; and type II- a thick figure of value.

1930-46 5p chocolate & 2m indigo "Arms"

The second major definitive series was first issued in 1930, and repeats the heraldic Finnish lion design. This issue had 38 stamps! BTW, I read an amusing anecdote that at one time a bear rather than a lion was suggested as the Finnish symbol. After all, there are plenty of bears in Finland, and no lions. ;-) But the bear was too closely associated as the Russian symbol, so the idea was dropped.

 1931 50p 0n 40p blue green & 1.25m on50p yellow

1937 2m on 1 1/2m carmine

Here are some surcharged varieties of the "Arms" issue. These examples gives me an excuse to show off more of this iconic Finnish stamps. ;-)

1930 10m lilac gray & 1943 10m red violet "Lake Saima"

The 1930 10m lilac gray was re-engraved, and comes in a dark violet ('32) and a red violet ('43) shade. The re-engraved version has the clouds, the foliage, and the islands outlined more clearly. Check your collection for the original 1930 version, as it is catalogued at $4+ used/$60 mint!

1937 2m +20p brown lake "Turunmaa"

Finally, as an example of the beautifully designed semi-postals of 1922-40, here is the 1937 "Turunmaa" stamp. Most of the semi-postals issued by Finland were for the benefit of the Red Cross. Wow! Gorgeous!

Deep Blue

The Deep Blue album, on 22 pages, provides space for all the major Scott numbers. Particularly appreciated is the separate 1941-46 "Arms" page, which gives spaces for the "Arms" definitives issued during those years.

"Ship of Mercy"

1930 2m + 20p dark blue & red semi-postal

Surtax for the benefit of the Red Cross

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on 6 pages, provides space for 118 regular and 42 semi-postal stamps, for a total of 160 stamp spaces. Coverage is 57%. As I noted in the earlier Finland blog, BB includes spaces for "1866-71" serpentine rouletted Scott 9 20p blue on blue ($60+), and Scott 10 40p rose on lilac rose ($70+). I may need to obtain these to keep up with Big Blue. :-) BB provides representative space for all the earlier issues I covered in the earlier blog, although BB does condense the 1901 and 1901-14 redrawn issues into one space.

Simple Checklist

1868-71

9,10,

1875-81

17 or 25,18,21 or 28,29,23,

1885

31,32,33,34,

1889-90*

38,39*,40,

1889-90

41a or 41,42 or 42a,43,

1891-92

46,47,48,49,

1891-92

50,51,52,

1901-03

64 or 70,65 or 71, 66 or 72, 67 or 73, 68 or 74,

1911

77,78,79,80,81,

1917-18

83,85,88,91,94,96,101,107,

Next page

1918

111,112,113,114,115,116,117,

1919-21

119,120,121,122,123,124,125,126,

1921-26

87,93,98,99 or 133,100,104,105 or 136,106,

1919

84,86,89,92,97,

1927

141,142,

1925-28*

90 or 128,95 or 131,102,103 or 135,108,(110),

1929

155,156,157,

1931

180,181,

Next Page

1930

177,178 or 205 (re-engraved),179

(1930)

158,159,160,

(1930)

161,162,163,165,166,167,169,

1930

171,175,

1931

182,183,

1931

195,196,

1931

197

1934

206,

1935

207,208,209,


1936
173,176,212,


1937
213,

1938

214,

1939

215,216,217,218,219,

Next Page

1940

220,

Next Page

Semi-Postal

1922

B1

1930

B2,B3,B4,

1932

B10,

1932

B9,B11,

1931

B5,B6,B7,

1933

B12,B13,B14,

1934

B15,B16,B17,

1935

B18,B19,B20,

1936

B21,B22,B23,

Next Page

(semi-postal)

1937

B25,B24,B26,

1938

B34,

1938

B27,B28,B29,B30,

1938

B31,B32,B33,

1939

B35,B36,B37,B38,

1940

B39,B40,B41,B42,B43,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold)

1868-71 (Serpentine Roulette)

Scott 9 20p blue/bluish Type III $67

Scott 10 40p rose/lilac rose Type III $77

1875-81

Scott 25 2p gray $15

Scott 18 5p orange $15

Scott 29 25p rose $10

Scott 23 32p carmine $57

1891-92

Scott 48 3k carmine $12 mint

Scott 49 4k rose $15

Scott 51 10k dark blue $15

B) *1889-90 : Note 1895-96 (Scott 60-63) issue not in BB

C) 1889-90 : *39-is 5p green in Scott, Rather than “yellow” in BB. Of interest, the ’47 Scott lists the color as “yellow-green”.

D) *1925-28: The 1927-29 Scott 143-152 “Arms of the Republic” issue, all inexpensive, is not in BB.
Also, there are some "near-miss" colors that did not qualify for a space in BB among the "Arms of the Republic" issues. Missing a space because of that are some of the 1925-29 Scott 127-140 issue.

E) ( ) around a number signifies a blank space choice

1938 1 1/4m dark blue

"Mail delivery in 1700"

Out of the Blue

Iconic designs, inspirational history, and generally inexpensive. The earlier issues require an attention to detail, and an awareness of the Russian "look alikes". A great and rewarding philatelic country.

Note: Maps and image appear to be in the Public domain.

Links
Finland - Bud's Big Blue

Please leave a comment below! Thanks!

Finland today

Finland 1856-1917

1875-81 5p orange

Coat of Arms of Finland

Quick History
Finland was an Autonomous Grand Principality in the Russian Empire beginning in 1809. Until about 1862, the Finnish authorities emphasized their loyalty to the Russian court. In turn, the Tsar pledged that laws. liberties and religion for the Finnish people would be left unchanged.

Then from 1863-1898, there developed a sentiment for independence, and an increasing nationalism. The Finnish language became co-equal to Swedish. The stamps issued from 1856-1892, and 1895-96 all illustrate the Finnish Coat of Arms.

The "official" Coat of Arms of Grand Duchy of Finland (illustrated just above) has the Finnish heraldic Lion and Crown within the Imperial Russian Arms. But the Imperial Russian Arms was not part of these 1856-96 stamp designs.

The Russians must have noticed.  ;-)

The Russian emperors then attempted russification of Finland until 1917. This is reflected in the Finnish stamp issues, which look very similar to the Russian Empire issues.

1891-92 7k dark blue

The stamp design now illustrates prominently the imperial Russian arms. In fact, all stamps on letters leaving Finland were required to have the imperial Russian arms design. This is known in Finnish as sortokaudet, times of oppression. Clearly, there was a concerted attempt to end Finland's autonomy.

Into the Deep Blue

This blog entry will focus on the stamp issuing years of 1856-1917 which include the early 19th century issues and the subsequent russification period. The next blog entry will continue with the stamp issues from 1917, when Finland declared its independence.

A closer look at the stamps and issues

1866-74 5p red brown, 8p black/green & 40p rose "Coat of Arms"

Deep serpentine roulette perforations

The "Coat of Arms" stamp issues of 1856-59 (Imperf-5 stamps), and the 1860-74 issues (Deep serpentine roulette perforations-10 stamps) are attractive and iconic. The least expensive  are the 1866-74 20p blue on blue ($60+) and 40p rose on lilac rose ($70+). They are listed by four types, depending on the depth and shape of the serpentine roulette. Of interest, Big Blue gives these stamps a space, and they no doubt are the most expensive stamps for Finland in the album. The deep perforations can cause perforation teeth to be missing, as can be seen on the stamps illustrated above.

1875-81 32p carmine "Coat of Arms" perforation 11

1881-83 2p gray perforation 12 1/2

The 1875 Arms type design comes in two major perforation flavors: The seven stamp 1875- 81 perforation 11 issue; and the twelve stamp 1881-83 and 1885 perforation 12 1/2 issue. These perforation issues are given major numbers in Scott. But there are also minor number 1881 issues (13 stamps) with perforation 11 X 12 1/2 or 12 1/2 X 11: so get out the perforation gauge! ;-) In fact, almost all of Finland's earlier issues require careful measurement of perforations because of varieties.

The "SUOMI" inscription is found on many/most Finnish stamps. What does it signify? Well it is Finnish for "Finland". Of uncertain origin, "SUOMI" is thought to have derived from a Proto-Baltic word meaning "land".

1885 5p emerald

Note the heraldic lion imprint difference?

One cannot help but notice combing through the early issues imprint differences between stamps. Scott makes no mention of major differences, and I don't have a Michel or a specialized Finnish catalogue to consult. So I suspect these are inking differences or "flaws", with the ink bleeding over the design.

1892 1m slate & rose perf 12 1/2

1895-96 20p orange wove paper perf 14 X 13

New design: One generally needs to pay attention to stamp details for early Finland as the designs can be similar. 

But here again there are different year issues with the same design and colors, but different perforations. The perforation gauge should be hot to the touch. ;-)

1891 25p ultramarine and 25p blue

Shades can be found among early issues (not just Finland); hence the question: Is it a changeling or a recognizable color variation? Here Scott awards the 25p ultramarine (42) and the 25p blue (42a) their own numbers.

1891-92 Finland 3k carmine and 1889-92 Russia 3k carmine

Here we enter the Imperial Arms of Russia era! I found even carefully put together collections of Finland with  Russian interlopers on the album page, so clearly these designs can be an identification problem for the general classic WW collector.

Scott states: Finnish stamps have "dot in circle" devices or are inscribed "Markka", "Markkaa", "Pen", or "Pennia". A good thing to heed. ;-)

The Finnish thirteen stamp set issued in 1891-92 is the first of the Imperial Arms of Russia designs. Note the necklace of "dot in circles" on the 3k carmine Finnish stamp compared to the Russian stamp. But don't hang your hat on the "dot in circle" always showing up on Finnish stamps. ;-) Future Finnish designs, as we shall see,  will look exactly like the Russian design illustrated above without the "dot in circle": except there will be a change in wording compared to the Russian stamp. :-)

This design is also found on the 1k orange yellow, 2k green and 7k dark blue (The 7k is illustrated in the "Quick History" section).

1891-92 Finnish 10k dark blue and 1889 Russian 10k dark blue

The Finnish design here has the "dot in circle" added in each corner compared to the Russian stamp. This design is also found on the 4k rose, the 20k blue & carmine, and the 50k violet & green stamps.

1891-92 Finnish 14k blue & rose and 1889-92 Russian 14k blue & rose

Again, the two "dot in circle" impressions on the upper stamp distinguishes the Finnish from the Russian issue.

This design is also found in the 35k violet & green stamp.

I don't have an example in my collection, but also the larger 1r brown & orange, the 3 1/2r black & gray, and the 7r black & yellow have "dot in circle" changes in design compared to their Russian counterparts. But these stamps catalogue for a minimum of $90+, so perhaps we will not to need to worry about it. ;-)

1901 Finnish 2p yellow and 1889-92 Russian 2k green

Recall I said to not always rely on the "dot in circle" to distinguish Finnish stamps? The new "1901 type" issue ( 1901 and 1901-14 redrawn) does NOT have this distinguishing feature. They look remarkably like the Russian variety EXCEPT they will have a change in wording. Note the "Pen" inscription on the lower right portion of the stamp compared to a different inscription wording for the Russian stamp? 

Also, as far as I can tell, for the "1901 type" issue, they fortunately always have a different color for the same denomination compared to the Russian stamp. Note the yellow color for the Finnish stamp above compared to the Russian green color. ;-)

Now the 1901 issue (six stamps) was redrawn during 1901-14 (six stamps).  There were also different perforations found. There are plenty of minor numbers found in Scott based on perforation measurements. So definitely measure all these stamps, but I will not say more about that, as I would like to concentrate on the engraving differences found between the 1901 issue and the redrawn 1901-14 issue.

1901 2p yellow (chalky paper) and 1901-14 2p orange

The "2" below the "II"on the lower center portion of the stamp: The "2" is shifted a bit to the left below the "II" on the 2p yellow compared to the '2" being more centered under the "II" on the 2p orange.

1901 5p green (chalky paper) and 1901-14 5p green

The frame lines are very close on the 1901, while more white space between the frame lines is noted on the 1901-14.

1901 20p dark blue (chalky paper) and 1901-14 20p dark blue

First, pay attention to the lower inscription for the placement of the "H", the "period", and the "2". Note on the 1901, the "H" and the "2" are close together with the "period" midway. Then note on the 1901-14, the "H" and the "2" are slightly more separated with the "period" closer to the "H".

The second difference is found inside the vignette around the Imperial Russian Eagle. There are horizontal central background thin lines noted especially with the 1901-14 issue, while these lines are faint and broken on the 1901 issue. You may have to enlarge the image to see the difference.

 This distinguishing difference is more important for the 10p carmine stamp, as that is the only difference between the 1901 and redrawn 1901-14 issue. ;-)

Let's take a look...

1901 10p carmine (chalky paper) ?? and 1901-14 10p carmine

Here the right hand stamp is clearly a 1901-14 variety, as the central background thin lines are clearly there. But I'm not convinced the left hand stamp is actually a 1901 variety. The central background lines should be  faint and broken on a "true" 1901 variety. Yes, the central background lines are not as prominent, but the whole stamp does not have a strong impression. Enlarge the image for a closer look. Readers, what do you think? :-)

Two examples: 1901-14 1m lilac & green

Different color shades for the central vignette

I don't have an example of the 1901 issue, but note the "1" on either side of "Markka" on the lower stamp? This "1" has a serif at the base of the "1". This makes these stamps a 1901-14 variety. A 1901 variety will not have a serif at the base of the "1"

Note also the color shade differences between the stamps in the central vignette. One can measure the perforations to determine if this could be a violet & blue green Scott recognized minor number variation.

1911-16 40p violet & blue, 5p green, and Russian 1909-12 5k claret

New issue: 1911-16 (5 stamps)

These Finnish stamps are distinguished by the "pennia", "penni" or"pen" inscription wording compared to their Russian brethren. Note also the Russian stamp is in a different color? I believe that is always the case here between the Finnish and Russian varieties.

This issue marks the end of the "Russian" stamp design era. Finland declared its independence in 1917, and the Finnish "Coat of Arms" made an emphatic comeback.

To be continued....

Kingdom of Finland Coat of Arms 1918-19

Out of the Blue

Hope you enjoyed this primer on earlier Finnish stamps during the Grand Principality of Finland era. I learned quite a bit. :-)

1890 10p carmine

Finland circa 1900

Map and Coat of Arms images appear to be in the public domain.

Links

Finland - Bud's Big Blue

Would like to hear your comments!

Fiji

1938 1sh black & yellow "Spear Fishing at Night"

Quick History
Fiji is today an island country archipelago of 332 islands (110 inhabited), but most of the population lives on Viti Levu or Vanua Leva. The name 'Fiji" is derived from the pronunciation of "Viti" by their Tongan island neighbors, who called the island "Fisi". Fiji is located 1,300 miles northeast of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. The Capital is Suva, and the population was 240,000 in 1943.

Fiji  had a strong connection to the Polynesian cultures of Samoa and Tonga. Cannibalism between warring tribes was common. The islands were subjugated ,and became a British Colony in 1874. Fiji gained independence in 1970.

1896 1p lilac rose "Fijian Canoe"

Into the Deep Blue
Affordable collectability

The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, from 1870-1951, 164 major stamp descriptions for regular, semi-postal, postage due, and war tax stamps.

Prior to 1900: 54 stamps: <$20 - 12 stamps; Of those 4 are <$5.

1900-1951: 110 stamps: <$5 - 64 stamps; of those 32 are <$1.

Total "inexpensive" stamps: 76

Affordability Index = 47%.

The 48 stamps issues prior to 1891 are fairly expensive. And the iconic "Fiji Times" nine stamp newspaper issue of 1870-71, the first issue, runs four digits. ;-)  But fortunately after 1892, the costs are within the realm of the frugal Deep Blue collector.

1903 1/2p gray green & pale green "Edward VII"

1904 1/2p green & pale green - SON with Suva, the Capital

Wmk Crown CA & wmk Multiple Crown CA respectively

A closer look at the stamps and issues

As stated, the earlier issues are expensive. But more notably, except for a two stamps, they do NOT show a portrait of Queen Victoria. Rather, they have a "Crown and C.R. (Cakobau Regina)" or a "Crown and V.R. (Victoria Regina)" design, or a "V.R." overprint. Interesting. I'm not sure of the reason. Perhaps a reader knows? There is an illustration of the "Crown and V.R." design on the blog.

There is a nice "Fijian Canoe" design  found on four stamps between 1893-96. That design is illustrated above.

After 1903 with the King Edward VII issue, Fijian stamps follow the more traditional British Colony patterns.

As is usual with the King Edward VII issues, for a particular denomination, they are given separate major numbers depending on the watermark. See the illustration above.

Die I: 1912 1/2p green "George V"

Die II: 1922 1/2 green-note the crown is not dropped down as far

What is different about Fiji ( and some other British Colonies) is that the George V issues come in two engraving types: Die I or Die II. How to tell them apart?

1)  Look at the curlicue arabesque at the extreme outer lower right and left corners, and follow it as it becomes vertical. Die I will have a little "bud" sticking out along this line, while Die II will not.

2) The solid color side panels bearing the words "Postage" and "Revenue" are "squarer" on the inside top corners in Die I compared to Die II.

3) The second horizontal thick colored line below the name "Fiji" where it meets the crown is slanted upwards (diagonally)  in Die I, while slanted more vertically or slightly downwards in Die II. 

4)The base of the crown is below the inner white line around the vignette in Die I, while the base of the crown is aligned with the underside of the white line in Die II. 

1914 4p black & red on yellow

1922 5p dull violet & olive green

Here is another example. Can you determine which one is Die I and which is Die II? There is another way to tell, at least with the Fiji stamps. Die I is always watermark Multiple Crown CA (wmk 3), while Die II is Multiple Crown and Script CA (wmk 4). ;-)

1938 1 1/2p rose carmine "Outrigger Canoe"

Note the empty canoe

The 1938 King George VI pictorials come with some redrawn varieties. There are also different perforation varieties, which are given minor numbers in Scott. Finally, if you have the SG 1840-1970, they illustrate five consistent plate flaws to look for; and yes they are worth a lot more. ;-)

But back to the redrawn varieties. The original 1938 1 1/2p rose carmine illustrated above is worth $10+ mint. Why? Because the redrawn varieties of 1940,42,44 (with different perforations) show a man in the canoe! Check your collection to see if you have one or both varieties.

1938 2p green & orange brown "Map of Fiji Islands"

Redrawn 1940-48 2 1/2p green & orange brown 

Note the added inscribed "180 degree" below the "Fiji Islands" letters

The 2p, 2 1/2p, and the 6p redrawn varieties have the added "180 degree" script on the stamp as illustrated above. The redrawn 2p is worth $20+, so it may be worthwhile to check your collection. ;-)

Deep Blue

All the major Scott numbers for Fiji are found in Deep Blue. Not much of a chance I will ever fill any of the "Fiji Times" stamp spaces though. ;-)  What IS nice is Deep Blue provides 10 spaces for the minor number 1938 George VI issue perforation varieties. I am grateful as these perforation varieties are fairly common.

1892 1/2p greenish black "Crown and V.R."

Big Blue
Big Blue, on two pages, has 58 stamp spaces. Of interest is BB illustrates a one penny "Crown and C R" (Cakobau Regina) stamp. The date is listed for the five stamp row as 1878-91, and the other descriptions match the 1878 issues ($1+-$5+), which are "Crown and V R" design stamps.  But the illustration in BB sure matches the 1871 Scott 15 1p blue for $60+. ! So there is a "most expensive" stamp addition, if you choose the illustration, rather than the date restriction. ;-)  See below for a pic.

A Dilemma: The choice is-

1871 Scott 15 1p blue $62 for the "C R" stamp illustration, or

1879 Scott 40 1p ultra, a "V R" stamp, which would agree with BB's 1878-91 date

Simple Checklist

1870-91

15 ($60+)( illustration) or 40 ($7)(date),41,57,42,(43)

1892

53

1893-96

54,55,56,58,

1903-04

59,60,61,63,64,(65),(66),

1906-11

72,73,74,

1912-27

79,80 or 94,81,96,97,98,83,

84,99,85 or 100,86 or 101,87 or 102,(88 or 103),(93),

Next Page

1935

110,111,112,113,

1937

114,115,116,

1938-40

117,119 or 132, 120 or 133, 125 or 135

122,118,123,124,127,

128,

War tax

MR1,MR2,

Postage due

1918

J7,J8,J9,J10,J11,

Comments

A) See discussion about Illustration/Date dilemma (Scott 15 or 40)

B) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):

1878-91

1871 Scott 15 1p blue $62 if choose illustration, or 1879 Scott 40 1P ultra $7 if choose date restriction

1906-11

1910 Scott 74 6p violet $15 mint

1938-40

Scott 123 5p rose red & blue $13

BTW, the native King Cakobau renewed his offer to cede Fiji to great Britain, and this took place on 12 October 1874 according to the SG catalogue. After that date, the stamps were overprinted V.R., and later ( as illustrated above), stamps with the Crown and V.R. were issued. Must mean "Victoria Regina"*. ! ?  ;-)

*Note: Reader Dennis correctly provides the answer. The V.R. is for "Victoria Regina", and is the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901)

Victoria Regina

Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria

1848 Blockhouse Hill Cast Iron Cannon

Town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Out of the Blue
Interesting Die varieties and 1938-40 King George VI series re-engravings.

Note: Cannon pictorial image appear to be in the public domain.

Links
Fiji - Bud's Big Blue

Have a thought? Would like to hear from you!