Madeira

1871-80 Scott 16 5r black "King Luiz"

Red overprint

Quick History
Madeira and the surrounding archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean has been associated with, or part of Portugal since 1420 when Henry the Navigator and his sailors discovered the island.

Location of Madeira north of the Canary islands 

323 miles (520 km) off the African coast

The main city and Capital is Funchal, and the population was 150,000 in 1900. The origin of the archipelago is volcanic, and Pico Ruivo rises to 6,100 feet on Madeira. The largest island by far, Madeira is 35 miles by 14 miles in size.

Madeira, Porto Santo, and Desertas

As noted, the Portuguese have settled Madeira since 1420, and the island was granted administrative autonomy in 1895. Today, the archipelago is part of two Autonomous regions of Portugal, along with the Azores.

Stamps of Portugal can be found used on Madeira from 1853-1867. But, beginning in 1868, overprinted "Madeira" Portuguese stamps were produced. Thirty-two Scott major numbers are noted until 1881. A Vasco da Gama eight stamp common design issue for Madeira was issued in 1898.

And, between 1892-1905, one can also find stamps for Funchal issued.

But, in general, the stamps of Portugal were used on Madeira after the Vasco da Gama issue of 1898, and the Funchal issues through 1905.

There are several exceptions...

• In 1928, a 21 stamp "Ceres" issue was produced for Madeira. It was necessary for postal patrons to use the stamps on mail for six specific days in 1928 & 1929. This was to raise funds for a Museum building.

• Postal Tax and Postal Tax Due stamps were produced for Madeira in 1925.

1928 Scott 46 4c orange "Ceres"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, from 1868-1928, 61 regular, and 7 newspaper, postal tax, and postal tax due major stamp descriptions. Total = 68. Of those, 26 are CV <$1-$1+, or 38%.

As noted, there are 27 earlier use Portuguese stamps from 1853-67 postmarked from Madeira, and listed in Scott with A1-A28 numbers. These are expensive (CV $60+-$5000), and would only interest the specialist collector.

Of the Portuguese administration "Madeira" overprinted stamps, those issued between 1868-1881 ( 32 major numbers) have a somewhat high CV. Some ten range from CV $4+-$35+, and are the least expensive. In other words, other than the 1898 Vasco da Gama and 1928 Ceres issues, and the "BOB" issues, the other stamps of Madeira are not cheap. ;-)

A closer look at the stamps and issues
1000 Reis = 1 Milreis
100 Centavos = 1 Escudo (1925)

1868-70 Scott 10 25r rose "King Luiz"
Black or Red Overprint

The first four stamp issue of January 1, 1868 had the above design, but imperforate, and with a black overprint. These have a high CV ($100+- $400+), and probably are out of reach of most WW classical collectors.

The next nine stamp issue of 1868-70 has perforation 12 1/2 and with a King Luiz motif, as illustrated above. This design bears a superficial familiarity to the next design, except here the horizontal tablet behind the upper numerals ends round with an up-turn, and the tablet behind the lower numerals ends round with a down-turn. (Not the only difference, but one of the easiest to spot.)

The CV for this overprinted issue ranges from $10+- $400+.

Scott has an ominous note about reprints: stout white paper, rough perforation 13 1/2; or thin white paper, clean perforation 13 1/2. A wide "D" and "R" on the overprint is noted. CV = $10. Check Scott for more information.

1871-80 Scott 23 25c rose "King Luiz"
Black or Red overprint

The 1871-80 issue is, as above, and consists of 16 major stamp descriptions. Note here the design has the upper and lower tablets behind the numerals end horizontal and "square". Perforation is either 12 1/2 or 13 1/2. Two types of overprints are found: One with a wider "D".

The CV is fairly high, but six stamps are $4+-$30.

The reprints have the same characteristics as the 1868-70 issue.

1880-81 Scott 34 25r pearl gray "King Luiz"

In 1880-81, three stamps with this 'King Luiz" design were overprinted for Madeira. (I must admit this particular example looks more like a werewolf than a king ;-) CV ranges from $10+-$20+.

Reprints as previously described are found.

1828 Scott 45 3c deep violet "Ceres"

In 1928, a 21 "Ceres" issue was produced for Madeira. Remember, at this time Portuguese stamps were generally used on Madeira. But this stamp issue was required to be used on six particular dates for Madeira postal patrons- for the purpose of raising funds for a Museum.

CV is <$1-$1+ for sixteen stamps.

Postal Tax 1925 Scott RA1 15c gray & black

Pombal Commemorative Issue- Common design type

Also, a three stamp Postal Tax and a three stamp Postal Tax Due set were issued in 1925. These are common design types. CV is <$1 for the Postal Tax issue.

Deep Blue

The 1928 Ceres Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (my Steiner album) has 5 pages for Madeira, and gives all the major Scott numbers a space. Quite straight- forward.

1928 Scott 54 40c yellow brown "Ceres"

Big Blue
Big Blue '69 has the spaces for Madeira, somewhat confusingly, listed after Lebanon, and on the same page as the beginning of the Leeward Islands. My '41 edition has Madeira on a full page between Madagascar and Malta.

The "41/"43/"47 editions also have spaces for Newspaper (1), Postal Tax (3), and Postal Tax Due stamps (3). These were dropped by the '69 editors. Since these seven stamps (The entire output for these categories) are inexpensive, the collector may want to add these back on a quadrilled page.

The '69 edition did add two more blank spaces, though, for the 1868-81 stamps.

The '69 edition then, has 25 spaces. Coverage is 37%.

Observations
• There are only two stamps that are expensive ($10+,$20+). None reach the $35 "Most expensive" threshold.
• As the early stamps are costly (1868-81), the only stamps BB could add (I found three) are $10+-$20+.
• The Ceres issue could have been completed- some five stamps for CV $1+-$5.
• One should consider adding back the seven BOB stamps cut by the '69 editors.

Checklist

1868-81
16, (23), 33, (35),

1898
40,37,38,39,41,

1929
45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,
53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1880-81 Scott 33 5r black ($20+)
1880-81 (Scott 35) 25r lilac ($10+)
B) (  ) around a number indicates a blank space choice.

1928 Scott 52 25c violet rose "Ceres"

Out of the Blue
If you are interested in more about the stamp issues for the Madeira area, read the Funchal post also. ;-)

Note: Maps and pic appears to be in the public domain.

Comments?

View of Funchal

Madagascar

1938 Scott 162 1fr dark red & carmine rose

"Hova Woman"

Quick History
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, and is located off the coast of southeastern Africa. More importantly, Madagascar detached from India 88 million years ago, and consequently 90% of the wildlife is found nowhere else. 615 orchid species, 165 palm species, and 6 of the iconic baobob tree species are endemic to Madagascar. And lemurs, rather than monkeys, are found there.

Madagascar in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa

The Malagasy people who now inhabit Madagascar arrived from South Borneo by outrigger canoes up through the sixth century.

But the French, in the scramble for Africa, beat out the British and established a protectorate in 1885 in a rather strong-armed way (Franco-Hova Wars).  And, finding continued Native resistance, they exiled Queen Ranavalona III to Reunion island, then Algeria, and dissolved the Merina monarchy.

1922 Map of Madagascar

A French colony was declared in 1896, and  lasted until 1946.

French Madagascar administered the former protectorates of Anjouan, Grand Comoro, Mayotte, Diego-Suarez, Nossi-Be, and Sainte-Marie de Madagascar.  

 Madagascar was considered a French overseas territory until 1958. Full independence was gained in 1960.

The capital is Antananarivo, and the population was 3,900,000 in 1936.

1901 Scott 32 5c yellow green

"Navigation & Commerce"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue, has, for Madagascar 1889-1944, 214 regular, and 51 semi-postal, air post, and postage due major stamp descriptions. Total = 265. Of those, 162 are CV <$1-$1+, or  61%.

The French Offices in Madagascar ( "French Protectorate") years, from 1889-1896, - some 31 major stamp descriptions- are rather expensive (CV $7+ - $2000+). The French colony years (1896-1944), though,  are pleasantly affordable for the WW classical collector.

The Scott catalogue also lists British Consular Mail stamps- some 61 examples- from 1884-1886. These are uniformly expensive (CV $100+-$4000+), and I will say no more about them.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Centimes = 1 Franc

1895 Scott 21 1fr bronze green

Stamps of France 1876-90, overprinted in red or black

As mentioned, the "French Protectorate" year stamps are rather expensive, but I do have this example. They consist of French stamps issued from 1889-1896, most with various overprints or surcharges. Kind of fun to dabble in the specialist's realm. ;-)

1900  Scott 34 10c red "Navigation & Commerce"

The first French colony issue for Madagascar has the familiar "Navigation & Commerce" design. Twenty stamps were issued between 1896-1906. The CV for 14 stamps is only <$1-$6. Nice.

1902 Scott 50 15c on 1fr olive green/straw

In 1902, there must have been a shortage of lower denomination stamps, as some 15 stamps were surcharged in various ways. Interestingly, four of the stamps were actually surcharged on stamps of Diego- Suarez. ( I don't have any of those).

The above surcharge design example is found on three stamps. ( CV $4+-$10+)

1902 Scott 53 0,10 on 50c carmine/rose

Another example of a surcharge is shown here. This surcharge script is found on five 1902 stamps. (CV $6+-$10+)

1902 Scott 58 0,01 on 2c brown/buff

Another three stamps from the 1902 production have this surcharge design. (CV $6+-$8)

I really never tire of the French "Navigation and Commerce" varieties. :-)

1903 Scott 66 5c yellow green

"Zebu, Traveler's Tree, and Lemur"

Perhaps, as an early recognition of the interesting species found on Madagascar, this design was used for the first issue intended for the colony. The 1903 production had 15 stamps with a CV of $1-$5 for 9 stamps.

Madagascar's lemurs are iconic.  The "Traveler's Tree" is endemic, and is so named as rain water will accumulate in the leaf bases, and can serve as an emergency supply. The zebu is found in pure form in Madagascar.

1925 Scott 95 30c green & red violet

"Transportation by Sedan Chair"

The French, being part of the Colonial Imperialism era, would see nothing wrong with this design. ;-) And there are a lot of this design- some 36 stamps issued between 1908-28.  CV is <$1-$1+ for 34 stamps.

1925 Scott 104 50c black & orange

One of the joys of collecting is finding interesting postmarks. I set up a separate quadrilled page for this issue with town cancellations.

1912 Scott 116 5c on 20c red/green

Issue is found  surcharged in carmine or black

1912 saw many French colonies with surcharges as above. Four of the surcharged stamps for Madagascar are on the "Navigation & Commerce" design. (CV <$1-$8)

Be aware that the major numbers have a 1.5 mm (5c) or 2.0 mm (10c) spacing between numerals. There is also found a wider spacing ( 2.25mm (5c), 2.75 mm (10c)) variety- generally with higher CV.

Of note, the surcharged 1912 "Navigation & Commerce" issue can be found with Madagascar postmarks, but on Anjouan, Grand Comoro Island, Mayotte, and Moheli stamps. These "Dependances" stamps could also be used in Madagascar.

1912 Scott 119 5c on 2c olive brown

Carmine surcharge

Madagascar's own design was used for six surcharged stamps. The surcharge can be found in black or carmine. CV ranges from <$1-$5+.

1921 Scott 130 1c on 15c dull violet & rose

In 1921, 10 stamps were surcharged in various ways. An example is shown. CV is <$1-$2+ for 5 stamps.

1922-27 Scott 135 25c on 15c dull violet & rose

Stamps of 1908-28, surcharged

Twelve stamps were surcharged with new values and bars between 1922-27. Most had a black surcharge.

1922-27 Scott 142 1.25fr on 1fr light blue

But not all, ;-) Here is a red surcharge. For the issue, CV is <$1-$1 for ten stamps.

1933 Scott 147 1c dark blue & blue green

"Hova with Oxen"

Between 1930-44, the colony introduced a new issue with four designs featuring natives. These, in my opinion, are really lovely stamps. The French have a way!

Five stamps have a design showing "Hova with oxen".

"Hova" initially applied to all the Malagasy people found in the highlands of Madagascar. But during the Kingdom of Madagascar era (pre-colonial), they were the free commoners, as opposed to the Andriana (nobles) or Andevo (slaves). During the colonial period, the "Hova people" were also known as Merina.

1930-44 Scott 149 4c dark brown & violet

"Sakalava Chief"

The "Sakalava Chief" design is found on nine stamps, including the last six higher values.  CV is <$1-$1+.

What a gorgeous typographed stamp! And only the French would combine dark brown & violet. :-)

Ethnic groups of Madagascar

The Sakalava, meaning "people of the long valleys" occupy the western edge of  Madagascar, and are different than the highland Merina (Hova) discussed earlier.

1930-44 Scott 151 10c vermilion & deep green

"Hova Woman"

I nominate this design as one of the top ten French stamps ever produced-seriously! Most impressive!

"Hova Woman" is on five stamps, and the CV is <$1-$1+.

1930-44 Scott 152 15c deep red "Betsileo Woman"

The fourth and final design of the 1930-44 issue features the Betsileo, a highland tribe (pink on the ethnic map), which means "The Many Invincible Ones". The Betsileo are of Malayo-Indonesian origin, and are known for their ability at rice cultivation.

The design is found on four stamps with a CV of <$1.

1931 Scott 174 50c orange brown "General Joseph Simon Gallieni"

1936-40 Scott 183 60c bright red lilac: Note the different stamp dimensions

In 1931, a five stamp issue (CV <$1-$4+), and then in 1936-40, an eleven stamp issue (CV <$1-$2+) was produced. Note the different stamp sizes ( 21 1/2 X 34 1/2 mm; 21 X 34 mm) for the issues. In this image, the 1936-40 60c bright red lilac is clearly slimmer than the 50c orange brown.

General Joseph Simon Gallieni was governor of Madagascar form 1896-1905, and was responsible for suppressing  native revolts.

1937 Scott 194 50c dark brown & brown

Paris International Exposition Issue

This 1937 six stamp common design type for many French colonies is illustrated for Madagascar. CV is <$1-$1+.

1938-40 Scott 202 1fr rose carmine "Jean Laborde"

For the 60th anniversary death of the adventurer and industrialist Jean Laborde, an eleven stamp set was issued in 1938-40. CV is <$1-$1+.

He was shipwrecked on Madagascar at the age of 26 in 1831. Making the best of it, he set up an engineering and manufacturing complex where he managed to produce iron, steel, glass, brick, cement, muskets, and textiles. A very useful man! ;-)   

1915 Scott B1 10c + 5c rose & brown

Scott 84 surcharged in red

Not many semi-postals for Madagascar ( Seven stamps total), but here is the first 1915 issue- just one stamp- apparently for Red Cross charities.

Air Post 1935-41 Scott C7

"Airplane and Map of Madagascar"

This 1935-41 Air Post issue of 24 stamps was produced by photogravure, according to the Scott catalogue. The stamps appear striking and crude (to me) at the same time. CV is <$1-$3+.

Postage Due 1924 Scott J15 60c orange "Governor's Palace"

1927 Scott J18 2fr on 1fr lilac rose

Between 1908-24, a nine stamp postage due set was issued with the design as shown. Some of the stamps can also be found surcharged. CV is <$1-$1+.

Deep Blue

1930-44 Sakalava Chief et al issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 23 pages for Madagascar, and follows the Scott catalogue. Interestingly. the Steiner has two pages for the surcharged 1912 issues of Anjouan (11 stamps), Grand Comoro (10 stamps), Mayotte (11 stamps), and Moheli (6 stamps) that could also be used in Madagascar. By necessity, one would need a used copy with a legible Madagascar postmark in order to fill these spaces. ;-)

1902 Scott 48 05c on 50c carmine/ rose

Surcharged in Black

Big Blue
Big Blue '69, on 5 pages, has 144 spaces for Madagascar 1896-1940. Coverage is 54 %.

Observations..
• There are three major series specifically designed for Madagascar during the classical era.
- 1903 "Zebu, Traveler's Tree, and Lemur" design series- 15 stamps. BB includes 7 stamps with CV $1-$2+. BB leaves out 8 stamps with CV $4+-$70+. A reasonable choice.

- 1908-28 "Transportation by Sedan Chair" design series- 36 stamps. BB includes all but three which are CV $1+-$5+. Nice.

BB's layout for this issue, though, illustrates the difference between earlier album presentations and the modern Scott catalogue. The Steiner album follows the sequential numbering system of the modern catalogue, and hence, makes it easy to find the correct space. This is because the modern catalogue puts all the same denomination stamps- if there are more than one for an issue- together sequentially, and therefore the specific date of issue- (although noted in the catalogue)- is secondary. But BB rather has stamp spaces placed by the various dates of the issue.  Unfortunately, that means the numbers are more difficult to find in the modern Scott catalogue. (This also holds true for the Browns.)

- 1930-44 "Sakalava Chief et al" design series- 23 stamps. BB has all but the highest denomination 20fr (CV  $1+), and of course does not have the 1944 issue 1.50fr dark red & brown stamp (CV <$1).

• Only one stamp reaches the $10 threshold. BB's selection is inexpensive for Madagascar.

•  As mentioned in the "Comments" section below the checklist, the 1902 surcharged issue has Scott 51,52,53 with a slightly different overprint than 58,59,60. It is unclear to me which OP BB illustrates (A guess- 58,59,60), so I am including both as choices.

Checklist

1896-1901
28,29,30,31,32,34,36,(33),

1902*
48,50,51 or 58, 52 or 59, 53 or 60, 54,55,

1903
63,64,65,66,67,68,69,

1908-17
79,80,81,82,84,87,90,
91,97,98,99,102,107,109,

Next Page

1912
115,116,117,119,120,121,122,

1922
83,85,92,94*,103,138,

1924
136,137,

1925
135,139,140,

1925
86,95,100,104,105,106,
108,110,

1926-27
142,141,143,144,

Next Page

1927-28
88,89,96,101,111,112,

1930-33
148,149,147,150,152,
153,151,154,156,155,
157,158,159,160,
161,163,164,166,167,

Next Page

1931-36
173,174,175,176,

1932
178,179,

1937-38
162,165,191,194,
192,193,195,196,

1938-40
198,199,200,201,
202,203,204,
205,206,207,(208),

Next Page

1939-40
180,181,183,184,185,186,
187,190,

1939
209,210,

Air Post
1935-38
C1,C3,C4,C6,C7,(C9),(C17),

Postage Due
1908-24
J8,J9,J10,J11,J12,J13,J14,
J15,J16,

Semi-Postal
1915
B1,

1938
B2,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1902 Scott 55 0,15 on 1fr olive green/straw ($10+)
B) (  ) around a number indicates a blank space choice.
C) *1902- Scott 51,52,53 have a slightly different overprint than 58,59,60. It is unclear to me which OP BB illustrates ( A guess- 58,59,60), so I am including both as choices.
D) *94- 30c rose &  brown in BB is rose red & brown in the Scott catalogue

1902 Scott 52 0,05 on 30c brown/bister

Out of the Blue
Question...
Did the stamp review of a country ever make you want to visit it? For me, Madagascar is one of those countries.

Links
Madagascar - Bud's Big Blue

Note: Maps, Baabob tree photo appear to be in the public domain.

Comment?

Baobab trees

Macao (Macau)

1894 Scott 59 3a on 20r carmine, green surcharge

"King Luiz"; On stamps of 1888

Quick History
Macao (Macau) , a small 6 square mile Portuguese Overseas Territory during the classical period, is located at the mouth of the Canton River off the coast of China, and close to Hong Kong. Today, along with Hong Kong, it is a special administrative district of the People's Republic of China.

(Note: Macao is the spelling used in the Scott catalogue, but Macau seems more prevalent. I will use both.)

Macao ( Macau)

Macao today is known for tourism, and especially gambling casinos. Both Cantonese and Portuguese are official languages.

But back to history. The Portuguese had a permanent settlement by 1557. Portuguese trade and commerce was then restricted to the port of Macau in 1631 by the Chinese. In 1887, an agreement was reached with China that allowed a permanent occupation and government by Portugal in Macau.

Macau 1870

During WW II, Macau was not formally occupied by the Japanese, but was required to have Japanese "advisors", none the less.

Portugal finally relinquished all sovereignty in 1999 to China.

1888 Scott 39 40r chocolate "King Luiz"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic specialized catalogue has, for Macao 1884-1938, 372 major number descriptions. Of those, 61 are CV <$1-$1+, or  16%. Macao is somewhat expensive due to the hot China market.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
1000 Reis = 1 Milreis
78 Avos = 1 Rupee (1894)
100 Avos = 1 Pataca (1913)

1884-85 Scott 6a 25r rose "Portuguese Crown"

The initial 1884-85 issue has the "Portuguese crown" design,and has 15 major numbers. The issue is found with either 12 1/2 or 13 1/2 perforations, and major and minor numbers are scattered throughout both varieties. The CV ranges from $5+- $70+. Reprints were also issued. Consult Scott for details.

1885 Scott 20 20r on 50r green 

Also, in 1884-85, the stamps were surcharged, resulting in 8 major numbers. An example is illustrated. CV is $5+- $10+ for 5 stamps.

1887 Scott 24 5r on 80r gray

In 1887, a  five stamp set was surcharged as shown. CV is a rather high $9- $90.

1887 Scott 32 5r green & buff  "Coat of Arms"

A local provisional three stamp set was created in 1887, when revenue stamps were surcharged in red as shown. Actually there was an additional portion of the revenue stamps (the label), that was usually removed before use. CV is $5+-$10+.

1888 Scott 36 10r green "King Luiz"

A 10 stamp issue was created in 1888 with the King Luiz portrait. The 10r "green" illustrated really looks chalky blue to me. ;-)  CV is $4-$20+ for 8 stamps.

Luis  was King of Portugal and the Algarves between 1861-1889. He was interested in science and marine biology, and funded the research vessels which obtained  marine specimens for the Aquarium in Lisbon.

1894 Scott 49 20r lavender "King Carlos"

In 1894, a 12 stamp issue for King Carlos was produced. CV ranges from $3+-$20+ for nine stamps.

1894 Scott 58 1a on 5r black , red overprint

The denominations was changed to Avos/ Rupee in 1894, and consequently a 10 stamp surcharged issue was released.  Note "Provisorio" was printed diagonally across the stamp. CV is $4+- $20+.

1898-1903 Scott 76 1a orange "King Carlos"

A large 29 stamp set was issued between 1895-1903. The "King Carlos" design is quite familiar to all Portuguese Colony collectors. CV ranges from $1-$20+.

On February 1, 1908, King Carlos and his son Luis Filipe, the heir apparent, were assassinated while returning to Lisbon in the royal carriage.

1900 Scott 104 5a on 13a violet 

A four stamp surcharged issue was produced in 1900 as shown. The CV is $3+-$10+.

1902 Scott 109 6a on 10r green

On stamps of 1884-85

More surcharged stamps were produced in 1902 on the stamps of 1884-85 with the new "Avos" denomination. These 11 stamps have a CV of $3+-$10 for 7 stamps.

1902-10 Scott 122 6a on 25r green 

On stamps of 1894

More stamps were surcharged between 1902-10 with the 1894 "King Carlos" design. The 12 stamps have a CV of $2+-$5+. (That 25r "green" stamp sure looks blue!)

1902 Scott 132 2a yellow green

Stamps of 1898-1900 overprinted

Overprinted "Provisorio" stamps were released in 1902, a four stamp set. CV is $4-$20+.

1911 Scott 147B 1a orange

Lisbon overprint

With the establishment of the Republic in Portugal in 1910, overprints as shown were released for Macau in 1911. The Lisbon overprint has a flat top "A", while the local surcharged overprint (1913-not shown) has a pointed top "A". The Lisbon overprint has 16 stamps with a CV of <$1-$10+. The local surcharged overprint of 1913 has 19 stamps, with a CV of $3+-$20+.

1913 Scott 185 2a on 18a on 75r, green overprint

The 1913 surcharged overprinted local issue of 1913, discussed above, was surcharged again on four stamps in 1913, as shown on this quite interesting example. Note the sharp top "A" of the local "Republica" overprint. CV is $4.

1923 Scott 214 3a orange "Ceres"

The familiar "Ceres" issue was released for Macau between 1913-24. The 29 stamp issue has a CV ranging from <$1-$10+ for 23 stamps.

Update: The Afinsa specialized catalogue for the Portuguese colonies has a further breakdown of the orientation of the stars on either side of the Ceres issue colony name. See the blog post for Portuguese Congo for specifics.

1915 Scott 252 18a on 2 1/2r brown

On 1893-94 Newspaper stamp Scott P4

In 1915, some 14 previously issued stamps were overprinted in carmine. Here a newspaper stamp of 1893-94 with the overprint is shown.

1933 Scott 259 1a on 24a slate green

Between 1931-33,  nine stamps with the 1913-24  "Ceres" design were surcharged. CV ranges from $4-$20.

1934 Scott 271 3a violet 

"Portugal" and "San Gabriel" Flagship

The above design was released in a 21 stamp set in 1934. Nice to see something different for a Portuguese colony. ;-) CV is <$1- $5 for 17 stamps.

1938 Scott 296 10a bright red violet

Common Design Type

Most (All?)  of the Portuguese colonies had this common design type released in 1938. Macau's share has 17 stamps, with a CV of <$1-$5+ for 14 stamps.

Air Post 1936 Scott C5 8a bright blue

Stamps of 1934 overprinted

The "Portugal" design stamps of 1934 were overprinted or surcharged in 1936 for air post use. The six stamps have a CV of <$1-$4.

1938 Scott C14 70a rose carmine

Common Design Type

Seventeen air post stamps of the common design type was released in 1938 for Macau. CV is <$1-$5+ for 14 stamps.

Postage Due 1904 Scott J1 1/2a  gray green 

"Numeral of Value"

An 11 stamp postage due set was released in 1904, as shown. CV is $1+-$5 for 9 stamps.

1911 J12 1/2a gray green

Issue of 1904, overprinted

The preceding issue of 1904 was overprinted in 1911 with the change in government in Portugal. The 11 stamp set has a CV of <$1-$5+.

Deep Blue

Air Post stamps of Macao in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 25 pages for Macao, and follows the Scott catalogue. Of interest, the first 1884-85 "Portuguese Crown" issue comes in either 12 1/2 or 13 1/2 perforations, and major and minor numbers are found scattered in both. The Steiner provides complete spaces for both perforation varieties.

1894 Scott 46 5r yellow "King Carlos"

Big Blue
The '69 Big Blue, on 5 pages, has 118 regular, 13 air post, 7 postage due, 3 war tax, 4 postal tax, and 3 postal tax due stamp spaces. Total = 148. Coverage is 40%.

Observations
• There are no stamps that reach the $35, threshold, one stamp @ $20+, and four stamps @ $10+. So, although Macao stamps are more expensive in general than most Portuguese Colony stamps, Big Blue's selection is quite reasonable.
• The War Tax 1919 9a green stamp, which is in Big Blue, was only used as a revenue stamp according to Scott, and hence no number is assigned.
• There are no Newspaper, Postal Tax, Postal Tax Due, or 1914 local overprint Postage Dues in Big Blue.
• But combing the 224 stamps not in BB, only 38 have a  CV $4 or less. So there are only a modest  number that really could be added.

Checklist

1884-85
1,5,7,11,(6),

1887
32,

1888
35,36,37,

1894
46,47,49,(48),

1894
58,59,60,61,(63),

1898
67,68,69,70,71,

(1898)
75,76,77,79,80,(82),(87),

1902
110,(111),(112),

(1902)
132,134,(135),

Next Page

1903
78,81,83,85,86,88,(93),

1911
147,147B,148,149,150,151,152,

1913
187,188,189,,193,194,
190,191,192,

Update: 1913-1924 Ceres Issue was parsed into 1913 Perf 15 X 14 chalky paper, 1919 Perf 15 X 14 ordinary paper, and 1922-24 Perf 12 X 11 1/2 varieties, and given new numbers in ~2014 Scott. The original (old) numbers here are from 2011. I will present both numbering systems here for the BB spaces..

Old numbers...

1913-15 Ceres
210,211,213,215,
217,218,220,221,223,225,226,

Current numbers...

1913-15* Ceres
210,211,212,213,
214,215,216,217,218,219,220,
*Note: Because BB requests "1913-15"dates, I am not including here choices from
the 1919 and 1922-24 issue.

1915
240,241,242,243,244,253,(254),

Next Page

Old numbers...

1923-27* Ceres
212,214,216,219,222,224,(227),(228),
Note: Although BB states "1923-27", all of the stamps
here were issued by 1924.

Current numbers...

1923-27 Ceres
232, 234*, 236, 237, 238A, 238C, (238E), (238F),
*Note 234- is 3a "orange brown" in 2014 catalogue. Was "orange" in 2011
catalogue and BB.

1931-33
259,260,261,262,264,265,(263),(266),

1933
268,269,270,271,272,273,274,
275,276,277,278,279,280,281,

1938
289,290,291,292,293,294,
295,296,297,298,299,(300),

Next Page

Air Post
1936
C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,

1938
C7,C8,C9,C10,
C11,C12,(C13),

Next Page

Postage Due
1904
J1,J2,J3,

1911
J12,J13,J14,J15,

War Tax
1919
MR1, 9a green*, MR2

Postal Tax
1925
RA1,RA2,RA3,

1931
RA4,

Postal Tax Due
RAJ1,RAJ2,RAJ3,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1885 Scott 5 20r rose ($10+)
1885 Scott 7 25r violet ($10+)
1885 Scott 11 50r blue ($20+)
1888 Scott 37 20r carmine   ($10+)

B) (  ) around a number indicates a blank space choice.

C) *9a green-1919 War Tax stamp was for revenue use, according to the Scott catalogue, and today is not given a number. CV = $10.

Out of the Blue
The stamps of Macao (Macau) seem to be the most expensive of any Portuguese colony so far. No doubt, the reason being that it is now part of China, albeit a special administrative district. Big Blue, though, managed to thread through the issues with minimal damage to the philatelic wallet. Nice!

Note: Map, photo appear to be in the public domain.

Comment?

Macau today