New South Wales

1882-91 Scott 63 3p green "Victoria"

Quick History
The HMS Endeavour and Captain James Cook sailed into Botany Bay (now part of southern Sydney) in 1770, and so named the area "New South Wales". The First Fleet of eleven vessels with 192 women and 586 men convicts arrived in 1788 to establish a convict settlement under Arthur Phillip, first Governor of New South Wales. By 1892, 4312 "professional criminals", 766 of them women, had landed at "Sydney Cove". Few had the skills needed to establish a colony. But today's Australian accent derives from the original cockney English spoken by the convicts. And survive they did- eventually forming Australia as we know it today.

The discovery of gold near Bathurst in 1851 brought in 100,000 more people for a total population of 300,000 in New South Wales in 1857. Stamps were introduced in 1850. "Responsible Government" was established in 1856.

In 1901, New South Wales joined with the other colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

New South Wales between Victoria and Queensland 

I should say something about the rivalry of Sydney and New South Wales with Victoria and Melbourne during the latter 19th century. The cultural differences exist even today, as was clear on our extended trip to Australia several years ago. Sydney- bold, brash, outgoing, sunny & surfers. Melbourne- cultured, cafes, much more "English".

What Australians have in common, though, is their love of sports. I became introduced to "Australian Rules Football" while staying with an Australian family, with whom we had become friends, when they lived in the U.S.. They were supporters of the Sydney Swans- even though they lived in Melbourne. It turns out that the Sydney Swans moved from Melbourne many years ago, but loyalty is forever. ;-)

1882-91 Scott 62 2p blue

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for New South Wales 1850-1907, 198 major numbers. I should point out, though, that there are many more minor numbers based on different color, paper, perforations and dies. No doubt the "New South Wales" specialist parses the stamps quite finely, and, probably, the Stanley Gibbons would be a more appropriate catalogue.

Of the 198 major numbers, 31 are CV <$1-$5, or 16%. None of the first 50 Scott numbers (1850-1867) are under $5. Clearly, New South Wales is quite popular with collectors, and the high prices reflect that reality.

Let's do a brief description of the earlier issues.

The first stamps, the so called "Sydney Views" were locally produced in 1850-51. Scott has them with 10 major numbers, but then adds some 79 minor number for color changes, plate differences, and paper differences. CV ranges from $240-$17,000. This is clearly the playground of the well off specialist.

The next issues produced from 1851-55, eleven major numbers, show the Queen with a laurel wreath in her hair. ( The French Emperor Napoleon III tried that on stamps between 1863-70, and that didn't work out so well for the monarchy. ;-)  CV is $50+-$700+.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
20 Shillings = 1 Pound

1877 Scott 58 8p yellow

Wmk 54 - "Small Crown and NSW"

In 1854-55, large square stamps of the queen were produced framed with hexagons and octagons. (This design was variously issued through 1882: an example, an 1877 version, is shown here.) The some 30 major number "Queen Victoria " stamps produced between 1854-1867 have a variety of watermarks: Wmks 49,50,51,52,53. Consult Scott for details.

Between 1871-84, a nine stamp Perf 13 issue with wmk 54 was produced with a more reasonable CV of $1+-$30. The 8p yellow above is a member of that group.

1882-91 Scott 61 1p red

Wmk 55- "Large Crown and NSW"

The eight stamps 1882-91 issue was basically identical to the 1871-84 issue, but now in Perf 11 X 12 and wmk 55. Well, what about the watermarks?

Top row: Wmk 54 "Small Crown and NSW"

Bottom Left: Wmk 55 "Large Crown and NSW"

Bottom Right: Wmk 12 "Crown and Single-lined A"

Shown above are the watermarks for the stamps illustrated for this blog post. Note the smaller vs larger crown difference for wmk 54 vs wmk 55. And wmk 12 has a single lined "A".

1882-91 Scott 66 6p lilac

I should mention that the 1882-91 eight stamp issue also has numerous minor number perforation varieties. I counted 47! The CV for the issue is <$1-$20+.

1888 Scott 78 2p blue "Emu"

For the centenary of the first British settlement in New South Wales, a "One Hundred Years" inscribed six stamp issue was released. Each has a different design. Many consider these to be the first NSW commemorative stamps issued.

The Emu, native to Australia, is the second largest bird now in existence after its cousin, the Ostrich.

Distribution of the Emu in Australia

We found on our visit to Australia that the Emu was a common sight in Nature preserves outside of Canberra.

1889 Scott 82 1sh maroon "Kangaroo"

The iconic "Kangaroo" was featured on the 1 shilling stamp. When we would go to the parks or outskirts of Canberra at dusk, they would be as numerous as deer in Minnesota. And when those big brown eyes looked at you, well, it became quite difficult indeed to order 'Roo at the restaurants. ;-)

1891 Scott 92 1/2p on 1p gray

1892-97 Scott 95 1/2p slate

A 1/2p surcharged stamp was issued in 1891, with a 1/2p stamp then issued as shown in 1892.

1897 Scott 98 1p rose red "Seal", Die II

1897 Scott 98e 1p rose red "seal", Die I

For Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, a three stamp issue was produced.

The 1p rose red is found with two Dies. (Enlarge the image for examination.)
º The first pearl on the upper right of the crown is circular in Die II, while it merges into the arch below for Die I.
º The vertical shading under the fleur-de-lis is clear in Die II, while indistinct with Die I.
º The "S" in "Wales" is less open in Die II compared to Die I.

Since both Die types are inexpensive (CV <$1), you may very well have both Die types in an accumulation.

1897 Scott 99 2p deep blue "Victoria"

1899 Scott 103 2p ultramarine

Included in the Jubilee issue was, naturally, a portrait of the Queen. A deep blue color was issued in 1897, while an ultramarine color is found for the 1899 stamp.

1897 Scott 100 2 1/2p deep purple

1899 Scott 104 2 1/2p dark blue

A deep purple was issued in 1897, while a dark blue color was produced for the 1899 2 1/2p Victoria.

Honestly, not the most flattering portrait.

The deep purple actually is found with two Die types. One can have 16 radiating lines in the star on the Queen's breast (Die II- illustrated here), or 12 radiating lines (Die I). 

1888 Scott 79 4p brown "Captain Cook"

1899 Scott 104B 4p orange brown

The "Captain Cook" design from the 1888 "One Hundred Years" issue is found in a brown color, while the 1899 reissued stamp is an orange brown.

1905-06 Scott 109 1/2p blue green, Die II

1905-06 Scott 109a 1/2p blue green, Die I

The 1905-06 1/2p blue green also has two Dies. (Enlarge for examination.)  Die II has a wide "H" in "Half", while Die I has a narrow "H". As they are both inexpensive ($1), check your collection for both types.

Postage Due 1891-92 Scott J2 1p green

Looking remarkably like the U.S. postage due design (Coincidence? I think not ;-), ten stamps were issued for that purpose in 1891-92.

Official 1888-89 Scott O27 6p carmine "Victoria and Coat of Arms"

Finally, many Officials were issued (40 major numbers) from 1879-1894 by overprinting "O S" on the stamp. Here a 6p carmine from the "One Hundred Years" issue is shown.

Deep Blue

1888-89 Issue Stamps in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 14 pages for New South Wales, and includes spaces for all the major numbers. If one was collecting in depth, especially the earlier issues with their numerous variations, the Steiner would need to be heavily supplemented.

1882-91 Scott 68 1sh black

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, has 1 1/2 pages for New South Wales, and 52 spaces. The other 1/2 page has space for Nossi Be and Nova Scotia. The pages are located after New Hebrides, and before New Zealand.

Coverage is 26%.

There are 18 stamps crossing the $10 CV threshold, with three in the "Most expensive" category ($37+-$50). See the listing in the comments section after the checklist.

If one examines the checklist, one will note there are often a LOT of choices for each space. Some are in the CV "hundreds" range, but for completeness sake, all are included. ;-) I did pick out the least expensive stamp if all the choices are CV $10+, and listed that choice in the comments section.

Have fun!

Checklist

1851-55
10 or 12 or 13 or 23, (24),

1854-91 (Perf or Imperf)
26 or 38 or 56 or 65, 27 or 39 or 40,

1856-63 (Perf or Imperf)
32 or 35, (36),

1862-91
45 or 47 or 52 or 61 or 70, 46 or 48 or 53 or 62 or 71,
 54 or 63, 50 or 55 or 64, 57 or 66, 60 or 68,

1888-1906
77,78,79 or 104B or 113, 80 or 105, 81 or 106C or 115 or 127,
82 or 118 or 130,

1890-91
92,89,

1892-1906
95,102 or 109 or 121, 98 or 110 or 122,
99 or 103 or 111 or 123, 106 or 114 or 126,

1897-1906
96,
(Two blank spaces: two choices for the other choices not taken 1897-1906 issues),
97 or 117 or 129, 107,
100, 108 or 128, 104 or 112 or 124,

Next Page

Postage Due
1892-94
J1,J2,J3,J4,J5,J6,(J7),

Official Stamps
1879-81*
O1 or O12, O2 or O13, O5 or O15, O7 or O17, O10 or O19,

1889
O24,O25,O26,O27,O29,

1891-93
 O38, O35,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1854 Scott 23 1p orange ($50)
1854 (Scott 24) 2p blue ($20+)
1882 Scott 65 5p dark blue green ($10+)
1860 Scott 40 6p violet ($10+)
1860 Scott 35 1p red ($10+)
1860 (Scott 36) 2p blue ($20+)
1876 Scott 60 1sh black ($10+)
1891 Scott 92 1/2p on 1p gray ($10+)
1897 Scott 96 9p on 10p red brown ($10+)
1903 Scott 107 2sh6p blue green ($37+)
1891 Scott J5 4p green ($10)
1891 Scott J6 6p green ($10+)
1891 Scott J7 8p green ($37+)
1881 Scott O17 6p lilac ($10)
1879 Scott O10 1sh black ($10+)
1888 Scott O27 6p carmine ($10+)
1892 Scott O38 1/2p gray ($10+)
1891 Scott O35 2 1/2p ultramarine ($10+)
B) (   ) around a number indicates a blank space choice
C) *1879-81- choices  wmk 54 vs wmk 55

1890 Scott 89 2 1/2p ultramarine "Australia"

Out of the Blue

Back in the 1980s, when I rekindled my interest in stamps for awhile, I thought about specializing in the Australian British Crown Colonies. I still believe it would be a great choice. ;-)

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

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New Hebrides

French 1925 Scott 52 1fr (10p) carmine/blue

"Native Idols"

Quick History
The New Hebrides islands (now the nation of Vanuatu) are located in the South Pacific 300 miles (500 kilometers) north of New Caledonia. The islands were colonized by both the British and French in the 18th century, and mirabile dictu, rather than fighting over the colonial spoils, an Anglo-French condominium was formed in 1906.

New Hebrides (Vanuatu) in the South Pacific

What the Condominium meant practically is that two separate communities- the British and the French- existed on the islands with their own language and schools.

New Hebrides (Vanuatu)

And the stamp issues have an interesting twist. 

Initially, from 1908-1910, overprinted Fiji and New Caledonia stamps were used by the respective British and French communities. But, beginning in 1911, a joint issue was produced with the Coat of Arms design of both countries placed on either side of a "Native idols" central design. More joint issues were produced in 1925, 1938, and 1953.

The Condominium continued until 1980, when Vanuatu became independent ( although, even now, the French and the English communities maintain their own traditions and language).

The Capital is Vila ( Port-Vila), and the population was ~45,000 in 1940.

British 1910 Scott 16 1sh black/green

Stamps of Fiji, Overprinted in Black or Red

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for British New Hebrides 1908-1953, 88 major stamp descriptions. For French New Hebrides 1908-1938, there are 76 descriptions. Total = 164.

Of those, 25 of the British and 18 of the French stamps are CV <$1-$1+, or  26% total. Raising the bar to CV $3+, yields 33 more stamps. Overall, New Hebrides is somewhat more expensive befitting a  British or French colonial  territory.

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

We will review the British and French issues separately.

British New Hebrides

British 1908 Scott 5 6p violet & carmine rose

Stamps of Fiji, 1903-06, Overprinted, wmk 2

In 1908-09, stamps of Fiji 1903-06 were overprinted as shown. The first six stamps have the British Colonial watermark "Crown  and C A" (wmk 2).

British 1908 Scott 7 1/2p gray green

Stamps of Fiji, 1903-06, Overprinted

Wmk Multiple Crown and C A ( wmk 3)

Three stamps of the 1908-09 issue are on British Colonial wmk 3 paper. (If you need to refresh the memory about Colonial watermarks, see the Gibraltar post.)

Of the nine stamps total in the 1908-09 issue, six are CV <$1-$4+.

British 1910 Scott 13 2 1/2p ultramarine

Stamps of Fiji, 1904-11, overprinted in black or red

In 1910, seven stamps of Fiji 1904-11 were overprinted in black or red as shown. Five stamps are CV <$1-$4+. Interestingly, according to the Scott catalogue, the 1910 Scott 16 1sh black/green red overprinted specimen of New Hebrides (shown at the beginning of the "Into the Deep Blue" section above) was not released in Fiji (without overprint) until 1911. ;-)

British 1921 Scott 30 2p on 40c red/yellow 

On French 1911 Scott 16

In 1911, a joint issue was released. The British issue (10 stamps) naturally was scripted in English ("New Hebrides"), and had pence/shilling denominations. In addition, the "GR" for the UK was on the right side of the stamp, while the "RF" for France was on the left side. (I'm not showing an example of the issue here, but the differences between the joint issues should become clearer as the blog post is read.)

What I am illustrating here is what happened eventually- they ran out of certain stamp denominations after about 10 years of use, so had to surcharge remaining stamps.

In this case- in 1921- the British surcharged a French joint issue stamp for use in the English sector. Note the stamp has French script "Nouvelles Hebrides", the "GR" and "RF" are in reverse positions, and the denomination was originally in Centimes.

Of interest, the original French issue of 1911 can be found either with British Colonial wmk 3 " Crown and Multiple C A" (As the example above), or with a French watermark- "Wmk R F in Sheet". (Actually, only about 1/4 of the stamps in a sheet show the large double lined "R F" capitals: the rest show no watermark at all.) (I hope this will become clearer as the blog post progresses.)

British 1924 Scott 40 3p on 1p rose red, wmk 4

Stamps of 1911-21 surcharged with new values as in 1920-21 issue

For comparison sake, here is an original 1911 British joint issue stamp that has been surcharged in 1924. Not all the characteristics of an English joint issue as outlined earlier.

BTW, this stamp is on colonial wmk 4 paper ( "Crown and multiple script C A"), while the other two 1924 surcharged stamps in this issue have watermark 3. ;-)

British 1925 Scott 44 2 1/2p (25c) brown "Native Idols"

In 1925, a new joint issue was produced: this time with both British and French denominations placed on the stamp. The British issue had nine stamps, while the French issue had eleven stamps.One could either buy a stamp with British or French funds.

For the British issue, seven stamps are CV $1+-$4.

British 1953 Scott 75 2fr red violet

"Island Couple"

The Scott Classic Specialized catalogue lists "British Commonwealth" stamps until 1952- or, in this case, until 1953. This is another joint issue with a French equivalent (although the Scott Classic catalogue only lists New Hebrides French stamps until 1938).

At any rate, the eleven stamp issue has three designs featuring local scenes: here, an "Island Couple". CV is <$1 for eight stamps.

British Postage Due 1925 Scott J2 2p (20c) gray

Type of 1925 Overprinted

Besides regular issues, both the British and the French overprinted regular issues for use as postage due.

In 1925, five 1925 regular issue stamps were overprinted as shown. 

French New Hebrides

French 1908 Scott 1 5c green

Stamps of New Caledonia, 1905

Overprinted in Black or Red

In 1908, the French used their colony of New Caledonia as a source of stamps for New Hebrides. Five stamps were overprinted as illustrated.

French 1908 Scott 5 1fr blue/yellow green

Stamps of New Caledonia, 1905,

Overprinted in Black or Red

Another example of the 1908 five stamp overprinted issue is shown above. CV ranges from $3+-$10+ for the issue.

French 1910 Scott 7 10c rose

Stamps of 1908 with additional overprint

In 1910, the five stamp issue of 1908 had an additional overprint applied: namely "condominium". CV is $1+-$10+.

French 1911 Scott 18 75c brown orange 

 Wmk 3, "Native Idols"

In 1911, as previously discussed, a joint British and French issue was produced.

But the French issue is found with two watermarks; each a major catalogue number. Eleven stamps of French design can be found on British Colonial watermark 3 paper, as the example above. Yes, a "French" stamp with the "British Crown" watermarked on the paper. ;-) CV ranges from <$1-$4 for eight stamps.

French 1912 Scott 23 10c red "Native Idols"

Wmk R F in Sheet

The other watermark found for the French 1911-12 joint issue is the "Wmk R F in Sheet"- actually on only about 1/4 of the stamps; the other stamps have no watermark at all. This eleven stamps issue has a CV of $1+-$2+ for five stamps.

 2011-12 French Joint Issue "Native idol"

Top: Wmk British Colonial 3 " Crown and Multiple C A"

Bottom: Wmk R F in Sheet

The watermarks for the French 1911-12 joint issue is shown here. Remember that the "Wmk R F in Sheet" will only appear on about 1/4 of the stamps in the sheet: the other stamps will have no watermark at all.

French 1920 Scott 34 10c on 25c blue/greenish

French New Hebrides 1910 Scott 8  surcharged

As mentioned earlier, by 1920 the Condominium was running out of the more popular stamp denominations, which required surcharging of previous issues. Here a 10c surcharge was applied to a 1910 stamp.

French 1925 Scott 53 2fr (1sh 8p) gray violet

Wmk R F in Sheet

In 1925, another issue was released in a joint format- this time with both British and French denominations listed on the stamp. Here is the French version. The eleven stamps have a CV ranging from <$1-$7.

French 1938 Scott 56 10c dark orange "Beach Scene"

In 1938, another British and French joint issue with a "Beach Scene" was released. The British issue had 12 stamps and the French issue had 12 stamps also. But by 1938, the French franc had declined relative to British currency, so a currency of "gold francs" was used for both issues.

Deep Blue

1925 French New Hebrides Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 16 pages for New Hebrides, and provides spaces for all the major numbers found in the Scott Classic Specialized catalogue.

British 1925 Scott 41 1/2p (5c) black "Native idols"

Big Blue

Big Blue '69 has two pages and 47 spaces for New Hebrides. Coverage is 29%.

BB's layout provides spaces for the French variant, then the British type- back and forth. The French spaces number 29, while the British spaces are 18.

Unfortunately, BB provides no spaces for the earlier 1908-1910 British overprinted Fiji issues. I'm not sure of the reason, as they have approximately the same value as the French overprinted New Caledonia issues- which are given a space.

There are no stamps with CV $10 or higher.

Checklist

1908-10 (French)
1,2,(3),6,7,8,9,

1911 (British)
17,18,19,20,

1925 (British)
41,42,43,44,
45,46,

1911 (French)*
11 or 22, 12 or 23,
13 or 24, 14 or 25, 15 or 26, 16 or 27,

1925 (French)
44,45,46,47,
48,49,50,51,

Next Page

1938 (British)
50,51,
52,53,54,
55,56,57,

1938 (French)
55,56,
57,58,59,
60,61,62,

End

Comments
A) Expensive Stamps ($10 threshold):  None
B) (  ) around a number indicates a blank space choice.
C) * 1911 (French)- choices are British Colonial wmk 3 vs French wmk R F in sheet

French 1910 Scott 9 50c carmine/orange

Stamps of 1908 with additional overprint

Out of the Blue

An interesting experiment in governing a country. It required three governments: one British, one French, and one joint administration. Fortunately, the joint administration was responsible for the postal service.

One could decide if one wanted to be under the British common law or the French civil law.  There was also a Native Court to handle cases under Melanesian customary law. And the Judge of the Native Court was appointed by neither the British or the French..... but rather by the King of Spain. !  

Note: Maps appear to be in the public domain.

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New Guinea

1925 Scott 2 1p yellow green "Native Huts"

Quick History
Initially, the territory was German New Guinea. 

German New Guinea

German New Guinea (Deutsch Neu-Guinea) was a German colonial protectorate from 1894-1914. German New Guinea consisted mainly of the area called Kaiser-Wilhelmsland in north-east New Guinea, and the nearby Bismarck Archipelago.  The Capital was Herbertshohe (Kokopo), and the population was 600,000 in 1913.

After the outbreak of WWI, part of the territory of German New Guinea ( Neu-Pommern Island ) was occupied by Australian troops in 1914, and called "New Britain". Overprinted ( G.R.I.) German New Guinea stamps were used. (Stamps of New Britain are rather expensive ( minimum $25), are not in Big Blue, and I elected not to do a post blog.) The Capital of New Britain was Rabaul.

Also, during WWI,  "North West Pacific Islands" stamps were produced by overprinting Australian stamps ( N.W. Pacific Islands)  for German New Guinea territories occupied by Australian troops. ( I will have a later blog post on the North West Pacific Islands stamps.)

After the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, German New Guinea (and all of the German colonies) ceased to exist. It then became the Mandated Territory of New Guinea under Australian administration until 1949. (The Japanese  occupied the territory during WWII.)

After 1949, the Territory of New Guinea was combined with the Australian territory of Papua to form the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Finally, in 1975, Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia, but remained a commonwealth country.

Trust Territory of New Guinea

The Capital of the mandated territory continued to be Rabaul on the north end of "New Britain" island. The population was 675,000 in 1940. 

1932 Scott 38 5p slate green 

"Bird of Paradise"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized  catalogue has, for New Guinea 1925-1939, 48 regular, 59 air post, and 33 official major descriptive numbers. Total = 140. Of those, 20 are CV <$1-$1+, or 14%. New Guinea stamps are moderately expensive for the WW classical collector.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
20 Shillings = 1 Pound

1925 Scott 1 1/2p orange "Native Huts"

The initial 1925-28 thirteen stamp issue featured a "Native Huts" pictorial- rather attractive. Six of the stamps are CV $2+-$5.

1925 Scott 9 1sh gray green 

Since the territory was mandated to Australia, one has a refreshing local pictorial, rather than commonwealth royalty.

1931 Scott 19 1 1/2p red "Bird of Paradise"

The "Bird of Paradise" pictorial stamps come in two major types.  The 1931 issue (13 stamps) has a "1921" and "1931" date scroll. (CV $1+-$5+ for 5 stamps.)

1932 Scott 42 2sh red brown 

Type of 1931 without date scrolls

The 1932-34 issue (15 stamps)- illustrated here- do not have the date scrolls. (CV <$1-$3+ for 7 stamps.)

1932 Scott 33 2p red "Bird of Paradise"

Considering the relative rarity of nicely postmarked specimens vs unused, how does one explain the CV 25c valuation of this stamp? ;-)

1937 Scott 38 2p salmon rose 

"King George VI"

Looking much like the 1936 Great Britain "Edward VIII" stamps, ( I wonder if they just substituted the visage?), this issue of four stamps of 1937 celebrated the Coronation of George VI. 

Air Post 1931 Scott C2 1p yellow green

Regular issues of 1925-28 overprinted

Actually, there are more air post stamps are in the catalogue than there are regular stamps. I suspect much mail was between the territory and the outside world, rather than within the territory.

The initial 1931 air post issue (13 stamps) used an overprinted version of the regular 1925-28 issue. CV is $1+-$3+ for nine stamps.

1931 Scott C14 1/2p orange

Type of regular issue of 1931 overprinted

The regular "Bird of Paradise" issue- with date scrolls- was also overprinted in 1931 on 14  stamps.  CV is $3+-$7 for seven stamps.

1934 Scott C34 3 1/2p magenta

Same overprint on Type of regular issue 1932-34 

Between 1932-34, the regular issue- without scroll- was also overprinted as shown on 16 stamps. 

1932 Scott C28 1/2p orange

"Rabaul" postmark

Showing a nice "Rabaul" postmark, in this case the used 1/2p orange is valued @ $1+, while the unused is <$1.

1939 Scott C46 1/2p orange

"Plane over Bulolo Goldfield"

The "Bulolo Goldfield" was an important gold dredging field by the Bulolo River. And yes, there is an air strip there.

The 1939 fourteen stamp issue has this scene. ( CV $3+-$4+ for four stamps.)

Update Note: The pound values of the Bulolo goldfields airs have been forged. See Alan's note in the comments section.

1931 Scott O13 1 1/2p red

Regular issue of 1931 overprinted

Official stamps are part of the output for New Guinea, and here is an example of the eleven stamp 1931 issue.

1932 Scott O24 1 1/2p violet brown

The 1932-34 regular issue was likewise overprinted for official use in 1932-34 on thirteen stamps. Both the 1931 and the 1932-34 official stamps carry a hefty CV: Most are in the $10-$50 range.

Deep Blue

1932-34 Air Post Issue in Deep Blue

The Deep Blue (Steiner) has ten pages for New Guinea, and includes spaces for all the major numbers.

1932 Scott C33 3p gray blue

Big Blue

The '69 Big Blue has two pages and 68 spaces for the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. Coverage is  a robust 48%.

Although New Guinea stamps are a bit expensive, BB only has six stamps @ CV $10+ in the album.

Checklist

1925-28
1,2,3,4,
5,(6),(7),(8),

1931
18,19,20,21,22,23,24,
25,26,

1932-34
31,32,33,34,
35,36,37,38,39,(41),

1935
46,47,

1937
49,50,51,52,

Next Page

Air Post
1931
C1,C2,C3,C4,(C6),
C14,C15,C16,C17,C18,C19,(C20),

1932-34
C28,C29,C30,C31,C32,C33,C34,
(C35),(C37),(38),

1939
C46,C47,
C48,C49,C50,(C52),

Official Stamps
1931
O12,O13,O14,O15,O16,O17,O18,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1925 (Scott 6) 3p deep blue ($10+)
1925 (Scott 8) 9p deep violet ($10+)
1934 Scott 36  3 1/2p magenta ($10+)
1939 Scott C50 3p dark blue ($10+)
1931 Scott O17 5p slate green ($10+)
1931 Scott O18 6p bister ($10+)
B) (     ) around a number indicates a blank space choice

1939 Scott C47 1p green 

"Plane over Bulolo Goldfield"

Out of the Blue

Obscure territorial changes after wars- and their subsequent stamp production- is one of the delightful surprises awaiting WW classical collectors.

Note: Maps appears to be in the public domain.

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