Nyasaland Protectorate

1908 Scott 3 1p carmine "Edward VII"

Quick History
The Nyasaland Protectorate, in southern Africa by Lake Nyasa, was renamed on July 6, 1907, being formerly known as the British Central Africa Protectorate.

Nyasaland 1908

Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company (BSAC) was actually in charge of the protectorate when their authority was withdrawn in 1907, and direct British rule was instituted.

One of the legacies of the British South Africa Protectorate and the BSAC is white settlers were brought in who developed coffee plantations using African labor.

Nyasaland was part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland between 1953-1963, but became independent as the nation of Malawi in 1964.

1945 Scott 71 2p scarlet & black 

"Map and Coat of Arms"

The population was 970,000 in 1911 (760 Europeans), and the Capital was Zomba.

On July 22, 1908, "King Edward VII" stamps with "Nyasaland Protectorate" script were introduced. In 1934, the script was changed to "Nyasaland".

1913 Scott 17 4p scarlet & black/ yellow "George V"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for the Nyasaland Protectorate 1908-1951, 103 major descriptive numbers. Of those, 44, or 43% are CV <$1-$1+. As a British Protectorate, the CV for their stamps are a bit higher than many countries, driven by the many British Commonwealth collectors.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
20 Shillings = 1 Pound (Southern Rhodesian Pound (1907-53))

1908 Scott 3 1p carmine "Edward VII"

In 1908, an 11 stamp issue with an "Edward VII" vignette was produced for the newly named "Nyasaland Protectorate". Note the postmark here with "Chiromo", a settlement on the south-western edge next to Mozambique. Although apparently used in 1912, the postmark still bears "B.C.A", for "British Central Africa".

1913 Scott 16 3p violet/ yellow "George V", Wmk 3

Between 1913-19, a 13 stamp issue was released; this time with a "George V" portrait. These have the wmk 3, "Multiple Crown and C A" paper.

BTW, a "N. F." overprint on these stamps is for "Nyasaland Force", and are 1916 occupation stamps for German East Africa.

1921 Scott 28 2p gray "George V", Wmk 4

A second 13 stamp issue with "George V", but with wmk 4 "Multiple Crown and Script C A" was released between 1921-30. ( If the memory needs refreshing about British Colonial watermarks, check the blog post Malta, or one of the other British colonial posts.)

Note the postmark shows "Zomba", the capital at the time. There is apparently still some British colonial architecture extant in Zomba.

1921 Scott 33 2sh ultramarine & dull violet/ blue

"King George V"

The higher values of the 1913-19 and 1921-30 issues have this striking royal image. Not very "native' in design, but nice anyway.

1934 Scott 40 1 1/2p rose 

"George V and Leopard"

However, the 1934-35 nine stamp set has this more local design with a leopard and a sun. Very nice!

 Nyasaland Coat of Arms

The leopard is also found on the Coat of Arms. Along with the leopard, the Coat of Arms is sometimes bordered with the Latin phrase "Lux in Tenebris"- "Light in Darkness".

1938 Scott 58 3p blue "George VI and Leopard"

The British were not ones to just throw away a good design, and the 1938-44 "George VI" issue  repeats the image on 13 stamps.

1938 Scott 64 2sh 6p red & black/ blue

"King George VI"

The five higher values of the 1938 issue have this bi-colored regal look.

1945 Scott 69 1p deep green & black

"Soldier of King's African Rifles"

In 1945, a nice pictorial 14 stamp issue was produced. The 1p denomination shows a member of the King's African Rifles (KAR). These African battalions (with British officers) performed both military and internal security duties in east African colonial possessions. The 1st and 2nd Central African Battalions (1902-1963) were from Nyasaland, while other battalions were from Kenya, Uganda, and British Somaliland.

King's African Rifles War Memorial, Zomba, Nyasaland

The KAR battalions were active in WW I against the German forces in German East Africa (East Africa Campaign). At the end of WW I, there were 2,700 British officers and NCOs, and 31,000 Africans in the KAR. They suffered 5,100 casualties, with an additional 3,000 perishing from disease.

1945 Scott 68 1/2p brown violet & black

"Canoe on Lake Nyasa"

Lake Nyasa is 47 miles wide and 350 miles long, and is the ninth largest in the world.

Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)

David Livingstone also called the lake, "Lake of Stars", as the lantern lights on the boats of the fishermen on the lake resembled such.

1945 Scott 70 1 1/2p gray green & black

"Tea Estate, Mlanje Mountain"

Tea growing around the Blantyre region of Mulanje Mountain still exists.

Mount Mulanje

A lovely beautiful place. Tolkien wrote "The Hobbit" after climbing Mount Mulanje. True!

1945 Scott 72 3p blue & black

"Fishing Village, Lake Nyasa"

It is interesting that the Nyasaland  George VI  pictorial issue was produced in 1945. For virtually all the other colonial possessions, a George VI pictorial issue was released beginning in 1938. Perhaps it was scheduled, but had to wait until after the war?

1945 Scott 73 4p rose violet & black

"Tobacco Estate"

Tobacco is still the main crop produced in today's Malawi. The country is the leading producer of the burley leaf tobacco, and the economy essentially depends on it's tobacco production. Lighting up a Camel or Marlboro? You are smoking blends of tobacco, including from Malawi.

( I hate smoking, so it is probably best if you do not mention it to me. ;-)

1947 Scott 84 1p emerald & orange brown

For reasons that are unclear, the 1p denomination was replaced in 1947 with this more nominal design. Still very lovely.

There are not many (any?) native leopards left in Nyasaland (Malawi). In fact, leopards have been recently reintroduced into the Majete Wildlife Reserve. 

1951 Scott 93 6p purple 

"Arms of British Central Africa and Nyasaland Protectorate"

For the 60th anniversary of Nyasaland - reaching back to when it was called "British Central Africa"- a four stamp set was issued in 1951 with the C of A's for both entities.

Deep Blue

"1938-44 Issue in Deep Blue"

The Deep Blue album (Steiner) has 10 pages for the Nyasaland Protectorate, and covers through the George VI era (1951). All the major numbers have a space, and a couple of the 1913 1sh "George V" color variation minor numbers are also given a space.  Some 36 stamps were issued between 1940-51, which is more than usual for a British possession, and naturally there are spaces for them.

1945 Scott 74 6p violet & black

"Tea Estate, Mlanje Mountain"

Big Blue
Big Blue '69, on two pages, has 36 spaces for the stamps of the Nyasaland Protectorate.

The choices are judicious, as only one stamp ( 1935 Jubilee issue 1sh brown violet & indigo) has a CV >$10.

As usual, the George V definitive 1913-30 stamps, with two watermarks varieties ( wmk 3 and 4), are given only one space in BB.

It is a pity that BB stops coverage at 1940, as the 1945 George VI pictorial issue is not covered. The Steiner (Deep Blue) and the Scott Classic 1840-1940  catalogue, though, does have the issue.

Checklist

1908
2,3,4,(5),

1913-23*
12 or 25, 13, 14 or 28, 15, 16 or 29,
17 or 30, (18 or 31), (19),

1934-35
38,39,40,
41,42,43,
44,(45),

Next Page

1935
47,48,49,
50,

1937
51,52,53,

1938
54,55,
56,57,58,59,
60,61,62,

End

Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1935 Scott 50 1sh brown violet & indigo ($20)
B) (    ) around a number indicates a blank space choice
C) *1913-23- Choice between  wmk 3 vs wmk 4 on many spaces

1945 Scott 75 9p olive green & black

"Canoe on Lake Nyasa"

Out of the Blue
The British were well aware of the Nyasaland area because of the published exploits of David Livingstone. Perhaps I too have become a bit more acquainted through the avenue and portal of stamps. ;-)

Note: Pics and map appear to be in the public domain.

Comments are appreciated!

Aitutaki- a closer look at the stamp issues

1903 Scott 1 1/2p green, red overprint

Stamps of New Zealand surcharged

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for Aitutaki 1903-27, 31 major number descriptions. Of those, 15 are CV <$1-$5+. Only 4, or 13%, are CV <$1-$1+. Aitutaki stamps are a bit expensive for WW collectors, but a collection can be accumulated.

Aitutaki stamps consist of overprinted or surcharged New Zealand stamps, or designs shared with the Cook Islands (Rarotonga) or Niue.

Aitutaki is a member of the Cook Islands (Enlarge map)

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 pence = 1 Shilling

1903 Scott 2 1p rose, blue overprint

Stamps of New Zealand surcharged

The first issue for Aitutaki was produced in 1903, and consisted of six overprinted/surcharged New Zealand stamps. Note the denomination is overprinted in the native language

1903 Scott 3 2 1/2p blue, red overprint

Stamps of New Zealand surcharged

Lovely stamp, Yes? The CV for the stamps of the first issue is a moderately high $5-$60.

1918 Scott 24 2 1/2p dull blue , overprinted

Stamps of New Zealand 1909-19

The 1917-20 issue for Aitutaki had nine stamps, and mostly consisted of the "George V" New Zealand stamps of the era overprinted, as shown, in either red or dark blue. CV ranges from $1+-$10+.

1920 Scott 29 1p carmine & black "Avarua Waterfront"

In 1920, a six stamp pictorial set was issued for Aitutaki. The designs are shared by the Cook Islands (Rarotonga) and Niue issues. The "Avaruna Waterfront" is actually on Rarotonga.

1927 Scott 36 2 1/2p blue & black

"Rarotongan Chief (Te Po)"

Continuing the theme of using Rarotongan references for Aitutaki, here is a lovely 1927 issued stamp. Engraved, the design is truly stunning- click and enlarge for the full effect.

From 1932-1972, stamps of the Cook Islands were used, and specific Aitutaki stamp production ceased.

Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has two pages for the stamps of Aitutaki, and all the major Scott numbers have a space.

1917 Scott 26 6p carmine rose, blue overprint

On New Zealand stamps 1909-19

Out of the Blue

I'm now adding more images to the earlier posts. 

Note: This blog entry "Aitutaki- a closer look at the stamp issues" is now incorporated into the original Aitutaki blog post.

Comments?

Nova Scotia

1860 Scott 11 8 1/2c green "Victoria"

Quick History
Nova Scotia, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and now part of Canada's Maritime provinces, was a British Crown Colony prior to July 1,1867.

Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces

The Capital is Halifax (from 1879), and the population was 330,000 in 1861.

The early history has the French Catholic Acadians removed, to be replaced by settlers from the New England colonies (New England Planters) in 1759-1768.

After the American Revolution in 1783, another influx of 30,000 loyal Tories arrived, and received land grants.

Stamps were issued from 1851-1863, and then ceased as Nova Scotia became a founding member of the Canadian Confederation (with Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick) in 1867.

1860 Scott 9 2c lilac "Victoria"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for Nova Scotia 1851-1863, thirteen major descriptive numbers. Of those, six stamps (the 1860-63 "Queen Victoria" issue) are CV $7+-$35+. Certainly, a representative collection can be formed, albeit at a bit higher cost than usual.

The earlier 1851-57 seven stamp issue features, on six stamps,  a  "Crown of Great Britain and Heraldic Flowers of the Empire" design, (as does New Brunswick and Newfoundland). These are all rather expensive ($200+-$6000+), and out of reach of most classical era WW collectors.

A closer look at the stamps
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
100 Cents = 1 Dollar (1860)

1860-63 Scott 8 1c black "Victoria"

On White or Yellowish Paper

The gorgeous ( to my eyes) Queen Victoria 1860-63 six stamp issue.can be found in either white or yellowish paper. Sometimes one is the minor number in Scott, sometimes another. Interestingly, unused and used values are approximately the same (except for the 5c blue $400/$5+ valuation). Apparently, after Nova Scotia joined the Confederation, most of the unused Nova Scotia stamps became available on the philatelic market. This probably explains the relatively inexpensive CV for unused.

BTW, if one has a modicum of interest in the stamps of Canada, and former provinces and colonies, pick up the Unitrade specialized Canadian catalogue.

1860-63 Scott 12 10c vermilion "Victoria"

The three higher values have a face on view of the Queen. I must admit, that if there was a contest for the most lovely design on a stamp of Victoria, - these stamps, and those of the 1878-1902 Falkland Islands would be at the top of my list.

1860-63 "specimen" issue stamps- Foxed

Yuck!

I found these horribly foxed "specimen" overprinted stamps in one of my feeder albums. Foxing (browning) of paper can occur when fungus (Aspergillosis etc) feeds on paper under environmentally agreeable conditions. Warmth and moisture "help". Foxed stamps is a problem more often seen from "tropical" countries. But, if a stamp is stored in a place with warmth and moisture, it can occur anywhere.

What can one do with badly foxed stamps? Unfortunately, not much. I threw them out.

Deep Blue

Nova Scotia 1860-63 issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner), on two pages, has a space for all the major Scott numbers. If one wishes to collect variants (yellow paper/ white paper), the pages can be printed X 2, or quadrilled pages can be added.

Nova Scotia in Big Blue

Big Blue

Big Blue '92, on one line of one page, has five spaces for Nova Scotia stamps, all from the 1860-63 issue.

The Nova Scotia section is after the New South Wales and Nossi Be entries. It appears all BB editions (from the 1940s on) have the same number of spaces.

The stamps are moderately expensive, with three stamps @ $10+.

But the "Victoria"stamps are well done and  quite striking,- and, I, for one, don't mind too much. ;-)

Checklist

1860-63

8,9,10,11,12,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):

1860 Scott 9 2c lilac ($10)

1860 Scott 11 8 1/2c green ($10+)

1860 Scott 12 10c vermilion ($10+)

Big Blue Nova Scotia Collection

Page 1

Comments...
A) I have completed BB's coverage.
B) The image shows the one and only page (actually one line) for Nova Scotia in BB.

B) If one wishes to have a closer view of the stamps, click on the image.

C) This scan is from the '92 edition of BB, but my '43 edition has the same coverage.

1860 Scott 10 5c blue "Victoria"

Out of the Blue

Classic engraved Nova Scotia- what's not to like?  ;-)

Note: Map appears to be in the public domain.

Comments appreciated!

Aguera- a closer look at the stamp issues

1922 Scott 20 25c deep blue

"King Alfonso XIII"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for Aguera 1920-22, 26 major descriptive numbers. Of those, 18 are CV $1+-$2+. The stamps of Aguera are affordable for WW collectors, but there is a catch....One has to find them. ;-) They tend not to be found often in general WW collections, at least in the United States.

La Aguera, or La Guera, is located on the southwestern edge

 of Western Sahara

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Centimos = 1 Peseta

1920 Scott 9 40c pink "King Alfonso XIII"

Type of 1920 Issue Rio de Oro, Overprinted

As Aguera was an administrative district of Rio de Oro on the northwest coast of Africa, it makes sense that the first issue for Aguera in 1920 used the stamps of the mother colony. The 13 stamp issue was overprinted as shown. It is a "type" of the Rio de Oro issue, however, as the denomination colors are different. There are control numbers in back printed in blue. CV for nine stamps is $2+. The CV is listed as identical for used and unused, although Scott admits that genuine used are not that common.

1920 Scott 6S 20c lilac, overprinted

Specimen Stamp

The 1920 issue ( and the 1922 issue as well) has minor numbers in Scott for specimen stamps. CV is higher, at least in the $8+ range. How does one tell that one has a specimen stamp?

Specimen stamp: "A000,000"

The control numbers on the back of specimen stamps have a "A000,000" number.

1922 Scott 15 2c dark green

"King Alfonso XIII"

In 1922, a new issue was produced for Aguera consisting of 13 stamps. Now, both Rio de Oro and La Aguera were under the rubric of "Sahara Occidental", or "Western Spanish Sahara". In fact, this was the last issue for Aguera proper; as by 1924, the stamp issues of "Western Spanish Sahara" were used.

1922 Scott 21 30c dark brown

The 1922 issue also has control  number printed in blue on the back. CV for 9 stamps is $1+.

Deep Blue

1922 Aguera issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has one page for the issues of Aguera, and naturally the spaces include all the major Scott numbers. The minor number "Specimen" stamps will either need to be put into the major number space, or a quadrilled page can be utilized.

1922 Scott 22 40c rose red 

"King Alfonso XIII"

Out of the Blue

The earlier blog entries in Big Blue 1840-1940 were heavy in information, but not so much in illustration. I am now slowly making up for that. ;-)

Note: This blog entry "Aguera- a closer look at the stamp issues" is now incorporated into the original Aguera blog post. 

Comments?