Sweden

1858 Scott 6 5o green "Coat of Arms"

Quick History
The Kingdom of Sweden in Northern Europe is bordered by Norway and Finland.

Swedish Empire 1560-1815

At one time (17th-early 18th century), Sweden was one of the great European powers, controlling much of the Baltic region, beginning with the reign of Gustavus Adolphus (1611-1632).

But King Charles XII was killed in 1718 while attempting to invade Norway, and the Empire fell apart, with Russia becoming the dominant European power in the region.

When the war ended in 1721 with the Treaty of Nystad, Sweden had lost 200,000 men (150,000 from present-day Sweden, 50,000 from present-day Finland).

Sweden remained a poor agricultural society throughout most of the 19th century, and between 1850-1910, over a million Swedes immigrated to the United States, many to Minnesota and neighboring Midwestern states. ( I grew up in Minnesota, and can attest to the very strong Scandinavian and Lutheran influence on the culture.)

Sweden

Stamps with the Coat of Arms were introduced in 1855.

Between 1870-1914, industrialization began to take hold, and a modern parliamentary democracy took root. (Today, Sweden is the seventh richest country in terms of GDP per capita, and has a very high standard of living.)

Sweden remained neutral during WW I (but there was German influence), and also remained neutral during WW II (but again, concessions had to be made to Germany, a much stronger power). Sweden did, however, support Norwegian resistance, provide haven for Jewish refugees, and gave unofficial support to Finland in the Winter War and the Continuation War.

The capital is Stockholm, and the population was 6,500,000 in 1943.

After WW II and during the era of the "Cold War", Sweden remained a neutral country, and was not a member of NATO or the Warsaw Pact. Sweden, however, still had strong informal ties with the United States and other western democratic governments.

Sweden is known as the home of the Nobel prizes, where every year, outstanding scientists and others might (hopefully, or sometimes, a complete surprise) receive a telephone call from Stockholm.

1866 Scott 16 20o vermilion "Lion and  Arms"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2014 Scott Classic Specialized 1840-1940 catalogue has, for Sweden 1855-1940, 426 major number descriptions. Of those, 217 are CV <$1-$1+, or 51%. Issues after 1900 are generally modestly priced, while the 19th century issues can be expensive, and there are a many Scott minor number color shades also.

Sweden boasts one of the uber-rarities: The 1855 Scott 1a treskilling yellow (color error) @ CV $3,000,000. !!!

If one is looking for a country where the classic era stamps are modest in design, size, and issue, the philatelic literature is well researched, and there is an active philatelic community, then Sweden is a prime candidate. Perhaps because there is very little glitz here, I am attracted to the stamps: what a great specialty country Sweden would be! (The same, no doubt, can be said for all the Scandinavian countries.)

Although I will be referring to the Scott catalogue numbers for the blog post, most serious Scandinavian collectors tend to use the Facit catalogue. As a WW collector, it is a good idea to have one as a reference.

For the purposes of this one (alas!) blog post devoted to Sweden, I will concentrate on the classical era 1855-1919 issues for a closer look.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
48 skilling banco = 1 riksdaler banco (until 1858)
100 ore = 1 riksdaler (1858-1874)
100 ore = 1 krona (since 1874)

1855 Scott 2 4s light blue "Coat of Arms"

In 1855, Sweden first issued a five stamp typographed perforation 14 "skilling" set "Coat of Arms", consisting of a 3s blue green (CV $4,000), a 4s light blue (CV $80), a 6s gray (CV $1,600), an 8s red orange (CV $575), and a 24s dull red (CV $2000). Numerous 1855-58 shades and/or thin or thick paper minor number varieties also are listed in the catalogue. Clearly, this is the stamp realm and playing grounds of the rich or (famous) specialty collectors. On cover examples can be as high as CV $35,000. 

Specialists need to be aware of the 1868,1871, and 1885 reprints (All CV $$), which had little or no actual postal use. Scott and Facit have information on how to distinguish them.

1855 Treskilling Yellow

Color error- Should be blue-green

In 1886, a young fellow named Georg Wilhelm Backman was looking for covers in his grandmother's attic (Why are so many famous philatelic discoveries discovered in an attic? ;-), and found an 1855 Treskilling in a yellowish orange color (a color used for the eight-skilling), which should have been in a blue-green color. The accepted argument is one of the 100 stereotypes (10 X 10 array) was broken on an eight-skilling printing plate, and mistakenly replaced with a three-skilling stereotype.

Only one example has been found, and the CV is now $3,000,000, the most valuable stamp in the world !!!!

The lesser arms of Sweden

The 1855 design features the "Three Crowns" (Tre Kronor) - the national emblem of Sweden. The "Three Crowns" design will be found on various classical era stamp issues through 1919.

1858 Scott 12 50o rose perf 14 "Coat of Arms"

With a change in denomination from skilling to ore, a similar design on seven stamps was released between 1858-62. CV ranges from $2-$270+. Shades- found to 1872- exist as minor numbers.

Reprints were issued in 1885 (perf 13, used examples not known). Interestingly, the design was reprinted in 1963 (perf 13 1/2), but with lines in stamp colors crossing denominations.

1858-62 Perf 14 Issue "Coat of Arms"

Note the nice cancels?

What is particularly striking (no pun intended) about Swedish stamps of the classical era are the many fine cancellations applied as SON (socked on the nose) or, at least, fairly close. One could put together a town cancellation collection of Swedish stamps that would be very attractive, in my view.

1863 Scott 13 3o bister brown "Lion and Arms"

A seated lion was used as part of the design for the 1862-69 four stamp issue. The 3 Ore, illustrated above, is Type II, as "The horizontal inner frameline in the right upper corner does not extend beyond the curved spiral".

1872 Scott 26 Perf 14 50o rose "Numeral of Value"

Between 1872-77, an eleven stamp set of "Numeral of Value" stamps were issued in perforation 14. Perforation measurement is important, as the next issue in perforation 13 has similar colors.

1878 Scott 34 Perf 13 24o orange "Numeral of Value"

The 1877-79 eleven stamp issue was, as mentioned, with perforation 13, and a number of the stamps have identical colors to those of the 1872-77 issue.

One other difference is the 1872-77 high denomination is a 1 riksdaler in bister & blue (Sweden's first bi-colored), while the high denomination for the 1877-79 issue has one in kronor. (One can view the 1 riksdaler stamp fronting the Big Blue section of this post.)

1885 Scott 39 10o dull rose "King Oscar II"

Oscar II made an appearance with this single stamp issue in 1885. Check the back of the stamp for the presence or absence of a "Post Horn" print,  This 1885 stamp does not have the print.

1886 Scott 43 5o green 

"Numeral Type with Post Horn on Back"

Between 1886-91, a ten stamp issue was produced that has a printed "Post Horn" on back under the gum. The designs are "Numeral of Value" type (2o,3o,4o,5o,6o,20o,30o,50o,), "Oscar II" (10o), and "Coat of Arms" (1k). One will need to turn over stamps of these types and denominations to check for the "Post Horn".

1889 Scott 50 10o on 12o blue

(On 1877 Perf 13 Scott 32 12o blue with a Blue Surcharge)

In 1889, because of a shortage of 10o stamps, the 12o and 24o 1877-79 values were surcharged in blue.

1892 Scott 55 4o carmine & ultramarine

Between 1891-1904,  bi-colored numerals were released for the lower denominations for a new definitive issue.

1891 Scott 63 50o slate "King Oscar II"

The same 1891-1904 issue had a "Oscar II" vignette for the ten higher values. These stamps are wonderfully engraved. One may want to enlarge this 50o slate scan image, and just enjoy!

Oscar Fredrik was King of Sweden from 1972 until 1907 (his death), and King of Norway from 1872 until 1905.

(For more on Norway and Sweden and their relationship, and the Oscar II stamps of Norway, see my Norway 1855-1927  post.)

King Oscar II of Sweden - Oscar Bjorck Painting

Oscar II, because of his intelligence and fair-mindedness, was called on to arbitrate various international disputes (Samoa, Venezuela).

He wrote poems. He contributed to military history journals. He translated Herder's and Goethe's works.

Do we have anyone in the 21st century in leadership positions with such catholic tastes? ;-)

1903 Scott 66 5k blue "Stockholm Post Office"

In 1903, with the opening of the Stockholm General Post Office, Sweden issued the first commemorative stamp. Lovely engraving!

1911 Scott 67 1o black "Arms"

Watermark 180: "Crown"

In 1910-14, a seven stamp issue was produced, with the three lower denominations having this typographed "Arms" design. Be aware that these values are on watermarked "Crown" paper.

1914 Scott 73 5k claret/yellow "Gustaf V"

Watermark 180: "Crown"

The four higher denominations of the 1910-14 issue has a face-on vignette of King Gustav V, the eldest son of Oscar II, and monarch since his father's death in 1907. He remained king until his own death in 1950! He actually never had a coronation, and never wore a crown.

1919 Scott 97 3o pale brown "Arms"

Watermark 181: "Wavy Lines"

The "Arms" design was then again used for the four stamp 1911-19 issue, this time with the "wavy lines" watermark.

Wmk 180 "Crown"; Wmk 181 "Wavy Lines"

Here is a pic scan of the "Crown" and "Wavy Lines" watermarks.

Here watermarked "P O S" 

Part of double-lined capitals "Kungi Postverket"

Can be found along margins of the sheets

Of interest, one can find, close to the margins of a sheet, for "Crown", "Wavy Lines", and  "unwatermarked" paper, a "Kungi Postverket" watermarked script in double-lined capitals. In other words, "unwatermarked" paper might have these watermarks along the margins, which may show up on some stamps. ;-)

1918 Scott 91 65o pale olive green "Gustaf V"

Unwatermarked

The major definitive issue for 1910-19 has the "Gustav V" portrait found on nineteen stamps. This is on unwatermarked paper.

1918 Scott 104 27o on 80o

In 1918, six stamps from the preceding "Gustav V" issue were surcharged "7", "12" or "27" ore.

Of interest, the 27o on 55o pale blue, and the 27o on 80o black, are only CV <$1+, while the underlying original non-surcharged 55o pale blue and 80o black, also issued in 1918, are CV $2100! Clearly, there were not many non surcharged 55o pale blue and 80o black stamps released.

After this issue, Sweden turned to a lion design and a new portrait of Gustav V. These, and later issues, were both produced in coil stamps and booklet stamp form.

Deep Blue

1881-93 "Coat of Arms" Perf 13 Officials in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 31 pages for the stamps of 1855-1940 Sweden, and includes a space for all the major numbers in the Scott catalogue. I added quadrilled pages for the 19th century issues, as I could not part with the lovely cancelled and SON duplicate specimens I acquired. ;-)

1872 Scott 27 Perf 14 1rd bister & blue "Coat of Arms"

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on seven pages, has 211 spaces for the 1858-1940 stamps of Sweden. Coverage is 49%.

The good news is there are only seven "expensive" ($10+) stamps needed, with two of them just hitting the "most expensive" ($35+) category. See the comments section below the checklist for specifics.

BB starts with the 1858 issue, and therefore, the first 1855 skilling denomination issue (five stamps, expensive to quite expensive) is not included. I guess the chance of finding a tri-skilling yellow (CV $ 3,000,000) sitting in a 3s blue-green space was never very high anyway. ;-)

The coverage is not all that generous, as a number of the issues are telescoped into one space choice.

Fighting for spaces....
* The 1872-77 Perf 14 issue vs 1877-79 Perf 13 issue vs 1886-91 Post Horn on Back issue
* 1910-15- Some of the space choices include wmk 180 vs wmk 181, and unwmked vs wmk 180.
* 1920-22- Includes Perf 10 vertically unwmk vs wmk 181 vs 1920-26 Perf 10 unwmked vs wmk 181.
* Official 1874-93- Choices are perf 14 vs perf 13
* Official 1910-19- choices are wmk 180 vs wmk 181
* Postage Due 1874-77 (-80 here)- Choices are perf 14 vs perf 13

Unfortunately, BB often typesets a a stamp album page before a country has released all the stamps in an issue, This results is only the earlier released stamps are given a space, and not the later stamps. Then, BB never re-edits the page.! There are several egregious examples with Sweden issues....

* The 1920-34 "Crown and Posthorn" issues (Scott 145-159), all inexpensive, are given only five spaces for fifteen stamps.
* The 1921-36 "Gustaf V" issue (21 stamps, all inexpensive) are given only seven spaces.

Interestingly, the 1885 Scott 39 10o dull rose "Oscar II" stamp issue (CV $1)  lost its space in the '69 edition. This stamp, although similar, is not identical in design to the 1891 Scott 58 10o carmine "Oscar II", which does have a space in all editions.

But the '69 edition has the 1918 semi-postals ( B22-B31, ten spaces), while the 1940s editions do not have a space for them.

The "1925-30" stamp spaces:  Be aware that BB mixes various design stamps together here- "Heraldic Lion", "Gustav V", and "Crown and Posthorn". There are no visual clues, only denomination and color description.

Checklist

1862

13,

1866

16,

1858

6,8,9,10,(11),

1872-91*

40, 17 or 28 or 41, 18 or 29 or 42, 30, 31a or 31 or 44, 22 or 32, 23 or 33 or 46,

24 or 34, 25 or 35 or 47, 26a or 26 or 36, 27 or 38 or 49,

1891-1904

52,53,54,55,56,57,58,

59,60,61,62,63,

1889

50,

1900

65,

Next Page

1910-15*

67 or 95, 68 or 96, 69 or 98, 70 or 77,79,71 or 80, 82,

83,84,86,87,89,72*,

1917-18

78,81,85,88,93,(91),(94*),

1918

99,100,101,102,103,104,

1920-22*

115, 117 or 122 or 126 or 130, 139 or 142, 140, 141 or 143, 120, 121 or 125 or 129,

146,148,150,154,158, 164 or 165 or 166,

167 or 189 or 190, 170 or 189A or 193, 171,174,182,185,153,

Next Page

1924

197,198,199,200,

213,214,215,216,

1925-30*

119 or 128 or 134 or 138, 168,172,175,179,181,183,

184,186,155,156,188,159,

1932

230 or 232, 231 or 233, 234,235,

1933

236 or 237 or 238, ( 236 or 237 or 238- Choose one not already taken)

Next Page

1935*

239 or 242,240 or 243,241 or 244,245,

246,247,

1936

248 or 251, 249 or 252, 250 or 253,254,255,

256,257,258,259,260,

261,263,262,

268 or 273 ,269 or 274, 270,

271,272,

Next Page

1938

275 or 278,276 or 279,277,

1938-39

264 or 266, 267, 290 or 292, 291,

1939

280 or 289, 281,282,283,284,

285,286,287,288,

293 or 297, 294 or 298, 295,296,

300 or 302, 302G or 303, 305,307,

1940

310 or 312, 311, 313 or 314,315,

Postage Due

1874-77 (-80 here)*

J1 or J12,  J2 or J13,  J3 or J14,  J4 or J15,  J5 or J16,  J6 or J17,  J20,J21,

Official Stamps

1874-93*

O12, O1 or O13, O14,

O15,O17, O6 or O18, O19,

O20, O8 or O21, O22,O23,

O24, O11 or O25, O26 or O27,

1910-19*

O28 or O41, O29 or O42, O30 or O44, O31 or O45,O32,

O33 or O48, O34, O35 or O51, O36, O37 or O53, O54, O38 or O55,

Next Page

Air Post

1920

C1, C2 or C4, C3 or C5,

1930

C6,C7,

Semi-Postal

1918

B22,B23,B24,B25,B26,

B27,B28,B29,B30,B31,

1928

B32,B33,B34,

B35,B36,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):

1863 Scott 13 3o bister brown ($10+)

1866 Scott 16 20o vermilion ($20)

1858 Scott 6 5o green ($20)

1861 Scott 9 12o ultramarine ($10+)

1858 Scott 10 24o orange ($35)

1858 (Scott 11) 30o brown ($35)

1878 Scott 34 24o orange ($30)

B) *1872-91- Choices are Perf 14 vs Perf 13 vs Post  Horn on Back

C) *1910-15- Some of the space choices include wmk 180 vs wmk 181, and unwmked vs wmk 180.

D) *72 and *(94)- Scott 72 is the 1911 1k black/yellow "Gustaf V"- wmk 180 stamp. That leaves Scott 94- the 1919 1k black/yellow "Gustav V"- unwmked stamp- as a blank space choice. The only other choices are very expensive- Since Scott 91 was used for another blank space choice, the only remaining stamps are Scott 90 and 92 @ $2000+!!!. So, rather than use 90 or 91, use 94 (CV <$1). !!

E) *1920-22- Includes Perf 10 vertically unwmk vs wmk 181 vs 1920-26 Perf 10 unwmked vs wmk 181.

F) * Official 1874-93- Choices are perf 14 vs perf 13

G) * Official 1910-19- choices are wmk 180 vs wmk 181

H) * Postage Due 1874-77 (-80 here)- Choices are perf 14 vs perf 13

I) * 1925-30- Be aware that BB mixes various design stamps together here- "Heraldic Lion", "Gustav V", and "Crown and Posthorn". There are no visual clues, only denomination and color description.

J) *1935- choices are perf 10 vertically vs perf 10. Choices are found for various perfs for the 1936 and 1938 issues as well.

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

1900 Scott 65 1k carmine & slate "King Oscar II"

Out of the Blue

If I wasn't already collecting the classical era all-world, I would seriously consider becoming a regional specialist in Scandinavian  philately. :-)

Note: Maps, treskilling yellow scan image, and Oscar II painting scan image appear to be in the public domain.

Have a comment?

Swaziland

1933 Scott 10 1/2p green "George V"

Quick History
The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, today still sovereign, and an absolute monarchy, is situated in Southern Africa. The Swazi people, under the leadership of King Mswati II (reign 1840-1868), unified and consolidated the territory, with the borders finalized in 1881.

Tiny Swaziland (green borders), located between the South African Republic (Transvaal),

Zululand, and Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique) on this 1885 Map

South African Republic (Transvaal) stamps can be found overprinted "Swaziland" in 1889 and 1892.

In 1894, Swaziland became a South African Republic (Transvaal) Protectorate. The overprinted stamps of Swaziland were replaced by those of Transvaal in 1895.

With the British victory in the Second Boer War, Swaziland became a British Protectorate in 1903. Administration of Swaziland was transferred from Transvaal to the British High Commissioner for South Africa in 1906.

Swaziland's own stamp issues were resumed in 1933.

The administration of Swaziland (and Bechuanaland Protectorate) was assumed by the British High Commissioner for Basutoland in 1934.

Swaziland in South Africa

The population was 156,000 in 1936, and the administrative capital was and is Mbabane.

I should mention that the lands were partitioned into a European area (two-thirds) and a Native Reserve area (one-third).

Swaziland remained a British Protectorate until 1968, when independence was achieved.

Swaziland

As mentioned, Swaziland is an absolute monarchy, although governed by a constitution, Swazi Law, and Swazi customs.

Ingwenyama Mswati III, King of Swaziland since 1986

By tradition, the king reigns along with his mother.... or a ritual substitute Ndiovukati (She- Elephant). Polygamy is part of the traditional Swazi culture. Currently, the King has fifteen wives.

1935 Scott 23 6p brown violet & Indigo

"Silver Jubilee Issue"; Common Design Type

Into the Deep Blue
The 2014 Scott Classic Specialized 1840-1940 catalogue has, for Swaziland 1899-1892; 1933-1949, fifty-two major number descriptions. Of those, thirty-three are CV <$1-$1+, or 64%.

The overprinted nine stamps of 1889-92 Transvaal, though, are rather expensive (CV $10+-$175), and the WW classical collector may not have any (I don't). In addition, one has to be aware of overprint counterfeits.

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

1933 Scott 12 2p light brown "George V"

Swaziland was late to adopt their own stamps as a British protectorate, with the first Swaziland issue released in 1933. The issue consisted of ten stamps, with George V in the central vignette.

The more interesting aspect of the design, however, are the Swazi embellishments.

Swazi Ox Hide Combat Shield

On either side of the vignette are images of the Swazi ox hide combat shield carried in the 1920s by the Emasotsha traditional Swazi regiment.

State and War Flag of Swaziland

The shield also is found illustrated on the state flag for the Kingdom of Swaziland. The flag is based on the one given by King Sobhuza II to the Swazi Pioneer Corps in 1941.

Traditional Homestead with Beehive Huts thatched with Dry Grass

Found on the lower portions of the 1933 stamp design are images of the beehive hut. The primary family social unit is the "homestead", which consists of beehive huts, one for each wife in a polygamous homestead, surrounded by reed fences. A great hut, facing the cattle byre, is the home of the mother of the headman. The headman, usually polygamous, leads the homestead.

1938 Scott 29 1 1/2p light blue "George VI"

An identical issue of eleven stamps, save for the George VI vignette, was released in 1938.

1945 Scott 38 1p rose pink & chocolate, pair "Victory"

Peace Issue; South Africa Issue Overprinted

The South Africa 1945 three stamp issue, celebrating the WW II victory of the Allies, was overprinted for Swaziland.

1947 Scott 46 3p ultramarine

Royal Visit Issue; Type of Basutoland, 1947

Princesses Margaret Rose and Elizabeth are featured on one of the three stamps issued for the visit of the Royal Family on March 25, 1947. An identical set, save for a change in country name, was issued for Basutoland.

1933 Scott J2 2p violet

Postage Due

A rather bland postage due set of two stamps was issued for Swaziland in 1933. But an unused 2p violet has a CV of $2+, while a postage due stamp on a properly franked commercial cover is CV $225!

Deep Blue

1938 "George VI" Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has six pages for 1889-1892; 1933-1949 Swaziland, and includes a space for all the major Scott descriptive numbers.

1947 Scott 47 1sh dark violet

Visit of the British Royal Family March 25, 1947

Big Blue
Big Blue '69, on one page located between Surinam and Sweden, has, for 1933-1938, twenty- four spaces. The spaces for BB cover the 1933 "George V" issue, the 1938 "George VI" issue, the 1935 Silver Jubilee Issue, the 1937 Coronation Issue and the 1933 Postage Due issue. Overall coverage in BB for the stamps up to 1940 is 62%.

Big Blue does not provide spaces for the earlier 1889-92 overprinted stamps of Transvaal: probably for the best, as they are rather expensive.

The 1940s editions of BB have identical coverage.

There are no expensive stamps (threshold $10) required to fill BB.

Checklist

1933

10,11,12,13,14,15,

16,

1937

24,25,26,

1935

20,21,22,23,

1938

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

33,34,

Postage Due

1933

J1,J2,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold): None

1938 Scott 28 1p rose carmine "George VI"

Out of the Blue
I would have liked to have had more native and Swaziland illustrations and scenes on the issued stamps. But since Swaziland was a protectorate during this time period, what we get are British monarchs. ;-)

Note: Maps and pics for this blog post appear to be in the public domain.

Have a comment?

Swaziland Landscape

Surinam (Dutch Guiana) 1923 Part B

1938 Scott B29 7 1/2c (+5c) Indigo "Surinam Girl"

Abolition of Slavery in Surinam 75th Anniversary

Quick History

Suriname is one of the most ethnic diverse nations in the world, with Creole (35%), East Indian (34%), Javanese (15%), Maroons (9%), Amerindian (2%), Chinese (2%) and White (1%) populations.

The languages commonly spoken in Suriname is Dutch (official), and Sranan Tongo (Surinamese Creole) as a lingua franca.

The climate is hot and sticky year round- no other way to put it. ;-)

The population was 189,000 in 1943.

Suriname

The United States had a role in Suriname history, as the country was occupied by 1,600 troops in 1941 at the "request" of the Netherlands government-in-exile to protect bauxite mines.This raw material, which is used to make aluminum, provided 65% of the needs at the time for the U.S. aviation industry.

In 1954, Suriname became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands Antilles (Curacao) and the Netherlands.

But the independence movement- largely lead by Creoles- resulted in full independence for Suriname in 1975.

This made a large portion of the population nervous, and fully one third (including most of the whites) eventually emigrated to the Netherlands.

In 1980, a military coup (December Killings), lead by the dictator Desi Bouterse , resulted in the execution of 15 prominent citizens who had criticized the military dictatorship.

Desi Bouterse, Dictator (1980-87) and President (2010-) of Suriname

Bouterse was never held responsible for these killings, and this has soured the relationship between the Netherlands and Suriname. ( In 2000, he was convicted of drug smuggling charges (474 kilos of cocaine) in absentia by the Netherlands.)

In fact, Bouterse returned to power as the new President of Suriname in 1910. In 2012, the Suriname Parliament voted a "December Killings" amnesty law which shields Bouterse and 24 other suspects.

1936 Scott B23 3c (+1 1/2c) dark blue "Surinam Child"

Surtax for Baby Food and the Green Cross Society

Into the Deep Blue
The 2014 Scott Classic Specialized 1840-1940 catalogue has, for Surinam 1873-1938, 243 major number descriptions. Of those, 95 are CV <$1-$1+, or 39%. Surinam is moderately expensive for the WW collector, but there are enough stamps to form a representative collection, even on a budget.

(Note: The Scott catalogue uses "Surinam" as the spelling, so I will use it here.)

The Part A blog post covered the 1873 issue through the 1913-31 regular issue. This Part B blog post will continue with the regular issues, beginning with the 25th anniversary Wilhelmina issue of 1923, and then cover the semi-postal issues. Frankly, the reason I am including a second blog post for Surinam is because of the wonderfully designed semi-postal issues. ;-)

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Cents = 1 Gulden (Florin)

1923 Scott 110 10c carmine rose "Queen Wilhelmina"

25th Anniversary of the Assumption of Government by Queen

When Wilhelmina was four, she became heir presumptive, and when King William III, her father died on November 23, 1890, she became Queen at ten years old. Her mother, Emma, was named regent.

Then on September 6, 1898, at the age of eighteen, she was enthroned, and assumed full government function as queen. And that is what the seven stamp issue of 1923 celebrates: the 25th year anniversary of that occasion. Curacao (Netherlands Antilles) and the Dutch Indies had similar issues.

1925 Scott 117 10c on 1922 Scott 94 12 1/2c red 

"Queen Wilhelmina"

Between 1925-26, there were seven previously issued stamps surcharged in black, red, or blue.

1930 Scott 127 21c dark brown "Wilhelmina"

The 1927-30 nine stamp issue of the queen uses the same portrait as the 1923 issue, but with a different frame. Of interest, the 21c dark brown (illustrated), issued in 1930, has a much higher CV @ $19.

1933 Scott 141 6c deep orange "William the Silent"

In 1933, a single stamp was released for the 400th anniversary of the birth of Prince William I, Count of Nassau, and Prince of Orange. I thought that "Silent"  meant he was taciturn, but it really refers more to the fact that he was being politically astute by not saying much initially during the great revolt of 1568 between the Catholic Philip II of Spain and the Protestant Netherlands.

I note that the other Dutch colonies (Curacao, Dutch Indies) also released an identically colored stamp with the same design, save for a change in the colony name.

1936 Scott 148 4c orange "Van Walbeeck's Ship"

Van Walbeeck was a navigator and cartographer on the ship De Amsterdam during the circumnavigation of the world between 1623-1626. In 1627, he sailed to the Dutch East Indies. In 1634, he became the first governor of the Netherlands Antilles. Between 1638-1647, he also spent time in Brazil. I can't find direct documentation that he was ever in Surinam as such, but interestingly, it is Surinam that has a drawing of his ship on ten stamps issued between 1936-41.

1936 Scott 161 1g dull blue "Wilhelmina"

The same 1936-41 issue for the higher denominations has an image of the older Queen Wilhelmina on twelve stamps. This Wilhelmina image is engraved, and is really a lovely and detailed rendition of the engraver's art.

1927 Scott B3 10c (+3c) vermilion & green "Green Cross"

Surtax to promote Public Health Services

The semi-postal stamps of Surinam begin with a three stamp 1927 bicolored issue, with the surtax dedicated to the Green Cross Society, which promotes public health services. Surinam appears to be the only Dutch colony where this charity/organization is active.

 Green Cross Oregon

The "Green Cross" symbol has become ubiquitous recently in my home state of Oregon, but for an entirely different reason. It is where one goes to obtain cannabis. !

1928 Scott B6 5c (+3c) violet "Nurse and Patient"

A four stamp semi-postal issue, using photogravure, was released in 1928, with the surtax dedicated for a fund to combat indigenous disease. I really like this design!

1929 Scott B8 1 1/2c (+ 1 1/2c) green "Good Samaritan"

A "Good Samaritan" design was used for a 1929 four stamp semi-postal, with the surtax to the Green Cross Society. What powerful imagery!

 1931 Scott B12 1 1/2c (+ 1 1/2c) black

"Surinam Mother and Child"

Child Welfare Societies was the recipient of the surtax funds for the four stamp 1931 "Mother and Child" semi-postal issue.

1936 Scott B25 10c (+5c) lake "Surinam Child"

A surtax for baby food and the Green Cross Society with the image of a child on four stamps was issued in 1936. Stunning.

1938 Scott B26 2 1/2c (+2c) dark blue green "Emancipation"
75th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery

In 1863, the Dutch emancipated the slaves who worked the plantations in Surinam. (Actually, the slaves were still indentured for ten more years at low wages on the plantations before they could leave.)

1938 Scott B28 5c (+3c) dark brown "Surinam Girl"

The "Abolition of Slavery" issue of 1938 showed, on the three higher denominations, this absolutely stunning photogravure drawing of a "Surinam Girl". This image ranks among the top of my all time favorites for subject/design. :-)

The surtax was for the Slavery Remembrance Committee.

1940 Scott B30 2 1/2c (+2c) dark green

"Creole Woman"

An exquisitely engraved four design issue featuring portraits of indigenous women was released in 1940. (Please enlarge the image, and enjoy the engraved artwork! )

The surtax was for leper care and baby food.

1930 Scott C1 10c dull red "Allegory of Flight"

An allegorical "Flight" design, shared with the Netherlands Antilles, was issued on seven air post stamps in 1930.

1931 Postage Due Scott J18 1c lilac 

Value in Color of Stamp

Of interest, the Netherlands and Netherlands colonies postage due stamps do not have the name of the country on them. One can only tell which (Netherlands) country the postage due stamps are intended for by the color: For Surinam- "Lilac".

Deep Blue

1940 "Women" Semi-postal Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has fifteen pages for the 1873-1938 stamps of Surinam. All the major Scott numbers have a space. 

1929 Scott B10 5c (+3c) ultramarine "Good Samaritan"

Surtax for the Green Cross Society

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on five pages, has 155 spaces for the stamps of Surinam. Included is a generous selection of the fine semi-postal issues. Overall coverage is 64%.

The Surinam Part A post includes the Big Blue Checklist.

1928 Scott B7 7 1/2c (+2 1/2c) vermilion "Nurse and Patient"

Surtax for Fund to combat Indigenous Disease

Out of the Blue

Wonderful semi-postal stamps. But regrettably, the modern political history of Suriname is off-putting.

Note: Map, Bouterse pic, and Green Cross pic appear to be in the public domain.

Comments Appreciated!