Gambia

1880 Scott 6 1p maroon "Queen Victoria"

Typographed and Embossed

Quick History
The Gambia River on the west coast of Africa served as a portal for the slave trade; first by the Portuguese, then by the British. Three million slaves were exported during the three centuries that the transatlantic slave trade was operational.  The British, however, banned slave trade throughout its Empire in 1807. The military post of Bathurst (Banjul) was established at the mouth of the river by the British in 1816. Eventually, in 1888, Gambia became a separate colony, and the boundaries were set in agreement with the French Republic.

Initially, the British Crown Colony consisted of the colony ( Bathurst and surrounding area), while the rest of the territory up the Gambia River was a  protectorate. Stamps were issued ( the striking embossed Queen Victorias) in 1869.

The Capital was Bathurst (Banjul), and the population was 200,00 in 1931.

1922 Map of Gambia

Gambia gained independence in 1965, and joined the Commonwealth. Remarkably, although only 30 miles wide and the smallest country in Africa, Gambia  has been politically stable.

1938-46 Scott 136 2p gray black & ultramarine 

King George VI and Elephant Badge of Gambia

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic catalogue has, from 1869-1949, 146 major numbers, all regular issues. Seventy one catalogue for <$5, an "affordability" index of 49%.

The outstanding issue/design  are the embossed "Queen Victorias" from 1869-1893, a 19 stamp series. Thirteen are CV for <$20.

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

1880 Scott 5 1/2p orange wmk 1 "Crown and C C"

The initial four stamps (1869 and 1874) are imperforate and expensive ($200+). But  examples of the seven stamp perforated 1880 issue can be had by classic collector for much less. The 1/2p, 1p, 2p, and 4p are CV for <$20. They have wmk 1, and also different colors than the subsequent 1886-93 issue.

As one will notice, they have an embossed head of the Queen. Definite Victorian eye candy. ;-)

1886-93 Scott 19 1sh violet

In 1886, eight more stamps were issued with different colors in the "embossed" format, generally with the wmk 2 "Crown and CA" found sideways. All eight stamps are catalogued for <$20.

Right: Pic of the usual upright wmk 2 "Crown and CA"

Left: a sideways wmk 2, with the tip of the crown peaking out on the right edge

The sideways wmk 2 stamps were printed with a pane of 15 on paper intended for a larger pane. Consequently, the wmk is misplaced, and somewhat hard to identify. Above, one will note the sideways crown peaking over the right edge of the stamp, while the "A C" letter can (with difficulty) be made out on the left of the stamp.

This might be a good time to suggest that owning the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps 1840-1970 catalogue is a good idea for the WW classic collector. ;-) There are a number of variations that are mentioned (and illustrated) in the SG, but not in Scott. Although Scott does give the "sideways" wmk alert, SG gives us also the orientation of the sideways watermark as viewed from the back. Very helpful. :-)

1887 Scott 13 1p rose carmine

SON: Bathurst, Gambia

Although mint stamps are preferred by many, a nicely cancelled specimen that identifies the stamp did postal duty is O.K. with me.  Even better, a socked-on-the-nose cancellation (as above) is particularly attractive.

Color variations

1893 Scott 18 6p slate green

1886 Scott 18a pale olive green

The embossed Victorians come in a variety of shades. The six pence is listed in Scott with five shades. Illustrated above are two examples. I found two more "possible" shades in my collection.  But, unless the shades are quite different (as above), I find it difficult to "label" a shade. Perhaps, the SG catalogue color

guide would help? 

1898 Scott 27 1sh violet & green "Queen Victoria"

In 1898, Gambia had a eight stamp issue with the more typical colony design. Four of these stamps are CV for <$4. SG lists an expensive variety with a malformed or repaired "S" on the right "Postage" side panel. Check your collection. ;-)

1904-09 Scott 41 1/2p green "King Edward VII"

The "Baldies" exists as both wmk 2 (Crown & CA) & wmk 3 (Multiple Crown & CA)

Between 1902-05, a 12 stamp issue, with wmk 2, was issued with the "King Edward VII" design. Four of these stamps have a CV of <$4. Then, between 1904-09, 24 stamps with wmk 3 were issued. These stamps are overall less expensive, with twelve having a CV of <$4. Grand total: 36 stamps!

1906 Scott 66 1p on 3sh

In 1906, two of the wmk 2 "Baldies" were surcharged. A fine example with a "Bathurst" postmark is shown above.

1912-22 Scott 81 1sh black/green "King George V"

Beginning in 1912, a 17 stamp wmk 3 "King George V" was issued. Thirteen are found for less than $4.

1921-22 Scott 95 10p yellow green & carmine rose 

This issue has wmk 4, the Multiple Crown and Script CA

A short lived 10 stamp wmk 4 "King George V" issue was produced in 1921-22. Eight of the stamps are <$3 mint, but generally much more for genuine used.

1922 Scott 122 7 1/2p violet/yellow "George V and Elephant"

A wmk 3 variety

In 1922, an attractive new design for Gambia was produced as illustrated above. The first issue (wmk 3), in 1922, had four stamps; while the second issue (wmk 4), from 1922-27, had nineteen stamps. Ten have a CV of <$4.

Besides the omnibus issues, the next major stamp production were the King George VI 1938-46 stamps, featuring the Gambian symbol, the Elephant (see illustration). Of the sixteen stamps, thirteen are catalogued for <$3. 

Deep Blue 

Naturally the Steiner eight pages for Gambia have a space for all the major numbers. The advantage, (compared to a representative album like Big Blue), is particularly acute if one happens to be deep in an issue.

Deep Blue's coverage of the embossed Victorians is, well, deep. 

Illustrated above is Deep Blue's layout for the 1880-1893 embossed "Queen Victoria" stamps. Very nice. :-)

There is even room to add a couple of cancelled examples to the mint specimens already on the page.

So having space for any major number stamp always a good thing? Not always.
;-) 

The 1904-09 "Baldies" in Deep Blue

Rather lonely?!

What about then, not being deep in an issue? Well, the Steiner will expose one's meager holdings mercilessly.    OTOH, since seven "empty" spaces here are CV <$3, a great visual incentive to fill more spots is presented. ;-)

1924 Scott 113 1sh violet/orange "George V"

Big Blue

Big Blue, "69, on two pages, has 41 spaces for the 1886-1938 regular stamps. Coverage is 28%. The most expensive stamp appears to be the 1927 Scott 108 4p carmine/orange "George V and Elephant" @ ~$12.

How did Big Blue fare with the above discussed coverage of the embossed Victorians and the "Baldies"? Poorly in the first case (embossed Victorians), and thankfully, a small representation in the second case ("Baldies"). ;-) Let's take a look.

For the embossed "Queen Victoria" stamps, Big Blue provides no spaces for the 1880 issue, and only two spaces for the 1886 issue. As I have 12 stamps, clearly Deep Blue's spaces are welcome.

Winner: Deep Blue

 Two spaces for the "Baldies" in Big Blue

Sweet and cozy!

Deep Blue has 36 spaces for the "Baldies": Big Blue? -Two spaces! But I filled Big Blue with my meager two stamp collection.

Winner: Big Blue

Simple Checklist

1886-87

12,13,

1898

20,21,(23),

1902-03

28 or 41, 29 or 42,

1912-21

70 or 87, 71a* or 71 or 88, 72 or 89, 73 or 90, 91, 75,76,77 or 92,

1922-27

102,103,104,105,106,107,

108,109,110,(113),(115),(122),

1935

125,126,127,128,

1937

129,130,131,

Next Page

1938

132,133,

134,135,136,

137,138,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):

1927 Scott 108 4p carmine/orange "George V and Elephant" >$10

B) ( ) around a number is a suggested choice for a blank space

C) *71a is the (now) minor color (1p scarlet) that is the designated color in BB.  But I have included  the (now) major number (71 1p carmine) as a choice. In fact, I will be including the (now) major number as a choice as a general rule in the checklist.

1922-27 Scott 110 6p claret "George and Elephant"

Out of the Blue

Particularly nice colony designs. Gambia is close to the top on my favorites list.

Links
Gambia - Bud's Big Blue

Note: map appears to be in the public domain.

Have a comment? Please leave one!

Gabon

1910-22 Scott 51 4c violet & deep blue "Fang Warrior"

A Bantu tribe in Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea

Quick History
On the west coast of Africa, Gabon became a French Colony in 1885. The Capital was Libreville, and the population was 400,000 in 1934. The name "Gabon" comes from the Portuguese "Gabao", meaning "cloak", the shape of the Komo River estuary by Libreville. Bantu tribes inhabited the area.  Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza explored the territory, and later became colonial governor.

Gabon had handstamped surcharged French Colonies stamp issues beginning in 1886. Then, from 1891 to 1904, Gabon was part of the French Congo. Gabon again issued their own stamps in 1904 with the "Navigation and Commerce" French colonial design. Although Gabon entered the Federation of French Equatorial Africa (along with three other colonies) in 1910, Gabon had their own stamp issues until 1936. Some of the later Gabon issues were overprinted "French Equatorial Africa".

After 1936, only French Equatorial Africa stamps were issued.

Gabon and French Equatorial Africa 1922

Gabon, as the Gabonese Republic, became independent from France in 1960.

Modern day Gabon, about the same territory as the French colony

More detail below about "French Equatorial Africa"....


French Equatorial Africa stamps were issued exclusively after 1936, but the name has existed since 1910. Initially, Gabon and Middle Congo with its military dependencies were politically united as French Equatorial Africa, although each colony had administrative autonomy and had their own stamp issues. Ubangi-Chari-Chad was made an autonomous colony in 1915, and then in 1920 Chad was made an autonomous colony. The four colonies listed above were administratively united as one colony in 1934, and consequently the separate colonies stopped their own stamp issues in 1936. So to summarize: French Equatorial Africa consisted of four dependencies; namely Middle Congo, Ubangi-Shari, Chad and Gabon.

1904-07 Scott 17 2c brown/buff "Navigation and Commerce"

The first non handstamped issue, consisting of 17 stamps

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue, from 1886-1889, and then from 1904-1933, has 183 major numbers in the regular, semi-postal, and postage due categories. 100 are less than $3 CV. "Affordability" Index is 55%.

Not very affordable are the handstamped ( "GAB" or "GABON") surcharged French Colonies issues of 1886-1889. They consist of 15 stamps, with the least expensive @ $65, but usually much more. They would interest the specialist, but probably not the world wide collector.

The next issue (17 stamps), from the years 1904-07 ,(illustrated above), is the well known "Navigation and Commerce" design. Seven are valued @ <$10.

A closer look at the stamps and issues

1910 Scott 36 5c olive gray & green "Fang Warrior"

Note the "French Congo" inscription

The 1910 series, consisting of 16 stamps, had local images, including "Fang Warrior", "Fang Woman", and "Libreville". This series, with the "French Congo" inscription, only lasted a short time. Consequently, the CV are more expensive than the subsequent series, ranging from $1+ for the 1c up to $300+ for the 5fr denomination. Seven are valued @ <$10. 

1910-22 Scott 50 2c black & chocolate "Fang Warrior"

Scott 50a "White paper"

Scott 50b 2c gray black & deep olive

The next series, consisting of 23 stamps, and issued almost immediately after the first series, had the same three designs. Note the "Equatorial Africa" inscription. Seventeen of these stamps can be had for <$2.

Generally the stamps are on dull cream paper. But some are issued on white paper (illustrated), are valued higher, and are given minor numbers by Scott. I only became aware of this when I noticed some paper color differences in my collection. 

Same with the 2c gray black & deep olive color variation illustrated above. I happened to notice a bit of subtle color changes in some stamps I had in my feeder collections. Only then did I realize these are minor Scott numbers. It might be wise to check your own collection for these "hidden" minor numbers. :-)

1926 Scott 90 10c dark blue & brown "Fang Warrior"

This series is overprinted "French Equatorial Africa"

The next issue (27 stamps), based on the previous designs, was produced between 1924-31, and was overprinted "French Equatorial Africa".  In addition, eight stamps were surcharged with new values between 1925-28. Twenty-five of these stamps can be had for <$2.

I'm not sure why these stamps were required to be overprinted, as they were already inscribed "Equatorial Africa". Perhaps they were used in other parts of French Equatorial Africa besides Gabon?

1912 Scott 74 5c on 15c gray surcharged in black or carmine

Check the spacing between the numerals: Here 1.5mm

Note: One can make out the Capital "Libreville" on the cancellation

As in other French colonies we have reviewed, the "Commerce and Navigation" design was surcharged in 1912. The surcharged issue had 13 stamps, and twelve of them are <$2. But the spacing between the numerals can vary. The wider spacing (2.25mm vs 1.5mm for the 5c) is given minor numbers in Scott , and are worth at least 5X as much. Worth checking out. :-)

1932-33 Scott 127 5c greenish blue 

"Timber Raft on Ogowe River"

This 24 stamp issue was short lived

The next major issue with a change in design occurred in 1932, but only lasted a few years, as Gabon's stamps were subsumed under the "French Equatorial Africa" designation after 1936. The  illustrations consisted of three designs: the one shown above, "Count Savorgnan de Brazza" ( the colonial governor), and "Village of Setta Kemma". The 24 stamps issue has fourteen valued at <$2.

So what do you think of this next stamp?

1936 Scott 2 2c black/rose

Overprinted "French Equatorial Africa"

I found copies of this series in three of my feeder albums in the Gabon section. True they were Gabon stamps. But they were issued in 1936, and are considered the first issue of French Equatorial Africa. There one will find the stamp spaces for this issue: a word to the wise. ;-)

Deep Blue

Deep Blue, on fourteen pages, has a space for all the Scott major numbers. The minor numbers that I've discussed ( "white paper" variations, subtle stamp color changes, spacing between surcharged numerals) do not of course have spaces. These additional stamps can go on the same page as the major numbers (if room), or be put on a quadrilled page.

1930 postage due Scott J12 5c dark blue & olive

"Chief Makoko, de Brazza's Aide"

Many of the Postage Due issue designs are highly attractive

Big Blue

Big Blue,'69, on four pages, has 111 spaces for regular, semi-postal, and postage due stamps. Coverage is 61%. BB begins with the 1904-07 "Commerce and Navigation" issue (four spaces), and continues with better than average coverage, including 30 of the 33 possible postage dues. Kudos! :-)

I did notice a goof for the 1932-33 issue. The Scott 143 2fr brown red "Village of Setta Kemma", a $35 stamp!, is given two consecutive spaces: an illustrated space and a descriptive space. See image below.

1932-33 Scott 143 2fr brown red "Village of Setta Kemma"

A $35 value, BB has both an illustrated and a descriptive space for this stamp.

Other somewhat expensive stamps include 118, 145, J20, J21, J22, &J32; all for $10+.

Simple Checklist ('69 and "97)

1904

16,17,18,19,

1912

74,75,76,78,

1910

33,34,35,36,37,38,

1910-22

49,50,51,52,53,54,

58,55,56,57,59,

1924

85,86,87,88,89,91,93,

next page

1924-31

94,95,96,97,

98,99,100,101,

102,103,104,105,

106,107,108,110,(109),

112,113,115,116,(117),(118),

114

next page

124,125,126,127,

128,129,130,131,

132,133,134,135,136,

140,137,138,139, 141,

142,143,143*

144,145,146,

*error in BB; 143 ($35) given two spaces.

next page

postage due

1928

J1,J2,J3,J4,J5,J6,J7,J8,

1930

J12,J13,J14,J15,J16,J17,

J18,J19,J20,J21,J22,

1932

J23,J24,J25,J26,J27,J28,

1932

J29,J30,J31,J32,J33,

Semi-postal

1917

B3

Comments

*error in BB; 143 ($35) given two spaces.

( ) around a number is a suggested blank space choice.

The '47/'41 editions definitely are arranged differently, but I did not do a formal evaluation

1932-33 Scott 126 4c green "Timber Raft on Ogowe River"

Nice designs on colonial Gabon stamps

Out of the Blue

I am impressed with the French inspired colonial Gabon designs. Very nice stamps indeed.

I am equally impressed with the very nice coverage of Big Blue, save for the printing goof.

Note: Maps appear to be in the public domain.

Links
Gabon - Bud's Big Blue

Would like to hear from you - I need some comments!

2012 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue available for the iPad

Breaking News...
Today-February 29th, which is only on the calendar every four years, ;-)  ,came the news of the release of the iPad versions of the Scott catalogues. The app also works for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but one will not get the full page view as one will with the iPad.

More interestingly, from a world wide classic era collector perspective, is the release of the 2012 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue in iPad format as an app (application).

The "Introduction" is free, then Part A (A-E), Part B (F-M), and Part C (N-Z) are $29.99 apiece. About $90 total cost for the whole catalogue. (The 2012 "Book" version is $130 at Amos, but is currently sold out.)  Having at the touch of an iPad, current prices, stamp images, and descriptions- in fact, everything that is now on the classic page- for all the classic era stamps does sound very good indeed.

There is a fairly unobtrusive advertising bar at the bottom of the screen. Touching the bar brings one to the Amos web site.

I quickly reviewed the Introduction, and it has all the valuable information now found in the paper version, some 40+ pages, and includes a grading tutorial, a stamp identifier, and an index to the Catalogue contents. It is viewed in "vertical" iPad format, and one can scroll horizontally from page to page. One can enlarge the stamp images with two fingers-as usual-in the iPad. But the images are not fine enough to do any detailed examination of a stamp image.

(Addendum note: David Akin, an associate editor for Scott catalogs, had some interesting remarks in the March 19,2012 edition of Linn's Stamp News on page 54. He said a major goal was to keep the files small, so downloading would be quicker. They managed to reduce the dpi's (dots per inch) for the iPad to 132 dpi. For comparison, the Scott Classic catalogue is produced at 300 dots per inch. They suggested the high resolution screens of the Apple products allowed them to do this.

But that might explain why the stamp images, if enlarged, do not have much detail. 132 dpi (resolution) is not much! I scan my stamp images @ 1200 dpi - overkill, sure, but very high resolution. When the stamp images are uploaded to the blog, and enlarged when viewing, they provide clear images for close study. So the need for small files for quick downloading has trumped the need/desire by some collectors to have detailed sharp stamp images in the digital version of the Classic catalogue.)

I would think, since the app is "free", and the "Introduction" is free, downloading the app simply for the valuable information in the Introduction would be worthwhile, even if one elects not to purchase the other parts.

I don't know how well it would work for inventory, if at all. It appears the app is a vehicle to deliver PDF type pages of the catalogue to one's own iPad. One can zoom in, bookmark and/or make a note about a page, and search (specific catalogue numbers work best) the catalogue.

If one cannot "mark-up" the catalogue in some fashion for inventory or want-lists, it would be less valuable to me. On first look, it appears any "mark-up" function is not there.

Each Part (say Part A Countries A-E), is subdivided into Geographical (A-E) segments (or files).

(Addendum note: Again, according to the March 19, 2012 Linn's, the decision was made to organize the digital Scott Classic catalogue, not alphabetically as the book catalogue does, but by "Geopolitical  Segments". Therefore,a British America, a French Colonies, a German area, a Latin America area, for instance, is how the individual countries are placed.)

Each segment (or file) is pretty much independent, and doesn't "interact" with other segments (or files) directly. If one wants a country not in the current segment ( say you are browsing Latin America A-E currently, and you want Venezuela), one must go "Home" find the desired segment (Latin America N-Z), and go there. I believe the search function is limited to a specific segment (or file) also.

I could definitely envision using this app, but whether I want one now is questionable, as I currently have the 2011 catalogue. Perhaps in a year or two?

If any reader downloads this app and uses it, I would appreciate their evaluation.

(Addendum note: I have tried as best I can to give a flavor of the iPad app, but I have not tried it myself. For an actual hands on evaluation, see Bob Skinner's "Filling Spaces" blog-http://globalstamps.blogspot.com/
There he discusses the iPad and  iPhone versions, but more importantly gives a link to the Virtual Stamp Club thread where he did a very detailed evaluation of the apps. Definitely worth the read.)

To find the "free" app, just type in Scott Specialized catalogue in iTunes at the App store, or view the app "preview" at:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scott-catalogue/id484086693?mt=8
(You still must open your iTunes to buy or download apps)

February 29th may turn out to have been a very auspicious day for the world wide classic era collector.

Comments appreciated!

Funchal

1897-1905 10r light green "King Carlos"

Quick History
Funchal is a the largest city in the Madeira island group, and is located off the coast of north Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. It was an administrative district, and issued stamps from 1892-1905, when then the stamps of Portugal were used. Today, it is still part of Portugal. The population was 150,000 in 1900.

Location of Funchal and Madeira

Funchal and Madeira

The city was named after wild fennel ("funcho" in Portuguese) which was abundant when the settlement was founded in 1424. It was an important port and stopover for caravels in earlier centuries. Now it hosts cruise ships and yachts.

1905 50r ultramarine "King Carlos"

A dark blue color was issued earlier in 1897

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 34 major numbers present from the1892-93 and 1897-1905 issues.  Twenty eight are valued <$5, with 19 priced at <$1-$1+. "Affordability" index is 82%.

The Scott also has 28 (A1-A28) portuguese stamps with barred numeral "51" used in Funchal listed from 1853-1867. These are all rather expensive at $30+ minimum; more typically $100+.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
The 1892-93 "King Carlos" issue has 12 stamps ( 7 are <$5), with major number Perf 12 1/2; minor number 13 1/2 versions listed.

The 1897-1905 "King Carlos" issue has 22 major numbers (All <$5). Let's take a closer look.

1897-1905 20r gray violet "King Carlos"

Note white/yellow paper varieties, and shades

Eight stamps in the issue (lower denominations) are also noted to exist in a yellow paper variety (Scott bolded minor number). The yellow paper varieties are dirt cheap. (<$1).

1899 25r carmine rose "King Carlos"

Again note the yellow paper variety, and shades

Another example is posted above of the yellow paper variety. Also, these stamps seem to come in a variety of shades. I have a supplementary page for the shades, as they are difficult to ignore. :-) 

1897-1905 100r dark blue/blue "King Carlos"

Note the bluish paper

The higher denominations (75r-500r) are issued on various colored paper (blue,pink,yellow,rose, pale lilac,buff, pink). The example above has bluish paper that is quite obvious on visual inspection, perhaps less so on the scan. No doubt this was done as a  anti-counterfeiting measure.

Deep Blue

Deep Blue provides spaces on two pages for the two major number issues (1892-93, 1897-1905)

Here is a pic of the 1897-1905 issue.

Layout in Deep Blue for the 1897-1905 issue

I do have a little quibble with the fact that Deep Blue does not provide spaces for the yellow paper varieties, or for the 13 1/2 perf varieties of the 1892-93 issue. Now admittedly, these varieties are minor numbers, but they are bolded minor numbers in Scott, compared to italic, and therefore are given prominence in the catalogue. In addition, these varieties are inexpensive, and easily accumulated. I have placed them on a separate supplemental quadrilled page. I suppose I could simply print out double pages for the varieties also.

1897-1905 25r sea green "King Carlos"

Big Blue provides eleven spaces (out of 22 total) for this set

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on two lines of one page, has 14 spaces for the 1892-93, and 1897-1905 sets. Coverage for major numbers is 41%. The most expensive inclusion is the Scott 21 50r dark blue @ $4. Big Blue did not include nine stamps valued at $1-$2+.

Simple Checklist

1892-93

1,2,5,

1896 (actually 1897)

13,14,15,18,

21,24,26,27,

1899-1905

20,22,25,

1897 5r orange "King Carlos"

Out of the Blue

The Portuguese colonies stamps no doubt provide a window into the postal history of the Portuguese colonies. That reality alone makes them interesting.

The designs, unfortunately, rarely illustrate the indigenous culture of the colony. Generally, the colony's name and the value is stamped generically on an image that all Portuguese colonies share.. France does this as well with the "Navigation and Commerce" colony stamps, but then the subsequent issues usually provides the colony with their own designs. 

Maps appear to be in the Public domain.

Links
Funchal - Bud's Big Blue

Would appreciate a comment!

French Sudan

1931-40 1c dark red & black "Sudanese Woman"

Quick History
French Sudan ( Soudan Français) was a colony that was part of French West Africa. The population was 3,800,000 in 1941, and the Capital was Bamako.

The colony first existed from 1890-99. The "Navigation and Commerce" issues were produced for French Sudan during 1894-1900. Then in 1899 the colony was split up and divided between Dahomey, French Guinea, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Senegambia and Niger. From 1906-21, part of the territory was known as  Upper Senegal and Niger.

The colony was reborn in 1921. Issues for French Sudan (under French West Africa administration) were resumed in 1921 with overprinted Upper Senegal and Niger stamps.

1936 map of French West Africa

Note "Soudan Français"

French Sudan persisted under the French realm until 1960, when the Republic of Mali gained independence.

French Sudan (green)

French West Africa (light green)

Other French Possessions (dark gray)

Now for a collector reality check. According to John Apfelbaum's blog ( BTW- a great read), French Sudan existed essentially on the maps in the Foreign Office in Paris rather then as a "real" nation state. Finding  postally used cancelled stamps from this country is unusual.

http://johnapfelbaum.blogspot.com/2011/09/french-sudan.html

Note: The new (2015) excellent website StampWorldHistory has a very nice review and map of the twists and turns of the changing border of French Sudan.

1894-1900 1c black/lilac blue "Soudan Français" in carmine

Into the Deep Blue

The 2011 Scott Classic catalogue has 147 descriptions from 1894-1900 and 1921-40 for regular, semi-postal, air post, and postage due categories. Of those, 105, or 71%  are <$1-$1+ : so rather inexpensive to collect. Scott values "used" the same as "mint", although postally used copies are actually rare.

A closer look at the stamps and issues

As mentioned, there is a 1894-1900 seventeen stamp "Navigation & Commerce" design ranging in valuation from $1+-$50+. Then there was a 21 year hiatus.

1927 15c orange brown & violet "Camel and Rider"

Overprinted "Soudan Français" on Upper Senegal and Niger stamps

From 1921-30, a 29 stamp bi-colored issue was produced, all with the "Camel and Rider" design. These were actually overprinted Upper Senegal and Niger issues. The above stamp is "used", but I haven't been able to identify the postmark.

1931-40 5c indigo & green "Sudanese Woman"

Design found on nine lower denomination series stamps

A second large issue with 41 stamps was produced from 1931-40 using three local portraits/scenes. "Sudanese Woman" is illustrated above; rather nice, don't you think?

1931-40 3fr Prussian green & brown "Sudanese Boatman"

Part of a 41 stamp issue

The "Sudanese Boatman" design is found on fourteen higher denomination stamps. The stamps in this issue are valued for no more than $2+.

1921 postage due 5c green "numerals" overprinted

Twenty-two postage due stamps were issued for French Sudan: primarily an 1921 overprinted eight stamp issue, and a 1931 ten stamp issue. Illustrated above is an overprinted 1921 Upper Senegal and Niger stamp.

Deep Blue

The Steiner files provides twelve pages for French Sudan. No surprises, as follows the Scott catalogue exactly.

1921-30 4c black & blue "Camel and Rider"

Stamps of Upper Senegal and Niger overprinted

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on six pages, has 107 spaces for regular, semi-postal, air post and postage due categories. Coverage is 73%. Clearly, BB provides room for a nice representative collection.

Simple Checklist

1894-1900

3,4,5,6,9,(8),(13),

1921-30

21,22,23,24,25,26,

27,28,29,30,31,33,34,

39,40,41,42,44,(32),(36),

1925-27

51,52,53,54,55,56,57,

Next Page

1930-38

61,62,64,65,66,67,

68,69,70,72,73,74,

76,77,79,81,82,83,

85,86,88,91,93,94,

95,98,

Next Page

1937

106,109,

107,108,110,111,

1939

113,114,115,

1939

116,117,

1939-40

63,71,75,78,80,84,

Next Page

1939-40

87,89,90,92,

96,97,

Semi-Postal

1939

B1

Postage Due

1921

J1,J2,J3,J4,

J5,J6,J7,J8,

1927

J9,J10,

1931

J11,J12,J13,J14,J15,

J16,J17,J18,

Air Post

1940

C1,C2,C3,

C4,C5,

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ( $10 Threshold)

Semi-Postal

1938

B1 1.75fr + 50c bright ultra “Curie Issue” >$10

B) ( ) around number is suggested stamp for a blank space.

1931 postage due 10c rose "numerals"

Out of the Blue

Interesting appropriate designs marred by overly long stamp series obviously intended as a revenue source. 

Note: Maps appear to be in the public domain.

Links
French Sudan - Bud's Big Blue

Comments are appreciated!

The Big Blue Checklist-How it is done

Dominican Republic Scott 146a 5c blue & black 

"Juan Pablo Duarte"

I've had some questions from readers on the intent of the checklist, how it is done, and what is the difference between the annotated (Aden-Ethiopia) checklist, and the present "simple" (Falkland Islands-Latvia) checklist.

So this is a blog about the "nuts and bolts" of creating a checklist, and the decision process that goes into this effort.

As one is no doubt aware, Big Blue is a "representative" album; that is about 40%, or 35,000 spaces are given to the 1840-1940 era when ~ 90,000 stamps were issued.

So did Big Blue simply choose 35,000 discrete stamps, and leave out categorically the other 65,000?

Yes and no.

Yes, clearly, in many cases stamps were left out ( high denomination, high expense, or for no good reason), or whole sections or countries were left out. After all, there are only 35,000 spaces, so choices had to be made. ;-)

But Big Blue, by listing dates for stamp spaces, color descriptions for stamp spaces, or an illustration in a stamp space, may admit more than one stamp for a space. (Or may exclude some perfectly good stamps that probably should have been given a shot at a space.)

Consequently, there are really more than 35,000 stamps eligible for a space.

So how does one determine which stamp(s) are eligible for a particular space?

Again, the three important variables are date specification, color specification, and illustration specification. Let's look at each one. (There is a fourth variable-denomination- but there is nothing to say about that-just put in the correct denomination for the space.)

Date specification
Big Blue either gives an inclusive date for an issue (1900-1905), or an "open" date for an issue (1900).

Inclusive Date (example 1900-1905)
For an inclusive date criteria, if a stamp falls within that parameter, and it is eligible otherwise, in it goes into the checklist. ;-)
No problem there.

What about an otherwise eligible stamp that was issued in 1908, or a whole issue (perhaps only varying by watermark) that was produced in 1907-1912? Nope. Sorry.  If Big Blue had intended that issue or stamp to be eligible, the date criteria should have been set to reflect that.

I agree that this is following the "Letter of the Law" rather than the "Spirit of the Law" sometimes, but who am I to change Big Blue's criteria? Now I will usually mention in the blog if a whole issue is excluded because of date criteria, so the reader is aware of the situation. One always has the choice as the owner of the album to simply expand or change the date range to admit the excluded issue. And in many cases, that might be a good idea. ;-)

"Open" date (example 1900)
In many cases, Big Blue simply gives a date which corresponds nicely to a stamp issue of the same date. Again, no problem, and the stamp or issue goes into the checklist.

But this is where it gets 'tricky", and judgement calls are made. What about a stamp (or issue) produced in 1902 or 1904 or 1906 or 1910? Are they included as eligible candidates for the space? Yes, sometimes, especially if the issued stamp date is very close (say 1902) to the 'open" date. In other cases, BB might actually include a space for a "1902" stamp, even though the date might say "1900". Then I have "permission" to include other "1902" stamps in the selection. However, if the stamp was issued say, in 1910, it is unlikely I will include it as a choice.

Unfortunately, I not infrequently have to exclude a very nice "1910" issue in Big Blue because I cannot stretch an open "1900" date to include them. Generally, I would make a comment about the situation to alert the reader.

Color specification
For a descriptive space, Big Blue always gives a color specification for a denomination. If a stamp is that color, in it goes-no problem. And if the date specifications allow several issues to be considered, and the stamp denomination has the same color for the issues, than more than one stamp of that color is eligible for the space.

But the color description more often excludes than includes. Say a "blue" is called for, and an otherwise eligible stamp from another issue is "ultramarine". Nope, won't be eligible. The color description is probably the major reason why many otherwise eligible stamps from other issues do not make the cut.

Major number color vs minor number colors
What about a stamp that is "brown", and the space calls for 'brown", and that stamp happens to be major number say Scott 12? Obviously no problem, "Scott 12" can go in that space. Well, what about the "minor" numbers for that spaces -say 12a olive brown, 12b dark brown, 12c red brown- are they eligible? I say yes because major number Scott 12 "owns" the space, and so Scott 12's minor number companions are eligible too. BTW, I usually don't mention minor number eligibility for a space as only major numbers are usually listed in the checklist. So, to rephrase, if a major number-and it's color- is eligible for a space, then the minor color variations of the number are eligible too.

Now what about if Big Blue calls for a (now) minor number color for the space? This happens not infrequently because the colors in BB were specified with the ?1940 to ?1969 catalogue, and the 2011 Scott might have a different color as it's major number now. Big Blue might request "light brown". Looking at the 2011 catalogue, I find that that color is now relegated to a minor number-say 18a. The major number color for "18" is now "olive brown". In this case, I will put as a choice "18a or 18". I include the color BB asks for, but also include the major number today as a choice. Yes a bit of pragmatism.

Finally, Big Blue might list the color as "yellow green" ( The 1940 catalogue), while the 2011 catalogue lists the color as 'green". It is actually the same stamp, but the catalogues have changed their color description. Since this is only a descriptive difference, not a real color difference, with the "simple" checklist I will generally not make mention of it.

What about if BB calls for an expensive color, when a perfectly good (by other criteria) "near" color is available at much less expense? I might mention the cheaper choice and perhaps suggest changing the color criteria if one wants to save money. ;-)

Illustration specification
Interestingly, often an illustration permits the widest range of color choices! Since there is no descriptive (color) specification, any color (red-blue-orange) that is date eligible could be put in.

On the other hand, if the illustration shows an overprinted stamp, the overprinted design is often so specific that it will exclude other overprinted designs that would be eligible based on date criteria. There are instances where the descriptive spaces describes the "cheap" issue, but the illustration shows an "expensive" choice. No argument- one will need to put in the expensive choice if BB illustrates it.

More Comments and Summary...
A) Major numbers that are eligible for inclusion will almost always be listed as choices for a stamp space.

B) Minor numbers will generally not be mentioned in the checklist. Doesn't mean they are not eligible- as I said if a major number is eligible, then the minor numbers listed under the major number are also eligible. I don't want to have a checklist with 12 numbers as choices for a stamp space, 10 of them minor. ;-)

C) Date errors in Big Blue are not uncommon. By that, I mean BB lists the date of issue as say 1902-06, when actually the date of issue was say, 1901-1907. If  important, I will mention it.

D) Annotated vs "simple" checklist. I am now doing a 'simple" version with no comments except after the checklist section. Very clean presentation. I will not mention "minor" problems (example: " BB lists the color as light blue, while the 2011 Scott now lists the color as blue"). Any "major" problems I will try to mention in the blog or in the comment section after the checklist.

E) (   ) around a number indicates a blank space suggested selection. Generally, the choice will either be sequential or the cheapest, probably both. I don't want to clutter up the blank space entry with a long list of (generally more expensive) possibilities. Doesn't mean there aren't other choices you could make for the blank space- but you will need to do your own catalogue investigation.

F) The "simple" checklist sequence follows exactly the 1969 Big Blue layout. If you look at the checklist while having the BB page open, it should be very easy to determine what you have and what you don't have. The '97 version is almost identical, except categories (i.e. Air Post, Postage Due) will have their own heading beginning on a new page. The '47/'41 editions will share 95% of the inventory, but may differ more commonly at the beginning or at the end of the country entry, and might have a different page layout.

G) Countries or major country sections that were in the '47/'41 editions, but were removed in the '69, will be added as blog entries and a checklist will be provided. Minor removals ( example: postal tax stamps) will not be added back. I'm not formally comparing older editions content to the '69 edition at this time. I am using Bob's "Filling Spaces" list of missing countries/major sections that he has already published. Thanks Bob!

H) In the comment section below a blog entry country checklist, I will alert the reader to any stamp with a CV of $10 or more. BTW, for spaces with multiple choices, the "cheapest" choice has to be $10 or more for me to mention the price.

I) The comment section regarding the country checklist will be found in the specific countries blog, and not transferred to the checklist scrolling down the left panel. [Edit: Now linked in the left panel.] So check the countries blog if you have questions about the checklist. ;-)

J) Comment about procedure and time commitment to do the checklist.
I write in all the numbers in the spaces in one of my '69 Big Blue albums right after I have become familiar with the catalogue (2011 Scott Classic Specialized ) for the country by writing in all the numbers in my Deep Blue album. Then, it is quite apparent if BB has condensed several issues into one space, or included or left out an issue. Certainly makes it easier to do, so the time commitment has gone down without sacrificing accuracy.

I hope you find the checklists useful, either for a "real" Big Blue album, or as a handy checklist for a "representative" inexpensive guide for collecting the stamps of a country. As said, for myself, I use the checklist as a template for collecting a countries stamps in Deep Blue.

Comments appreciated!

Jim