Brazil

1878-79 Scott 72 100r green

Emperor Dom Pedro

Quick History
Brazil, in area about one half of South America, was "discovered" by Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500, and then was a possession of Portugal until 1815. A Kingdom until 1822, it was an independent Empire until 1889, when a constitution was adopted. The Capital was Rio de Janeiro (Now Brasilia), and the population was about 43 million in the 1940's. The Empire issued the 30r black Imperforate on August 1, 1843, while the Southern Cross was featured on the engraved issues of the Republic in 1890.

 Scott 118 200r orange & black and Scott 119 300r green & black

1894-97 "Liberty Head"

Big Blue Picture

Big Blue, not including blank pages, has 13 pages of coverage for Brazil in the 1997 edition; while the 1969 edition uses 11 pages for the same coverage. There are 274 stamp spaces encompassing regular, semi-postals, air post, postage dues, officials, newspaper, and postal tax categories. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has a total of 669 major number stamp descriptions for Brazil. Big Blue's coverage is 41%.

The stamps of Brazil seem relatively inexpensive, and Big Blue has a "representative" selection. I did find 33 Nineteenth Century stamps that could be added, none for more than $20+. There are 48 more stamps available from 1900-1940 from <$1-$5+. There are also 24 Air Post stamps that could be added for <$1-$2+. One can add 29 Postage Due stamps, including 8 from the 1895 issue that Big Blue ignores, for <$1-$2+. Finally,9 Official and 4 Newspaper stamps are <$1-$2+.

The additional 157 stamps to consider by the Big Blue collector...

Numeral Issues
1844-46
7,9,($20+)

1854
37($10+)

1878-79
71,73,($10+-$20+)
74,78,($20+)

1881 small heads
79($20+)

1884-85
88,91,($2+)

1887
95($10+)

1888
96($1+)

1890-91 Republic Issues
105,106,($5+-$10+)
107,108,($10+-$2+)

1894-97
121($2+)

1898 newspaper stamps surcharged
131,132,132c,133,134,136,($1+-$5+)

1899
143,144,146,147,148,149,150,($1-$5+)

1899 surcharge
151,152,($2+)


1900
162,163,164,165,($5+)

1905
166,167,168,170,171,($1+-$2+)

1906-16
187,188,($1+-$2+)

Other additional regulars..
212,214,215,263,264,286,287,293,294,295,296,297,300,344,347,348,349,350,351,352,353,356,357,369,370,371,376,377,394,395,396,397,404,405,406,418,427, (<$1-$5+)

1938 Souvenir sheet of 10 Imperf-"Sir Rowland Hill" for the Brazilian International Philatelic Exposition.
465 ($20+ used or mint)
Note: If you are interested in other "inexpensive" Country Souvenir sheets 1840-1940, see the list by Ken under comments for Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Air Mail additionals...

1927 O14-O29 surcharged
C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12,C13 (<$1-$2+)

1934 Imperf
C32,C33,C34,C35,C36, (<$1-$2+)

1934-40
C37,C38,C39,C40,C41,C42, (<$1-$2+)

Special delivery stamp
E1 (<$1)

Postage Dues additionals
1895 "D2" design
J18,J19,J20,J21,J22,J23,J25,J26 (<$1-$5+)

1924-1940
J49,J50,J51,J52,J53,J57,J58,J59,J61,J62,J63,J65,J68,J69,J70,J74,J75,(<$1-$1+)
J76,J77,J79,J80,($1+)

Additional Officials
O8,O9,O10,O11,O12,O13,($1+-$2+)
O21,O22,O23,($1+-$2+)

Newspaper additionals..
P4,P5,P6,P14,($2+)

Note: I will discuss the additional "regular" definitives of 1920-24 types that could be added - and there are a lot!-in another post.

1936 Scott 428 300r green,yellow,blue & black

Eucharistic Congress Seal

Big Blue Checklist
1850 Numeral issue
23, ($2+)
Two blank spaces: suggest 24,25, ($2+-$10+)

1866-76
53 or 61 ($5+-$40+)
54 or 62 ($2++-$30+)
58 or 65 ($1+)
59 or 66 ($10+)
56 or 63 ($2+-$10+)
57 or 64 ($5+-$20+)
Note: 1866 Scott 53-59 Perf 12; while 1876 Scott 61-66 Rouletted

1878-79
68,69,70,72,75,($1+-$5+)

1882-84 Larger Heads
82,($10+)
Blank space: suggest 83 or 85 ($2+-$5+)

1884-85
86,87,90,($2+)

1885
92($2+)

1889
93($2+)

1891
109($1+)

1890-91 Issue of the Republic
99,100, ($1+)
101 or 102 ($5+-$1+)
103,104,($1+-$5+)

1893
111($1+)

1894-97
112 or 113 or 113a (<$1-$10+)
114 or 114b (<$1)
115($1+)
116,118,(<$1)
119 or 119b (<$1-$1+)
120 or 120b ($1+)
122 or 122b ($2+-$5+)
Note: Minor numbers have wider spacing between stamps.

1900
159,160,161 (<$1)

1906-16
174,175,176,177, (<$1)
178 or 179, (<$1)
180,181,(<$1-$2+)
182,183,(<$1-$1+)

184,185,($2+-$1+)

1906-16
192,193,194,($2+-<$1)

189,190,191, ($1+)

1915

195,196 ($2+-$5+)

1920

235,($1+)

1918 Liberty Head

10r "orange brown" : Scott 200 (<$1)  Note: Scott 207 ($1+) (red brown) is ruled out.

20r Illustrated : Scott 201 or 207B (<$1-$1+)

25r "olive green" Scott 202 or 208 (<$1)

50r "green" Scott 203 or 209 ($3-<$1)

100r Illustrated Scott 204 or 210 (<$1)

200r " blue" Scott 211 (<$1)

300r "red-orange" Scott 205 ($2+) Note: Scott 212($2+) (orange) is ruled out.

500r "dull violet" Scott 206 or 213 ($2+-$5+)

1920-24 Definitives

Designs: A72=Education; A73=Railroad; A74=Industry;A75=Aviation;A76=Mercury;A77=Navigation;A79=Agriculture

A73 10r Illustrated (red violet): 218 or 236 or 265($5+) or 273 (<$1except noted)

A73 20r "olive green": 219 or 237 or 266($5+) (<$1 except noted)

A74 25r Illustrated (brown-violet): 220 or 239 (<$1)

A74 50r "blue-green": 221 or 240 (<$1-$2+)

A74 50r "orange-brown": 222 or 241 or 268 ($5+) (<$1 except noted)

A79 80r "greenish-blue": 259(<$1)

A75 100r Illustrated (rose-red): 223 or 242 (<$1)

A75 100r "orange": 224 or 243 or 269 (<$1)

A75 150r "violet": 225 or 245 (<$1)

A75 200r "blue": 226 or 246 (<$1-$10+)

A76 300r Illustrated (olive-gray): 228 or 249 (<$1)

A76 500r "red-brown": 230 or 253 or 281 (<$1)

A77 600r Illustrated (red-orange): 231

A77 1000r "claret": 232 (wmk100) (<$1)

Note: 1920-22 Scott 218-230 Unwmk; 1922-29 Scott 236-257 Wmk 100; 1924 Scott 265-272 Wmk 193; 1924-28 Scott 273-285 Wmk 101.

Note; This is only the tip of the Iceberg with these Brazil definitives. There are EIGHT more series through 1940,, each with a different watermark. Big Blue only covers through 1924, and provides no further spaces. Numerous changes in color, new denominations, different design on same denomination etc.  I will post much more about  this topic later this week.

1922

260,261,262 (<$1)

1924

272 ($2+)

1933

384 or 385 (<$1)

1927

288,289,290,291,292,(<$1)

1930

312,313,314,(<$1-$1+)

1933

378,379,(<$1)

1931

342,343,345,346,(<$1)

1932

359,360,361,362,363,(<$1-$2+)

1932 Revolutionary Issue

364,365,366,(<$1)

367($5+)

Blank space: suggest 368 ($5+)

1933

375,380,381,(<$1-$1+)

382,383,($2+)

1934

387,388,389,390,(<$1-$2+)

1935

409($2+)

1934

386(<$1)

1935

398,401,(<$1-$5+)

1935

399,400,($1+-$2+)

411($2+)

1934

392,293,($2+-$1)

1935

402,403,(<$1)

1936

427,421,(<$1-$1+)

1935-36

414,415,416,417,($2)

1937

412($1+)

1935

410($2+)

1935-actually 1937

445,450,(<$1)

413,407($2+-$1+)

408,419,420,($2+-$1)

1936

422,423,(<$1)

424 or 425 ($2+)

429,430,442,426,428,(<$1)

1937

443,444,452,454,(<$1)

1937-38

446,447,(<$1)

448($10+)

453,451,457,464,455,(<$1)

456 ($20+)

476,475,477,478,(<$1)

1939-40

479,484,486,485,487,(<$1)

1940

499,500,(<$1)

496,497,($1+-$5+)

498,($5+)

1939

480,482,481,483,(<$1)

1940

502,495,501,(<$1)

503 or 504 (<$1) Note: actually issued 1941.

Semi-postals

1934

B1,B2,($1+)

B3,B4,($5+)

1935

B5,B6,B7,(<$1-$5+)

1939

B8,B9,B10,B11,($1+-$2+)

Air Post stamps

1929

C17,C18,C19,C20,C21, (<$1)

1929-30

C22,C23,C24,(<$1-$1+)

1930-33

C25,C31,($1+-$2+)

1941

C43(<$1)

Postage dues

1889-90

J1,J2,J3,J4,($1+-$2+)

Three blank spaces: suggest J6,J7,J9, ($5+)

J10,J11,J12,J13, (<$1)

J14,J15,($1+-$2+)

Blank space: suggest J17($2+)

1906-10

J28,J29,J30,J31,J32,J33,(<$1)

J34,J36,J38, (<$1-$1+)

Three blank spaces: suggest J37($20+), J39($5+), and J40($1+)

1919-36

J41 or J48 (<$1)

J42(<$1)

J43 or J56 (<$1) Note: :"olive gray" in catalogue is "olive" in Big Blue

J44,J45,J46,J47,(<$1-$2+)

J71 or J60 (<$1-$2+)

J72 or J64 (<$1)

J73($1+)

Two blank spaces: suggest J66 and J67, (<$1)

Officials

1906

O1,O2,O3,O4,O5,O6,(<$1)

O7,($2+)

1913

O14,O15,O16,O17,O18,O19,(<$1)

O20,($2+)

1919

O30,O31,O32,O33,(<$1)

O34($5+)

Newspaper

1889

P10,P11,P12,($1+-<$1)

One blank space: suggest P13 ($2+)

1891-94

P22 or P23 ($2+)

P24($2+)

Postal tax stamp

1933

RA1 (<$1)

Scott  J42 10r violet: The '97 & '69 editions have 25 more postage due spaces.

Kinds of Blue

The 1969 and 1997 editions are identical in content.  The '69 and '97 have significantly more coverage in the postal dues compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

1889-90 postage dues
The '69 and '97 have eleven more spaces (designated: J4,J10,J11,J12,J13,J14,J15, and blank: suggested J6,J7,J9,J17) than the '47 and '41 editions.

1906-10 postage dues
The '69 and '97 have eight more spaces ( designated: J32,J33,J34,J36,J38, and blank: suggested J37,J39,J40) than the '47 and '41 editions,

1919-36 postage dues
The '69 and '97 have six more spaces (designated: J47, J60 or J71, J64 or J72, J73, and blank: suggested J66,J67, ) than the '47 and '41 editions.

In addition, the 1941 edition lacks the 1940 issued Scott 498 compared to the '47, '69, and '97 editions.

1935 Scott 416 300r prius blue & ultramarine

Gavea, Rock near Rio de Janeiro

Big Blue Bottom Line

Brazil's stamps are as vibrant as the music and sights of Rio.

Big Blue did a reasonable job of putting together a representative 274 stamp collection, but I did identify another 157 stamps that are rather inexpensive.

Now as for Big Blue's performance with the 1920-24 Definitive types, lets just say I don't want to spoil my Dinner right now. I will blog later this week about this very topic.

Links
Brazil - Bud's Big Blue

Comments appreciated!

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1917 B15 40h deep blue "Archduke Ferdinand and Archduchess Sophia"

Semi-postal memorial for the assassinated Archduke and Archduchess

Sold at 2h premium to build a memorial church in Sarajevo

Quick History
Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Capital Sarajevo, is located in southern Europe, and had a population of 2 million in 1918.
A peasant uprising in1875 created a spreading conflict, which ultimately resolved in the Treaty of Berlin 1878. The result was an occupation and administration of the area under Austro-Hungarian control. In 1908, the Austrian-Hungarian government declared an annexation. The resulting tensions lead to the assassination in 1914 of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, and set off World War I. After WW I, Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of Yugoslavia. The area gained its independence during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990's.

Fact: Bosnia is home to three ethnic "constituent" people: Bosniaks,Serbs and Croats- and cultural conflict remain high.

1906 Scott 40 40h orange red "Mail wagon"

Big Blue Picture
Bosnia and Herzegovina stamp issues from 1879-1918 are represented in Big Blue on 7 pages(1997) or 5 pages(1969) with 152 stamp spaces for regular,semi-postal, postage due, newspaper, and special delivery categories. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has descriptions for 193 major varieties. Coverage by Big Blue is 79%.

Nice coverage by Big Blue, including all (20) of the semi-postals, and essentially all (25) of the major number postage dues. There are of course additional stamps (17) that could be added by the Big Blue collector, as well as perforation minor number varieties (49)  (< $2+).

Additional stamps...

1879-98
Pick up type I,type II, or type III not chosen. ( see checklist-9 additional stamps)
10a ($2+)

1900
24($2+)

1906 (27 stamps with Imperf or perf varieties <$2+)
Imperf 30b-36b
Different perfs: 30d-34d,30e-33e,30f-33f,

1910
56,57,($2+)

1916-17
98,99($1+),101,102,(<$1 except noted)

Postage dues
1904 -(22 stamps: minor numbers are different perfs <$2+)
J1a-J6a,J9a-J13a,
J1b-J6b,J8b-J12b

1910 Scott 59 45h brown red "Bazaar at Sarajevo"

Birthday Jubilee Issue: 80th Birthday of Emperor Franz Josef

Big Blue checklist
1879-1894 Coat of Arms
1/2 n Black 1a or 1 ($10+-$20+)
1n gray 2a or 2 ($1+-$2+)
2n yellow 4a or 4 (<$1-$1+)
3n green 5a or 5 ($1+-$2+)
5n rose red 6 or 6a or 6b (<$1)
10n blue 7 or 7a ($1+)
15n brown 8b or 8 ($2+-$10+)
20n gray green  9a or 9 ($5+-$10+)
Note: For differences between type I, type II, type III : see Scott.
Note: BB lists date 1879-1894 which fits exactly the type I issue; but type II (1894-98) begins in 1894 and is generally less expensive, so is included here. Also type III ('98) is included.
Note: Minor numbers are type II, except 6b (type III).

1900
11,12,13,14,15,16,(<$1)
18($1+)
21,22,(<$1)
23($1+)

1901-04
25,26,27,28,29,(<$1-$1)

1906
30,31,32,33,(<$1)
34,35,36,37,(<$1-$1+)
38,39,40,(<$1)
41,43,($2+)
44,45,($5+)
42($2+)
Note: This issue exists in Imperf ( Minor b), and numerous different perfs ( Minor a,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,). All appear to be more expensive than the major number listed here.

1910 Birthday Jubilee issue
46,47,48,49,(<$1)
50,51,52, (<$1-$1+)
Blank space: suggest 53 ($2+)
62*,63*,($5+)
Two blank spaces: suggest 54, 55 ($2+) or 64*($10+)
*Note: 62,63,64, are actually 1912 issues, and do not have the "1830-1910" label on the bottom.
62 & 63 have an illust space in BB though; so I then include 64 as a blank space choice also.

1912-14
65,66,67,58,69,70,(<$1)
71,72,73,74,75,76,(<$1)
77,78,79,80,81,(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 82 (<$1)

1916-17
86,87,88,89*,90,91,(<$1)
92,93,94,95,(<$1)
Two blank spaces: suggest 96,97,(<$1)
* Note for 89: "bistre" in BB = "olive brown" in Scott Classic catalogue

1917 Emperor Karl I
105,106,107,108,109,110,(<$1)
111,112,113,114,115,116,(<$1)
117,118,119,(<$1)
120 3k green on blue ($21)
121,122,($5+-$2+)

(1917-actually semi-postals)
B13,B14,B15 (<$1)

1918 surcharge
126,127,(<$1)

Semi-Postals
1914
B1,B2,(<$1)

1915
B3,B4,($10+-<$1)

1915
B5,B6,(<$1-$1+)

1916
B7,B8,(<$1)

1917
B11,B12,(<$1)

1916
B9,B10,($1+)

1918
B16,B17(<$1)

1918
B18,B19,B20,(<$1)

Postage due
1904
J1,J2,J3,J4,J5,J6,J7, (<$1)
J8,J9,($2+-<$1)
J10,J11,J12,(<$1)
J13($2+)
Note: minor numbers with different perfs exist; and are more expensive than major numbers- see Big Blue Picture for list.

1916-18
J14,J15,J16,J17,J18,J20 (<$1)
J21,J22,($1+-$1)
J23($5+)
Three blank spaces: suggest J19 ($2+), J25($5+), J26($20+).

Newspaper stamps
1913-18
P1,P2,P3,P4,(<$1-$2+)

Special Delivery
1916
QE1,QE2,(<$1)

1918 semi-postal B17 15h (+ 10h) red brown "Wounded Soldier"

Kinds of Blue
The 1997,1969,1947 and 1941 editions are identical for content.

Big Blue Bottom Line

Big Blue's Bosnia and Herzogovina's stamp spaces are mostly inexpensive, except for a few at the $20+ level.

Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.
<$1= less than a Dollar
$1+= more than a Dollar
$2+= more than two Dollars
$5+= more than five Dollars
$10+= more than ten Dollars
$20+..and so on.

Bolivia

1894 Scott 46 100c brown rose "Coat of Arms"

Quick History
The Republic of Bolivia was established in 1825, and named for Simon Bolivar, the leader of the Spanish American wars of Independence. Located in central South America, the country became landlocked after losing the Port of Antofagasta to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879-81). La Paz is the "de facto" highest capital in the world  at 11,942 feet in elevation. The population was about 3.5  million in the 1940's. Bolivianos are mostly descended from the indigenous native people, which greatly influences Bolivia's cultural folk art and music. The major languages are Spanish(60%), Quechua (20%), and Aymara (15%).

1939 Scott 251 & 252 2c green & 4c fawn "Llamas"

Big Blue Picture
Spread out over 8 pages, Big Blue (1997) has spaces for 164 stamps. The same coverage is on 5 pages for the 1969 Big Blue. The 2011 Scott Classic specialized catalogue has 361 major stamp descriptions. Coverage is 45% by Big Blue.

Unfortunately, with little additional financial outlay for the collector of Bolivia, Big Blue could have been "great", rather than "good".

Why?

 Well, I found an additional 111 stamps ( many <$1,- a few up to $5), that are not in Big Blue. That would add another 31% to the coverage (76% total).

Additional stamps that the Big Blue collector could ( and should) consider....

Classic stamps (Note: I love classic stamps, so hence the tolerance for higher, but reasonable catalogue prices)
1867-68 Imperf "Condor"
1,2,5,7,($20+-$40+)

1868-69 "Coat of Arms"
10,11,15,16,17, ($10+-$30+)

1878
23($30+)

1890-93
33,34,($5+-$20+)

1899
57($10+)

1899-1901
68($2+)

1901-02
76($2+)

1904
77($1+)

1901-1913 various issues
76,77,79,80,81,87,88,89,99,100,101,108,109,110, (<$1-$2+)

1919-27 "Coat of Arms"
25 stamps (<$1-$5+) See discussion in Big Blue Bottom Line

1924-1940 various issues- 69 stamps for <$1-$2+ !
138,139,140,142,143,150,151,152,153,154,155,156,157,158,159,160,162,178,179,180,184,190,193,194,195,196,200,202,203,204,206,207,208,209,210,211,212,225,233,234,235,236,237,238,239,240,268,C1,C2,C3,C5,C29,C30,C31,C32,C33,C34,C40,C41,C49,C50,C51,C52,C53,C54,C55,C56,C71,RA2 (<$1-$2+)

1866-68 Scott 2 5c green "Condor"

Big Blue checklist
1878 Arms and "The Law"
20,21,22,($5+)

1866
1 or 2 ($20+)

1887
24,25,26,($2+-$5+)

1890-93
28 or 35 ($2+)
29 or 36 ($2+)
30 or 37 ($2+)
31 or 38 ($2+-$5+)
Blank space: suggest 32 or 39 ($5+-$40+)
Note: 1890 Scott 28-32 is Perf 12; 1893 Scott 35-39 is Perf 11.

1894 thin paper
40($20+)
41,42,43,($1+-$2+)
44,45,($5+-$20+)
46($40+)
Note: thick paper stamps cancelled in Paris with oval heavy bars-value of set: $5

1897
47,48,49,50,($2+)
51,52,53,($5+-$10+)

1899-1901
62,63,64,69,65,66, ($2+)
Blank space: suggest 67($2+)

1901-02
70,71,73,74,(<$1)
75($1)

1909
82,83,(<$1)
84,85,86,(<$1)

1910
92,93,94,(<$1)

1911
95(<$1)

1912
98(<$1)

1913
103,104,105,106,107(<$1)

1916-17
111,112,113,114 *,116 (<$1)
*Note: Big Blue's illustration for stamp shows 114, a  type 1; rather than 115, which is type 2.

1919-27 "Coat of Arms"
118 or 128 (<$1)
165,166,167(<$1)
120(<$1)
121 or 131 (<$1-$10+)
168(<$1)
Note: see discussion about this series in Big Blue Bottom Line

1928
189,191,199,201,(<$1-$1+)

1931
197,198,205,(<$1)

1933
213,214,215,216,217,(<$1)

1935
218(<$1)

1935-37
219,220,221,222,223,224,226,(<$1)
227,228,229,230,231,232,(<$1-$1+)

(1937)
241(<$1)

1938
242,246,247,249,250,(<$1-$1+)
243,244,245,248,(<$1-$1+)

1939
251,252,253,254,255,,256,(<$1-$1+)
257,258,259,260,261,262,263,(<$1-$1+)
264,265,266,267,($1+)

1940
269($2+)

Postage Due
1931
J1,J2,J3,J4,($1+-$2+)
J5,J6,($5+-$10+)

1938
J7,J8,J9,($1+)

Air Post stamps
1928
C8,C9,C10,($1+-$2+)

1930
C27,C28,(<$1)

1932
C35,C36,C37,C38,C39,(<$1)

1935
C42,C43,C44,C45,C46,C47,C48, (<$1)

1938
C66,C67,(<$1)
C63,C64,C65,C68,C70,C69,(<$1)
C73,C74,C76,C77,C79,(<$1-$1+)
C80,C78,C75,(<$1)
C72,C81,(<$1-$1+)

Postal Tax stamp
1937
RA1 (<$1)

Kinds of Blue
The 1997,1969,1947 and 1941 editions are identical for content.

Living happily together in Big Blue?

5c dark green 1919-20 perf 12 engraved American Bank Note Co. Scott 120

10c vermilion Scott 121 or 1923-27 perf 13 1/2 re-engraved Perkins,Bacon & Co. Ltd. Scott 131

20c light olive green 1927 perf 13 1/2 lithographed Waterlow & Sons Scott 168

Big Blue Bottom Line
A common witticism is one needs a strong stomach to witness either the making of sausage or the "making" of laws. Well, how about certain stamp series in Big Blue that are all thrown together "mishmash"? :-)

Take a look at the seven stamp spaces for Bolivia's "Coat of Arms" 1919-27 series.

Big Blue throws together FOUR issues  consisting of different year of issues (1919-20,1923-27,1925,1927), three different printers ( American Bank Note Co.(ABNC), Perkins,Bacon & Co.(PBC), Ltd, Waterlow & Sons (WS)), different perforations (12 & 13 1/2), different colors for the same denomination, and an engraved, a re-engraved, a second re-engraved, and a lithographed version!

Specifically:
1c (illustrated) carmine Scott 118 (1919-20) engraved perf 12 ABNC or Scott 1923-27 re-engraved perf 13 1/2 PBC (<$1)

2c (illustrated) Scott 165 yellow(<$1)-the lithographed version by WS!:different enough from the 2c engraved versions, that Scott gives a separate illustration (A55 rather than A54), and Big Blue shows the lithographed version. This rules out the engraved Scott 119 2c dark violet($2+) by  ABNC, and the re-engraved Scott 129 2c deep violet(<$1) by PBC

3c "pink"- lithographed Scott 166
4c "red brown" lithographed Scott 167

5c "dark green" engraved Scott 120(<$1). The color specification by Big Blue eliminates for consideration PBC's re-engraved Scott 130 deep green(<$1), or the second re-engraving 1925 version by WS Scott 144 deep green(<$1).

10c "vermilion" engraved Scott 121(<$1) or re-engraved Scott 131($10+)!

20c "light olive green" Scott 168.  Because of color, Big Blue specifies the lithographed version. Gone for consideration are the engraved Scott 122 dark blue, or the re-engraved Scott 132 slate blue. All the versions are <$1.

What an arbitrary mess. Twenty-five stamps in the"Coat of arms" were not picked up by Big Blue ( Scott 119,122,123,124,125,126,127,129,130,132,135,136,137,144,145,146,169,170,171,172,173,174,175,176,177,). Twelve of these stamps are <$1, while the remainder vary from $1+-$5+.

I'm feeling a little queasy.  ;-)

Links
Bolivia - Bud's Big Blue
Bolivia 1867-1916 - a closer look

Bermuda

Quick History
Bermuda, a British Crown colony, is a group of about 20 inhabited islands in the semitropical north Atlantic 600 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Capital is Hamilton, and the population was 30,000 in 1943.
Bermuda was discovered by a Spaniard, Juan De Bermudez, in 1505. Bermuda, the Island, known as the Isle of Devils for the surrounding reefs, was unoccupied, and hence settled by England in 1609. The town of St. George, founded in 1612, is the oldest continually inhabited "English" town in the Americas. Bermuda today remains  the oldest British overseas territory.

The stamps of Great Britain can be found handstamped from 1845, with Bermuda issues beginning in 1865.

Trivia:  Shakespeare's play,The Tempest was thought to have been inspired by an account of the 1609 shipwreck of the Sea Venture, flagship of a the flotilla originally set to recolonize Jamestown, but instead founding a new colony.


Big Blue Picture
Big Blue (1997) on two pages has 60 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 129 major stamp descriptions. Big Blue has 47% coverage. 


The stamps of Bermuda are rather expensive, but I did find 18 stamps,16 of them far under $10, that could be considered for the Big Blue collector.


Additional choices...
Pick up the "inexpensive" non chosen from the checklist, and/or
Scott 8 6p violet($20+) ('03)
Scott 21 2p brown purple ($1+) ('98) 
Scott 25 1sh olive bister($20+)
75 2 1/2p ultramarine ($2+)
76 3p violet on orange ($5+)
MR1 war stamp (<$1)
MR2 war stamp ($1+)


Big Blue checklist
1865-1893
(All seven stamp spaces are illustrated)
1/2p Scott16 brown ($5+) or 18 deep gray-green ($1+)
1p  Scott 1 rose red($1+) or 19 aniline carmine(<$1)
2p Scott 2 blue($20+) or 20 blue($5+)
2 1/2p Scott 22 ultramarine (<$1)
3p Scott 3 buff($70+) or 7 buff($70+) or 23 gray($5+)
4p Scott 17 orange($2+) 
6p Scott 5 lilac($10+) or 4 brown lilac($80+)


1901 surcharge
26($1+)


1902-10 "Dry Dock"
31,32,33,34,35 (<$1-$2+)
38($5+)
39(<$1)
Blank space: suggest 36 or 37($5+)


1910-36
1/2p brown 40 or 81 ($2+)
1/2 p (illustrated) 41 yellow green or 82 green (<$1-$2+)
1p carmine 83(<$1) Note: 42 1p red(<$1) ruled out by color specification
1 1/2p red brown 84
2p gray 43($2+) or 85($1+)
2 1/2p apple green 86($1+)
2 2/1p ultramarine 44(<$1)
3p ultramarine 88($20+) 
3p violet on yellow 45 or 89 ($2+-$1+)
4p red on yellow 46 or 90 ($2+-<$1)
6p claret 47($7) or 91($1+)
1sh black on emerald 92 ($1+)
Note: two series
1910-24 Scott 40-48
1922-34 Scott 81-93 wmk 4


1920 "Seal of the Colony and King George V"
55($2+),56($5+),67(<$1),57($10+),
Blank space: suggest 68 ($10+)


1940 (Stamp of 1938 surcharged)
129(<$1)


1921 King George V
71,72,73,(<$1-$2+)
74($5+)


1935 Silver Jubilee
100,101,102,(<$1-$1+)
103($10+)


1936-40
105,106,107,111 (<$1-$1+)
108,109A,110,112,113, (<$1-$2+)


1937 Coronation
115,116,117,(<$1-$1)


1938
1p 118 (<$1)
1 1/2p 119 ($1+)
2p 109 "black and turquoise blue"* ($10+)
2 1/2p 120 or 120A('41) ($1+)
3p 121($2+) or 121A(<$1)('41)
1sh 122(<$1)
*Note" 109 In BB "black and turquoise blue" is "brown black & turquoise blue" in Scott

1918 Scott MR1 1p rose red War Tax stamp: only in 1947 and 1941 editions.

Kinds of Blue
The 1969 and 1997 editions are identical.
The 1947 (and 1941) editions have a 1918 War Tax stamp Scott MR1(<$1) that is NOT in the 1969 (and1997) editions.


Big Blue Bottom Line
The British Colonies stamps, as demonstrated by Bermuda, are classic and cleanly designed. No wonder the British Colonies are so popular with collectors.

Benin

1893 Scott 29 40c red/straw "Navigation and Commerce"

Quick History
Between the 17th and 19th century, the land on African's west coast by the Gulf of Guinea was ruled by the Kingdom of Dahomey. The area was known as the slave coast, because of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. In 1892, the slave trade was banned, and France made it a Possession. The stamps of the French colonies were used from 1892-1894. The Capital was Benin with an area population of about 500,000. In 1895, Benin became part of the Dahomey colony. Then in 1899, the land became part of the French West African colony.

 In 1960, Dahomey became independent. After some years of Marxist-Leninist dictatorship and turmoil, it was renamed the Republic of Benin in 1991.

Historical Fact: The Kingdom of Dahomey from the 17th to the 19th century sold their war captives into slavery; otherwise the captives would have been killed in a ceremony known as the Annual Custom.

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue (1997), on one line of one page offers 7 stamp spaces for the 1893 and 1894 French Colony issues.
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue  has 49 major stamp descriptions beginning with the handstamped "Benin" issues of 1892. Coverage is 14%.

In the '69, edition, Benin is located at the end of the page with Bavaria and Batum, and before Bechuanaland Protectorate. Of interest, Benin is not listed in the "Sequence of Countries in this Album" list in the '69. !

The 1892 issue is fairly expensive ($20+-$1,000+), so Big Blue does not provide coverage. But for $5+, there are six additional stamps from the 1892 and 1893 issues ( Scott 23,24,29,30,37,38) that might interest the Big Blue collector.

Closeup of 1894 Scott 33 1c black/bluish "Navigation and Commerce"

Note the change in Name

Big Blue checklist
1893 Navigation and Commerce
20 1c black ($2+)
21 2c brown ($2+)
22 4c claret ($2+)

1894
33 1c black ($2+)
34 2c brown ($2+)
35 4c claret ($2+)
36 5c green ($2+)

Benin, Dahomey, French West Africa, Dahomey, Benin

Kinds of Blue
The 1997,1969,1947 and 1941 editions are identical for content.

Big Blue Bottom Line.
Part of the French colonies, and therefore no true bargains. But reviewing the area history, a sobering reminder what man will do to man.

Note: Stamp image (Scott 29), map appear to be in the public domain.

Note: You will need to consult a Scott catalogue for specific pricing. I only give a very "ball park" price, and never the actual catalogue value.
<$1= less than a Dollar
$1+= more than a Dollar
$2+= more than two Dollars
$5+= more than five Dollars
$10+= more than ten Dollars
$20+..and so on.

Belgium

1851-54 Scott 6 & 7 10c brown & 20c blue

King Leopold I

Quick History
Belgium , in western Europe along the North Sea, has traditionally been considered part of the Low Counties along with the Netherlands and Luxembourg. However Belgium seceded from the Netherlands  in 1830 and Prince Leopold became King of the Kingdom of Belgium with the capital in Brussels. This Constitutional Monarchy form of government continues in this country of 8 million (1941census), consisting of half Dutch speakers (Flemish), and half French speakers (Walloons). King Leopold I was on Belgium's first stamps issued in 1849.

Trivia: French Fries originated in Belgium.

1896 Scott 79 5c deep violet

Brussels Exhibition Issue: "St. Michael and Satan"

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue (1997) on 24 pages ( not including blank pages) has 549 stamp spaces. The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has 971 major stamp descriptions for regular, semi-postal, air post, special delivery, postage due, official, newspaper, occupation, and parcel post (railroad) stamps.
Big Blue(1997) has 57% coverage.

Big Blue has a large selection of the 1910-1940 Belgium semi-postals on eight pages with 179 stamp spaces!  The semi-postals are quite attractive, and many are inexpensive, BUT some are not. Look at this set...

(1933) Restoration of Orval Abbey

B132 ($57+), B133,B135,B136,B134 ($52+ except noted)

Note: Four $52+ stamps and a $57+ stamp! Counterfeits exist.

Yes it will cost $263+ retail for this set.

Overall, I rate Big Blue's coverage of Belgium "good". But BB has an annoying trait of dropping a series too early with cheap stamps on the table. This was especially noticeable with the Parcel Post (Railroad) stamps. Also, Belgium's surcharged stamps seem to have a harder time making it into Big Blue. ( I've noticed this "surcharge shortage" with other countries too.)

Why not a rating better than "good"? Because I found 200 stamps that one could argue should be in Big Blue. Way too many to discuss in depth, but I present the list below.

Additional stamps to consider...

Classic issues
1865 Scott 13 1c green ($20+)
1867 Scott 20 or 20a 30c brown ($10++)
1867 Scott 21 or 21a 40c rose ($20+)

1866-67 Coat of arms issue Note: Not included at all by BB
Scott 24 or 24a 1c gray($10+)

1869-78
36 1 fr dull lilac($10+)
38 50c gray($10+)

1883
47 25c blue($30+)
48 50c violet($30+)

1884-91
54 1 fr brown/greenish($10+)
57 25c violet brown ($2+)

1893-1900
72($20+)
75($10++)

As I mentioned, I found 200 stamps that could be considered for addition. This includes 35 regular issues, 31 semi-postals,17 postage dues, 29 newspaper stamps and 79 parcel post (railroad) stamps.

Twentieth century additions
(Scott 129,130,131,132,133,157,164,166,169,170,194,210,211,212,228,172,173,174,175,176,177,178,179,180,182,183,232,233,234,235,240,241,254,255,256,C6,C7,J1,J2,J11,J12,J15,J17,J18,J19,J20,J21,J33,J34, B11,B12,B15,B16,B17,B19,B20,B21,B22,B23,B24,B58,B72,B73,B222,B223,B250,B251,B252,B253,B264,B269,B270,B271,B272,B273,B274,B275,B276,B277,B278,J35,J36,J37,J38,J39,Q5,Q6,Q13,Q14,N5,N6,N7,N21,N22,N23,E6,P8,P10,P11,P12,P13,P14,P15,P16,P17,P18,P20,P21,P22,P23,P24,P25,P26,P27,P28,P29,P30,P32,P33,P34,P35,P36,P37,P38,P39,Q7,Q11,Q12,Q13,Q14,Q67,Q69,Q71,Q72,Q73,Q77,Q78,Q79, Q80,Q83,Q91,Q92,Q95,Q97,Q99,Q100,Q101,Q102,Q107,Q108,Q109,Q110,Q111,Q112,Q113,Q114,Q116,Q118,Q119,Q120,Q121,Q122,Q123,Q124,Q125,Q126,Q127,Q130,Q131,Q137,Q138,Q174,Q175,Q197,Q198,Q199,Q200,Q201,Q202,Q203,Q204,Q205,Q206,Q215 and 1940 issued Q216-Q236.) (<$1 to a few in the $10 range- remember this includes semi-postals.)

1914 B28 5c green & red

Red Cross semi-postal: "Merode Monument"
An "O" rather than a "Q" in "Belgique": Forgery!

2021 Note: There is also a "more difficult" forgery with the "Q" intact

See: https://stampforgeries.blogspot.com/2021/02/belgium-1914-merode.html

Big Blue checklist
1850-63 King Leopold I
10c brown -Scott 3 Imperf ($190+) or 6 Imperf ($5+) or 10 Imperf ($5+) or 14($2+)
20c blue - Scott 4 Imperf ($60+) or 7 Imperf ($5+) or 11 Imperf ($5+) or 15($2+)
40c carmine rose-Scott 5 Imperf ($500+) or 12 Imperf ($80+) or 16 ($20+); or 16d vermilion ($30+) or 16f bright vermilion ($40+)
Note: Either Imperf or Perf can be put in these spaces.
Note: Consult Scott for the additional minor numbers based on paper thickness, perforations, or stamp height.

1866 King Leopold
18 or 18a ($2+)
19 blue  or 19b blue  or 19c Prussian blue ($2+-$5+) Note: BB specifies "blue"

1869-78
28,29,30,32,33,37, (<$1-$1+)
34,35, ($2+-$5+)
Note: 40,41,42,43,44(<$1-$2+) are either "wrong" colors and/or "wrong" year (1881).

1883
45,46,($2+-$5+)

1884-91
49,50,55,51,52,56,53,58 (<$1-$2+)

1893-1900
60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67 20c olive green*,68,69 (<$1-$2+)
70 50c bister ($20+)
71,73 ($2+)
* Note: "olive green" in catalogue is "reseda" in BB.

1894
76,77,78 ($2+-$1+)

1896 Brussels exhibition issue
79,80($2+),81 (<$1 except noted)

1905-07
82,83,($5+),84,85,86,87,88,89(<$1 except noted)

1912-13
92,93,94,95,96,97,99,(<$1)
100($2+)
103,104,105,107,(<$1)

1915-21 perf 14
108,109,110,111,112,113,114,115,116,117,118, (<$1)
119,120 ($1+-$2+)
Note: 116-120(<$1-$5+) with minor numbers  perf 15 available.

1919
123(<$1)

1919 King Albert in Trench Helmet
124,125, (<$1)

1920 King Albert in Trench Helmet
126,127,128 (<$1)

1920
139(<$1)

1921 semi-postals surcharged
140,141,142,143 (<$1)

1921-23
144,146 3c fawn (<$1) Note: "fawn" in catalogue is "terra cotta" in BB.
147,148,149,150,151,152,154,156, (<$1)
162,163,165,167, (<$1)

1926-28
145,153,155,158,185,186,187,159 (<$1)
160,161,188,(<$1)
189($1+)

1927 surcharged
191,192,193 (<$1)

1929-30
195,196,197 (<$1)

(1929-30)
198,199,200,201,202,203,204,205,206,207,208,209, (<$1)

1930
218,219,220, (<$1-$1+)

1932 Balloon
251,252 (<$1-$2+)
253 ($11+)

1930
216,217 (<$1)

1931
227,229,230,231,(<$1)

1932 Gleaner, Mercury
245,246,247,248,249,250,(<$1)

1934 King Albert memorial issue
257(<$1)

1934
258,259,260,261, (<$1)

1934-35 King Leopold III
262,263 (<$1)

1935 King Leopold III
264 (<$1)

1936-38
265,266,267,268 dark violet (<$1) Note: "dark violet" in catalogue is "indigo" in BB.
269,270,271,272,273,274,275,(<$1)
284 1F rose carmine King Leopold III (<$1)

1936-40 King Leopold III
294,295,296,298,299 (<$1)
301,302,303 (<$1)

1937
309,310(<$1)

1938
317(<$1)

1938
318,319,320,321 (<$1)

Semi-Postal stamps
1910
B1,B2,B3,B4,B5,B6,B7,B8 ($1+-$5+)

1914
B28,B25,B26,B27($40+),B29 ($1+-$5+ except noted)

1915
B31,B32,B33 ($3-$10+)

1918
B34,B35,B36,B37,B38, B39,B40, (<$1-$5+)

1920
B48,B49,B50 ($1+-$2+)

1925
B53,B54,B55 (<$1-$1+)

1922-1923-1926
B51,B52,B56 (<$1-$2+)

1926
B62,B59,B60,B61,B63($5+), (<$1 except noted)

1927
B64,B65,B66,B67,B68 (<$1-$4+)

1928
B69,B70,B71,B72, (<$1-$1+)
B74($21) Note: B73($2+) was not used; instead  B74

1928-31
B78,B79,B80,B81, B82($10+),B94, (<$1 except noted)
B93,B95,B96,B97 (<$1-$5+)

1930
B99,B100,B101,B102 (<$1)
B103,B104 ($5+-$2+)

1931
B107,B108,B109,B110,B111($5+),B112($2+), (<$1-$1+ eN)

1932
B114,B115,B116 (<$1-$2+)

(1933) Restoration of Orval Abbey
B132 ($57+), B133,B135,B136,B134 ($52+ except noted)
Note: Four $52+ stamps and a $57+ stamp! Counterfeits exist.

B125,B126,B127,B128 (<$1-$1)

1933
B144,B145,B146 ($1+-$2+)
B147($10+)

1934
B151 ($5+)

1934
B156,B157,B158,B159 ($1-$2+)

1935
B163,B164,B165 (<$1-$2+)

1935
B166,B167,B168 (<$1-$2+)

(1935)
B170,B171,B172,B173 (<$1)
B174,B175,B176,B177 (<$1-$2+)

1936
B180,B181,B182,B183 (<$1)
B184,B185,B186,B187,B188 (<$1-$2+)

1937
B189,B190,B191,B192, (<$1-$1+)
B193,B194,B195,B196, (<$1-$5+)

(1937)
B200,B201,B202,B203 (<$1)
B204,B205,B206,B207 (<$1-$5+)

(1937)
B197,B198 (<$1)

1938
B209,B210,B211,B212,B213 (<$1-$2+)

(1938)
B225,B226,B227,B228,(<$1)
B229,B230,B231,B232, (<$1-$10+)

1938
B214,B215,B216,B217,(<$1)
B218,B220($11+),B219,(<$1 except noted)

1939
B233,B234,B235,B237,B239, (<$1-$1+)
B236,B238, (<$1)
B240($6+)

1939
B244,B245,B246,B247($15),B242, (<$1-$4+ except noted)
B241,B248($19),B243, (<$1 except noted)

1939
B249,B252,B253,B250,B251($2+)
Note: These semi-postals are NOT in the '69 or '97 edition; only the '47 and '41 editions.


1940
B256,B257,B258,B259, (<$1)
B260,B261,B262,B263, ($1+-$10+)
B265,B266,B267,B268 (<$1)

Air Post stamps
1930
C1,C2,C3,C4 (<$1)

Special Delivery stamps
1929
E1,E2, (<$1)
E3,E4, ($5+)

1931
E5($2+)

Postage Due
1895-1915
J3 (<$1)
Five blank spaces: suggest J4,J5,J6,J7,J8 or J9 (<$1-$5)
Note: 1916 issue "not eligible"

1922-32
J22(<$1)
Ten blank spaces: suggest J23,J24,J25,J26,J27,J28,J29,J30,J31,J32 (<$1)

Official stamps
1929-38 overprinted
Sixteen blank spaces: suggest 20 stamp choices O1,O2,O3,O4,O7,O8,O9,O10,O11,O12,O16,O17,O18,O19,O20,O21,O22,O23,O24,O25 (<$1)

Newspaper stamps
1928-29 Parcel post stamps of 1923-27 overprinted "Journaux Dagbladen 1928"
P1,P2,P3,P4,P5,P6 (<$1)
P7 ($2+)
Note: 1929-31 series is ruled out for inclusion, as illustrated overprint is not the same; therefore Big Blue does not provide room for the 1929-31 series.

Parcel Post (Railroad) stamps
1895-98
Q16,Q18,Q19,Q20 (<$1-$1+)
Q21,Q22,Q23, ($1-$2+)
Q24($15)

1902
Q25,Q26,Q27,Q28 ($1+)

1902-06
Q29,Q30,Q31,Q32 (<$1)
Q33,Q35,Q36,Q38,(<$1)
Q39,Q40,Q41 (<$1)
Q42,Q43,Q44,Q45 (<$1)

1912-14
Q34,Q37,Q46,Q47,Q48 (<$1)

1916-20

Note: The "1916-20" BB spaces consist of a selection from three issues: 10 stamps from the 1916 issue; 10 stamps from the 1920 issue; and 5 stamps from the 1920-21 issue.

(1916)

Q61 (<$1)
Seven blank spaces: suggest Q62,Q63,Q64,Q65,Q66,Q68,Q70, (<$1)
Q74 (<$1)
One blank space: suggest Q76(<$1)

(1920)
Q82 (<$1)
Eight blank spaces: suggest Q84,Q85,Q87,Q88,Q90,Q93,Q94,Q96 (<$1)
Q98 ($1+)

(1920-21)
Q103(<$1)
Three blank spaces: suggest Q104,Q105,Q106 (<$1)
Q117(<$1)

1923-31
Q139,Q140,Q141,Q142,Q143,Q144,(<$1)
Q145,Q146,Q147,Q148,Q149,(<$1)
Q150,Q151,Q152,Q153,(<$1)
Q154,Q155,Q156,Q157,(<$1)
Q158,Q159,Q160,Q161,(<$1)
Q162,Q163,Q164,Q165,(<$1)
Q166,Q167(<$1)
Q168,Q169,Q170,Q171,(<$1)
Q172,Q173 green surcharge,(<$1)

1922
Q132,Q133,Q134,Q135,Q136, (<$1)

1929-34
Q176,Q177,Q178 (<$1)
Blank space: suggest Q180 surcharged (<$1), as Q179 is $20+!

1934 Modern Locomotive
Q181,Q182,Q183 (<$1)

1935
Q184,Q185,Q186,Q187,Q188,Q189 (<$1)
Q190,Q191,Q192,(<$1)
Q193,Q194,Q195,Q196,(<$1)

1938
Q208,Q209,Q210, ($1+-<$1)

1939
Q211,Q212,Q213,Q214 ($2+)

German Occupation stamps
1914-15
N1,N2,N3,N4, (<$1)

1916
N11,N12,N13,N14,N15,N18,N19,N20,(<$1)

1917-18
N10,N16,N17,(<$1)

The 1929-31 Scott O8 10c olive green: More Officials, as well as Postage Dues and Parcel Posts are found in the '69 and '97 editions.

Kinds of Blue
The 1969 and 1997 editions are identical in content. The editions vary enough that I will break them down by category.

Regular issues (Advantage '47, '69, '97 editions)
The 1941 edition lacks the 1936-38 spaces for 265,274, and 284. Also, the 1941 lacks the 1936-40 spaces for 298,299,301,302,303,and 307. Of interest is the 1941 has TWO spaces for the 1.50 (294): a space for the "rose lilac"('41), and a space for the "rose"('39), that subsequently Scott demoted to a minor number (294b).

Semi-Postals
Actually the various editions do NOT have all the same semi-postals.

''69 & '97 edition
Lacks B249,B252,B253,B250,B251,($2+) compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

'41 edition
Lacks B27,B39,B40,B62,B63,B74 compared to the '47, '69 and '97 editions.

Total semi-postals
1947: 184
1969 & 1997: 179
1941: 178 ( But different mixture of missing semi-postals than '69 & '97)

Postage Dues ( Advantage '69 and '97 editions)
1895-1915
The '69 and '97 have two more spaces for suggested J7 or (J8 or J9) compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

1922-32
The '69 and '97 have 8 more stamp spaces for suggested J25-J32 compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

Official Stamps ( Advantage '69 and '97 editions)
1921-22
The '69 and '97 have 8 more spaces for suggested Q11-Q21 choices.

Parcel Post ( Advantage '69 and '97 editions)
1923-31
The '69 and '97 editions have 19 more spaces to cover completely Q139-Q172 compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

1935
The '69 and '97 has space for Q195 and Q196 compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

1938
The '69 and '97 has space for Q209 and Q210 compared to the '47 and '41 editions.

Bottom Line for Big Blue editions.
1) 1997 and the 1969 have all the stamps, only lacking 5 specific semi-postals from the '47 and '41 editions.
2) 1997 and the 1969 have 41 additional stamps in postage dues, officials, and parcel post outlined above compared to the '47 and '41 editions.
3) The 1947 has all the semi-postals, but lacks the 41 stamp space improvement that the '69 and '97 editions have.
4) The 1941 edition also lacks the 41 stamp spaces added by the '69 and '97, lacks 6 specific semi-postals compared to the '47 and '97 editions, AND lacks 9 regular stamp spaces found in the '47, '69, and '97 editions.

Note 7-2011: When I initially published this blog, I was under the assumption that the '69 did not have semi-postals, and the '97 restored them from the '47 and '41 editions. I was wrong. ;-) The '69 edition I consulted had all the semi-postal pages removed by a previous owner. The error was discovered when I checked the other '69 I have. So now the blog has been corrected to reflect that all the editions have semi-postals; just not exactly the same ones. ;-) See above for specifics.

1902-06 Q45 3fr black & ultramarine

Railway/ Parcel Post: "Winged Wheel"

Big Blue Bottom Line
Big Blue provides 549 stamp spaces for Belgium, admittedly quite generous. Still, around 200 stamps could be added by the Big Blue collector.

Links
Bud's Big Blue - Belgium

Comments appreciated!