Cayman Islands 1900-1947 - a closer look

1935 Scott 90 2 1/2p deep blue & black

"Hawksbill Turtles"

Into the Deep Blue
The earliest blog posts I published were long on information, but short on illustrating the stamps of the countries themselves. The Cayman Islands have delightful stamps (for a British colony), and it will be a pleasure to review them.

The original post has more on the history, as well as the BB checklist.....

Cayman Islands

This Cayman post will cover the 1900-1947 era. The next Cayman post will review the bi-color 1950 pictorial issue, as well as the War Tax stamps category.

A Closer Look
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
20 Shilling = 1 Pound

1900 Scott 2 1p carmine rose "Victoria"

Between 1889-1901, stamps of Jamaica were used in the Cayman Islands, and they can be found with postmarks identifying use there. Scott lists them (A1-A28) in the catalogue, and they all have a high CV (up to $8,000). They are for the specialist, not for you and me.

BTW, Cayman Islands remained a Dependency of Jamaica until 1962, when it became a Crown Colony.

The first issue proper for the Cayman Islands was a two stamp typographic release in 1900 showing Victoria. Note the white side panels and the "Postage...Postage". CV is $4+-$15. This De La Rue design is similar, if not identical, to other British Empire issues of the era.

I'm reminded that, in general, stamps on cover today are much more valuable then those (the vast majority) that are now off cover. Here, Stanley Gibbons values 1p carmine rose @ 25X if on cover.

1905 Scott 8 1/2p green "Edward VII"

Wmk 3

In 1901-03, a five stamp Wmk 2 issue, and in 1905, a five stamp wmk 3 issue was released with this "Edward VII" design: which is identical- save for the portrait- to the 1900 Victoria issue. CV ranges from $5+ to $70+.

1908 Scott 31 1/4p brown

June 30, 1908, a 1/4d stamp was issued. CV is $1 ($6 unused). Of interest, during October, 1908, there was a shortage of 1/4d stamps, and the famous manuscript provisionals were produced by the postmaster (CV- up to $15,000 -See Stanley Gibbons).

1914 Scott 43 5sh green & red/yellow

"George V", Wmk 3

Between 1912-20, a thirteen stamp "George V" issue was released. The higher denominations are on chalky colored paper. CV ranges from <$1 to $100+.

1913 Scott 46 1sh black/green "George V"

Surface-colored Paper, Wmk 3

But, for the first printing of the 3p, 1sh, & 10sh stamps on November 19, 1913, the stamps had a white back. Scott calls these "Surface-colored paper" stamps, and gives them major numbers (Scott 45-47). CV is $4+-$130.

1sh Black/green Reverse Side Wmk 3

Left- 1913 Scott 40 (Colored through Paper)

Right - 1913 Scott 46 (Surface-colored Paper)

Here are the backs of the 1sh black/green, showing the difference.

1922 Scott 55 2 1/2p ultramarine "George V"

Wmk 4

Between 1921-26, a fourteen stamp issue (Wmk 4) and a five stamp issue (Wmk 3) was released with this attractive "George V" design. CV is <$1-$10+ for ten stamps.

1932 Scott 70 1/2p green 

"King William IV, King George V"

For the Centenary of the formation of the Cayman Islands Assembly, an engraved Waterlow set (one design) of twelve stamps was issued on December 5, 1932. CV is $1+-$10+ for eight stamps.

1935 Scott 87 1p carmine & ultramarine

"Red-footed Boobies"

On May 1, 1935 and January 1, 1936, a total twelve stamp five design "George V" bi-color pictorial issue was released for the Cayman Islands. Of course, "George V" 1935 pictorial sets was also released for many British colonies, but the engraved Waterlow stamps for the Caymans are nice indeed.

Red Footed Booby

The Red Footed Booby breeds on tropical ocean islands, but spends most of its time at sea.

1935 Scott 89 2p brown violet & ultramarine

"Catboat"

CV for the twelve stamp issue ranges from $1+ to $20 for nine stamps. The 10sh carmine & black is @ $125!

A Catboat is a sailboat with a single mast set well forward.

1935 Scott 91 3p olive green & black

"George V & Map"

The population of Cayman Islands is now 60,000*, but was 6,000 in 1934, when this stamp was issued. The vast majority today live on Grand Cayman, with only some 2,000 living on Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Half of the population is found in George Town. No doubt similar demographics existed when this stamp was issued.

*Cayman Islands, because of its wealthy Tax haven and offshore banking status, has many expatriates living there. Specifically, the 1999 census shows Jamaica (8,800), United Kingdom (3,000), United States (2,000), Canada (1,500), and Honduras (800).

1938 Scott 103 1 1/2p black "George VI"

"Beach View, Grand Cayman"

Beginning in 1938 (and lasting until 1943), a twelve stamp five design engraved pictorial "George VI" issue was released, as it was for many British colonies.

Grand Cayman is 22 miles (35 km) long by 8 miles (13 km) wide. It is relatively flat, going from sea level to 60 feet above sea level.

1938 Scott 105 2 1/2p ultramarine

"Cayman Schooner"

CV ranges from <$1 to $10+ for the issue.

Western Union - Built in 1939 in the Caymans

Shipbuilding was a thriving industry in the Caymans. Over 300 schooners were built there. Cayman mahogany was used for the frame.

1943 Scott 107 6p dark olive green

"Hawksbill Turtles"

Of interest, De La Rue was responsible for the 1/2p, 2p, 6p, 1sh, and 6sh; while Waterlow did the rest.

The Hawkbill sea turtle has a wide range, bur found mostly among tropical reefs in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. It is critically endangered.

1938 Scott 108 1sh reddish brown

"Dolphin (fish - Coryphaena hippurus)"

Although the stamp image is a "Dolphinfish" - not related to true Dolphins, the truth is Dolphins are loved (like Whales) with the tourist population. Today on Grand Cayman, there are "Dolphin Discovery" and "Dolphin Cove": places where one can get up close and personal.

1947 Scott 114 2 1'2p orange "Cayman Schooner"

Types of 1938

On August 25, 1947 a 2 1/2p orange and a 3p ultramarine stamps were issued as "Types of 1938". CV is <$1.

Deep Blue

1912-20 Issue "George V", Wmk 3, in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has eleven pages for the classical era (1900-1950) for Cayman Islands. All of the Scott major numbers have a space.

1932 Scott 69 1/4p brown

"King William IV, King George V"

Out of the Blue

I think I will add a trip to the Cayman Islands to my bucket list. ;-)

Note: Red footed Booby pic is by Kelvin Boot, and found on the Galapagos Conservation Trust site. It is used here for educational purposes. Western Union Schooner pic used for educational purposes.

Links
Cayman Islands - Bud's Big Blue

Comments appreciated!

A Big Blue visit with Bud

Bud, relaxing in his stamp lair

Into the Deep Blue
I (Jim Jackson) originally began the blog in 2011, initially putting stamps into Big Blue (Scott International Part I 1840-1940 album), while developing a checklist for Big Blue's contents. (Later, I would move the collection to Deep Blue (Steiner pages), but continue with the BB checklist.) Very early on in the process, Bud introduced himself, and encouraged the checklist. He had a more advanced collection than myself, and he would send me "want list" stamps that were his extras.

I improved my 1840-1940 collection over the years, whereby I now have some 50,000 stamps for the era, of which some 31,000 have a space in Big Blue. (See Status of my Deep Blue and Big Blue Collection.) But Bud advanced his collection even further, and by 2016, he filled every space (34,000+) in his Big Blue, as well as adding many blank pages with extra stamps not given a space.  This is an accomplishment indeed, as the collectors who have managed this can probably be counted on one or two hands. Moreover, the stamps he has in Big Blue are correct for the spaces, as he followed the BB checklist.

Bud happily accepted my proposal to show off his completed Big Blue through this blog, and so began the "Bud's Big Blue" posts on September 10, 2016. (See Bud's Big Blue - an Introduction and Index.) As of this date, Bud is halfway through the presentation, having recently posted "Libya" and "Some Thoughts at the Midpoint".

But alas, although Bud and I have had lots of correspondence with each other, we had never actually met. You see, I live on the west coast in Oregon, and Bud resides on the east coast - some 2700 miles away.

.......until NOW!!!!

As it happened, my spouse and I were going to visit our daughter who had recently moved east. And Bud invited us to visit, which wasn't too far out of the way, and so we did!

Bud's chair, placed strategically close to a standing desk filled with Big Blues

As it turned out, Bud and I and our spouses had much more in common then simply stamps, and our stay with them was wonderful on so many levels.

As any reader knows who reads Bud's comments about stamps, he is a warm generous witty man with deep knowledge about history, geography, languages, philosophy, religion, ethics, and culture. Their travels were not simply as tourists, but reflected a humanitarian purpose. Naturally, the house is filled with artifacts and mementos from their adventures.

And not least, a stamp room to die for!......

Bud's Stamp Room

Bud took me upstairs where he has a room devoted to stamps. It is lined on two sides with floor to ceiling bookshelves housing books of wide ranging interest, and volumes of stamp albums. The couch is laden with seven! binders of his completed 1840-1940 Big Blue collection. It is quite neat and tidy, all the more impressive for a world wide collector.

Bud at his Work Station

While stamping, Bud sits in his comfortable chair, and has his Big Blue open to the country of interest. Surrounding him is a new feeder album or group of stamp pages, and he can quickly spy which stamps he needs for his Big Blue collection. He has his laptop handy as well.

Are you interested in how many stamps Bud has in his collection? Well, we already know that his 1840-1940 Part I Big Blue is complete. But he actually collects through ~1965, and so he also has Part II - Part V Big Blues. He tells me that there are 95,000 spaces in the Part I-Part V (1840-1965) Big Blues, and he is actively seeking some 3,000 stamps for the 1940-1965 era. That means 92,000 spaces are filled (97% complete)! In addition, he has 29,000 more stamps that do not have a space in the Big Blues. In total, he has 121,000 stamps for the 1840-1965 time period. !!! Remarkable!

Tibet, Edward VII India 1 Anna, on cover to London
with Postmark "Lahssa" (sic) 19 August, 1904

Naturally, Bud has a number of stamps with a high CV. But I asked him if he had any stamp usage that was out of the ordinary.

He showed me this cover from Tibet with letter included from Herbert J. Walton, a medical doctor accompanying the Younghusband Military Expedition (Dec, 1903-Sept, 1904).

The cover and letter are of historical significance. Moreover, the post office authorities had used a temporary postmark spelling of "Lahssa" rather than Lhasa. Value (based on past eBay results): four figures.

Jim and Bud examining Bud's collection

Out of the Blue

I have known Bud through correspondence for a good period of time, but he and his collection is even more impressive in real life. !!!

Readers will have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of Bud's Big Blue over the next several years.

Thanks Bud for sharing your collection and wisdom with us!

Comments appreciated!

Filling Deep Blue: 1934-35 & BOB Russia additions

1935 Scott 547 10k ultramarine

"Refugees from Burning Town"

Into the Deep Blue
The Russia 1934-35 issues are interesting indeed, and not that common. With this post, we will have a look at some of my recent 1934-35 additions to  Russia, as well as some BOB areas (Russia in Turkey, Wrangel issues).

The prior post covered...

Filling Deep Blue: 1866-1934 Russia additions

A Closer look
100 Kopecks = 1 Ruble

1934 Scott 543 10k indigo & black

"Lenin the Orator"

For the first decade without Lenin, a six stamp commemorative issue was released November 23, 1934.

1934 Scott 544 20k brown orange & ultamarine

"Demonstration before Lenin Mausoleum"

The two higher denomination stamps in the Lenin issue were bi-colored; quite possibly with the ugliest brown-orange tinge on the corners of the stamp ever seen. ;-)

1934 Scott 545 30k brown orange & carmine

"Lenin and Stalin"

Stalin gets his appearance on the 30k, alongside Lenin. CV for these obvious CTO-ed 20k and 30k is $8+ and $35 respectively. !!

1935 Scott 546 5k violet black

"Bombs Falling on City"

On January 1, 1935, a remarkable "Anti-war" propaganda five stamp photogravure set was released.
The stamps were issued 20 years after the onset of WWI.

Close-up: "Bombs falling on City"

The set is chilling in its depiction of the horrors of modern warfare. Here the bombs are raining from the clouds.

1935 Scott 549 20k dark brown

"Plowing with the Sword"

CV for the stamps in the set ranges from $3 to $30 (used).

Close-up: "Plowing with the Sword"

The illustrations clearly have a nightmare quality to them.

1935 Scott 550 35k carmine

"Comradeship"

I can't help but feel the stamps have a bit of a mixed message: Here "Comradeship".

Close-up; "Comradeship"

Stomping on your mutual enemy is entirely acceptable.

1935 Scott 553 15k rose carmine"Subway Station"

For the completion of the Moscow subway, a four stamp issue was released February 25, 1935. This stamp is the most scarce @ CV $32+.

1935 Scott 554 20k emerald "Train in Station"

The other stamps in the issue range from CV $7+ to $10. Contrast that with the U.S. commemorative 1935 issues: Today worth face value or less!

1935 Scott 557 15k dark blue

"Friedrich Engels"

For this grand experiment in communism, Friedrich Engels (and of course Marx) were the seminal authors. For the 40th year anniversary of the death of Engels, a four stamp set was released (CV $4-$14).

Air Post 1924 Scott C8 15k on 1r red brown

"Fokker F-111"

On 1923 Scott C2 Surcharged

In 1924, the air post C2-C5 stamps of 1923 (They never been placed in use) were surcharged and issued. CV is $1-$4.

Offices in the Turkish Empire

Offices in the Turkish Empire

1872 Scott 13 5k green, Perf 14 1/2 X 15

Horizontally Laid Paper

Like a lot of countries, Russia also had post offices in the Turkish Empire between 1863-1913.

Between 1872 - 1890, a typographic four denomination stamp set with Perf 14 1/2 X 15 was released with the above design on horizontally laid paper. CV is <$1-$3.

 Be aware that there is a similar 1868 four stamp set, Perf 11 1/2, in which the colors will dissolve in water. !!

1872 Scott 14a 5k blue

Vertically Laid Paper

The 1872-90 set can be found with vertically laid paper, and are given minor numbers by Scott.

1872 Scott 14a 5k blue (Reverse)

Vertically Laid Paper

This shows the vertically laid paper. CV ranges from $18 to $40+ for the minor number stamps.

1879 Scott 22 7k carmine & gray

Offices in the Turkish Empire

In 1879, three additional bi-colored numerals (1k, 2k,7k) were released. CV is $1-$3.

Wrangel Issues
The 1921 Wrangel issues (162 major numbers in Scott) consisted of surcharged issues of Russia, Russian Offices in Turkey, South Russia-Denkin & Crimea  Issues, and Trident stamps of Ukraine.

They were used by General Peter Wrangel's army, and civilian refugees from areas such as South Russia, Turkey, and Serbia. Scott has a note that very few of the original issues were actually sold to the public, and reprints are the norm. CV values are based on these reprints. Obviously, this is a highly specialized area, and one must have sophisticated knowledge if one wants to seriously delve into them. Recommended would be to follow Trevor Pateman's Philately Blog on the Russian area.

1921 Scott 241 1000r on 7k blue

This example represents Russian stamps of 1902-18, surcharged in blue, red, or black. Many are CV $1+, as this Scott 241 is, but others are in the CV $10-$90 category.

1921 Scott 295 5000r on 2pi on 25k blue & carmine

This example shows stamps of Russian Offices in Turkey being used. The Scott 295 is CV $2+.

1921 Trident Stamps of Ukraine Surcharged

Scott 320/Scott 332

This shows a grouping in Deep Blue of Trident stamps of Ukraine surcharged in blue, red, black, or brown for use as Wrangel issues. The inexpensive ones are CV <$1. One I don't have (Scott 331) is CV $70+.

1921 Scott 320 10,000r on 1k orange

Trident Stamps of Ukraine Surcharged

Here is a close-up of the 10,000r on 1k orange with blue surcharge. Adding to the interesting complications, there are several varieties of the Trident surcharge found on this set.

1921 Scott 335 10,000r on 3k red, Imperforate

Trident Stamps of Ukraine Surcharged

Six of the stamps (Scott 333-338) of the surcharged Ukraine Tridents are found imperforate. This example is CV <$1, although another (Scott 337) is CV $40.

Deep Blue

1935 Issue Scott 555-558 "Friedrich Engels"

As usual, Deep Blue (Steiner pages) provides a space for all the major numbers. One may need to add quadrilled pages if one wishes to push the boundary further.

1935 Scott 548 15k green 

"Before War and Afterwards"

Out of the Blue

Russian stamps during the classical era offer a lot! - although some are CV expensive (for the era), and knowledge is a necessity.

Comments appreciated!