British East Africa Forces Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About British East Africa Forces Stamps
British East Africa Forces stamps were issued for military personnel operating across the British East Africa Protectorate and surrounding territories in Eastern Africa during the First World War. These provisional issues served military units stationed in regions that would later become Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. The stamps primarily bear English inscriptions, reflecting their British colonial administrative origin, and often feature overprints or specific military designations. Their issuance marks a distinct, temporary phase of postal administration necessitated by wartime logistical requirements across the East African theater.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1943 – 1943
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- Great Britain
Stamp Catalogs
British East Africa Forces stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular British East Africa Forces Stamp Series
King George VI Provisional Issues (1943)
Stamps of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika overprinted 'B.E.A.F.' for use by military personnel.
Overprinted K.U.T. Issues (1943)
Standard definitive stamps of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika surcharged or overprinted for military postal service.
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British East Africa Forces Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on cover. Rarer denominations and errors command higher prices.
How to Identify British East Africa Forces Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying British East Africa Forces stamps:
- 1 Look for the 'B.E.A.F.' overprint (British East Africa Forces) on stamps originally issued for Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika.
- 2 Examine the base stamp for King George VI portraits or other designs typical of British colonial issues of the period.
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are British East Africa Forces stamps?
British East Africa Forces stamps were provisional issues used by military personnel in the British East Africa Protectorate and surrounding territories during World War II, specifically in 1943. They are typically stamps of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika overprinted with 'B.E.A.F.'.
Are British East Africa Forces stamps valuable?
The value of British East Africa Forces stamps can range from a few pounds for common examples to several hundred pounds for rarer denominations, specific overprint varieties, or stamps on original covers. Condition plays a significant role in their value.
How can I identify British East Africa Forces stamps?
You can identify British East Africa Forces stamps by looking for the distinctive 'B.E.A.F.' overprint on stamps that are otherwise identifiable as issues from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. Using a stamp identifier app can also help confirm the origin and specific issue.
Which catalogs list British East Africa Forces stamps?
British East Africa Forces stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Stanley Gibbons (often under British East Africa or Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika with military issues), Scott, and Michel, usually within sections dedicated to military or provisional issues.
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