British Military Administration Eritrea Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About British Military Administration Eritrea Stamps
British Military Administration Eritrea was a territory in Northeast Africa administered by the United Kingdom following the defeat of Italian forces in East Africa during World War II. This administration, active from 1941 until Eritrea's federation with Ethiopia, utilized stamps that often overprinted existing Italian colonial issues or featured definitive series reflecting British authority. The postal issues primarily bear inscriptions in English, reflecting the governing power, alongside Arabic and sometimes Italian, which was the legacy language of the former colony. This period represents a significant transition between Italian colonial rule and the subsequent Ethiopian incorporation, marked by distinct provisional postal stationery.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1948 – 1951
- Languages:
- English, Arabic, Italian
- Currency:
- EAS
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
British Military Administration Eritrea stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular British Military Administration Eritrea Stamp Series
King George VI Overprints (1948-1951)
Italian colonial stamps overprinted 'B.M.A. ERITREA' and new values in East African Shillings and Cents, featuring King George VI.
Definitive Series (1948-1951)
A series of definitive stamps issued specifically for the British Military Administration, often depicting local scenes or symbols of British authority.
issuer:british-military-adm-eritrea.series.items.2.name (issuer:british-military-adm-eritrea.series.items.2.period)
issuer:british-military-adm-eritrea.series.items.2.description
British Military Administration Eritrea Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and completeness of sets. Early overprints and errors can be particularly valuable.
How to Identify British Military Administration Eritrea Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying British Military Administration Eritrea stamps:
- 1 Look for the overprint 'B.M.A. ERITREA' (British Military Administration Eritrea) on Italian colonial stamps.
- 2 Stamps will typically feature King George VI or designs characteristic of British colonial issues of the period.
- 3 Denominations are in East African Shillings and Cents.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps?
British Military Administration Eritrea stamps were issued by the United Kingdom during its post-World War II administration of Eritrea, from 1948 to 1951. These stamps often consisted of Italian colonial issues overprinted with 'B.M.A. ERITREA' and new values, or definitive series reflecting British authority.
Are British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps valuable?
The value of British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps can range from a few pounds for common issues to several hundred pounds for rare varieties, complete sets, or stamps with significant overprint errors. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
How can I identify British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps?
You can identify British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps by looking for the 'B.M.A. ERITREA' overprint, typically on Italian colonial stamps, or by designs featuring King George VI. Denominations will be in East African Shillings and Cents. For precise identification, use a stamp identifier app or consult a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps?
British Military Adm. Eritrea stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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