Federated Malay States Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Federated Malay States Stamps
The Federated Malay States (FMS) comprised a group of British protectorates in the Malay Peninsula, Southeast Asia, administered under the authority of the Straits Settlements Governor. These states utilized a unified postal system under British colonial administration, with stamps generally denominated in Straits Settlements currency until the introduction of Malayan dollars. The postal issues predominantly featured English inscriptions, reflecting the official language of the colonial government, and the FMS ceased to exist as a distinct entity following the establishment of the Malayan Union in 1946.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Southeast Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1900 – 1946
- Languages:
- English, Malay
- Currency:
- MYR
- Parent issuer:
- United Kingdom
Stamp Catalogs
Federated Malay States stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Federated Malay States Stamp Series
Tiger and Waterfall Issue (1900-1901)
The first definitive series for FMS, featuring a tiger and waterfall design, overprinted on Straits Settlements stamps.
Elephant and Tiger Issue (1904-1922)
A long-running definitive series depicting a tiger and an elephant, common to all four Federated Malay States.
Sultan Ibrahim Issue (1922-1935)
Definitive stamps featuring the portrait of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, though used for the FMS as a whole.
Federated Malay States Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common FMS stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Higher values, particularly those with rare cancellations, errors, or high denominations from early issues, can fetch significant prices. Condition is paramount.
How to Identify Federated Malay States Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Federated Malay States stamps:
- 1 Look for 'FEDERATED MALAY STATES' inscription, often in English.
- 2 Early issues are overprints on Straits Settlements stamps, identifiable by the FMS overprint.
- 3 Designs often feature local fauna (tiger, elephant) or portraits of British monarchs/local sultans.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Federated Malay States stamps?
Federated Malay States (FMS) stamps were issued by a group of British protectorates in the Malay Peninsula (Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Pahang) from 1900 until 1946. They used a unified postal system under British colonial administration, with stamps denominated in Straits Settlements currency initially, then Malayan dollars.
Are Federated Malay States stamps valuable?
The value of Federated Malay States stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from $0.50 to $10. However, rare varieties, high denominations, early overprints, or stamps with significant historical cancellations can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify Federated Malay States stamps?
Federated Malay States stamps are typically identified by the clear inscription 'FEDERATED MALAY STATES' in English. Early issues may be Straits Settlements stamps with an FMS overprint. Designs often feature local wildlife like tigers and elephants, or portraits of British monarchs or local sultans. For precise identification and catalog numbers, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list Federated Malay States stamps?
Federated Malay States stamps are comprehensively listed in all major stamp catalogs, including Scott, Stanley Gibbons, and Michel. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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