1909 Scott 10 10c carmine
"Minaret of Juma Mosque, near Male"
Quick HistoryThe Maldives archipelago of some 1200 islands (192 inhabited) is located in the Indian Ocean 400 miles from Ceylon. The atolls are spread out over 35,000 sq miles (90,000 sq km), with an average ground level of 5 feet, the highest point at 8 feet. As one can imagine, tsunamis, and predictions of higher ocean levels are of ongoing concern.
The Maldives
The Maldives were originally explored by the Portuguese in the 15th century, then by the Dutch in the 17th century. But in 1887, the Sultan of the Maldives signed an agreement with the British Ceylon Governor that made the territory a British Protectorate as a dependency of Ceylon, albeit with internal self-government.
The people are ethnically Maldivians, speak a Devehi language, are of the Sunni Islam faith, and comprised about 100,000 people in 1905.
The Capital is Malé.
During the British Protectorate era, which lasted until independence in 1965, the country was ruled internally by Sultans. In 1968, a Republic was established.
1909 Scott 7 2c orange brown
Into the Deep BlueThe Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, from 1906-1952, 30 major stamp descriptions. Of those, 16 are CV <$1-$1+, mostly the latter 1950-52 issue.
As noted, there is no stamp production for the Maldives themselves until 1906. Otherwise, the stamps of Ceylon must have been used?
A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Cents = 1 Rupee
1909 Scott 8 3c green
"Minaret of Juma Mosque, near Male"
The first stamps for the Maldives consisted of six overprinted 1904-05 stamps of Ceylon issued in 1906. The CV ranges from $5-$100, and I don't have any. ;-)
Then, regular stamps of Ceylon were used when the overprint supply was exhausted..
The first set proper just for the Maldives was a 1909 four stamp set with the above design. The CV is <$1-$2+.
Then, regular stamps of Ceylon were used when the overprint supply was exhausted..
The first set proper just for the Maldives was a 1909 four stamp set with the above design. The CV is <$1-$2+.
1933 Scott 12 3c yellow brown
Type of 1909 issue Redrawn
The rather classic design from the 1909 issue was used again, but redrawn, in 1933. One will note the lack of background horizontal lines on the vignette tablet compared to the earlier issue. The nine stamp set has a CV of <$1-$10. The watermark consists of "Harrison & Sons, London" in script.
1950 Scott 21 3 l deep blue
"Palm Tree and Seascape"
Deep BlueIn 1950 and 1952, a nine stamp set with a "Palm Tree and Seascape" pictorial, and a two stamp set with a "Maldive Fish" pictorial were issued respectively. CV for the stamps in the grouping range from CV <$1-$1+ for 10 stamps.
That's it. No other issues.
1909 Issue in Deep Blue
The Deep Blue album (Steiner), on two pages, has a space for all of the 30 stamps of the classic era up to 1952.
Maldive Islands in Big Blue
Big Blue
Big Blue '69, on one page, has all 4 spaces for the 1909 issue, and all 9 spaces for the 1933 issue. The 1906 overprinted issue (CV $5-$100+) is rightfully not included.
Considering the limited output of the Maldive Islands, BB is rather generous in its coverage. The stamp spaces also include two that cross the $10 threshold.
Checklist
1909
7,8,9,10,
1933
11,12,13,15,16,
17,18,(14),(19),
End
Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1933 Scott 13 5c brown lake ($10)
1933 Scott (19) 1r blue black ($10+)
B) ( ) around a number indicates a blank space choice. However, since there are only two stamps available for the two blank space choices, there really is no choice. ;-)
Considering the limited output of the Maldive Islands, BB is rather generous in its coverage. The stamp spaces also include two that cross the $10 threshold.
Checklist
1909
7,8,9,10,
1933
11,12,13,15,16,
17,18,(14),(19),
End
Comments
A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):
1933 Scott 13 5c brown lake ($10)
1933 Scott (19) 1r blue black ($10+)
B) ( ) around a number indicates a blank space choice. However, since there are only two stamps available for the two blank space choices, there really is no choice. ;-)
1909 Scott 9 5c red violet
Out of the Blue
The Maldives had few stamp issues during the classical period.
True, like many small island countries, they more recently have issued myriad topicals, some of which have little relevancy to the Maldives as such.
But the classical era is clean.
Note: Map, Pic appear to be in the public domain.
How about a comment? ;-)
True, like many small island countries, they more recently have issued myriad topicals, some of which have little relevancy to the Maldives as such.
But the classical era is clean.
Note: Map, Pic appear to be in the public domain.
How about a comment? ;-)
Palm trees and blue lagoons