Postage Stamps and Postal History of Bahrain

Author

Reads 7.6K

A Person's Hand Using a Stamp
Credit: pexels.com, A Person's Hand Using a Stamp

Bahrain, a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, has a rich postal history that dates back to the 19th century. The country's first postage stamps were introduced in 1933.

The stamps featured images of Bahrain's ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and other notable landmarks, showcasing the country's growing independence.

Bahrain's postal system was initially managed by the British, who had control over the country's affairs at the time. This arrangement continued until Bahrain gained its independence in 1971.

Bahrain Stamps

Bahrain Stamps have a fascinating history. The country's first post office was established in 1933, marking a significant milestone in Bahrain's postal history.

British India stamps played a crucial role in Bahrain's early postal system. These stamps were used in Bahrain until 1933 and can be identified by the unique cancellations found in specialized catalogues.

One notable example of a British India stamp used in Bahrain is the 1933 First Flight cover from Bahrain to Calcutta. This cover features British India stamps tied by Bahraini cancels and various receiver marks.

Readers also liked: First Toronto Post Office

Credit: youtube.com, Postage Of Bahrain | Postal History of State of Bahrain

In 1933, British India definitives were overprinted with the word "BAHRAIN" and used until 1947. These stamps depicted George V and later George VI.

During this period, un-overprinted Victory stamps of India were also sold in Bahrain in January 1946. A 16 anna stamp booklet was issued in 1934, which is a rare and collectible item.

If you're interested in collecting Bahrain stamps, be sure to look out for these early issues, which are highly sought after by postal historians.

Consider reading: India Postal Codes

Bahrain Postal History

Bahrain Postal History is a fascinating topic that spans centuries. The first post office was opened in Bahrain in 1884 as part of the British Indian postal services using the stamps of British India.

Stamps of British India were used in Bahrain until 1933, and used examples may be identified from the cancellations which are illustrated in specialized catalogues and keenly sought after by postal historians. These stamps are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.

Credit: youtube.com, Bahrain Stamps.

In 1933, the first flight cover from Bahrain to Calcutta was issued, featuring British India stamps tied by Bahraini cancels and various receiver marks. This is an important milestone in Bahrain's postal history.

Here are some key dates in Bahrain's postal history:

  • 1884: First post office opened in Bahrain
  • 1933: First flight cover from Bahrain to Calcutta issued
  • 1947: British India gains independence, and postal services are taken over by the Pakistani postal service
  • 1966: Bahrain Post Office fully takes over postal services from Britain

Local Issues

Local issues in Bahrain's postal history are a fascinating area of study. British Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia handled postal administration from 1 April 1948.

A notable period in Bahrain's local issues was from 1948 to 1960, during which time British issues were overprinted with "BAHRAIN" and surcharged in annas or rupees. These overprints are highly sought after by philatelists.

The 1952-54 Bahrain stamps are a great example of local issues, featuring a complete set of overprints on GB definitives in Indian currency. They were colourfully illustrated.

These stamps, although worth little or nothing, became known as "dunes" due to their unrelated theme, which included "Space Research" and "Tokyo Olympic Games".

Postal History Bahrain

Credit: youtube.com, Post Office Tour

The first post office in Bahrain was opened in 1884 as part of the British Indian postal services, using stamps from British India. It marked the beginning of Bahrain's postal history.

Stamps from British India were used in Bahrain until 1933, and collectors can identify them by the cancellations, which are illustrated in specialized catalogues. These stamps are highly sought after by postal historians.

The first stamps specifically designed for Bahrain were issued in 1953, depicting Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa and valid only for domestic use. The stamps were a definitive set, but they were not designed for international mail.

In 1933, British India stamps were overprinted with "BAHRAIN" and used until 1947, featuring George V and later George VI. These stamps are a rare find for collectors.

The Bahrain Post Office took over postal services from Britain on January 1, 1966, issuing a new definitive set of stamps. This marked a significant milestone in Bahrain's postal history.

Here's a list of notable milestones in Bahrain's postal history:

  • 1884: First post office opened in Bahrain
  • 1933: British India stamps overprinted with "BAHRAIN"
  • 1953: First definitive set of Bahraini stamps issued
  • 1966: Bahrain Post Office takes over postal services from Britain

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.