Postage Stamps and Postal History of Malta from 1799

Malta's postal history began in 1799 when the island was under French rule. The French established a postal service that used a variety of stamps and markings.

The first stamps issued in Malta were in 1840, featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria. These stamps were used until 1856.

The British took control of Malta in 1813 and introduced their own postal system, which included a range of stamps and rates.

Take a look at this: How to Order Us Postage Stamps Online

Malta's postal history dates back to the 16th century, with the Knights of St John playing a significant role in establishing the country's postal service.

The first postal museum in Malta, the Malta Postal Museum & Arts Hub, was established to showcase the country's postal history, featuring hundreds of objects related to Malta's postal service.

Located in Valletta, the museum is a must-visit for philatelists and culture vultures alike, with exhibitions and artifacts spanning four floors.

Malta's postal history dates back to the 16th century, when the Knights of St John used postal services to communicate with Europe.

The first definitive stamps were introduced in 1922, featuring an allegorical depiction of Melita on the Pound and pence values, and a depiction of Melita leaning on Britannia on the shilling values.

Between 1920 and 1930, Malta used a total of 7 sets of definitive stamps, which is a staggering number considering the relatively short period of time.

In 1938, a new set of pictorial definitives was introduced, featuring George VI inside a cartouche with a rich scene around him, and this set went up to 10/- and reused scenes from the 1926 set.

Malta gained full independence in the Commonwealth on September 21, 1964, and a set of 6 values was issued to commemorate this event.

The 1965 definitives showed the History of Malta to 1964 and are considered some of the finest ever issued, making them a must-have for any philatelist.

In 1972, Malta introduced a decimal system, where 10 mils equal 1 cent, and 100 cents equal 1 Maltese pound (Lira), which was a significant change for the island nation.

The Malta Postal Museum & Arts Hub is a treasure trove of postal history, featuring hundreds of objects related to Malta's postal service, including vehicles, post boxes, stamps, and uniforms.

The museum is located in Valletta and is open weekdays from 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays 10am to 2pm, with tickets costing €7 for adults and €6 for pensioners.

Intriguing read: How Many Us Forever Stamps to Canada

Malta became a Republic on 13 December 1974, marking a significant milestone in the country's history. This event led to the GPO issuing a set of stamps designed by Chev Emvin Cremona.

The British Military presence in Malta came to an end in 1979, another occasion where the GPO issued a set of stamps designed by the same artist.

In 1998, the postal services in the Maltese Islands were taken over by a new company, Maltapost plc. This company was owned by the Government of Malta, Mid-Med Finance Ltd, Mid-Med Life Assurance Co Ltd, and Maltacom plc.

The company's ownership structure changed in 2002, when the Maltese Government sold 35% of Maltapost plc to Transcend Worldwide Ltd.

Maltapost plc offers a range of services, including:

The company is currently undergoing a modernisation programme to improve its branch network and provide a platform for continued growth.

British Rule had a significant impact on Malta's postal system, with the first British stamp being introduced in 1840. This was a major change from the previous system used during the Knights of St. John era.

The British introduced a new postal rate system, which included a 1d rate for letters weighing up to 1/2 oz. This rate was in effect until 1841.

The British Rule and UK stamps have a rich history dating back to the 16th century when the British East India Company was granted a royal charter to trade with the East Indies.

In 1765, the British East India Company took control of India's finances, marking the beginning of British rule in India.

The first British stamps were introduced in 1840, featuring Queen Victoria's profile.

The British Empire expanded rapidly, with the British taking control of various territories, including India, Africa, and Asia.

The first Indian stamp was introduced in 1852, featuring Queen Victoria's profile.

The British monarch's image was featured on many UK stamps, including the 1d Red Die I, which was introduced in 1847.

The British rule in India lasted until 1947, when India gained independence.

British Rule in Malta was marked by the introduction of British postage stamps in 1857. These stamps remained valid until 31 December 1884.

The M postmark was used from 1857 but was withdrawn by early 1861. A number of different A25 postmarks remained in use until 1904.

Most British stamps with face values up to 10/- can be found used in Malta.

The Malta Post Office had a unique system for using British stamps, which became available to the general public on 18 August 1857.

These stamps remained valid until 31 December 1884, and can be identified by coded postal obliterators reading M or A25, which were introduced in 1857 and 1859 respectively.

A number of different A25 postmarks remained in use until 1904, after the M postmark was withdrawn by early 1861.

Most contemporary British stamps with face values up to 10/- can be found used in Malta, including the Halfpenny Rose Red, Penny Red, Three Halfpence Red, and Two Pence Blue.

The Penny Venetian Red, Penny Lilac, and the 1883–1884 Lilac and Green issue are also surface-printed issues that can be found used in Malta.

Some British postal fiscals also exist used in Malta.

Malta's first miniature sheet was issued on 8 November 1971, featuring the Christmas set.

The first stamp that was issued in miniature sheet format only, and not in sheet format, was issued on 30 January 1980, as part of the Flemish Tapestries series.

A unique miniature sheet was issued in 2007 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Caravaggio in Malta, with a value of Lm2/€4.66.

Check this out: Valid Canadian Postal Code

Malta Stamps (1860–1964) were issued by the British colonial administration. The first postage stamp of Malta, a 1/2d blue, was released in 1860 and featured a portrait of Queen Victoria.

The British postal administration introduced the first postage stamps of Malta in 1860, featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria. This marked the beginning of a long history of stamp production in Malta.

Between 1860 and 1902, Malta stamps featured a series of Queen Victoria's portraits. These early stamps were used to send mail from Malta to other parts of the British Empire.

The 1902-1912 issue of Malta stamps featured a new portrait of King Edward VII. This marked a significant change in the design of Malta stamps, which would continue until 1938.

Malta stamps from 1938 to 1943 featured a portrait of King George VI. During this period, Malta stamps also began to feature more local imagery, such as the coat of arms and the Maltese cross.

The final issue of Malta stamps before independence was released in 1943, featuring a portrait of King George VI. This marked the end of British rule in Malta and the beginning of a new era in the country's postal history.

Discover more: How Much Us Postage to Canada

Malta has issued postal cards for philatelic purposes since 1980, with most of them featuring an imprinted version of EUROPA stamps.

These cards were issued almost annually for international philatelic exhibitions between 1980 and 2006, and for local philatelic exhibitions since 2007.

Some postal cards have an actual adhesive stamp affixed instead of an imprinted version, which is a nice touch for collectors.

In 1989, a special postal card was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Malta's independence.

Occasion cards, which commemorate events, anniversaries, or philatelic exhibitions, have also been issued since 2001, with an imprinted stamp.

These occasion cards are similar to the philatelic postal cards and are a great way for collectors to commemorate special events.

Pre-stamped envelopes have a long history in Malta, dating back to 1885 when postcards, newspaper wrappers, and registration envelopes were first issued.

The first pre-stamped envelopes were introduced in 1900 and came in three different sizes with an imprinted 1d stamp depicting Queen Victoria.

These early pre-stamped envelopes were unpopular and no further ones were issued until 2002.

In 2002, MaltaPost reintroduced pre-stamped envelopes with two designs: one for local mail depicting a luzzu and one for foreign mail depicting a map.

These envelopes were popular and were issued in various sizes and formats.

A new design was introduced in 2006, featuring a Neolithic spiral design for local envelopes.

Since 2011, another design has been in use, featuring a spiral design and an architectural element from one of the megalithic temples.

This design has been issued in various denominations and formats and remains in use as of 2020.

MaltaPost also allows companies to order personalized versions of the pre-stamped envelopes with their logo printed on them.

Malta's first miniature sheet was issued on 8 November 1971, featuring the Christmas set.

The first stamp to be issued in miniature sheet format only, and not in sheet format, was part of the fourth and final issue of the Flemish Tapestries series in 1980.

Miniature sheets for the FIFA World Cup were issued for each Cup from 1978, with the exception of 2002.

The highest value of a miniature sheet with a single stamp was Lm2/€4.66, issued in 2007 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Caravaggio's arrival in Malta.

This miniature sheet was reissued with an overprint and serial number in 2010, making it Malta's rarest miniature sheet.

Only 3 examples of this sheet are known to have been postally used.

A new definitive issue featuring periods in Maltese history was issued on 29 December 2009, with all values in Malta's largest miniature sheet.

This miniature sheet had a combined face value of €11.42, making it the highest combined face value of a Maltese miniature sheet.

The miniature sheet was reissued on 23 May 2011 with MaltaPost's new logo in the bottom right-hand corner.

You might enjoy: Canada Postal Code New Brunswick

Malta's postal history is rich in specialized topics that are fascinating to explore. The country's unique location in the Mediterranean made it a hub for international trade and communication, leading to the introduction of various postal systems over the centuries.

The use of postal cards in Malta dates back to 1870, with the first card featuring a design of the Grand Harbour of Valletta. These early postal cards often featured scenic views of Malta's picturesque landscapes.

The Maltese postal system also issued a series of stamps featuring the country's coat of arms, which was first introduced in 1885. This design was used on various stamp issues, including the 1886 stamps featuring Queen Victoria's portrait.

Postage due stamps have a fascinating history in Malta, with the first set issued in 1925. They were ten imperforate provisional stamps with denominations ranging from ½d to 1/6.

The first set was typeset at the Government Printing Office in Valletta, and the stamps had simple numeral designs. Tête-bêche pairs occurred within each sheet, which is a unique feature.

A new set of postage due stamps was issued just a few months later, on 20 July 1925. These stamps were printed by Bradbury Wilkinson in Britain and featured a design with a Maltese cross.

This design continued to be used until after independence, with many reprints made resulting in stamps with various paper types, perforations, watermarks, and colour shades.

Malta has issued postal stationery items since 1885, starting with postal cards, newspaper wrappers, and registered envelopes.

These items were first introduced concurrently with the first definitive stamps.

Pre-stamped envelopes and aerogrammes were introduced later on, but most of these items were discontinued at various points during the 20th century.

As of 2020, pre-stamped envelopes are still in use, while pre-stamped postal cards are still issued regularly for philatelic purposes.

Between 1885 and 1917, various ½d and 1d postal cards were issued for local and foreign rates, respectively.

These cards bore an imprinted stamp depicting the reigning monarch, initially Victoria and later Edward VII or George V.

Some of the cards exist in two versions: as a single card and as a reply card, intended to allow recipients to send a reply without paying any postage themselves.

Since 1980, Malta has issued postal cards for philatelic purposes, most of which have an imprinted version of EUROPA stamps.

Occasion cards, which usually bear an imprinted stamp, have also been issued since 2001 to commemorate an event, anniversary, or a philatelic exhibition.

Only three newspaper wrappers were issued between 1885 and 1913, all denominated ½d and depicting the reigning monarch.

These wrappers are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity.

Prior to issuing separate postal stationery, Malta used British stationery.

The first items of postal stationery to be issued by Malta were in 1885, when postcards, newspaper wrappers, and registration envelopes were issued.

Six different aerogrammes have been issued up to 1991, but only two were pre-paid, and these were issued in 1971.

Malta issued two pre-stamped aerogrammes in 1971, which had imprinted versions of definitive stamps issued a year earlier.

At least 21 different postpaid envelopes have been issued since 2002, featuring both local and foreign rates.

The unissued stamps of Malta are a fascinating topic.

These stamps were scheduled to be issued on 27 February 2002, but they were withdrawn the day before.

The set was designed by Richard J. Caruana and printed by Bundesdruckerei.

The stamps had denominations of 6c, 12c, 22c, 27c, and 50c.

The 6c stamp was to commemorate the film 'The Malta Story' (1953).

The 12c stamp was to honor the film 'Shout at the Devil' (1975).

The 22c stamp was to celebrate the film 'Popeye' (1980).

The 27c stamp was to commemorate the film 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (2002).

The 50c stamp was to honor the film 'Gladiator' (2000).

Maltese Medical History was heavily influenced by the country's strategic location in the Mediterranean. The Knights Hospitaller, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798, had a strong tradition of providing medical care to their members and the local population.

The Order of St. John, as the Knights were also known, established a hospital in Valletta in 1574, which became a center of medical excellence in the region. The hospital was known for its advanced medical facilities and its staff of skilled doctors and surgeons.

Maltese doctors played a significant role in the development of modern medicine, with many contributing to the field of anatomy. One notable example is the work of Giuseppe Caruana, a Maltese doctor who wrote a comprehensive anatomy textbook in 1745.

The Knights also introduced the concept of quarantine to Malta, which helped to control the spread of diseases such as the plague. This measure was instrumental in saving countless lives and helped to establish Malta as a safe haven for travelers and traders.