Worldwide Stamps and Postal History continued...

A fine mint pair with original gum.

A scarce surcharge stamp as only 2,792 were originally issued.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £84+.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A fine unmounted mint example with original gum, stunning all respects other than a slight wrinkling of gum as often seen for this issue.

A scarce surcharged stamp with only 1,980 originally issued.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A fine and fresh mint example with large part original gum. Minor gum wrinkles do not detract from overall beautiful quality.

A rare stamp as only 700 were originally issued.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £130.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A fine and fresh mint example with large part original gum. Slight gum crease as often seen and is much above average for this rare stamp issue.

Very rare, particularly in fine condition, as only 400 were originally issued.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £650.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 21] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A very fine unmounted mint block (except first stamp with corner defect backed by hinge).

An attractive and very scarce multiple, difficult to find in this quality.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A very fine unmounted mint strip with full original gum. Typical slight gum creasing but very fine appearance with cleanly struck surcharges.

A rare stamps as only 2,792 were originally issued and very scarce as a multiple.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £210+.

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A fine mint example with part original gum and benefiting from particularly fresh colour. Some gum creasing which is inconsequential as it is of fine appearance.

Very scarce as only 359 were originally issued.

Champion Hand Stamp on reverse.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £550.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A fine quality used pair and most attractive.

A very rare stamp as only 900 were originally issued.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £260+.

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A fine and fresh unmounted mint positional block with full original gum. The top left stamp has a short perforation, and unimportant creasing in the top margin, but quite remarkable quality for this issue.

A rare stamp as only 1,900 were originally issued with the blue surcharge and particularly rare as a multiple.

After the Treaty of Versailles, stamps of Batum were issued for the short period between 1918-20 under the occupation of the British. It then became an autonomous republic of the Georgian SSR in 1921.

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A fine mint block with original gum. Only two stamp show a trace of previous hinge and all others are unmounted mint, which is rarely ever found for this issue. Typical gum creasing and three stamps with small faults, but significantly above average for a block from this issue.

A very scarce proving multiple and attractive fresh colour.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £90+.

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A fine unmounted mint block with full original gum (except disturbed on about ten stamps at upper right). There is an unobtrusive horizontal crease affecting row 9, and two vertical creases (mainly between impressions), often seen with blocks of this size. Despite minor imperfections, it remains a fine quality piece with lovely colour and appearance.

Very rare as only 260 sheets were originally printed and a rare and fascinating multiple.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £466+.

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The cover is tied by individual strikes of "17 6.20" circular date stamps, with red registration cachet at lower left, and Bern arrival backstamp (14 VII 20).

Only 1,980 and 720 of the scarce surcharge stamps were issued respectively, and they are rarely seen on cover, with commercial usage unknown.

Trivial cover blemishes mentioned for accuracy, still very fine.

Accompanied with a Philatelic Foundation of New York (PF) certificate (1983) as Scott Nos. 52 and 54.

A fascinating and rare piece of postal history.

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Only 3,600 and 314 respectively issued, with the 10r on 10 on 7k very rare on cover.

A choice quality piece of rare postal history.

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A fine mint block of four with original gum (lower pair being unmounted mint). Some typical gum creasing as mostly seen with this stamp issue and minor marks, but a scarce block.

A scarce surcharge stamp as only 7,160 were originally issued.

Provenance: Ceresa handstamp on reverse.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £92+.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A fine used block of four. The upper pair with a minor crease and small scissor cut between at right, but remains an attractive and very scarce used block. The cancel presumably was backdated in error.

Upper pair with minor crease, and small scissor cut between at right, but an attractive and very scarce used block.

Most interesting is the cancelation dated on 5th March 1920 prior to the official first day of issue on 1st April 1920 and presumably backdated in error.

A scarce surcharge stamp as only 2,792 were originally issued.

Provenance: Romeko guarantee handstamp on reverse.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £180+.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A fine mint strip of 4 with original gum, (with the centre pair being unmounted mint).

A very scarce multiple from a scarce surcharged stamp issue with only 2,180 originally issued.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £220+.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 42] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A very fine used example, neatly cancelled by part circular date stamp showing date '13 2(.20)'. Very fine and rare, especially in used condition.

A scarce surcharged stamp issue as only 359 were originally issued.

Provenance: Kosack handstamp on reverse.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 39] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A very fine mint example with large margins and fresh original gum. Minor gum creasing as often seen for this issue, but very fine appearance.

A scarce surcharged stamp as only 359 were originally issued.

Accompanied with a British Philatelic Association (BPA) certificate of authenticity (2016).

Stanley Gibbons Catalogue Value: £550.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A superb used example, neatly cancelled by part circular date stamp showing date '4.20.'

Provenance: 'G.TRACIN/ODESSA' guarantee handstamp on reverse.

A scarce surcharged stamp as only 400 were originally issued, and especially rare to find such an exceptional used example.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 38] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A fine used example, neatly cancelled by part circular date stamp. One short perforation, but a particularly good used example of this difficult issue.

A scarce surcharged stamp as only 920 were originally issued, and particularly scarce in used condition.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £140.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 37] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A very fine used example.

Only 700 were originally issued, and particularly scarce with this marking.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 32a] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A very fine cancelled-to-order used example with part circular date stamp.

A scarce stamp as only 1,000 issued and even scarcer to find used examples.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A very fine and fresh unmounted mint example with full original gum. Faint corner bend mentioned for accuracy only as still very fine.

Only 1,000 were issued in this colour with the blue surcharge, and unmounted mint examples are hardly ever seen.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £95 (for lightly mounted examples).

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 30a] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

A fine used example with part circular date stamp.

A rare stamp as only 1,900 were issued and scarcer in used condition, especially so in such fine condition.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £75.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

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A very fine used pair. The lower stamp with a couple of slightly shortish perforations, which barely detracts from over fine quality.

A rare stamp as only 2,000 were issued, and particularly scarce to find in a used multiple.

The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £150+.

Batumi (formerly Batum) is a city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. The city was under Russian rule at the beginning of World War I, but local unrest led to Turkey entering the city in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920.

During the British occupation, the stock of postage stamps started to run out, and so in February 1919 the administration produced its own stamps. These were imperforate, depicted an aloe tree and were inscribed БАТУМСКАЯ ПОЧТА (BATUMSKAYA POCHTA), or "Batum Post."

The British later overprinted these with "BRITISH OCCUPATION", and surcharged the remaining Russian stamps in a variety of styles. Inflation also took hold, and by 1920, the tree stamps, which had been as little as 5 kopecks, had to be reprinted in denominations up to 50 rubles.

Get Market Data for [Batum 29] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census