British colonies Jamaica stamps year 1880-1920 Used
Between 1880 and 1920, Jamaica, as a British colony, issued several important postage stamps reflecting its colonial status under British rule and local themes.
Key points about Jamaica stamps 1880-1920:
- The first Jamaican stamps were issued in 1860 by De La Rue, featuring Queen Victoria’s laureate profile and the pineapple watermark, symbolizing hospitality. These stamps set the style for later colonial issues.
- From 1887 onward, Jamaica issued stamps inscribed “POSTAGE & REVENUE,” commonly using a key plate design that served dual purposes for postal and fiscal use.
- During this period, stamps depicted reigning monarchs including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII (reign: 1901-1910), and King George V (reign: 1910-1936).
- Notably, between 1903 and 1911, stamps with the Arms of Jamaica watermark were released in various denominations, a key variety collectible among philatelists.
- In 1916, a War Tax stamp was issued across all values, reflecting Jamaica’s involvement in World War I.
- The 1919-1921 Pictorials series is significant, with designs depicting local Jamaican landscapes and historical scenes; some issues included commemoratives concerning the abolition of slavery, although some stamps were controversially destroyed before issue.
- Printing quality improved over time with use of “chalky” paper to prevent stamp reuse, especially from 1905 to 1923.
- Jamaica joined the Universal Postal Union in 1877, modernizing its postal system and stamp issues.
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