Between 1930 and 1940, postage stamps for South West Africa (modern-day Namibia) under British administration were issued with distinct designs and features, reflecting the region’s unique status as a League of Nations Mandate administered by South Africa. Here’s an overview:
Historical Context
- After World War I, South West Africa was mandated to South Africa by the League of Nations.
- Postage stamps for South West Africa during this period were often overprinted or inscribed with bilingual text (English and Afrikaans) to reflect its administrative connection to South Africa.
Key Issues and Features (1930–1940)
- Definitive Stamps (1927–1931 Issue, Continued Usage):
- Design: Portrait of King George V alongside South West African imagery (e.g., wildlife, landscapes).
- Bilingual Text: “South West Africa” and “Suidwes Afrika” appeared prominently.
- Denominations: Varied widely to accommodate domestic and international postal rates.
- These stamps continued to be used into the early 1930s.
- 1931 Definitive Issue:
- New Designs: Featured iconic imagery of the region, such as gemsbok (a type of antelope), and the quiver tree.
- Bilingual Pairs: Stamps were printed in horizontal pairs with English on one stamp and Afrikaans on the other.
- Perforations: Typically 14, though varieties exist.
- 1935 Silver Jubilee Issue:
- Commemoration: Celebrated the Silver Jubilee of King George V.
- Design: Included the King’s portrait and symbolic imagery of South West Africa.
- Denominations: ½d to 10s.
- Bilingual Pairs: Continued the tradition of printing English and Afrikaans pairs.
- 1937 Coronation Issue:
- Commemoration: Celebrated the Coronation of King George VI.
- Design: Showed King George VI’s portrait, issued as part of a Commonwealth-wide series.
- Denominations: 1½d.
- Bilingual Text: “South West Africa” and “Suidwes Afrika.”
- Definitive Stamps (1937 Issue):
- New Portrait of King George VI: Replaced the earlier King George V designs.
- Regional Themes: Continued to highlight South West Africa’s landscapes and wildlife.
- Bilingual Pairs: Maintained.
