Cook Islands year 1944/50 Captain Cook Stamps MH Lot
In the period between 1944 and 1950, the Cook Islands (under New Zealand administration) issued a famous set of definitive stamps that heavily featured images related to Captain James Cook.
These are often a favorite for collectors of “British Empire” or “Captain Cook” topical stamps because of their classic pictorial designs.
1. The 1944–1946 Definitive Set
This is the primary series you are likely looking for. These stamps were largely based on the designs from the 1932 pictorial series but were printed on paper with a different watermark (NZ and Star, Watermark 253).
| Value | Design Subject | Color |
| 1d | Portrait of Captain Cook | Black and Carmine-red |
| ½d | Landing of Captain Cook | Black and Green |
| 2d | Rarotonga Native Village | Black and Brown |
| 2½d | Map of Cook Islands | Black and Blue |
| 4d | Port of Avarua | Black and Ultramarine |
| 6d | RMS Monowai (Ship) | Black and Orange |
| 1s | Captain Cook (Revised Portrait) | Black and Red-brown |
| 2s | Native Village & Palms | Black and Red-brown |
| 3s | Canoe & Coastal Scene | Greenish Blue and Green |
Key Identification Tip
If you are trying to distinguish the 1944–46 stamps from the 1932 originals:
- Watermark: The 1944 stamps use the “Multiple NZ and Star” watermark.
- Perforation: Most of the 1944 values are Perforation 14, whereas earlier versions often varied.
- The 1s Stamp: The 1944 version (SG 143) features a portrait of Captain Cook, whereas the 1932 version featured a different design (a native hut).
2. Other Relevant Issues (1945–1950)
- 1946 Peace Issue: A 4-stamp set (1d, 2d, 6d, 8d) released to commemorate the end of World War II. These are distinct from the Captain Cook definitives and feature New Zealand-style “Peace” designs.
- 1949 New Definitive Series: Towards the end of your date range, a new set of pictorials was released. These featured more modern engravings of local scenes, though the 1d value continued to feature a portrait of Captain Cook.
- 1950 Surcharge: There was a 1950 surcharge of 3d on 1d (the Captain Cook portrait stamp), which is a common but interesting variation for collectors.
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