France Madagascar year 1902 Complete set – MH stamps

Here are some key details about French postage stamps issued for the colony of Madagascar between 1889-1902:

1889-1891 Issues:

• First stamps for Madagascar were French stamps overprinted “MADAGASQUE FRANÇAISE” in two lines.
• Values ranged from 1c to 1fr using the contemporary “Peace & Commerce” designs of France.
• Additional surcharges in 1891 provided new values up to 5fr on the overprinted stamps.

1892 Pictorial Issue:

• Engraved pictorial designs introduced specifically for Madagascar colonial use.
• Depicted allegorical female figure representing Madagascar with local scenery.
• Values from 1c to 5fr on unwatermarked paper in various colors.

1896 “Navigation & Commerce” Series:

• New engraved design featured merchant ship vignette with allegorical figures.
• Inscribed “MADAGASCAR ET DEPENDANCES” for the colony.
• Denominated 1c to 5fr on unwatermarked paper.

1900-1902 Issues:

• Various overprints added on French stamps of the era for provisional use.
• This included surcharges like “DEUX / 2c” on the 1c Navigation stamp.
• Several overprint varieties exist making study of these challenging.

The 1892 and 1896 pictorial sets are particularly popular with topical collectors for their engraved designs incorporating Madagascan imagery and allegories. Earlier overprinted issues and provisional stamps from 1900-02 can also be scarce, especially for specialist collectors of this former French colony.