French Benin – Dahomey stamps year 1906-1960

The postage stamps of French Benin, historically known as Dahomey, cover the period from about 1906 to 1960 under French colonial administration. Key points about these stamps include:

• The territory used French colonial stamps initially issued at Porto Novo from 1888 and French colonies stamps inscribed “Dahomey et Dependances” from 1899 to 1905.
• Starting in 1906, stamps were inscribed simply “Dahomey,” reflecting the colony’s inclusion in French West Africa.
• From 1906 to the late 1930s, notable series include the “Navigation and Commerce” design, the 1906 “General Faidherbe” design, and the famous “Man Climbing Oil Palm” issue (1913-1939), which is a highly characteristic multi-colored set for Dahomey.
• Other issues include commemorative sets for French Colonial Exposition, Paris International Exposition, Caillie, New York World’s Fair, and early Air Post stamps.
• After 1942, use of the general French West Africa stamps became the norm until Dahomey reissued stamps inscribed “Dahomey” again in 1960.
• Dahomey gained independence in 1960, later becoming the Republic of Benin in 1975, with stamps reflecting its new status and heritage issued thereafter.

This 1906-1960 period covers classic colonial-era designs, specialized inscribed issues, and the transitional stamps that mark the move to independence.