French Guinea, Gabon Senegal year 1900 / 1935 postage stamps

French Guinea (Now Guinea)

Early Period (1892-1958)

1. First Issues (1892):
   • The first stamps of French Guinea were issued in 1892. These stamps were overprinted with “Guinée” on stamps of French colonies.
   • Initial designs featured common French colonial themes such as allegorical figures and symbolic imagery.
2. Colonial Period:
   • Stamps issued during the colonial period often depicted local landscapes, flora, fauna, and scenes of everyday life. The inscriptions included “Afrique Occidentale Française” (French West Africa) and “Guinée.”
   • Stamps reflected the administrative and cultural aspects of the colony, including significant infrastructure like railways and ports.
3. Transition to Independence (1958-1959):
   • In 1958, Guinea voted for independence and became the Republic of Guinea. The stamps from this period marked this transition, often featuring national symbols and themes of autonomy and independence.

Post-Independence (1959-present)

• After independence, Guinea began issuing its own stamps, focusing on themes such as national heroes, significant events, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

French Gabon (Now Gabon)

Early Period (1886-1946)

1. First Issues (1886):
   • The first stamps of French Gabon were issued in 1886. These were overprinted stamps of French colonies with “Gabon.”
   • Early designs featured typical French colonial themes and imagery.
2. Colonial Period:
   • Stamps during the colonial period depicted local culture, wildlife, and important colonial figures. Inscriptions included “Afrique Equatoriale Française” (French Equatorial Africa) and “Gabon.”
   • Designs became more elaborate over time, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Gabon.
3. Transition to Independence (1958-1960):
   • Gabon became an autonomous republic within the French Community in 1958 and gained full independence in 1960. Stamps from this period featured themes of national pride and independence.

Post-Independence (1960-present)

• After gaining independence, Gabon issued stamps reflecting its new national identity, focusing on themes such as cultural heritage, national development, and significant events and personalities.

French Senegal (Now Senegal)

Early Period (1887-1959)

1. First Issues (1887):
   • The first stamps of French Senegal were issued in 1887. These were overprinted stamps of French colonies with “Sénégal.”
   • Initial designs included common French colonial themes and symbols.
2. Colonial Period:
   • Stamps during the colonial period depicted local culture, prominent local figures, and natural beauty. Inscriptions included “Afrique Occidentale Française” and “Sénégal.”
   • Designs reflected both the administrative importance of Senegal within French West Africa and its rich cultural traditions.
3. Transition to Independence (1959-1960):
   • Senegal became part of the Mali Federation in 1959 and then an independent republic in 1960. Stamps from this period featured themes of unity, autonomy, and national pride.

Post-Independence (1960-present)

• After independence, Senegal began issuing stamps focusing on themes such as national heroes, cultural heritage, wildlife, and significant national and international events.