Malaya – Kelantan postage stamps year 1911-1965
The postal history of Kelantan, one of the Unfederated Malay States, is rich and falls under the wider collecting area of Malaya/Malaysia. The period from 1911 to 1965 covers its transition from a British protectorate to a state within the Federation of Malaysia.
Here is an overview of the key postage stamp issues for Kelantan during this period:
British Protectorate Period (1911 – c. 1957)
Kelantan first issued its own stamps in 1911, two years after coming under British protection (transferring from Siamese suzerainty). The issues were primarily definitive sets featuring the state’s Coat of Arms and the portraits of its Sultans.
| Issue Date | Key Features | Watermark / Design Elements | Notes |
| 1911–1915 | First Definitive Issue | Watermark: Multiple Crown CA (for Crown Agents) | Features the Coat of Arms of the Sultanate of Kelantan. A set of 13 values up to $25. |
| 1921–1928 | Definitive Issue (Similar to 1911) | Watermark: Multiple Script CA | Similar design to the first issue, but with a different watermark. |
| 1922 | Malaya-Borneo Exhibition | Overprint | Stamps of the 1921 set were overprinted to commemorate the Malaya-Borneo Exhibition. |
| 1937–1940 | Definitive Issue | Watermark: Multiple Script CA | Features the portrait of Sultan Ismail I. A pictorial set with the Sultan’s head and scenes from Kelantan. |
| 1941 | BMA (British Military Administration) Overprint | “B. M. A.” Overprint | Stamps from the 1937 set overprinted for use immediately following the Japanese Occupation. |
II. Japanese Occupation (1942–1945)
During World War II, Kelantan was occupied by Japan, and stamps of the preceding definitive issue were overprinted.
| Issue Date | Key Features | Design Elements | Notes |
| 1942 | Japanese Occupation | Overprinted with Japanese characters (usually a triangular seal). | Stamps were also surcharged (new value printed over the old one). |
III. Post-War & Sultan Ibrahim Era (1948 – c. 1957)
| Issue Date | Key Features | Design Elements | Notes |
| 1948 | Silver Wedding Anniversary | King George VI and Queen Elizabeth | A common commemorative issue shared by all British colonies and protectorates. |
| 1949–1955 | Definitive Issue | Features the portrait of Sultan Ibrahim | A large set of pictorial and portrait stamps, including high values. |
| 1957–1963 | Definitive Issue | Features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II | Issued prior to the full formation of Malaysia, used as part of the Federation of Malaya. |
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