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Hi All

I recently inherited some stamps, some of which I think are possibly boer war/post boer war. In the attached picture, amongst others, there is a Cape Colony stamp with "Orange River Colony" stamped on it. I recall the OVS was renamed the Orange River Colony after it was taken by the British.

What I'd like to know is wether any of these stamps could have been used during the war period i.e. 1899-1902.

Any comments/ info on these stamps would be very welcome.

Many thanks!
Dean

Welcome Dean,

You're right about the OFS being renamed by the British.

I don't know very much about stamps but I did come across a 1901 guide to Boer War stamps. I will add it to my site next week. Hopefully that might help to answer your questions.

Best wishes
David

Hi David, I'm hoping you can still assit with my stamp query. Looking forward to your reply.

Many thanks!
Dean

Hear goes with the aid of my 1953 edition of Stanley Gibbon's Stamp Catalogue.

All the stamps with the over print "V.I.R." are issued from stock found in the Free Sate and used during the British Occupation of Bloemfontein. I think the numbers issued are smallish - a couple of thousand. I will try and remember where I saw it. written down. You can see from the catalogue there is a number of varieties - how many were printed for the benefit of collectors (per favor) I am not sure.

The Cape of Good Hope stamps with the overprint Orange River Colony were issued post war as was the Natal Stamps and the EDVII 1d. The Natal Vic. were issued before the war.

Hi David

Thank you so much for your reply. Could you possibly re-post the book insert pic. It is unfortunately not readable.

Thanks for your assistance.

Best regards,
Dean

I am away at the moment. Can you pm me an email and I will do it Monday morning