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Straits Settlements Collection

Singapore was a British Colony from 1819 to 1965, and was part of the Straits Settlements from 1826 to 1946. This Collection documents our early philatelic history and heritage. Many interesting and rare archival materials such as essays, proofs, trials, specimens, and stamps issued during the early Straits Settlements are in the Collection. Some of the gems in the Collection are highlighted here.

Only known 4 Indian stamps Cover

This is the only known Straits Settlements cover used in Singapore, bearing all four 1854 values of Indian stamps used in the Straits Settlements. These stamps illustrate that at that time, Singapore was under the East India Company and under Indian rule. The cover documents significant postal milestones in Singapore, that is, the use of stamps on the cover after stamps were first introduced in 1854 and mails were sent from Southeast Asia to Europe via sea routes to India followed by overland route to Europe.

1855 (2 Dec) envelope to Ireland with printed "per Overland via Southampton" in red at upper left, bearing ½ anna blue Die I (2), 1 anna red Die II, 2 anna green (2) and cut to shape 4 anna blue and red 1st printing, all tied by diamond of dots, showing manuscript "1/-", framed "INDIA PAID" and, on reverse, "SINGPORE/P.O." and arrival datestamps

India stamps used in Straits Settlements. A restored 1856 envelope to Ireland bearing a 4a pair from the fourth printing cancelled by clear strikes of the B172 obliterator. Backstamped Singapore May 17th 1856 in red. This cover is donated to Singapore Philatelic Museum, by Spink (Asia) Pte Ltd

Earliest B172 Cancellation Cover

This cover has the earliest known date of the B172 obliterator. Letters sent from Singapore, Penang and Malacca (which made up the Straits Settlements) used the same Indian stamps. To distinguish letters which were sent out from the three Settlements, numbers were assigned. "B172" for Singapore, "B109" for Malacca, and "B147" for Penang.

Bisect Stamp Cover

From 1855 to 1860, stamps of various denominations in Singapore were not available. To alleviate the shortage, the Postmaster cut existing stamps diagonally to double the quantity. These are the first and last time stamps in Singapore were bisected. Hence these stamps on the cover are very rare and much sought after. They are of historical and philatelic significance.

1859 bisect stamp cover from Singapore to Calcutta per Astraliano line with 4 anna stamp bisected. On the reverse, red handstamps of "CALCUTTA SHIPLETTER, 1859 No 20, PAID", and "SINGAPORE SHIPLETTER, 1859 No 8, PAID".

Photographic essays of the 1c, 3c and 4c values dated June 6, 1901, featuring King Edward VII who ascended to the throne when Queen Victoria passed away.

Only Known Edwardian Essays, 1901

Essays are artworks produced by stamp designers. When the Queen passed away, United Kingdom was faced with the challenge of producing new stamp designs after using Queen Victoria's head for 60 years. These photographic essays were produced but were not adopted. They are the only known copies

The Straits Settlements adopted the De La Rue "Postage & Revenue" Universal Key Plate Design instead. The design features King Edward VII head for all values of its new issue of stamps in 1902.

1903-04 Imperforate Plate Proofs of Local Design

For the first time during the history of the Straits Settlements, local designs were introduced for the Straits Settlements stamps. These designs were prepared by Mr Noel Trotter (Postmaster General of Straits Settlements) and Mr W Egerton (later Sir Walter Egerton, Governor of British Guiana).

Proofs are produced to enable the engraver to see that his work reproduced are as he intended, and for submission to the printers for technical approval, and to the issuing authorities for approval of the design as engraved on the die, and also for record purposes. These documents are of great philatelic interest, as they are rarely available.

The 1c value with its coconut palms represented Singapore; the 3c had "pinang" or betel-nut palms which represented Penang; and the 4c showed the "nipah" palms for Malacca. The imperoforate plate proofs were affixed to original paper marked "Appendix B 25th May 1903. Straits Settlements Reqn. 139/02".