The Ionian Islands hold a special place in philatelic history, being the first Greek territory to issue postage stamps. Their stamps not only tell a tale of postal evolution but also reflect the region’s complex political history, marked by occupations, overprints, and rare varieties. Allan Smith’s presentation takes us through the fascinating world of Ionian Islands stamps, providing a deep dive into their significance, production anomalies, and the rich history behind them.
The Ionian Islands: A Complex Geographical and Historical Landscape
The Ionian Islands, located west of mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea, consist of seven major islands, including Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Ithaca, Zakynthos (also known as Zante), and Kythira. These islands have had a complicated political history, being ruled by the Venetians for centuries before falling under French control during the Napoleonic Wars. Afterward, in 1815, they came under British rule until their eventual union with Greece in 1864.
Corfu, known as “Kaikoura” in Greek, is one of the more historically significant islands. Its name derives from the Byzantine term “Corypho,” meaning “island of peaks,” a nod to its mountainous terrain and the Venetian fortresses built atop its hills. This mix of Greek, Venetian, and British influences shaped not only the island but also its postal history.
The First Ionian Islands Stamps: British Influence and Unique Design
In 1859, under British rule, the Ionian Islands issued their first postage stamps. These stamps are notable as the first postal issues for any Greek territory. Featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria, these stamps are adorned with a unique belt-like insignia, which is the symbol of the Order of the Garter—an esteemed British order of chivalry. The motto of the Order, “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (shame to him who thinks ill of it), is inscribed in French, reflecting the influence of the French language among England’s ruling class at the time.
The first two stamps issued were the blue stamp, initially intended as a two-penny issue, and the red stamp, meant for one penny. However, postal history reveals that their values were ultimately reversed, with the blue stamp being used for one penny and the red for two. This reversal is documented through postmarked covers, despite the watermarks on the back of the stamps indicating their original planned values.
Overprints and Occupation Stamps: Marking Control Through Postal Authority
A significant portion of Ionian Islands philately is tied to the use of overprints during various occupations. Overprints were frequently employed by occupying forces to reassert control over the postal system, especially during the Italian and German occupations in World War II.
During the Italian occupation of Corfu in May 1941, Greek stamps were overprinted with “Corfu” to signify Italian control. These overprints were produced quickly and simply, often in basic typefaces. The Italians were attempting to separate the Ionian Islands from the mainland of Greece, which had been occupied by the Germans. Similar overprints were applied on stamps used in Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zante (Zakynthos), highlighting the fragmented control of the region.
Later, in 1943, after the Italian armistice with the Allies, the Germans took over the occupation of the Ionian Islands. Interestingly, despite the change in occupation, the postal system reverted to using Greek stamps. However, Zante saw a brief and controversial issuance of crudely overprinted stamps marking the German control, an issue later deemed illegitimate by the Hellenic Philatelic Society.
Re-entry Varieties and Production Anomalies: A Collector’s Treasure
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ionian Islands stamps is the presence of re-entry varieties—printing errors caused by improper re-engraving of the printing plate. When a stamp’s impression on the plate is burnished out and re-entered, leftover lines from the previous impression may appear, creating a doubling or shift in the design. Allan highlights two notable re-entry varieties in the Ionian Islands stamps, positions 84 and 96, where slight shifts and doubling in the design, such as in the letter “I,” are visible.
Additionally, the orange half-penny stamp presents a curious production anomaly. Issued later than the blue and red stamps, the orange stamp was printed on thinner, non-watermarked paper, and over time, many examples have shrunk in size. This shrinking has led to the orange stamp being notably smaller than its counterparts, making it a rare and valuable item for collectors. Furthermore, many orange stamps have undergone sulfurization, turning from their original orange hue to a brownish color, though some traces of orange may still be visible.
Practical Tips for Detecting Watermarks: Using Your Smartphone
Detecting watermarks is a critical skill for philatelists, as watermarks often play a key role in identifying the authenticity and denomination of stamps. Allan offers a practical tip for collectors: by placing a stamp on a lighted surface and photographing it with a smartphone, you can often reveal the watermark more clearly. This method works well for stamps where watermarks are faint or obscured by the paper’s texture. Alternatively, using watermark fluid can bring out the watermark as light lines on a dark background, making it easier to identify.
The Serbian Government in Exile: Another Layer of Occupation History
During World War I, the Ionian Islands, particularly Corfu, played host to the Serbian army and government in exile after their defeat by Austro-Hungarian forces. Serbian postal history during this period included the use of stamps and favor cancellations (cancellations not used for actual mail but created for philatelic purposes). French stamp dealers, in particular, sought to collect these cancellations to sell to collectors.
The Legacy of Ionian Islands Stamps
The stamps of the Ionian Islands are more than just postal artifacts; they are a window into the complex history of the region. From their British origins, through multiple occupations, and the intricate varieties found in their printing processes, these stamps capture the changing political landscape of the Ionian Islands. Collectors drawn to this area must navigate not only the re-entry varieties and watermark identification but also the web of overprints and occupation issues, making Ionian Islands philately a fascinating and rewarding pursuit.
