Stamp collecting offers a fascinating glimpse into history, politics, and culture, and few issues are as iconic as the 1895 “Star and Local Scene” stamps of Brunei. These stamps, issued on July 22, 1895, were the first postage stamps ever issued by Brunei, making them a landmark in the country’s philatelic history.
Designed during the reign of Sultan Hashim Jalil-ul-Alam Akamudin (1885-1906) and printed in Glasgow, Scotland by McLure Macdonald & Co., these stamps remain among the most sought-after collectibles in Southeast Asian philately due to their historical significance, rare varieties, and distinctive design.
In this blog, we’ll explore the historical background, design features, rare varieties, and market value of this classic Bruneian stamp issue.
Historical Context: Brunei’s Postal Beginnings
Brunei, a small but historically rich sultanate in Southeast Asia, was under British influence during the late 19th century. While the country maintained its autonomy under Sultan Hashim Jalil-ul-Alam Akamudin, the British played a key role in modernizing Brunei’s administrative and economic infrastructure, including postal services.
Prior to 1895, Brunei relied on stamps from the Straits Settlements, as no local postal system existed. However, with the growing need for postal independence, the Sultan’s government commissioned the country’s first official stamps, marking the beginning of Brunei’s philatelic identity.
The 1895 “Star and Local Scene” Stamps: Design and Features
The 1895 Brunei stamp issue is famous for its unique and detailed design, which reflects both local culture and Islamic symbolism.
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Central Design – The “Star and Local Scene” illustration features:
- A large radiant star, representing guidance, prosperity, and the Sultanate’s leadership.
- A local river scene with a boat, symbolizing Brunei’s economic reliance on water transport and trade.
- Two palm trees, which emphasize Brunei’s tropical landscape and natural wealth.
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Inscriptions – The stamps feature text in both Arabic and English, reflecting the bilingual nature of Brunei’s administration under Sultan Hashim and British oversight.
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Currency Denominations – The series included low to high values, ranging from ½ cent to $1, covering a wide range of postal rates.
Printing and Perforation Details
- Printing Method – The stamps were printed lithographically in Glasgow, Scotland, by McLure Macdonald & Co., a British printing firm.
- Perforations – The standard perforation range was 13-13½, a common feature in late 19th-century British colonial issues.
Rare Varieties and Errors
Like many early stamp issues, the 1895 Brunei series contain several notable rarities and errors, making them highly desirable among collectors.
- Imperforate Pairs (10c Orange-Red) – One of the rarest Bruneian philatelic items, the imperforate pair of the 10-cent orange-red stamp is valued at £3,250 mint.
- High-Value Denominations (25c, 50c, and $1 Stamps) – The higher denominations of the series, especially the 25c turquoise-green, 50c yellow-green, and $1 yellow-olive, are considered the most valuable stamps in the set.
Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1895 “Star and Local Scene” stamps remain highly sought after, with values increasing over the years due to their historical importance and rarity. Below are the Stanley Gibbons catalogue values:
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½c brown, £8 mint, £24 used
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1c brown-lake, £7.50 mint, £16 used
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2c black, £6 mint, £22 used
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3c deep blue, £7 mint, £14 used
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5c deep blue-green, £7 mint, £24 used
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8c plum, £7.50 mint, £50 used
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10c orange-red, £9 mint, £50 used and Imperforate Pair: £3,250 mint
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25c turquoise-green, £85 mint, £100 used
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50c yellow-green, £35 mint, £100 used
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$1 yellow-olive, £35 mint, £120 used
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Complete Set of 10, £180 mint, £450 used
The Legacy of the 1895 Brunei Stamps
The 1895 Brunei “Star and Local Scene” stamps are more than just postal artifacts—they represent Brunei’s emergence as a sovereign postal entity, marking its transition from dependence on the Straits Settlements to an independent postal administration.
For collectors of Southeast Asian philately, British colonial stamps, and rare 19th-century issues, this series is an essential addition, preserving a key chapter in Brunei’s history.