The 1937 Burma overprinted stamps mark an important transition in Burma’s postal history, reflecting its administrative shift from British India to a self-governing British colony. Issued on April 1, 1937, these stamps are India King George V issues, modified with the BURMA overprint.
These overprints were essential to establish Burma’s separate postal system while awaiting the printing of its own definitive stamps. The series consists of low and high denominations, including some of the most valuable and heavily forged British colonial overprints.
Historical Background: Burma’s Postal Independence
Before 1937, Burma was part of British India, meaning it used Indian postage stamps for mail services. However, as Burma was separated from British India on April 1, 1937, it needed its own postal identity.
Due to time constraints, the British administration overprinted “BURMA” on existing Indian stamps, featuring King George V. This ensured the continuity of postal services until Burma’s first official definitive stamps were issued in 1938 under King George VI.
The 1937 BURMA overprint was applied to various denominations, ranging from low-value definitives to high-value rupee denominations.
The 1937 Burma Overprint Stamps: Denominations and Key Features
These overprinted stamps were issued in two categories:
- Lower denominations (pice and annas values) – Used for standard domestic postage.
- Higher denominations (rupee values) – Used for heavy parcels, revenue collection, and international postage.
Lower Value Stamps
- 3p slate
- ½a green
- 9p deep green (typo error)
- 1a chocolate
- 2a vermilion (small die)
- 2a6p orange
- 3a6p deep blue
- 4a sage-green
- 6a bistre
- 8a reddish purple
- 12a claret
Each of these was printed with the BURMA overprint at the top, except for the 3a denomination, where the overprint appears at the bottom.
High-Value Rupee Stamps
- 1r chocolate and green
- 2r carmine and orange
- 5r ultramarine and purple
- 10r green and scarlet
- 15r blue and olive
- 25r orange and blue
These high rupee values were mainly used for official transactions and international trade.
Rare Varieties and Notable Features
Like many British colonial overprints, the 1937 Burma series includes several rare varieties and printing errors, making them highly valuable for collectors.
1. Inverted Watermarks
Some stamps exist with inverted watermarks, significantly increasing their rarity and value. For example:
- ½a green with inverted watermark – Commands a much higher price than the normal issue.
- 9p deep green with inverted watermark – Scarcer than the standard version.
2. Typographical Errors
- 9p deep green (typo error) – A well-known variation.
3. High-Value Overprints and Forgeries
- The 10r, 15r, and 25r rupee values are some of the most valuable British colonial overprints.
- Due to their high value, forgeries are extremely common, particularly on used copies with Burma postmarks.
Collectors are advised to verify authenticity before purchasing high-value rupee stamps.
Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1937 Burma overprints remain highly collectible, especially in mint condition. Below are the widely recognized market values based on catalog listings:
- 3p slate – £2.75 mint, £10 used
- ½a green – £2.50 mint, £4.50 used
- 9p deep green (typo error) – £5 mint, £10 used
- 1a chocolate – £2.50 mint, £4.50 used
- 2a vermilion (small die) – £2 mint, £10 used
- 2a6p orange – £2 mint, £4.50 used
- 3a6p deep blue – £9 mint, £10 used
- 4a sage-green – £1.25 mint, £1.40 used
- 6a bistre – £1.50 mint, £10 used
- 8a reddish purple – £4.25 mint, £10 used
- 12a claret – £4.75 mint, £10 used
- 1r chocolate and green – £10 mint, £20 used
- 2r carmine and orange – £10 mint, £20 used
- 5r ultramarine and purple – £100 mint, £650 used
- 10r green and scarlet – £325 mint, £110 used
- 15r blue and olive (wmk inverted) – £100 mint, £300 used
- 25r orange and blue – £180 mint, £650 used
- Complete Set of 18 – £300 mint, £1,000 used
Prices for higher rupee values in fine condition continue to rise due to their rarity and historical significance.
The Legacy of the 1937 Burma Overprints
The 1937 Burma overprints represent a significant milestone in Burma’s postal history, marking its transition from British Indian administration to an independent postal system.
While they were meant as a temporary measure, they remain one of the most valuable and historically significant stamp issues from British Burma.
For collectors of British colonial stamps, this series is essential, both for its historical context and philatelic rarity.