The 1915 Bushire British Occupation stamps are among the most historically significant and valuable issues from Persia (Iran). These overprints were issued during World War I, when British forces occupied Bushire, a strategic Persian port city, in response to German activities in the region.
Issued in two phases—one in August 1915 and another in September 1915—these stamps were Persian postage stamps overprinted with “BUSHIRE Under British Occupation” and are now some of the rarest and most frequently forged stamps in Persian philately.
Historical Background: The British Occupation of Bushire
Bushire, a vital Persian seaport, was occupied by British forces on August 8, 1915, to counteract German influence in Persia during World War I. The overprints were applied at the British Residency, creating temporary stamps for postal use while under British military administration.
- On October 18, 1915, Persian postal authorities regained control, ending the British occupation.
- The British briefly returned in 1916, but mail during that time was handled through Indian Army Field Post Office No. 319, rather than using overprinted stamps.
These circumstances made the 1915 issues the only official Bushire occupation stamps, increasing their historical and philatelic significance.
The 1915 Bushire Overprinted Stamps: Denominations and Rarity
The Bushire overprints were applied to various Persian postage stamps, spanning a range of values. These included:
First Issue – August 16, 1915 (Applied at the British Residency)
These were Iranian stamps overprinted with “BUSHIRE Under British Occupation.”
- 1ch orange and green – £130 mint, £130 used
- 2ch sepia and carmine – £120 mint, £130 used
- 3ch green and grey – £140 mint, £140 used
- 5ch carmine and brown – £1200 mint, £1000 used
- 6ch brown-lake and green – £110 mint, £80 used
- 9ch indigo-lilac and brown – £130 mint, £140 used
- 10ch brown and carmine – £120 mint, £130 used
- 12ch blue and green – £150 mint, £160 used
- 24ch green and purple – £300 mint, £160 used
- 1kr carmine and blue – £275 mint, £85 used
- 2kr claret and green – £700 mint, £600 used
- 3kr black and lilac – £600 mint, £550 used
- 5kr blue and red – £600 mint, £350 used
- 10kr rose and bistre-brown – £550 mint, £350 used
Second Issue – September 11, 1915 (More Rare and High-Value Stamps)
These included some of the most valuable stamps from the occupation:
- 1ch deep blue and carmine – £1500 mint, £1200 used
- 2ch carmine and deep blue – £2200 mint, £2200 used
- 3ch deep green – £1400 mint, £1500 used
- 5ch vermilion – £18000 mint, £20000 used
- 6ch carmine and green – £1400 mint, £1400 used
- 9ch deep violet and brown – £2250 mint, £2250 used
- 10ch brown and deep green – £4000 mint, £4000 used
- 12ch ultramarine – £4000 mint, £4000 used
- 24ch sepia and brown – £1700 mint, £1500 used
Provisional Overprint (Extremely Rare)
- 1ch on 5ch carmine and brown – £15,000 mint
These stamps are extremely scarce and were issued in strips of five, making complete sets almost impossible to find today.
Errors, Overprint Variations, and Rare Varieties
Because the overprints were manually applied, several printing errors and varieties exist, making them highly valuable among collectors.
1. No Stop Variety
- Some stamps were overprinted without the stop after “Occupation”, a known error.
- Examples with the “No Stop” variety can command significantly higher values, often three to four times the price of a regular issue.
2. Overprint Shift & Double Overprints
- Some Bushire overprints appear misaligned, with the text either too high or too low on the stamp.
- A double overprint variety also exists, with two impressions of the overprint applied—one of the most expensive errors.
- Example: 9ch deep violet and brown (double overprint) – Valued at £10,000+.
3. Inverted Overprint (Extremely Rare)
- The 5kr slate, sepia, and silver exists with an inverted overprint, making it one of the rarest varieties, valued at £32,000+.
These errors and varieties significantly impact the value and desirability of Bushire occupation stamps.
Forgery Concerns: A Highly Counterfeited Issue
Warning for Collectors
- Bushire overprints are among the most widely forged Persian occupation stamps.
- Many counterfeits exist with fake overprints applied to genuine Persian stamps.
- High-value items, particularly the 5ch vermilion and 10kr rose issues, are frequently forged.
- “No Stop” and “Inverted Overprint” varieties are also often faked.
How to Identify a Genuine Overprint
- Authentic overprints have a distinct typography and a slight indentation from the overprinting press.
- Overprints should be slightly raised when viewed under magnification.
- Fake overprints tend to be glossy, blurred, or printed with incorrect spacing.
- Always purchase from a reputable dealer with a certificate of authenticity.
Collectors are strongly advised not to buy these stamps without proper authentication.
The Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1915 Bushire British Occupation stamps are some of the most expensive Persian occupation issues. Prices vary based on:
- Condition (mint vs. used)
- Error types (no stop, double overprints, inverted overprints)
- Authenticity (certified vs. potential forgery)
Estimated Values
- Lower-value issues (1ch – 12ch): £100–£4000 depending on condition
- Higher-value issues (1kr – 10kr): £600–£17,000
- Extreme rarities (double overprints, inverts): £10,000–£32,000
These prices continue to rise due to high demand and extreme rarity.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Bushire’s Occupation Stamps
The 1915 British Occupation of Bushire stamps are among the most valuable and historically significant occupation issues in philately. These stamps:
- Represent a critical period in Persian and British wartime history.
- Are exceptionally rare, with many varieties fetching five-figure sums at auctions.
- Are widely forged, requiring expert authentication.
For collectors, owning a genuine Bushire overprint is a prestigious addition to any Persian or occupation stamp collection.