A Brief Philatelic History
On March 10-11 2013, the Falkland Islanders will vote in a referendum on the following question:
- Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, YES or NO
It's doubtful that the referendum will end the dispute over sovereignty of the islands, as the Argentinian Government has already declared it illegal, and will not recognise the result. That response would suggest that they believe the Islanders will vote YES.
Information about the political history of the Falklands is available elsewhere.
This blog is an attempt to provide a brief (and no doubt incomplete) philatelic history of the dispute.
As far as I can ascertain, the Falkland Islands first appeared on a stamp in 1898. The famous Canada 2c Christmas stamp, SG168, showed a map of the world, with the Empire, including the Falklands, in red. Thus, the first illustration of the islands on a stamp was provocative!
I've found no other reference to the islands on a stamp between 1898 and 1933, when the Falklands themselves issued the Centenary of British Administration set. I think this is one of the most beautiful sets of stamps issued during the King George V period, and I use the £1 stamp featuring the King as my online avatar.
The 3d stamp, SG131, showed a map of the islands
