7641 Islands

Yes, the Philippines are an archipelago of 7641 islands. And for philatelists, this country with its eventful history and postal history has always been and still is a highly interesting specialty. From the Spanish Colonial period beginning in 1565, through the American Colonial period, which was the starting point of the Philippine-American War of 1899-1902, to the Battle for the Philippines against the invading Japanese forces in 1941/42, there is plenty of material for postal historians to find. Even collectors of the German Colonies, especially those from the Caroline Islands, are always searching for mail from the Philippines before 1899. Before the German Post Office was opened in the Caroline Islands, which, by the way, were sold by the Spanish to the German Empire and officially taken over on 12 October 1899, postal items can be found posted in the Philippines and carried by the Spanish colonial mail. For example, with return address “Yap” (larger island of the Caroline Islands). The Spanish period is probably the most interesting philatelically. From this period, a very exceptional lot will be offered in our 53rd auction. A letter from 1881 with a 10 C. fiscal stamp with blue overprint, addressed to Guernsey/Channel Islands, to the former address of Victor Hugo’s mistress, the actress Juliette Drouet. Probably a unique specimen.