International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands The earliest used stamp seen is dated 1967. The country was a British protectorate until it achieved independence in 1978. All stamps seen except Type A3A, were used on government official mail whether or not the town mark contains “O.H.M.S.” (On Her Majesty’s Service). The stamps are grouped by political inscription: A – British protectorate period, stamps inscribed “BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS” B – Post independence, stamps inscribed “SOLOMON ISLANDS” GROUP A: Issues during British protectorate period Franks inscribed “BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS” left|375px left|365px left|370px 335px|leftA1. Pitney Bowes “Automax” (MV), 1967. Upright frank with simulated perforation border. “POSTAGE” and “PAID” in side panels, and crown over small “EIIR” at bottom. M# “P.B. 1” only. A. TM: DC (HONIARA/ B.S.I.P.) 12px[$60] B. TM: SC (both “O.H.M.S./ GIZO BSIP” and “O.H.M.S./ AUKI BSIP” known) 12px[$30] C. TM unengraved V/F: 12px = 0.oo NOTES: A proof or essay with £sd value figures (=/00/00) is known from 1962. Examples of the two single-circle stamps (A1B) have overlapping dates. This could mean that the machine was moved around, a second meter was assigned the same number, or the dates were applied incorrectly. left|345px left|340pxA2. Satas “Baby” (MV), 1970. 12px[$25] As Type A1 but smaller and squarer. M# with “SA” prefix. M#s SA3 and SA4 seen A. TM: DC (HONIARA/ B.S.I.P.) B. TM: SC (YANDINA/ B.S.I.P.) V/F: 12px 0.00 left|355px left|360pxA3. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” series (MV), 1972. 12px[$15] Horizontal frank without complete outer frame line. Crown over “EIIR” between TM and value box. M# with “P.B.” prefix at bottom center. M#s 3461D and 5909D seen. A. M# 3461D with TM “HONIARA/ B.S.I.P.” (Commonwealth Banking Corp.) B. M# 5909D with TM “O.H.M.S./ HONIARA S.I.” TM: SC V/F: 12px 12px0.00 GROUP B: Post-independence stamps Frank inscribed “SOLOMON ISLANDS” (without "BRITISH") left|360pxB1. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” series (MV), 1978. 12px[$15] As Type A3 but with “BRITISH” excised at top. Crown and “EIIR” remain. M# “P.B. 21444D” seen. TM: SC (O.H.M.S./ HONIARA S.I.) V/F: 12px 12px 0.00 NOTE: The most recent meter stamp reported from the Solomon Islands is dated 1984. It is probable more recent designs exist.