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).

A – British protectorate period, stamps inscribed “BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS”

B – Post independence, stamps inscribed “SOLOMON ISLANDS”

GROUP A: Issues during British protectorate period

A1. 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.)

[$60]

B. TM: SC (both “O.H.M.S./ GIZO BSIP” and “O.H.M.S./ AUKI BSIP” known)

[$30]

C. TM unengraved

V/F:

= 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.

A2. Satas “Baby” (MV), 1970. [$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:

0.00

A3. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” series (MV), 1972. [$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:

0.00

B1. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” series (MV), 1978. [$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:

0.00

NOTE: The most recent meter stamp reported from the Solomon Islands is dated 1984. It is probable more recent designs exist.