Sandafayre Stamp Auctions | Stamp Atlas

Lesotho

Formerly Basutoland (see below).

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 4 October 1966.

CURRENCY
South African.
From 1 June 1979, 100 licecenti = 1 maloti.

Basutoland

FIRST STAMPS Cape of Good Hope from c.1880.
FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1 December 1933.

CURRENCY
Until 1961, British.
From 14 February 1961, South African.

Lying between Cape Province and Natal, Basutoland became a British protectorate in 1843. Annexed by Britain in 1868 because of its constant strife with the Orange Free State, and joined to Cape Colony 1871-84. After a general revolt in 1879-81, the Cape returned it to British imperial rule. It was not actively involved in the Second Boer War. Not incorporated in the Union in 1910 (though administered by the High Commissioner), it was granted self-government on 10 May 1965 and independence on 4 October 1966 as the kingdom of Lesotho (see above).

Used stamps of Cape of Good Hope from c. 1880. These can be recognized in the period before 1900 by date stamps or Cape numeral obliterators from nine offices: Thlotse Heights (317), later Leribe; Mafeteng (156); Maseru (281); Morija (277); Quthing (407); Mohaleschoek (210) Teyateyaneng (688); and Qachasnek; later offices can be identified by date stamps.

Used stamps of Union of South Africa from 1910 to 1933. All stamps inscribed BASUTOLAND were withdrawn on 31 October 1966.