The colonial expansion of Portugal in East Africa began after the territories of present-day Mozambique were discovered by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. In 1752, Portugal officially declared its African possessions a colony named "Mozambique."
Economic problems faced by Portugal in the late 19th century, along with political disagreements, prevented the country from investing in Mozambique to profit from the colony and manage it effectively. Therefore, from 1891 to 1929, Portugal granted concessions of its colonial holdings in East Africa to three British private companies: the Mozambique Company, the Zambezi Company, and the Nyassa Company. Granting a concession meant providing these British private companies with the rights to exploit natural resources, labor, and enterprises for a fee; the private business also took full control of the region.
Nyassa was part of Mozambique (now one of the provinces of modern Mozambique). During British administration, significant investments were made in Nyassa: railways, plantations, factories, and plants were built.
Nyassa Philately
Until 1901, Portuguese Mozambique stamps with the inscription "Nyassa" were in circulation in Nyassa. Sometimes, stamps from other Portuguese colonies with the same inscription were used.
1901 Issue. In 1901, the Nyassa colony received permission from King Carlos I of Portugal to issue its own postage stamps. A complete series of Nyassa stamps for 1901 was printed in London — 13 pieces: seven depicted a giraffe eating a palm branch, and six showed a pair of camels. Catalogs estimate this series at approximately $30.
1903 Issue. In 1903, there was a need for five additional denominations. The new series was never printed in London; instead, five stamps from the 1901 issue were overprinted with the missing denominations, indicating they were provisional stamps. Denominations 15r and 25r received the overprint "Provisorio," while 80r, 150r, and 300r stamps were overprinted with new denominations — 65 REIS, 115 REIS, and 130 REIS. Overprints were made both in Nyassa and in the London printing house. European catalogs estimate the London 1903 issue at $8, while the "colonial" issue is valued at $300–$350.
1910 Issue. In 1910, two new overprints were made on 1901 issue stamps. By the end of 1909, there was a shortage of 5 REIS and 50 REIS stamps. Therefore, 2½r and 100r denominations were overprinted with "5 REIS PROVISORIO" and "50 REIS PROVISORIO."
1911 New Series. In 1911, a new series of 12 stamps was released: three stamps each with images of camels, zebras, giraffes, and caravels. All featured a portrait of Portuguese King Manuel II and a red diagonal overprint "REPUBLICA." Catalogs estimate this issue at $45.
1918 Issue. In 1911, Portugal introduced a new currency — the escudo replaced the real. Despite this, Nyassa continued to use stamps with real denominations. In 1918, it was decided to bring order: stamps from the 1901 issue (15r, 20r, 25r, 50r, 75r, 80r, 100r, 150r, 200r, 300r), as well as the entire 1903 issue, were overprinted with a black "REPUBLICA" and new denominations.
1921 Issues. There were two issues. The first — overprints of new denominations on 1911 issue stamps (12 pieces). The second — an entirely new series of 20 stamps: 4 with giraffes, 4 with zebras, 5 with a portrait of Vasco da Gama, 5 with a caravel, and 2 with an image of a yacht. The first 1921 issue is estimated at $20, the second at $30–$35.
1925 Issue. Only 3 stamps were issued, printed in Portugal, with the overprint "MOZAMBIQUE." The additional inscription "NYASSA" was applied for use in Nyassa. The stamps depict the Marquis of Pombal, a plan for the reconstruction of Lisbon, and a monument to Pombal in central Lisbon. Estimated value of the issue is $30–$35.
1924–1925 Surcharge Issue. In 1924–1925, surcharge stamps of Portuguese Nyassa were also issued. The issue was entirely developed and printed in the London printing house "Waterlow & Sons." The series consisted of 9 triangular stamps. Images typical for Nyassa: giraffe, caravels, zebra, Vasco da Gama. Estimated value — $35.
Nyassa postage stamps printed in London were in high demand among European philatelists from the moment of release, and most of the print run was distributed through European philatelic clubs. Only a small portion of the stamps was actually used in the Nyassa territory itself.
