Collection: Guadeloupe

Explore the philatelic heritage of Guadeloupe, a French colony in the Caribbean from 1815 until its transformation into an overseas department in 1946. The island's postal history commenced with French general issues in 1851, transitioning to overprinted stamps marked "G.P.E." (Guadeloupe et Dépendances) in 1884. By 1892, Guadeloupe introduced its own definitive series featuring the "Navigation and Commerce" design, symbolizing its colonial ties. From 1905 to 1940, the colony issued pictorial stamps depicting local landmarks such as the harbor at Basse-Terre and the La Soufrière volcano, reflecting its unique identity. During World War II, Guadeloupe aligned with Free France, issuing stamps under the Free French regime. Post-1946, the island adopted standard French stamps, marking the end of its independent postal issues. This collection offers a window into Guadeloupe's colonial past and its journey towards integration with France.