Stamps of Bruce Henderson

Monte Bello Islands: 1993 definitive set (minus the $1 value), and with both shades of the 17c.

The Monte Bello Islands' first stamps appeared in 1952, but in 1993 this attractive tricolour set appeared, to mark the resumption of the mail service at Hermite Island. The stamp design is by Timothy Bolotnikoff, and they were printed by typography by the Imperial Occussi-Ambeno Government Printing Office (KDPN), Baleksetung, on white paper with invisible gum, and perf 12.

Note that the 17c value occurs in dark and light green.  These were printed over two days, so when night fell, the press was shut down and all ink cleaned off.  Next day, printing was resumed, but a different can of green ink was used, with a noticeable difference in shade.

There is also a $1 value, not shown here, as it is missing from my collection.  The vast majority of this set were later given commemorative overprints in 1994 and 1995, and most of the $1 stamps suffered this fate.

Monte Bello Gazette wrote: The Lighthouse. Work has commenced on repainting Rutherford Lighthouse, on Hermite Island. This lighthouse was shown in glorious colour at dawn on the $1 stamp of 2005, and provides an important service to seafarers. Monte Bello Islands 2005 $1 stamp, featuring Rutherford Lighthouse  when its paintjob was a lot neater than today. The Tourist Problem. We seem to be getting increasingly huge volumes of tourists calling at the islands, and this is placing a strain on our resources.  The tourists assume that they can visit our stores and flourish cash and buy up all the available food in sight, which has frequently left locals going without their supper over the past weeks.  Our shops normally only import enough food for the expected local consumption.  The Council will consider whether tourism should be banned completely, and feedback from local residents is requested. The New Chairman. Mr Jon Allen was recently elected as Chairman of the Island Council.  He will be known as Chairman Jon. He takes up his new position on 17th February 2020. Chairman Jon is a keen philatelist, and has plans to upgrade Monte Bello stamp issues, which have seen very few new stamps over recent years.  He welcomes suggestions for new stamps.

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Mini Sheets from Kemp Land and Occussi Ambeno

As always - my great appreciation Bruce.

 2018  50th anniversary joint issue with Occussi Ambeno and Takangarika Island

Panterra wrote: Occussi-Ambeno joined much of the civilised world to issue this attractive set on 20th July 2019, to celebrate 50 years since the first humans walking on the Moon. And fifty years ago, the country's first ever commemorative stamp celebrated the actual landing, so this set is highly appropriate.