Spanish-Philippine Specimens

Various Spanish-Philippine stamps were overprinted with the word "Muestra" (Specimen). This was generally used on stamps distributed through the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union to Postal Administrations of all countries to show what stamps had been issued. In this manner the members of the U.P.U. are informed which stamps are valid in other countries.

Type 1

Handstamp "Ministerio de Ultramar - Muestras" in two lines

"Ministerio de Ultramar" printed with Sans Serif letters
"Muestras" printed with Serif letters
Measurement: 15mm by 59.½mm
Colour: Blue
Usually Without Gum
Known on issues between 1871 and 1897

Table of Known Stamps

Type 1A

Handstamp "Ministerio de Ultramar - Muestras" in two lines

Similar to Type 1
Some of the lines in "Muestras" are thicker, as follows:
Vertical line in "U" is 1mm wide, instead of ¾mm wide in Type 1
Vertical line in "E" is 1mm to 1¼mm wide, instead of ½mm to ¾mm wide in Type 1
Known on issues between 1871 and 1897

Table of Known Stamps

Type 2

Handstamp "Muestra"

"Muestra" printed with Sans Serif letters
Measurement: 2mm by 14mm
Colour: Red
With Gum
Known on issues between 1890 and 1897

Table of Known Stamps

Type 3

Handstamp "Ministerio de Ultramar - Muestras" in two lines

"Ministerio de Ultramar" printed with Serif letters
"Muestras" printed with Sans Serif letters
Measurement: 17mm by 42½mm
Colour: Violet
With Gum
Known on issues between 1890 and 1897

Table of Known Stamps

Type 4

Typeset "Muestra"

"Muestra" printed with Sans Serif letters
Measurement: 1mm by 10½mm
Colour: Violet
With Gum
Known on 1897 issues

Table of Known Stamps

Type 5

Typeset "Muestra"

"Muestra" printed with Sans Serif letters
Measurement: 3mm by 13mm
Colour: Violet
With Gum
Known on issues between 1895 and 1898

Table of Known Stamps

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