Bahamas – Scott # 33, used

Description

This Bahamas definitive stamp, Scott #33, issued in 1902, features the iconic “Staircase” design, depicting the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau. Carved from solid limestone by enslaved laborers in the late 18th century, the staircase served as a strategic military passage and later became one of the Bahamas’ most enduring historic landmarks.

The stamp’s engraved design shows the steep stone steps ascending through dense foliage, framed by an ornate border typical of British colonial definitives of the period. Rather than portraying a monarch, the issue emphasizes a significant local site, reflecting the colonial administration’s interest in promoting recognizable Bahamian imagery within the imperial postal system.

Printed in rose and black with a 1d denomination, this stamp was produced for everyday postal use during the Edwardian era. Its detailed engraving and architectural subject make it especially appealing to collectors of British colonial issues, Caribbean philately, and architectural or landmark-themed stamps.

This example is offered in used condition, bearing a clear circular postmark consistent with normal postal circulation. Used copies such as this provide tangible evidence of early 20th-century mail service in the Bahamas and are valued by collectors seeking authentic postal history material.

Scott Catalog Number: 33
Denomination: 1 penny (1d)
Year of Issue: 1902
Condition: Used
Country: Bahamas