Dhow Stamp Appraisal

Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika 5 Cents Stamp featuring King George VI and a Dhow on Lake Victoria

This item is an adhesive postage stamp issued for the British East African territories of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. The stamp features a central vignette depicting a 'dhow on Lake Victoria', a traditional sailing vessel, prominently positioned on the water with reeds along the banks. In the upper right quadrant, there is a circular portrait of King George VI, rendered in a classical profile view, indicating that this stamp was issued during his reign (1936-1952). The denomination '5 C' (5 Cents) is visible in the upper left corner within an ornate shield-like emblem. The names 'UGANDA' and 'KENYA TANGANYIKA' are clearly printed at the top and bottom of the stamp, respectively, in block letters. The overall color scheme is predominantly green and white, characteristic of many colonial-era stamps. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, which is consistent with postal stamps designed for tearing from a sheet. Visible condition issues include a circular ink cancelation mark over the '5 C' denomination and extending into the dhow image, indicating it has been used for postage. The image resolution suggests some minor discoloration or aging of the paper, but no significant tears or creases are immediately apparent. The intricate linework and detailed depiction of the dhow and King George VI's portrait suggest a high quality of engraving and printing craftsmanship typical of British colonial issues. Without a precise date, it can be broadly assigned to the mid-20th century, specifically the period of King George VI's reign.