British Antarctic Territory Collectors?

I'm trying to focus on Canada right now, but my eye keeps drifting to Antarctica and specifically to B.A.T.

Here's what I've learned so far:

• BAT issued its first stamps in 1963


• Since then, there have been about 400 stamps and s/s


• A quick scan of my 2008 Scott tells me there's not much difference in Mint v. Used pricing; in several cases, used stamps are more expensive


• A few of the early issues are quite pricey (for my budget); then a couple decades of reasonable values; and like most countries, they get too expensive again around year 2000


• For total catalog values (1963-2008), I calculate about $1600 for Mint and $1500 for Used.

That's about all I know -- and it's all based on reading the catalog and never having seen an actual stamp from B.A.T.

How about some input from those of you who actually collect B.A.T?

KirkS

P.S. I haven't even considered the French or Australian issues, but your feedback would be welcome too.

I believe I have most of the Australian Antarctic issues. They're quite pretty.

Allan

Well come on Allan, fire up your scanner

Seriously, can you give me some general idea of the cost of collecting them. I'm not being nosy about specific amounts you spend; I just mean your general impression of how they compare to other countries in terms of availability, quality, expense, etc.

Any info appreciated,
KirkS

I believe I have a handful of Australian Antarctic Territory issues waiting to be mounted. I'll find them and post scans if you're interested; perhaps work a trade when I reach the ever elusive 50.

Kirk-

You also have a ready-made, but definable, set of diversions...Ross Dependency, Falkland Islands Dependencies, Victoria Land, just to name a few other Commonwealth Antarctic options. You have the makings of a nice little collection that you can always define your own way. Add in France, Belgium, etc., when and if you want to. I assume, but have never checked, that the Polar collecting society includes Antarctica. http://www.polarphilatelists.org/

By the time you'd be done, you would have a pretty darn complete penguin topical collection, too, I bet.

Collin

its engines dear kirk engines not scanners :)

oh I forgot they were readily avaialble at he big show in dc 2 or so years ago. what a stamp show

....Brrrrrrrrr!

thanks for the nice synopsis on these stamps, an area I have yet to break into.

Spock where you at the big show in D.C.? it was awesome ! I thought the New York Mega shows were big..but that one dwarfed them..Nothing wrong with the B.A.T. stamps..i happen to prefer the French Antarctic..the affordable ones..i like penquins..but one of my favorite pieces is French Polynesia scott c47a..i purchased 5 or 6 almost empty Scott Internationals at an auction and when I turned to the French Polynesia pages the loose C47a fell out...it alone was worth what I paid for the albums !! I posted a scan of it once..no scanner at the moment but perhaps I can retrieve it !

i was able to reply and get the image of the French Polynesia S/S back..but for some reason its under the stamp shows topic if someone wishes to look at it...

Londonbus:

I didn't realize they moved Tahiti so far south

Nice scans of Hope Bay & Grahamland (is that where they make the crackers?)

KirkS

It was in response to Philb's message. I also don't think Tahiti is so far south.

I have a few more BAT somewhere. If you want them, just holler.

Londonbus1......and send me your address.

A few Australian Antarctic Territory scans..




Scott L87, L67, and L86A.

Oops, almost forgot..



Scott L90