Crete, Russian Post Offices, Handstamped Surcharges on Russian Stamps

Crete (Russian Post Offices) · 1899 · Various (surcharged)

This series consists of contemporary Russian definitive stamps featuring the imperial double-headed eagle, which were handstamped with new denominations in either Greek 'lepta' or French 'centimes'. The surcharges were applied locally by the Russian postal authorities operating in Crete. Variations in the handstamps, including color and type, are common.

Issued for use in the Russian post office in Rethymnon during the Cretan State period (1898-1913), an autonomous state under Ottoman suzerainty, protected by the Great Powers (Britain, France, Italy, and Russia). These stamps reflect the international administration of the island before its union with Greece.