The Nauru Freighter Definitive issues comprise two different variations of the set. The initial one was issued in 1924, and a later version using the same design was issued beginning in 1937. The design was used until it was replaced by the QEII definitive set in 1954.

The key to identifying the two variations of this set is to determine the characteristics of each set so you can allocate them into the right group. There are several characteristics to observe: the finish on the paper, the quality of the printing, and the gum. There is also one perforation change to the 1/2d value from the original Perf 11.25 to Perf 14, so you can use the Perf 14 issue to understand the difference between the two printings. See the blowups below for comparisons of the two variations.

Unlike modern stamps which are issued in the millions, definitive sets from this time period were issued very conservatively. I do not have the quantities printed for these sets. Please feel free to provide them if you have the information.

The catalog numbers are from the 1980 Commonwealth Five Reigns Catalogue (CW), 2011 Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue (SG) and the 2011 Scott catalog (ST). The description and printing details are from the Commonwealth Catalogue. Please contact Bridger & Kay to obtain a copy of this publication. You can access the other publishers using the "Links to British Colonial Stamp Sites" at the bottom of this page.

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This article was written to help you identify your stamps. Please feel free to ask a question, or include a correction.