Stamps tell tales of history

Observer

28-02-2025

Thomas Johansen, a Danish national based in Abu Dhabi, is not just an investment banker but also a dedicated philatelist with a deep passion for the postal history of Oman. Having spent his formative years in Libya and Kuwait, Thomas developed a strong fascination with the Gulf region's cultural and historical narratives. This interest led him to delve into philately in 2000, where he found a unique way to document history through stamps and postal artefacts.
The sketch of Mirani Fort
His expertise lies in Oman's postal history, particularly dating back to the 1840s. One of his most notable research works, The Development of Indian Postal Service in the Gulf – Muscat 1864 to 1948, provides a detailed account of the British Indian post office in Muscat. This extensive study earned him international recognition, including an impressive score of 96 out of 100 points at major stamp exhibitions, a rare achievement in the philatelic world.
Thomas primary focus is Oman's postal independence from 1966 to 1972, a transformative period in the country's history. After 102 years under British Indian and British postal administration, Oman took control of its own postal services on April 30, 1966. This marked the dawn of a new era, symbolised by the issuance of Oman's first set of stamps.
The inaugural series consisted of 12 definitive stamps, each showcasing significant aspects of Omani culture and heritage. The lower-value stamps depicted the Sultan's Crest, the mid-range stamps illustrated Muscat Harbour, and the higher-value stamps featured six historic forts: Nakhal, Samayil, Suhar, Nizwa, Muttrah and Mirani.
The two surcharged stamps, the two errors and one cover with the 'Missing Arabic 2' error are illustrated
These stamps were designed by British artist Lewis Morland, who was commissioned for the project while based in Bahrain. In 1965, he travelled across Oman, sketching the forts that later became the foundation for the stamp designs. According to Morland's daughter, he travelled across Oman in a Land Rover, accompanied by a driver and a security guard who ensured his safety while he sketched the forts.
His artwork, inspired by extensive on-ground observations, ensured that the stamps authentically reflected Oman's rich architectural heritage.
In 1969, Oman issued its first commemorative stamps to mark the country's inaugural oil shipment, a milestone in its modern economic history. This special set of four stamps, including the 40 baisas denomination, highlighted the nation's growing prominence in the global energy sector.
Postal cover for letter to US from Oman
The year 1970 brought further change as Oman introduced the Saidi Rial, replacing the Indian Rupee. This currency transition required a re-issuance of the 1966 definitive stamps with updated denominations. For example, the 10 Rupees stamp was reissued as a 1 Rial stamp, symbolising the nation's economic evolution.
That same year, the country was officially renamed from Muscat and Oman to the Sultanate of Oman. As a result, provisional stamps were introduced from September to November 1970, bearing the overprinted phrase 'Sultanate of Oman'. These overprints, issued during a brief transition period, have since become highly sought-after collectibles.
By 1972, Oman had expanded its postal services with new definitive issues, reflecting the country's modernisation. The first post office outside Muscat was established in Salalah in 1968, marking a significant step towards a more extensive national postal network.
Thomas' philatelic interests extend beyond Oman, encompassing postal histories of India, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. His vast collection and research offer a unique perspective on the postal evolution of the Gulf region, capturing a period of rapid change and development.
Interestingly, his journey into collecting began in Bahrain, where he initially amassed antique wooden doors. However, due to space constraints, he shifted his focus to stamps, which later evolved into a passion for old letters and envelopes.
As Thomas explains, 'Philately is more than just collecting stamps — it tells the story of a nation, its celebrations and milestones. But letters go further; they reveal the essence of communication, often reflecting the workings of merchant families and businesses. Through them, we can trace a country's political and commercial development.'
Currently, Thomas is developing a dedicated website on Oman's philatelic history and the broader Gulf region, which he plans to launch this summer. His collection, spanning decades, is more than just a showcase of stamps — it represents Oman's journey through independence, modernisation and global integration.
MAJOR MILESTONES
1965,
Lewis Morland travelled across Oman, sketching the forts that later became the foundation for the stamp designs.
1966
Oman took control of its own postal services on April 30, 1966. The inaugural series consisted of 12 definitive stamps
1968
The first post office outside Muscat was established in Salalah in 1968
1970
Oman introduced the Saidi Rial, replacing the Indian Rupee. The 10 Rupees stamp was reissued as a RO1 stamp
From September to November 1970, stamps started bearing the overprinted phrase 'Sultanate of Oman' instead of Muscat and Oman