Gabon

Gabon is a country in central west Africa that was once a French colony.

Prior to issuing its own stamps, French colonies general issues were used. Usages can be identified by CDSs or diamond-shaped killers/obliterators with GAB.

In 1886, Gabon was made a colony, attached to French Congo and began issuing its own stamps.  File:Gabon GAB and 5 on 20.jpg|1886 5c on 20c surcharge File:Gabon 75 on 15 forged.jpg|75c on 15c forgery File:Gabon 25 on 1.jpg|1888-89 25c on 10c surcharge. Official reprints exist besides forgeries. File:Gabon prov 15 on 5c due.jpg|1889 15c on 5c postage due used provisionally as regular postage File:Gabon 2c type Groupe.jpg|1904 2c type Groupe 
 * In 1886, type Alphée Dubois French colonies stamps were handstamp surcharged "GAB" in dots and new values. "GAB" in dots appears to have been cut down from earlier cancels.
 * In 1888-89, type Alphée Dubois stamps were surcharged with new values.
 * In 1889, black French colonies postage dues were surcharged GABON / TIMBRE and new values for use as postage stamps.
 * In 1889, two typeset provisionals on colored paper were issued, handstamped "GAB" in dots.
 * In 1904-07, type Groupe designs were issued, inscribed GABON.

 File:Gabon warrior.jpg|1910 5c warrior File:Gabon full face 1f.jpg|1910 1f Fang woman File:Gabon 30c view.png|1910 30c river view, "AFRIQUE EQUATORIAL" File:Gabon 10 on 40 Groupe.jpg|1912 10c on 40c surcharge File:Gabon first semi.jpg|1916 10+5c semipostal (red surcharge) File:Gabon second semi.jpg|1917 10+5c semipostal File:Gabon AEF ovpt.jpg|1931 15c overprinted File:Gabon AEF 50c ovpt.jpg|1926 50c overprinted File:Gabon log raft.jpg|1932 10c log raft 
 * In 1910, pictorial definitives in 3 different designs were issued, inscribed CONGO FRANCAIS / GABON.
 * In 1910-22, the pictorial designs were re-released, now inscribed AFRIQUE EQUATORIAL / GABON.
 * In 1912, remaining type Groupe stamps were overprinted either "05" or "10" to use up stocks of obsolete stamps.
 * In 1924-31, previous definitives were overprinted AFRIQUE EQUATORIAL FRANÇAIS.
 * In 1925-28, surcharges on the previous overprinted issue were issued.
 * In 1931, the Colonial Exposition set was issued.
 * In 1932-33, new pictorial definitives in three different designs were released.
 * In 1934, Gabon became part of of French Equatorial Africa.

Gabon became an independent country in 1960. These are inscribed REPUBLIQUE GABONAISE  File:Gabon Freedom from hunger.jpg|1963 Freedom from Hunger semipostal File:Gabon 100f church.jpg|1967 100f American missionaries airmail 

Official stamps
 File:Gabon 5f map offic.jpg|1968 5f value File:Gabon 50f flag offic.jpg|1975 50f flag 
 * In 1968, officials in three different designs were issued, inscribed "POSTES - OFFICIEL".
 * In 1971-84, officials showing the Gabon flag were issued.

Postage due
 File:Gabon AEF due ovpt.jpg|1928 25c value File:Gabon woman due.jpg|1930 5c value File:Gabon Fang woman due.jpg|1932 5f value File:Gabon fruit postage dues.jpg|1962 1f se-tenant pair File:Gabon bflies due.jpg|1978 50f value 
 * In 1928, contemporary French postage dues were overprinted GABON / A.E.F..
 * In 1930, dues showing Chief Makoko or de Brazza (on franc values) were issued.
 * In 1932, a design of a Fang woman in profile was released.
 * In 1962, triangular designs showing various fruits were issued. There were two se-tenant designs of each value.
 * In 1978, five butterfly designs were issued.