The stamp in this listing is one French stamp issued for use in the French territory of Mayotte. (Scott # Mayotte 188.) For those unfamiliar with Mayotte, it is one of the four islands that make up the Comoros group off of the east coast of Africa. In 1975, the other three islands in the Comoros group voted for independence from France, while Mayotte voted to remain French, which it does to this day.

The stamps issued for use in Mayotte are the subject of some controversy. France divides its possessions outside Europe into two categories: overseas territories and overseas departments. (Any French department regardless of where it is located is a political sub-division of the country roughly equivalent to a US state or a Canadian province.) Only French overseas territories can issue stamps, as is the case with French Polynesia, New Caledonia, etc.. Mayotte, though, is a department and as such is not supposed to be able to have distinctive stamps even though it does. There is some speculation that these distinctive issues will have to be stopped someday, which has also resulted in increased some philatelic interest in them.

TERMS OF SALE:

Please note that your bid constitutes your acceptance of all the terms listed below. If anything is unclear, please e-mail for clarification or do not bid.

Shipping:

All stamps shipped by US Mail. US Orders $1.00 without insurance, international rates vary according to country of destination (please e-mail.) Optional insurance at USPS rates. 50 cents additional for each item, more of a discount for purchases of more than six items. Please e-mail for quotes on shipping if purchasing more than six items! Uninsured shipments sent at buyer's risk.

Payment options:

Paypal, Money Orders, and Checks payable in the US are accepted. Credit cards accepted through paypal only. Checks must be drawn on a US bank, or I cannot cash them! (I can no longer accept Canadian Postal Money Orders, even those in US dollars-sorry!) Discount available for multiple item purchase.

Return policy:

14 day, money back guarantee, provided the item(s) are sent back in original condition. The 14-day period is defined as follows:

US bidders: 14 days from the 3^rd day after the item is sent.

International: 14 days from the 7^th day after the item is sent.

If there is a problem with an item (i.e. a problem with the item itself, it didn't get there, etc.), please e-mail me within this time frame and I will be happy to work with you! Sales will be considered final after that point if no contact is made. If any item is returned for any reason, shipping charges will not be refunded.