Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Prior to the German unification of 1871, individual German states and entities started to release their own stamps, Kingdom Bayern first on November 1, 1849 and the Kingdom Sachsen became the second state to issue postage stamps in 1850.
States or entities that issued stamps subsequently were Baden (1851), Bergedorf (1861), Braunschweig (1852), Bremen (1855), Hamburg (1859), Hannover (1850), Helgoland (1867), Lübeck (1859), Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1856), Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1864), Oldenburg (1852), Preussen (1850), Sachsen (1850), Schleswig-Holstein (1850), and Württemberg (1851).
Also Thurn und Taxis, while not a state, had the authority to issue stamps and transport mail and released stamps (1852). The northern German states joined in the North German Confederation in 1868 and united their postal services in the "North German Postal District" (Norddeutscher Postbezirk).
After the unification, Bavaria and Württemberg retained their postal authority to continue producing stamps until 1923.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Bayern
Bavaria issued numerous of its own stamps between 1849 and 1920 and had its own postal authority until March 31, 1920. During this time Bavaria issued almost 200 different postage stamps as well as numerous official and postage stamps, if only the main types are considered. Those who don't care whether the stamps are stamped or unstamped can put together a complete Bavarian collection at largely affordable prices. The biggest hurdle is likely to be the Black One from Bavaria, as it is the first brand in Germany to be very popular with collectors.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Baden
Pre-stamp period
The dukes of Thurn und Taxis had great influence on the postal development of Baden. From 1718 to 1811, they established their own postal system and took over the postal organisation. It was 1811 before the postal administration changed hands to Baden's authority with the Zessionsvertrag (Assignment Treaty) of Thurn und Taxis. The postal system continued to develop, and on 1 May 1851 Baden joined the German-Austrian Postal Union. On the same day, Baden's first stamps were issued.
The first definitive stamps, the 1, 3, 6, and 9 Kreuzer, were issued in the Grand Duchy of Baden. With these denominations, all important postage tariffs were covered in both distance and weight. Baden's first four stamps were designed on the model of Bavaria's stamps. They are cipher designs highlighting the postage denomination. Additionally they have the inscription "Baden" and "Freimarke" (definitive stamp) as well as "Deutsch-Österreichischer-Postverein / Vertrag 6. April 1850" (German-Austrian Postal Union / Treaty, 6 April 1850) to emphasise joining the postal union.
Landpost Baden
The Landpost postage due stamps are a special area in Baden's postal history. The three values of 1, 3, and 12 Kreuzer were issued on 1 October 1862. These stamps were not given to postal customers during their valid period and could not be used as definitive stamps.
With these stamps, additional delivery charges to addresses in rural villages, not served by a local post office, were paid. The sender could choose to pre-pay the charge. The Landpost stamps were not regular Postage Due stamps, although their use as such, and for other charges, is also known. They should have been stuck on the reverse, but are often seen on the front.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Bergedorf
Stamp issues by the Bergedorf Bi-Urban Mail
On 1 November 1861, five definitive stamps with values of ½, 1, 1½, 3, and 4 Hamburg Schillings (16 schillings made up 1 Hamburg mark) were issued in Bergedorf. These five values could satisfy the postal tariffs for all distance and weight needs of the time. At that time (1863), only 12,468 people lived in the whole postal region. The imperforated definitive stamps were printed when required and were valid until 31 December 1867. The stamps are square in shape. Besides the value, the country's name and the term "Postmarke", the centre of each stamp depicted one half of the coat of arms of each of Hamburg and Lübeck.
The Bergedorf stamp series is often referred to as a "growing series" because each value is a little bit larger than its predecessor. Thus, the 4 Schilling value looks twice as large as the ½ Schilling value. Together with the different paper colours of the values, the sizing helped to distinguish between the various stamps.
Unification with Hamburg
Effective 1 January 1868, the Free and Hanseatic city of Hamburg bought Lübeck's share in the Bi-Urban Condominium which passed completely into the former's ownership. On this date, the joint entry into the North German Confederation (the predecessor of the 1871 German Empire) took place. Since that time, the postal history of Bergedorf shares that of the North German Confederation. Bergedorf's five stamps were only valid until that day.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Braunschweig
The philatelitic era of Brunswick started on January 1st, 1852. At that date, the first three stamps of the duchy of Brunswick were issued. The emission had become necessary, as Brunswick had just joined the German-Austrian postal union (Deutsch Österreichischer Postverein: DÖPV) a few weeks before on December 5th, 1851. The DÖPV provided uniform postal rates for all mail between the associated states.
It had its own postal authority until december 31st 1867.
The disorder of these individual territories had its impact on the postal regulations, and resulted in complicated rates and routes. Yet, the situation was not that bad. Many of the smaller states already had strong relationships, willingly or unwillingly, with one of the dominant forces around: Prussia, which also took care of their postal administration. Other governments contracted their postal administration out to for instance the experienced Thurn & Taxis organization. This simplified the postal picture somewhat; as for instance Thurn & Taxis serviced the majority of the Thuringian states, whereas other territories were following the Prussian postal system.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Bremen
Free Hanseatic City including the enclaves Vegesack and Bremerhaven with their own postal sovereignty until December 31, 1867. In the Association of the German Confederation until 1866, in the North German Confederation from 1866 and from 1.1. 1871 in the German Empire.
Bremen, which was first mentioned in 782 and was recognized as an independent municipality in 1186, received city rights in 1303. Bremen has been a Hanseatic city since 1358. In 1541 it gained imperial freedom, which was initially defended against Sweden and later against Hanover at great sacrifice. In the years 1810-1813, Bremen was the capital of the Wesermündungen department that became part of France. In 1815 the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen became a member of the German Confederation, in 1866 a member of the North German Confederation and in 1871 a federal state or, from 1919, a country of the German Empire. In 1945 Bremen was first occupied by British and then American troops and, together with Bremerhaven, belonged to the American zone of occupation. In 1949 Bremen became a federal state of the Federal Republic of Germany together with Bremerhaven.
Postal history:
Council messengers were set up in the 13th century, initially only handling council mail and later also civic correspondence. From the end of the 14th century, with increasing supra-regional trade, there were also messengers from the merchants. From the beginning of the 16th century, the Princes of Thurn and Taxis also exercised the postal system, and in 1617 a Thurn and Taxis post office was opened in Bremen.
In the middle of the 17th century a riding and driving post was set up between Bremen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Celle, Braunschweig, Hanover, Kassel and Frankfurt. At the same time, the existing post office was expanded and, from the 18th century, the establishment of further foreign post offices was allowed, which served different postal rates. The following were established:
1709 Post office of the Electorate of Hanover
1727 Post office of the Kurbrandenburgische Post (later Prussia)
1806 Post office of the Grand Duchy of Berg
1804 own Bremen city post office
As a result of the Napoleonic wars, from 1807 to 1813 all postal services were transferred to the Grand Ducal Bergisches Oberpostamt (from 1811 Imperial French Oberpostamt). After the French left (1813), the previous post offices quickly resumed their activities.
In 1824 the administration of the Prussian post office was taken over by the Bremen city post office. The post office in Bremerhaven is opened in 1846 and the post office in Vegesack, which is operated jointly with Hanover, in 1847.
In 1850/51 the post offices were finally divided up between the various post offices:
The Bremen city post office only carried mail to Oldenburg (use of Oldenburg stamps), Hamburg, Lauenburg, Lübeck, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and all
ttans-atlantic countries.
The Hannoversche Postamt only post to Hanover and Braunschweig
The Prussian Post Office carried mail to Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Prussia, Saxony, Luxembourg, Austria (excluding Lombardy etc.), Poland, Russia and all transit correspondence through these countries.
The TuT post office served all other courses (e.g. France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, etc.).
On January 1, 1852, Bremen joined the German-Austrian Postal Union.
From January 1, 1868, the postal authority was transferred to the North German Confederation.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Hamburg
Postage stamps of the Hamburg City Post
The first postage stamps of the Hamburg City Post Office were introduced on 1 January 1859. They were rectangular and in the middle was the coat of arms of the city, overlaid with the value number. Below that is the word Postmarke (postage stamp), above it is Hamburg. Value and currency (Schilling) are imprinted as text at the borders. Values of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 Schillinge were issued. In 1864, the supplemental values 1.25 and 2.5 Schillinge with a different frame design were issued. These early issues were already gummed but still imperforated. The following nine values, issued in 1864 and 1867 and again with the design of the first issues, finally had perforations. In 1866, another two values with a different octagonal frame design were issued; and on 5 May 1867, another one with the design of the first stamps. Hamburg's stamps were only valid until the end of 1867, since as of 1 January 1868, only the stamps of the North German Postal District were valid.
Stamps of the Institute of Hamburg's Messengers
The Institute of Hamburg's Messengers issued a stamp with the value of ½ Schilling. The private company delivered only letters and newspapers within the city of Hamburg and charged half a Schilling. The stamps were printed in black on coloured paper.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Helgoland
During the period when Heligoland (a German island in the North Sea) was a British possession, about 20 postage stamps were issued between 1867 and 1890 and had its own postal authority until August 9th 1890.
There were up to eight printings of a single denomination and also a large volume of reprints which are known as the Berlin, Leipzig and Hamburg Reprints, respectively. The Berlin reprints are sometimes better quality than the originals. The reprints were done between 1875 and 1895. Consequently, many "old" collections contain reprints rather than originals. Some believe there were seven million reprints as compared to the known 1½ million originals, of which perhaps half were sold through the post office and the remainder sold to dealers when withdrawn from use.
A few printings were never postally sold but nevertheless found their way into the hands of dealers. The stamps were printed by the Prussian State Printing Office in Berlin. They were denominated in the Hamburg Schilling until 1875, when both German Reich and British values appeared on each stamp issue (the Farthing/Pfennig issues). All are embossed with a silhouette of Queen Victoria excepting the four highest values which represent Heligoland escutcheons.
Mint stamps of Helgoland are moderate to medium priced but with some running to 1000 euros (2005) rarities. Some used stamps have brought 4800 euros at auction and some covers have brought 10 or 12 thousand euros. This is an inducement for forgery. Because used stamps are often more valuable than mint stamps, forged postal cancellations are plentiful and are the rule on purported high-value items. Because of the many forged cancellations and many reprints collectors of Heligoland stamps are advised either to become expert or to rely on specialists; most reputable dealers will not handle them because of the prevalence of reprints and forgeries. The collector who wishes to become expert is advised to acquaint himself with the Michel Deutschland Spezial Katalog and acquire, at least, Helmuth Lemberger's "Helgoland Philatelie". Most of the philatelic literature is in German.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Hannover.
Principality, from 1692 electorate and from 1814 kingdom with its own postal sovereignty until September 20, 1866; then Prussian province.
Like the Duchy of Braunschweig, the Principality of Hanover emerged from the Guelph family of Braunschweig-Lüneburg (since 1235). In 1635 an inheritance contract was signed between the Guelph lines, as a result of which the three houses Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (later the Duchy of Braunschweig), Lüneburg-Celle and the younger line Calenberg-Göttingen were created. Just one year later, in 1636, Duke Georg moved his seat of government from Calenberg to Hanover. In the Peace of Westphalia (1648), the Calenberg-Göttingen line was administratively assigned the diocese of Osnabrück (under constitutional law not until 1803 through the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss).
In 1692 Hanover becomes an electorate under Ernst August, and in 1705 Hanover is enlarged by inheriting the house of Lüneburg-Celle. This area also includes the counties of Diepholz and Hoya, the Land of Hadeln and the Lauenburg region.
In 1714, Elector Georg Ludwig ascended the British throne as George I. Hanover was de facto governed by the Privy Council, assisted by a royal governor. The personal union with Great Britain existed until 1837.
With the Treaty of Stockholm (1719) Hanover expanded to the confluence of the Elbe and Weser rivers: Sweden ceded the Bremen and Verden monasteries in return for payment of 1 million thalers.
In 1801 and again in 1805, Hanover was occupied by Prussia, in 1803 the French occupation began, during which the south was added to the Kingdom of Westphalia (1807-1813), the northern areas were in the course of the French. Continental barrier to departments of the French Empire (1810-1813).
After the liberation in 1813, Hanover became a kingdom on October 12, 1814, and one year later, with the help of England at the Congress of Vienna, it expanded its territory to include East Frisia, Arenberg-Meppen, Lingen, Bentheim and the diocese of Hildesheim. In return, Lauenburg was ceded to Denmark. With the exception of the duchies of Braunschweig and Oldenburg, Hanover covered almost exactly what is now the state of Lower Saxony from 1815 onwards.
In 1866 Prussia declared war on Hanover as part of the German conflict and forced Langensalza to surrender. On September 20, 1866, Hanover was formally taken over by Prussia and became a Prussian province. The Prussian constitution was introduced on October 1st, 1867.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Lübeck
Lübeck issued its own stamps between 1859 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867. They depicted a double-headed eagle with outstretched wings, Lübeck's coat of arms. A ribbon which surrounds the eagle contains the word "Postmarke" (postage stamp) and the indication of the value of the stamp spelled out in letters. On the upper side is the word "Lübeck" and in each of the four corners is a number which indicates the value of the stamp. The stamps from 1863 depict the same eagle in an oval and in relief, with the word "Lübeck" at the top, the indication of value at the sides, and the word "Schilling" at the bottom. The configuration and value the postal stationaries were the same as the stamps.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Mecklenburg
By the Hamburg Agreement on March 8, 1701, Mecklenburg was separated into two duchies with limited autonomy, which formed a collective state–as of 1815, the Grand Duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Since 1755, they had the same constitution and were under the control of the same parliament. In 1815, both parts became Grand Duchies by the Congress of Vienna.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Mecklenburg-Schwerin issued its own stamps between 1856 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867. Despite the different sizes of the stamps, they all had the same picture. Only the value of ¼ Schilling depicts the crowned head of a bull. All of the other stamps depict the country's great coat of arms with a crown, the inscription "FREIMARKE" (definitive stamp) above and "SCHILLINGE" below. On the vertical edges of the stamp, "MECKLENB" is inscribed on the left side and "SCHWERIN" on the right. The value of the stamps is indicated in the corners of the stamp. The postal stationery is provided with nearly round imprints of the values.
Mecklenburg-Strelitz
In Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the postal system was still under the control of the chamber and forest council until the changeover to the administration of the North German Confederation.
Mecklenburg-Strelitz did not introduce stamps until 1864. The rectangular stamps were only intended for correspondence within the state. The value is inscribed above, the indication of the currency (Silbergroschen or Schilling) is at the bottom. On the vertical edges, "MECKLENB" is inscribed on the left side and "STRELITZ" on the right. For correspondence with other countries, the stamps were octagonal and in the colours of the postal union. Within the octagon, the inscription "MECKLENB.STRELITZ" is at the top, the value in numerals is in the centre, and the value in words, with the currency indication "SILB.GR.", is below. The value imprints of the postal stationeries corresponded to those of the stamps.
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Postage stamps and postal history of the North German Confederation
One of the functions of the North German Confederation was to handle the mail and issue postage stamps, which it began doing, by means of the North German Postal Union (Norddeutscher Postbezirk), on 1 January 1868.
To accommodate the different monetary systems in use by the various states, it issued a series valued in groschen for the Northern District, and another using kreuzer for the Southern District, distinguishing them by framing the value number in a circle for the groschen stamps, and in an oval for the kreuzers. All of these stamps were inscribed "NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK".
In addition, there was a special quarter-schilling stamp for Hamburg, with the additional inscription "STADTPOSTBRIEF HAMBURG".
Early in 1869 the stamps were issued with perforations, the previous issues having been rouletted. On 1 March, 10 gr and 30 gr values were issued, notable for being printed on goldbeater's skin, a scheme to prevent reuse of these high-value stamps.
Confederation stamps were superseded on 1 January 1872 by the first issues of the German Empire.
The coverage of the North German Postal Union was described as follows:
The federal territories comprise Anhalt, Bremen, Brunswick, Hamburg, Lippe, Lübeck, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Oldenburg, Prussia together with Lauenburg, Reuss senior line, Reuss junior line, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Saxe-Meiningen, Grand Duchy of Saxony, Kingdom of Saxony, Schaumburg-Lippe, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, Upper Hesse (part of Hesse north of the Main), and Waldeck.
Upper Hesse was administered as part of the postal union even though the Grand Duchy of Hesse was not a member of the North German Confederation.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Oldenburg
Oldenburg issued its own stamps between 1852 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867.
Member of the German-Austrian Post Association since January 1852.
From 1868 takeover of the postal service by the North German postal district
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Postage stamps and postal history of Preussen
Kingdom with its own postal sovereignty until December 31, 1867. From 1868 the North German postal district takes over the postal service.
In addition to the Prussian state territory in 1850, the Prussian postal area also included the Duchy of Anhalt, the principalities of Waldeck-Pyrmont and Oldenburg-Birkenfeld. Parts of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Sonderhausen, from Sachsen-Weimar, as well as post offices in Hamburg and Bremen. Added to this were the Duchy of Lauenburg on January 1, 1866, Hanover on October 1, 1866, Schleswig-Holstein and the Oldenburg Principality of Lübeck on January 1, 1867, and from mid-January 1867 formerly Bavarian regions in the Rhön, Spessart and Bavarian regions Caulsdorf exclave, July 1st, 1867 the German states in Thuringia and southern Germany that were previously united in the Thurn and Taxis Postal Union.
Number of post offices on November 15, 1850: 1721, and on December 31, 1867: 3852 post offices.
In November 1918 Prussia became a free state in the German Empire; In 1945 the state of Prussia became extinct. The areas from which it was composed ultimately form "Länder" (several "districts" in the GDR).
Entry into force of the German-Austrian Postal Union contract: 1st july 1850.
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There are of course quite a number of reprints/forgeries in the pictures here,
Helgoland, Bergedorf especially; there are fake cancels in Braunschweig as well.
LRM
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Postage stamps and postal history of Sachsen
Kingdom with its own postal sovereignty until December 31, 1867. From 1868 takeover of the postal service by the North German Post District. From 1.1.1872 in the Association of the German Empire. After the capitulation in 1945, the remaining areas of Silesia (Görlitz and Niesky) were incorporated into the "Federal State of Saxony" (see New Germany part). From 1949 onwards, it was part of the former German Democratic Republic, and in 1990 it was incorporated into the Federal Republic of Germany as a Free State .
In addition to the kingdom, the post office also included the Duchy of Saxony-Altenburg, which was contractually taken over by Thurn und Taxisschen Lehnspost on August 1, 1847.
German-Austrian Postal Association, valid from July 1, 1850.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Schleswig - Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein issued its own stamps from 1850 to 1851 and between 1864 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867. Schleswig - Holstein was divided between Austria and Prussia in 1864 after the German - Danish War. From then on, both occupying powers issued their own postage stamps for this region.
After the German War, all of Schleswig-Holstein fell to Prussia. From 1868 onwards, Schleswig-Holstein also used the stamps of the northern German postal district.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Würtenberg
The Kingdom of Württemberg issued its own stamps between 1851 and 1920 and had its own postal authority until March 31, 1920.
The Kingdom of Württemberg took over the postal service previously run by Thurn und Taxis by contract of March 22, 1851, and joined the German-Austrian postal association on September 1, 1851. Until the first stamps appeared on October 15, 1851, it was left with the Cash franking. Postage stamps of the German Reich were in use from April 1, 1902, with their own postage stamps being dispensed with, but official stamps still appeared until Mir ', which had meanwhile become a free state (November 1918 abdication of the king). Würtemberg completely abandoned its post office shelf on April 1, 1920. Today Württemberg belongs to the state of Baden-Württemberg.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Thurn und Taxis
The Princes of Thurn and Taxis owned the Imperial General Post Office until 1806. When this dissolved in 1806, they took over the postal organization from a number of the German states in the German Confederation until 1867. These states included the Electorate of Hesse, the Grand Duchy of Hesse, the Principality of Reuss, Lippe, Schwarzburg, Hohenzollern and the Duchies of Saxony Meiningen, Saxony Coburg and a few others.
They issued their own stamps between 1852 and 1867 and had their own postal authority until June 30, 1867.
From July 1, 1867, the Prussian Post took over the postal service. On January 1, 1868, the entire Prussian postal system was transferred to the North German Confederation.
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"There are of course quite a number of reprints/forgeries in the pictures here,
Helgoland, Bergedorf especially; there are fake cancels in Braunschweig as well.
LRM"
I know, but first of all it goes about the story.
A lot of members and visitors of this forum do not have a clue about all those different kingdoms and different states.
I only will inform them with this kind of stories.
After that we can discuss about fakes, reprints, forgeries etc.
It's not my speciality but please eat your hart out with comments.
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HockeyNut...
Another very informative posting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your collection.
Calstamp
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Thanks HockeyNut.
As a beginner collector of German stamps I use the Michel catalog but not knowing the German language I often do not understand the comments / explanations at the beginning of each chapter.
Everything you wrote about the German area is very helpful to me (only now am I starting to learn about the geography and history of the area)
I have many ambiguities such as: In this postal union of some states / kingdomes that issued each stamp, could they be used only in the issuing state / kingdoms or on the whole area of the postal union?
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I've mentioned the mystery series by Block a few times about the stamp collecting hit man John Keller. In one of the books he is at a stamp show talking to a collector of Germany and German states and he says "The only thing we can really be sure about in life is Thurn and Taxis". I thought it was quite appropriate for this thread!
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Updated the post about BREMEN.
Made some text of HELGOLAND bold and italic. To make something clear. 
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"I've mentioned the mystery series by Block a few times about the stamp collecting hit man John Keller. In one of the books he is at a stamp show talking to a collector of Germany and German states and he says "The only thing we can really be sure about in life is Thurn and Taxis". I thought it was quite appropriate for this thread!"
It sounded like a wise man.
There are many forgeries and reprints of these German states in circulation, I really do not deny that and there will be quite a lot in my collection too.
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Someone should start a thread about attitude toward forgeries. There seem to be so many out there that we are assuming every expensive stamp we have is a forgery. We don't seem to trust anyone and it's really starting to affect the value of stamps and how we think about our hobby. For example, I collect early Poland which is teeming with repros. It's got to the point where every stamp I have with an overprint is considered suspect. I will not spend large amounts for any of them and I'm not even sure I would accept a certificate as proof. What is this doing to our hobby that we love so much? How will our collections be valued when the time comes? I know most people don't care, but to me it's crucial since the proceeds go to charity when I'm gone. It seems like every major stamp has been faked by someone at some point. There is a beautiful NB #4 I just bid on and I'm nervous in case I get it and it's a fake - it has an old sales receipt with it, if that really means anything. People who just collect stamps for the pure fun of it probably have less of a problem, but I enjoy having some rarer pieces and that's more of a worry. Comments anyone?
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I found a great site about the SPERATI FORGERIES of the German States issues.
https://www.rfrajola.com/Sperati/sgermany.htm
A pitty that there are no descriptions available 
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It's not my speciality but please eat your hart out with comments.
This made my day
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Look what I found on the Internet (WOW)
https://www.fritzwagner.com/helgoland/helgoland_history_and_postal_rates.html
On example of this great site about Helgoland :
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""The only thing we can really be sure about in life is Thurn and Taxis"."
If this refers to the lack of forgeries, it is correct that the complex design did deter the amount of forgeries found in the other states BUT it is wrong in there not being any as I have noted some members stating in some forum postings.
Fournier made forgeries of all the stamps
Sent Bros made a few
Sperati made 2
Some unknowns & possibly Torres made others
To compound this are a slew of fake numeral cancels to increase the CV of some issues.
I have plenty of all the above.
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Actually it's just a take off of the expression "Nothing is certain except death and taxes", a quote from Benjamin Franklin in 1789. It really is not meant to be a comment on Thurn and Taxis lack (?) of reproductions.
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Regarding the last page of Helgoland reprints - about 15 years ago, Fritz Wagner sold
his collection to me, so that is a page in one of my albums. I have forgotten who asked permission to maintain the website, but I gave permission to do so.
Should you have any questions regarding old German states, do not hesitate to ask.
Lawrence R. Mead APS 207202, APEX (old german states) GPS PSPS
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German States
Prior to the German unification of 1871, individual German states and entities started to release their own stamps, Kingdom Bayern first on November 1, 1849 and the Kingdom Sachsen became the second state to issue postage stamps in 1850.
States or entities that issued stamps subsequently were Baden (1851), Bergedorf (1861), Braunschweig (1852), Bremen (1855), Hamburg (1859), Hannover (1850), Helgoland (1867), Lübeck (1859), Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1856), Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1864), Oldenburg (1852), Preussen (1850), Sachsen (1850), Schleswig-Holstein (1850), and Württemberg (1851).
Also Thurn und Taxis, while not a state, had the authority to issue stamps and transport mail and released stamps (1852). The northern German states joined in the North German Confederation in 1868 and united their postal services in the "North German Postal District" (Norddeutscher Postbezirk).
After the unification, Bavaria and Württemberg retained their postal authority to continue producing stamps until 1923.
.
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Postage stamps and postal history of Bayern
Bavaria issued numerous of its own stamps between 1849 and 1920 and had its own postal authority until March 31, 1920. During this time Bavaria issued almost 200 different postage stamps as well as numerous official and postage stamps, if only the main types are considered. Those who don't care whether the stamps are stamped or unstamped can put together a complete Bavarian collection at largely affordable prices. The biggest hurdle is likely to be the Black One from Bavaria, as it is the first brand in Germany to be very popular with collectors.
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Postage stamps and postal history of Baden
Pre-stamp period
The dukes of Thurn und Taxis had great influence on the postal development of Baden. From 1718 to 1811, they established their own postal system and took over the postal organisation. It was 1811 before the postal administration changed hands to Baden's authority with the Zessionsvertrag (Assignment Treaty) of Thurn und Taxis. The postal system continued to develop, and on 1 May 1851 Baden joined the German-Austrian Postal Union. On the same day, Baden's first stamps were issued.
The first definitive stamps, the 1, 3, 6, and 9 Kreuzer, were issued in the Grand Duchy of Baden. With these denominations, all important postage tariffs were covered in both distance and weight. Baden's first four stamps were designed on the model of Bavaria's stamps. They are cipher designs highlighting the postage denomination. Additionally they have the inscription "Baden" and "Freimarke" (definitive stamp) as well as "Deutsch-Österreichischer-Postverein / Vertrag 6. April 1850" (German-Austrian Postal Union / Treaty, 6 April 1850) to emphasise joining the postal union.
Landpost Baden
The Landpost postage due stamps are a special area in Baden's postal history. The three values of 1, 3, and 12 Kreuzer were issued on 1 October 1862. These stamps were not given to postal customers during their valid period and could not be used as definitive stamps.
With these stamps, additional delivery charges to addresses in rural villages, not served by a local post office, were paid. The sender could choose to pre-pay the charge. The Landpost stamps were not regular Postage Due stamps, although their use as such, and for other charges, is also known. They should have been stuck on the reverse, but are often seen on the front.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Bergedorf
Stamp issues by the Bergedorf Bi-Urban Mail
On 1 November 1861, five definitive stamps with values of ½, 1, 1½, 3, and 4 Hamburg Schillings (16 schillings made up 1 Hamburg mark) were issued in Bergedorf. These five values could satisfy the postal tariffs for all distance and weight needs of the time. At that time (1863), only 12,468 people lived in the whole postal region. The imperforated definitive stamps were printed when required and were valid until 31 December 1867. The stamps are square in shape. Besides the value, the country's name and the term "Postmarke", the centre of each stamp depicted one half of the coat of arms of each of Hamburg and Lübeck.
The Bergedorf stamp series is often referred to as a "growing series" because each value is a little bit larger than its predecessor. Thus, the 4 Schilling value looks twice as large as the ½ Schilling value. Together with the different paper colours of the values, the sizing helped to distinguish between the various stamps.
Unification with Hamburg
Effective 1 January 1868, the Free and Hanseatic city of Hamburg bought Lübeck's share in the Bi-Urban Condominium which passed completely into the former's ownership. On this date, the joint entry into the North German Confederation (the predecessor of the 1871 German Empire) took place. Since that time, the postal history of Bergedorf shares that of the North German Confederation. Bergedorf's five stamps were only valid until that day.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Braunschweig
The philatelitic era of Brunswick started on January 1st, 1852. At that date, the first three stamps of the duchy of Brunswick were issued. The emission had become necessary, as Brunswick had just joined the German-Austrian postal union (Deutsch Österreichischer Postverein: DÖPV) a few weeks before on December 5th, 1851. The DÖPV provided uniform postal rates for all mail between the associated states.
It had its own postal authority until december 31st 1867.
The disorder of these individual territories had its impact on the postal regulations, and resulted in complicated rates and routes. Yet, the situation was not that bad. Many of the smaller states already had strong relationships, willingly or unwillingly, with one of the dominant forces around: Prussia, which also took care of their postal administration. Other governments contracted their postal administration out to for instance the experienced Thurn & Taxis organization. This simplified the postal picture somewhat; as for instance Thurn & Taxis serviced the majority of the Thuringian states, whereas other territories were following the Prussian postal system.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Bremen
Free Hanseatic City including the enclaves Vegesack and Bremerhaven with their own postal sovereignty until December 31, 1867. In the Association of the German Confederation until 1866, in the North German Confederation from 1866 and from 1.1. 1871 in the German Empire.
Bremen, which was first mentioned in 782 and was recognized as an independent municipality in 1186, received city rights in 1303. Bremen has been a Hanseatic city since 1358. In 1541 it gained imperial freedom, which was initially defended against Sweden and later against Hanover at great sacrifice. In the years 1810-1813, Bremen was the capital of the Wesermündungen department that became part of France. In 1815 the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen became a member of the German Confederation, in 1866 a member of the North German Confederation and in 1871 a federal state or, from 1919, a country of the German Empire. In 1945 Bremen was first occupied by British and then American troops and, together with Bremerhaven, belonged to the American zone of occupation. In 1949 Bremen became a federal state of the Federal Republic of Germany together with Bremerhaven.
Postal history:
Council messengers were set up in the 13th century, initially only handling council mail and later also civic correspondence. From the end of the 14th century, with increasing supra-regional trade, there were also messengers from the merchants. From the beginning of the 16th century, the Princes of Thurn and Taxis also exercised the postal system, and in 1617 a Thurn and Taxis post office was opened in Bremen.
In the middle of the 17th century a riding and driving post was set up between Bremen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Celle, Braunschweig, Hanover, Kassel and Frankfurt. At the same time, the existing post office was expanded and, from the 18th century, the establishment of further foreign post offices was allowed, which served different postal rates. The following were established:
1709 Post office of the Electorate of Hanover
1727 Post office of the Kurbrandenburgische Post (later Prussia)
1806 Post office of the Grand Duchy of Berg
1804 own Bremen city post office
As a result of the Napoleonic wars, from 1807 to 1813 all postal services were transferred to the Grand Ducal Bergisches Oberpostamt (from 1811 Imperial French Oberpostamt). After the French left (1813), the previous post offices quickly resumed their activities.
In 1824 the administration of the Prussian post office was taken over by the Bremen city post office. The post office in Bremerhaven is opened in 1846 and the post office in Vegesack, which is operated jointly with Hanover, in 1847.
In 1850/51 the post offices were finally divided up between the various post offices:
The Bremen city post office only carried mail to Oldenburg (use of Oldenburg stamps), Hamburg, Lauenburg, Lübeck, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and all
ttans-atlantic countries.
The Hannoversche Postamt only post to Hanover and Braunschweig
The Prussian Post Office carried mail to Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Prussia, Saxony, Luxembourg, Austria (excluding Lombardy etc.), Poland, Russia and all transit correspondence through these countries.
The TuT post office served all other courses (e.g. France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, etc.).
On January 1, 1852, Bremen joined the German-Austrian Postal Union.
From January 1, 1868, the postal authority was transferred to the North German Confederation.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Hamburg
Postage stamps of the Hamburg City Post
The first postage stamps of the Hamburg City Post Office were introduced on 1 January 1859. They were rectangular and in the middle was the coat of arms of the city, overlaid with the value number. Below that is the word Postmarke (postage stamp), above it is Hamburg. Value and currency (Schilling) are imprinted as text at the borders. Values of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 Schillinge were issued. In 1864, the supplemental values 1.25 and 2.5 Schillinge with a different frame design were issued. These early issues were already gummed but still imperforated. The following nine values, issued in 1864 and 1867 and again with the design of the first issues, finally had perforations. In 1866, another two values with a different octagonal frame design were issued; and on 5 May 1867, another one with the design of the first stamps. Hamburg's stamps were only valid until the end of 1867, since as of 1 January 1868, only the stamps of the North German Postal District were valid.
Stamps of the Institute of Hamburg's Messengers
The Institute of Hamburg's Messengers issued a stamp with the value of ½ Schilling. The private company delivered only letters and newspapers within the city of Hamburg and charged half a Schilling. The stamps were printed in black on coloured paper.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Helgoland
During the period when Heligoland (a German island in the North Sea) was a British possession, about 20 postage stamps were issued between 1867 and 1890 and had its own postal authority until August 9th 1890.
There were up to eight printings of a single denomination and also a large volume of reprints which are known as the Berlin, Leipzig and Hamburg Reprints, respectively. The Berlin reprints are sometimes better quality than the originals. The reprints were done between 1875 and 1895. Consequently, many "old" collections contain reprints rather than originals. Some believe there were seven million reprints as compared to the known 1½ million originals, of which perhaps half were sold through the post office and the remainder sold to dealers when withdrawn from use.
A few printings were never postally sold but nevertheless found their way into the hands of dealers. The stamps were printed by the Prussian State Printing Office in Berlin. They were denominated in the Hamburg Schilling until 1875, when both German Reich and British values appeared on each stamp issue (the Farthing/Pfennig issues). All are embossed with a silhouette of Queen Victoria excepting the four highest values which represent Heligoland escutcheons.
Mint stamps of Helgoland are moderate to medium priced but with some running to 1000 euros (2005) rarities. Some used stamps have brought 4800 euros at auction and some covers have brought 10 or 12 thousand euros. This is an inducement for forgery. Because used stamps are often more valuable than mint stamps, forged postal cancellations are plentiful and are the rule on purported high-value items. Because of the many forged cancellations and many reprints collectors of Heligoland stamps are advised either to become expert or to rely on specialists; most reputable dealers will not handle them because of the prevalence of reprints and forgeries. The collector who wishes to become expert is advised to acquaint himself with the Michel Deutschland Spezial Katalog and acquire, at least, Helmuth Lemberger's "Helgoland Philatelie". Most of the philatelic literature is in German.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Hannover.
Principality, from 1692 electorate and from 1814 kingdom with its own postal sovereignty until September 20, 1866; then Prussian province.
Like the Duchy of Braunschweig, the Principality of Hanover emerged from the Guelph family of Braunschweig-Lüneburg (since 1235). In 1635 an inheritance contract was signed between the Guelph lines, as a result of which the three houses Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (later the Duchy of Braunschweig), Lüneburg-Celle and the younger line Calenberg-Göttingen were created. Just one year later, in 1636, Duke Georg moved his seat of government from Calenberg to Hanover. In the Peace of Westphalia (1648), the Calenberg-Göttingen line was administratively assigned the diocese of Osnabrück (under constitutional law not until 1803 through the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss).
In 1692 Hanover becomes an electorate under Ernst August, and in 1705 Hanover is enlarged by inheriting the house of Lüneburg-Celle. This area also includes the counties of Diepholz and Hoya, the Land of Hadeln and the Lauenburg region.
In 1714, Elector Georg Ludwig ascended the British throne as George I. Hanover was de facto governed by the Privy Council, assisted by a royal governor. The personal union with Great Britain existed until 1837.
With the Treaty of Stockholm (1719) Hanover expanded to the confluence of the Elbe and Weser rivers: Sweden ceded the Bremen and Verden monasteries in return for payment of 1 million thalers.
In 1801 and again in 1805, Hanover was occupied by Prussia, in 1803 the French occupation began, during which the south was added to the Kingdom of Westphalia (1807-1813), the northern areas were in the course of the French. Continental barrier to departments of the French Empire (1810-1813).
After the liberation in 1813, Hanover became a kingdom on October 12, 1814, and one year later, with the help of England at the Congress of Vienna, it expanded its territory to include East Frisia, Arenberg-Meppen, Lingen, Bentheim and the diocese of Hildesheim. In return, Lauenburg was ceded to Denmark. With the exception of the duchies of Braunschweig and Oldenburg, Hanover covered almost exactly what is now the state of Lower Saxony from 1815 onwards.
In 1866 Prussia declared war on Hanover as part of the German conflict and forced Langensalza to surrender. On September 20, 1866, Hanover was formally taken over by Prussia and became a Prussian province. The Prussian constitution was introduced on October 1st, 1867.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Lübeck
Lübeck issued its own stamps between 1859 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867. They depicted a double-headed eagle with outstretched wings, Lübeck's coat of arms. A ribbon which surrounds the eagle contains the word "Postmarke" (postage stamp) and the indication of the value of the stamp spelled out in letters. On the upper side is the word "Lübeck" and in each of the four corners is a number which indicates the value of the stamp. The stamps from 1863 depict the same eagle in an oval and in relief, with the word "Lübeck" at the top, the indication of value at the sides, and the word "Schilling" at the bottom. The configuration and value the postal stationaries were the same as the stamps.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Mecklenburg
By the Hamburg Agreement on March 8, 1701, Mecklenburg was separated into two duchies with limited autonomy, which formed a collective state–as of 1815, the Grand Duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Since 1755, they had the same constitution and were under the control of the same parliament. In 1815, both parts became Grand Duchies by the Congress of Vienna.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Mecklenburg-Schwerin issued its own stamps between 1856 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867. Despite the different sizes of the stamps, they all had the same picture. Only the value of ¼ Schilling depicts the crowned head of a bull. All of the other stamps depict the country's great coat of arms with a crown, the inscription "FREIMARKE" (definitive stamp) above and "SCHILLINGE" below. On the vertical edges of the stamp, "MECKLENB" is inscribed on the left side and "SCHWERIN" on the right. The value of the stamps is indicated in the corners of the stamp. The postal stationery is provided with nearly round imprints of the values.
Mecklenburg-Strelitz
In Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the postal system was still under the control of the chamber and forest council until the changeover to the administration of the North German Confederation.
Mecklenburg-Strelitz did not introduce stamps until 1864. The rectangular stamps were only intended for correspondence within the state. The value is inscribed above, the indication of the currency (Silbergroschen or Schilling) is at the bottom. On the vertical edges, "MECKLENB" is inscribed on the left side and "STRELITZ" on the right. For correspondence with other countries, the stamps were octagonal and in the colours of the postal union. Within the octagon, the inscription "MECKLENB.STRELITZ" is at the top, the value in numerals is in the centre, and the value in words, with the currency indication "SILB.GR.", is below. The value imprints of the postal stationeries corresponded to those of the stamps.
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Postage stamps and postal history of the North German Confederation
One of the functions of the North German Confederation was to handle the mail and issue postage stamps, which it began doing, by means of the North German Postal Union (Norddeutscher Postbezirk), on 1 January 1868.
To accommodate the different monetary systems in use by the various states, it issued a series valued in groschen for the Northern District, and another using kreuzer for the Southern District, distinguishing them by framing the value number in a circle for the groschen stamps, and in an oval for the kreuzers. All of these stamps were inscribed "NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK".
In addition, there was a special quarter-schilling stamp for Hamburg, with the additional inscription "STADTPOSTBRIEF HAMBURG".
Early in 1869 the stamps were issued with perforations, the previous issues having been rouletted. On 1 March, 10 gr and 30 gr values were issued, notable for being printed on goldbeater's skin, a scheme to prevent reuse of these high-value stamps.
Confederation stamps were superseded on 1 January 1872 by the first issues of the German Empire.
The coverage of the North German Postal Union was described as follows:
The federal territories comprise Anhalt, Bremen, Brunswick, Hamburg, Lippe, Lübeck, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Oldenburg, Prussia together with Lauenburg, Reuss senior line, Reuss junior line, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Saxe-Meiningen, Grand Duchy of Saxony, Kingdom of Saxony, Schaumburg-Lippe, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, Upper Hesse (part of Hesse north of the Main), and Waldeck.
Upper Hesse was administered as part of the postal union even though the Grand Duchy of Hesse was not a member of the North German Confederation.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Oldenburg
Oldenburg issued its own stamps between 1852 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867.
Member of the German-Austrian Post Association since January 1852.
From 1868 takeover of the postal service by the North German postal district
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Postage stamps and postal history of Preussen
Kingdom with its own postal sovereignty until December 31, 1867. From 1868 the North German postal district takes over the postal service.
In addition to the Prussian state territory in 1850, the Prussian postal area also included the Duchy of Anhalt, the principalities of Waldeck-Pyrmont and Oldenburg-Birkenfeld. Parts of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Sonderhausen, from Sachsen-Weimar, as well as post offices in Hamburg and Bremen. Added to this were the Duchy of Lauenburg on January 1, 1866, Hanover on October 1, 1866, Schleswig-Holstein and the Oldenburg Principality of Lübeck on January 1, 1867, and from mid-January 1867 formerly Bavarian regions in the Rhön, Spessart and Bavarian regions Caulsdorf exclave, July 1st, 1867 the German states in Thuringia and southern Germany that were previously united in the Thurn and Taxis Postal Union.
Number of post offices on November 15, 1850: 1721, and on December 31, 1867: 3852 post offices.
In November 1918 Prussia became a free state in the German Empire; In 1945 the state of Prussia became extinct. The areas from which it was composed ultimately form "Länder" (several "districts" in the GDR).
Entry into force of the German-Austrian Postal Union contract: 1st july 1850.
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10:13:43am
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
There are of course quite a number of reprints/forgeries in the pictures here,
Helgoland, Bergedorf especially; there are fake cancels in Braunschweig as well.
LRM
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Postage stamps and postal history of Sachsen
Kingdom with its own postal sovereignty until December 31, 1867. From 1868 takeover of the postal service by the North German Post District. From 1.1.1872 in the Association of the German Empire. After the capitulation in 1945, the remaining areas of Silesia (Görlitz and Niesky) were incorporated into the "Federal State of Saxony" (see New Germany part). From 1949 onwards, it was part of the former German Democratic Republic, and in 1990 it was incorporated into the Federal Republic of Germany as a Free State .
In addition to the kingdom, the post office also included the Duchy of Saxony-Altenburg, which was contractually taken over by Thurn und Taxisschen Lehnspost on August 1, 1847.
German-Austrian Postal Association, valid from July 1, 1850.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Schleswig - Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein issued its own stamps from 1850 to 1851 and between 1864 and 1867 and had its own postal authority until December 31, 1867. Schleswig - Holstein was divided between Austria and Prussia in 1864 after the German - Danish War. From then on, both occupying powers issued their own postage stamps for this region.
After the German War, all of Schleswig-Holstein fell to Prussia. From 1868 onwards, Schleswig-Holstein also used the stamps of the northern German postal district.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Würtenberg
The Kingdom of Württemberg issued its own stamps between 1851 and 1920 and had its own postal authority until March 31, 1920.
The Kingdom of Württemberg took over the postal service previously run by Thurn und Taxis by contract of March 22, 1851, and joined the German-Austrian postal association on September 1, 1851. Until the first stamps appeared on October 15, 1851, it was left with the Cash franking. Postage stamps of the German Reich were in use from April 1, 1902, with their own postage stamps being dispensed with, but official stamps still appeared until Mir ', which had meanwhile become a free state (November 1918 abdication of the king). Würtemberg completely abandoned its post office shelf on April 1, 1920. Today Württemberg belongs to the state of Baden-Württemberg.
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Postage stamps and postal history of Thurn und Taxis
The Princes of Thurn and Taxis owned the Imperial General Post Office until 1806. When this dissolved in 1806, they took over the postal organization from a number of the German states in the German Confederation until 1867. These states included the Electorate of Hesse, the Grand Duchy of Hesse, the Principality of Reuss, Lippe, Schwarzburg, Hohenzollern and the Duchies of Saxony Meiningen, Saxony Coburg and a few others.
They issued their own stamps between 1852 and 1867 and had their own postal authority until June 30, 1867.
From July 1, 1867, the Prussian Post took over the postal service. On January 1, 1868, the entire Prussian postal system was transferred to the North German Confederation.
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
"There are of course quite a number of reprints/forgeries in the pictures here,
Helgoland, Bergedorf especially; there are fake cancels in Braunschweig as well.
LRM"
I know, but first of all it goes about the story.
A lot of members and visitors of this forum do not have a clue about all those different kingdoms and different states.
I only will inform them with this kind of stories.
After that we can discuss about fakes, reprints, forgeries etc.
It's not my speciality but please eat your hart out with comments.
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01:30:32pm
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
HockeyNut...
Another very informative posting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your collection.
Calstamp
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05:05:07pm
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Thanks HockeyNut.
As a beginner collector of German stamps I use the Michel catalog but not knowing the German language I often do not understand the comments / explanations at the beginning of each chapter.
Everything you wrote about the German area is very helpful to me (only now am I starting to learn about the geography and history of the area)
I have many ambiguities such as: In this postal union of some states / kingdomes that issued each stamp, could they be used only in the issuing state / kingdoms or on the whole area of the postal union?
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05:14:54pm
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
I've mentioned the mystery series by Block a few times about the stamp collecting hit man John Keller. In one of the books he is at a stamp show talking to a collector of Germany and German states and he says "The only thing we can really be sure about in life is Thurn and Taxis". I thought it was quite appropriate for this thread!
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Updated the post about BREMEN.
Made some text of HELGOLAND bold and italic. To make something clear.
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
"I've mentioned the mystery series by Block a few times about the stamp collecting hit man John Keller. In one of the books he is at a stamp show talking to a collector of Germany and German states and he says "The only thing we can really be sure about in life is Thurn and Taxis". I thought it was quite appropriate for this thread!"
It sounded like a wise man.
There are many forgeries and reprints of these German states in circulation, I really do not deny that and there will be quite a lot in my collection too.
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02:33:22pm
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Someone should start a thread about attitude toward forgeries. There seem to be so many out there that we are assuming every expensive stamp we have is a forgery. We don't seem to trust anyone and it's really starting to affect the value of stamps and how we think about our hobby. For example, I collect early Poland which is teeming with repros. It's got to the point where every stamp I have with an overprint is considered suspect. I will not spend large amounts for any of them and I'm not even sure I would accept a certificate as proof. What is this doing to our hobby that we love so much? How will our collections be valued when the time comes? I know most people don't care, but to me it's crucial since the proceeds go to charity when I'm gone. It seems like every major stamp has been faked by someone at some point. There is a beautiful NB #4 I just bid on and I'm nervous in case I get it and it's a fake - it has an old sales receipt with it, if that really means anything. People who just collect stamps for the pure fun of it probably have less of a problem, but I enjoy having some rarer pieces and that's more of a worry. Comments anyone?
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
I found a great site about the SPERATI FORGERIES of the German States issues.
https://www.rfrajola.com/Sperati/sgermany.htm
A pitty that there are no descriptions available
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It's not my speciality but please eat your hart out with comments.
This made my day
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re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Look what I found on the Internet (WOW)
https://www.fritzwagner.com/helgoland/helgoland_history_and_postal_rates.html
On example of this great site about Helgoland :
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""The only thing we can really be sure about in life is Thurn and Taxis"."
If this refers to the lack of forgeries, it is correct that the complex design did deter the amount of forgeries found in the other states BUT it is wrong in there not being any as I have noted some members stating in some forum postings.
Fournier made forgeries of all the stamps
Sent Bros made a few
Sperati made 2
Some unknowns & possibly Torres made others
To compound this are a slew of fake numeral cancels to increase the CV of some issues.
I have plenty of all the above.
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11:49:56am
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Actually it's just a take off of the expression "Nothing is certain except death and taxes", a quote from Benjamin Franklin in 1789. It really is not meant to be a comment on Thurn and Taxis lack (?) of reproductions.
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06:42:20am
re: Die deutsche Staaten / German states
Regarding the last page of Helgoland reprints - about 15 years ago, Fritz Wagner sold
his collection to me, so that is a page in one of my albums. I have forgotten who asked permission to maintain the website, but I gave permission to do so.
Should you have any questions regarding old German states, do not hesitate to ask.
Lawrence R. Mead APS 207202, APEX (old german states) GPS PSPS
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