Austro-Hungarian Military Post Stamps
Austro-Hungarian Military Post operated across the vast territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, primarily in Central and Southeastern Europe, and included operations in occupied or administered territories during wartime. This specialized postal service existed to serve the armed forces and was distinct from the civil postal administration, often issuing overprinted stamps for use in specific military zones or occupied areas, particularly during World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1915–1918
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- Austro-Hungarian Krone (K)
- Languages
- German, Hungarian, Serbo-Croatian, Romanian
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Austro-Hungary
History and background
The stamps typically feature German, Hungarian, or local languages relevant to the operational theater, reflecting the multinational nature of the Habsburg monarchy. The service ceased following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, leading to numerous successor states assuming control over the former imperial postal routes.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- K.U.K. MILITÄRVERWALTUNG
How to identify them
- Look for 'Feldpost' or 'K.U.K. MILITÄRVERWALTUNG' overprints on stamps originally issued by Austria or Hungary.
- Examine the language of the overprint, which is typically German, but can also include Hungarian or local languages for specific occupation zones.
- Check for specific military cancellations or postmarks, which often include 'Feldpost' or unit designations.
Popular series
-
Field Post (Feldpost) Issues
1915-1918
Stamps overprinted 'Feldpost' for use by military personnel, often on regular Austrian or Hungarian stamps.
-
Occupation Issues for Bosnia & Herzegovina
1915-1918
Austrian stamps overprinted 'K.U.K. FELDPOST' or 'BOSNIEN' for use in occupied territories.
-
Occupation Issues for Romania
1917-1918
Austrian stamps overprinted 'K.U.K. MILITÄRVERWALTUNG IN RUMÄNIEN' for use in occupied Romanian territories.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €1–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€500+
Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's on cover. Stamps used in specific, short-lived occupation zones or with rare cancellations can fetch higher prices.
Catalogs. Austro-Hungarian Military Post stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Austro-Hungarian Military Post stamps
Austro-Hungarian Military Post stamps were specialized postal issues used by the armed forces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, particularly during World War I. They were distinct from civil postal services and often involved overprinted stamps for use in military zones or occupied territories.
The value of Austro-Hungarian Military Post stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few Euros, while rare overprints, specific occupation issues, or stamps on cover with desirable cancellations can be worth hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Condition and rarity of the overprint are key factors.
To identify Austro-Hungarian Military Post stamps, look for overprints like 'Feldpost' or 'K.U.K. MILITÄRVERWALTUNG' on stamps that typically originated from Austria or Hungary. Pay attention to the specific text and language of the overprint, as this indicates the area of use. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Austro-Hungarian Military Post stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Michel catalog (especially the Austria and Central Europe volumes), the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Stanley Gibbons catalogues (particularly for Austria and Hungary).
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