Czechoslovak Legion Post Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Czechoslovak Legion Post Stamps
The Czechoslovak Legion Post operated across various theaters of operations in Eurasia and Europe during and immediately following World War I, primarily serving Czechoslovak troops fighting for independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. These provisional issues arose from the unique military and political circumstances of the legions, often operating outside established national postal administrations. Stamps typically bear inscriptions in Czech, reflecting the nascent national identity being forged through military action. The postal history is characterized by temporary, localized issues reflecting the Legion's shifting geographical presence across Russia, Siberia, and later, France and Italy.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe, Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1920
- Languages:
- Czech
- Currency:
- CZK
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Stamp Catalogs
Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Czechoslovak Legion Post Stamp Series
Siberian Issues (Overprints) (1919-1920)
Provisional overprints on Russian Imperial and Provisional Government stamps, often featuring a lion emblem or 'Č.S. Pošta' (Czechoslovak Post) inscription, used by the Legion in Siberia.
Vladivostok Issues (1919-1920)
Specific issues prepared for use in Vladivostok, often featuring the Legion's insignia or national symbols, used during their evacuation.
French and Italian Legion Issues (1918-1919)
Less common, but some provisional issues were created for Czechoslovak Legionnaires serving with Allied forces in France and Italy, often overprints on local stamps.
Czechoslovak Legion Post Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific issue, overprint type, condition, and cancellation. Siberian overprints are generally more common, while specific varieties, errors, or covers can command higher prices. Issues from France and Italy are scarcer.
How to Identify Czechoslovak Legion Post Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Č.S. Pošta' (Czechoslovak Post) inscriptions or overprints, often in Cyrillic or Latin script.
- 2 Many stamps feature a lion emblem, a key symbol of Czechoslovak statehood.
- 3 Examine the underlying stamp for Russian Imperial or Provisional Government designs, indicating an overprint.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps?
Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps are provisional postal issues used by the Czechoslovak Legions, military units fighting for an independent Czechoslovakia during and immediately after World War I. These stamps were used across various theaters, notably in Russia and Siberia, and later in France and Italy, to facilitate mail for the Legionnaires.
Are Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps valuable?
Yes, many Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps are valuable, especially those with rare overprints, specific varieties, or on cover. Common issues can range from €5 to €50, while rarer items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Their historical significance and limited production contribute to their philatelic appeal.
How can I identify Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps?
To identify Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps, look for 'Č.S. Pošta' inscriptions or overprints, often on Russian stamps. The presence of a lion emblem is also a strong indicator. For precise identification and valuation, use a philatelic catalog or a stamp identifier app like StampIdentifier, which can help you match your stamp to known issues.
Which catalogs list Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps?
Czechoslovak Legion Post stamps are well-documented in major international catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Katalog (especially for Central and Eastern Europe), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (though less comprehensively for non-British issues, they often cover significant historical entities).
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