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.
- Issued stamps
- 1919–1920
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe
- Currency
- CZK
- Languages
- Czech
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for 'Č.S. Pošta' (Czechoslovak Post) inscriptions or overprints, often in Cyrillic or Latin script.
- Many stamps feature a lion emblem, a key symbol of Czechoslovak statehood.
- Examine the underlying stamp for Russian Imperial or Provisional Government designs, indicating an overprint.
- Pay attention to the cancellation marks, which can indicate the Legion's specific operational areas (e.g., Siberian cities).
Popular 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.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1,000+
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.
Catalogs. Czechoslovak Legion 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 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.
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.
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. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
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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