German WWII Occupation in Alsace Stamps
German WWII Occupation in Alsace refers to the period during the Second World War when this region of northeastern France was annexed by Nazi Germany. The postal history during this time is characterized by provisional issues used under the German military administration, often featuring German language text and currency reflecting the occupation status.
- Issued stamps
- 1940–1940
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- RM
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
History and background
These stamps represent a brief, politically charged interruption in the normal French postal service, marking a transition from French sovereignty to German control before the region's eventual liberation and return to France.
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.
- DEUTSCHES REICH
How to identify them
- Look for French stamps (e.g., Ceres, Sower types) with German overprints like 'ELSAẞ' or 'DEUTSCHES REICH'.
- Check for German stamps (e.g., Hindenburg, Hitler head issues) used with Alsatian postmarks from 1940.
- Pay attention to the type and font of the overprint, as many unofficial or forged overprints exist.
Popular series
-
Alsace Provisional Issues
1940
Stamps of France overprinted with 'ELSAẞ' or 'DEUTSCHES REICH' and new denominations, or German stamps used locally.
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+
Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's a genuine usage. Forgeries and unofficial overprints are common, requiring expert authentication for higher-value items.
Catalogs. German WWII Occupation in Alsace 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 German WWII Occupation in Alsace stamps
German WWII Occupation in Alsace stamps refer to the postal issues used in the Alsace region of France during its annexation by Nazi Germany in 1940. These typically include French stamps overprinted with German text and currency, or German stamps used in the region, reflecting the temporary German administration.
The value of German WWII Occupation in Alsace stamps varies significantly. Common provisional issues can be moderately priced (€5-€50), while rare varieties, specific overprints, or genuinely used covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Authenticity is crucial, as forgeries are prevalent.
To identify German WWII Occupation in Alsace stamps, look for French stamps bearing German overprints such as 'ELSAẞ' or 'DEUTSCHES REICH', often with new denominations. Also, German stamps used with Alsatian postmarks from 1940 are part of this philatelic area. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
German WWII Occupation in Alsace stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (under France - German Occupation), Michel (under Germany - Occupation Issues), and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values.
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