German WWII Occupation in France Stamps
German WWII Occupation in France, spanning Western Europe, represents a unique and brief period in postal history where the German Reich administration controlled postal services in occupied territories. Stamps issued during this era primarily reflect the military occupation and feature German administrative control, often superseding or coexisting with Vichy French issues.
- Issued stamps
- 1940–1944
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- RM
- Languages
- German, French
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany (Third Reich)
History and background
The primary linguistic environment on these specific occupation issues is German, though French denominations or language may occasionally appear depending on the specific zone or period of administration. This postal entity ceased to exist with the liberation of France and the reestablishment of the French national postal authority.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for German language inscriptions or overprints on French stamps.
- Identify German eagle or swastika emblems on stamps issued during this period.
- Note the period of issue (1940-1944) and geographical context (occupied France, especially Alsace-Lorraine).
Popular series
-
General Government Issues (Overprints)
1940-1944
Stamps of Germany overprinted for use in occupied territories, including some areas of France.
-
Local Issues (Alsace, Lorraine)
1940-1944
Specific issues for annexed territories like Alsace and Lorraine, often featuring German designs or overprints on French 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
- €1–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Value varies greatly depending on the specific issue, overprint, condition, and whether it's a general occupation issue or a more localized one (e.g., Alsace-Lorraine). Covers and postal history from this period can be particularly valuable.
Catalogs. German WWII Occupation in France 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 France stamps
These are stamps issued or used under the administration of the German Reich in occupied French territories during World War II, primarily between 1940 and 1944. They often feature German designs, overprints on German or French stamps, or specific issues for annexed regions like Alsace and Lorraine.
The value of these stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few Euros, while rare overprints, specific local issues, or stamps on cover with significant postal history can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Condition is also a major factor in determining value.
Look for German inscriptions, overprints, or symbols (like the eagle or swastika) on stamps from the 1940-1944 period. Pay attention to the specific region of issue, as some were for general occupation while others were for annexed territories. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
These stamps are comprehensively listed in major international catalogs such as Michel (especially for German and European issues), Scott, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs for German occupation issues may also provide more detailed listings.
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