German WWII Occupation in Ostland Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German WWII Occupation in Ostland Stamps
German WWII Occupation in Ostland refers to the stamps issued for the Reichskommissariat Ostland, a territory encompassing parts of the Baltic states and Belarus during the Second World War. This region in Eastern Europe was under direct German military and civil administration following the 1941 invasion, leading to the issuance of provisional stamps to replace local postal systems. These issues typically feature German inscriptions, often alongside local language names, reflecting the imposition of German authority over the occupied territories. The postal history of Ostland is intrinsically linked to the tumultuous military occupation period, ceasing entirely with the Soviet reoccupation.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1941 β 1943
- Languages:
- German, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Belarusian
- Currency:
- RM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German WWII Occupation in Ostland Stamp Series
General Issues with Overprints (1941-1943)
Stamps of the occupied Baltic states and Belarus overprinted with 'OSTLAND' or other German inscriptions.
Local Issues (Provisional) (1941)
Early provisional issues often featuring local stamps with German military or civil administration overprints.
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German WWII Occupation in Ostland Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity of the local issue. Forgeries are common, especially of early provisional issues and rare overprints.
How to Identify German WWII Occupation in Ostland Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps:
- 1 Look for 'OSTLAND' overprints on stamps of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, or Belarus.
- 2 Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue and design.
- 3 Verify the authenticity of overprints, as many forgeries exist. Consult a specialized catalog.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps?
German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps are provisional postal issues used in the Reichskommissariat Ostland, a German-occupied territory comprising parts of the Baltic states and Belarus during World War II (1941-1943). These stamps typically feature German overprints on existing local or Soviet stamps, reflecting German administrative control.
Are German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps valuable?
The value of German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps varies widely. Common overprints on readily available base stamps may be worth a few euros, while rare provisional issues, specific overprint varieties, or stamps with significant historical context can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and authenticity are crucial factors.
How can I identify German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps?
To identify German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps, look for overprints like 'OSTLAND' or other German inscriptions on stamps originally issued by Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, or Belarus. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint and the base stamp. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly cross-reference designs and overprints, but always consult specialized catalogs for definitive identification and authentication.
Which catalogs list German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps?
German WWII Occupation in Ostland stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel (especially Michel Deutschland-Spezial), and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs focusing on German occupation issues or the philately of the Baltic states and Belarus will provide more detailed listings and varieties.
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