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.
- Issued stamps
- 1941–1943
- Region
- Europe, Eastern Europe
- Currency
- RM
- Languages
- German, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Belarusian
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
History and background
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.
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.
- OSTLAND
How to identify them
- Look for 'OSTLAND' overprints on stamps of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, or Belarus.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue and design.
- Verify the authenticity of overprints, as many forgeries exist. Consult a specialized catalog.
Popular 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.
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 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.
Catalogs. German WWII Occupation in Ostland 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 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.
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.
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. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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