German WWII Occupation of Zara Stamps
German WWII Occupation issues for Zara originate from the Adriatic coastal region of modern-day Croatia, specifically the city of Zadar, which was annexed by Fascist Italy prior to the German occupation. These provisional stamps were issued during the period of German military administration following the Italian surrender in 1943, reflecting a temporary administrative control during the latter stages of World War II.
- Issued stamps
- 1943–1943
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- German, Italian
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
History and background
The stamps primarily feature German or Italian language inscriptions, often overprinted on existing Italian or local issues, marking a brief but distinct interruption in the region's complex postal history marked by shifting national sovereignties. This issuance ceased upon the area's liberation and subsequent incorporation into Yugoslavia.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for overprints in German ('Deutsche Besetzung Zara') or Italian on Italian stamps, particularly those issued for the Italian administration of Zara.
- Examine the underlying stamp for Italian definitive or commemorative issues from the early 1940s.
- Pay attention to the specific font, color, and placement of the overprint, as varieties exist.
Popular series
-
Overprints on Italian Stamps
1943
Existing Italian stamps overprinted with German occupation inscriptions, often 'Deutsche Besetzung Zara'.
-
Overprints on Local Issues
1943
Provisional overprints on local Italian issues for Zara, reflecting the temporary German administration.
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–€500+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, underlying stamp, condition, and rarity of the overprint variety. Unused stamps are generally more valuable than used, and errors or scarce varieties command higher prices.
Catalogs. German WWII Occupation of Zara 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 of Zara stamps
German WWII Occupation of Zara stamps are provisional postal issues created in 1943 for the city of Zadar (Zara), which was under German military administration following Italy's surrender during World War II. These stamps were typically existing Italian or local issues overprinted with German occupation inscriptions.
The value of German WWII Occupation of Zara stamps can range from a few euros for common examples to several hundred euros or more for rare varieties, errors, or stamps in pristine condition. Their value is highly dependent on the specific overprint, the underlying stamp, and philatelic demand.
You can identify German WWII Occupation of Zara stamps by looking for overprints, usually in German, such as 'Deutsche Besetzung Zara,' on Italian stamps from the early 1940s. Examine the underlying stamp's design and denomination. 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 of Zara stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Michel is particularly comprehensive for German and European issues, often providing detailed listings of overprint varieties.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.