Italian WWI Occupation General Issues Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Italian WWI Occupation General Issues Stamps
These issues originate from territories occupied by the Kingdom of Italy during and immediately following World War I, primarily located in Central and Southeastern Europe, including parts of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The stamps served to establish Italian administrative control and facilitate postal services in newly occupied or annexed regions such as Trentino, Trieste, and Dalmatia. The inscriptions on these provisional issues are predominantly in Italian, often overprinted on existing local or former imperial postal stationery. This series reflects a critical period of Italian expansion and the subsequent redrawing of national borders following the collapse of the Habsburg monarchy.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1922
- Languages:
- Italian, German, Slovene, Croatian
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Italian WWI Occupation General Issues stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Italian WWI Occupation General Issues Stamp Series
Trentino Overprints (1919)
Italian stamps overprinted 'TRENTINO' for use in the newly occupied region, often on existing Italian definitive issues.
Venezia Giulia Overprints (1919)
Italian stamps overprinted 'VENEZIA GIULIA' for postal services in the region including Trieste.
Dalmatia Overprints (1919-1920)
Italian stamps overprinted 'DALMAZIA' for use in the occupied parts of Dalmatia, reflecting the Italian claim to the region.
Italian WWI Occupation General Issues Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, the underlying stamp, condition, and rarity of the overprint variety. Errors and specific cancellations can command higher prices.
How to Identify Italian WWI Occupation General Issues Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Italian WWI Occupation General Issues stamps:
- 1 Look for Italian stamps with overprints such as 'TRENTINO', 'VENEZIA GIULIA', 'DALMAZIA', or 'ITALIANA'.
- 2 Examine the overprint for specific fonts, colors, and positioning, as varieties are common.
- 3 Verify the underlying Italian stamp issue to ensure it matches the period of occupation.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian WWI Occupation General Issues stamps?
These are stamps issued by the Kingdom of Italy for use in territories it occupied during and immediately after World War I. These areas, primarily in Central and Southeastern Europe (like Trentino, Trieste, and Dalmatia), were often parts of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The stamps typically feature Italian designs overprinted with the name of the occupied territory.
Are Italian WWI Occupation General Issues stamps valuable?
The value of these stamps can vary widely. Common issues might be worth a few euros, while rare overprints, specific varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like the specific overprint, the underlying Italian stamp, and any postal history significantly influence their value.
How can I identify Italian WWI Occupation General Issues stamps?
Look for Italian stamps featuring overprints indicating the occupied territory (e.g., 'TRENTINO', 'VENEZIA GIULIA', 'DALMAZIA'). Pay attention to the details of the overprint, including its font, color, and placement, as these can indicate specific varieties. Using a stamp identifier app can help confirm the origin and provide more details about your specific stamp.
Which catalogs list Italian WWI Occupation General Issues stamps?
These stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. They are typically found under Italy or specific regional listings related to the occupied territories within these catalogs.
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