Local Issues 1945 Stamps
"Local Issues 1945" is not a sovereign country but rather a philatelic classification referring to provisional or emergency postal markings used across various regions immediately following the conclusion of World War II. These issues often arose in territories experiencing rapid administrative transitions, such as former Axis-occupied zones or newly liberated areas in Europe and Asia, where central postal authority was temporarily disrupted.
- Issued stamps
- 1945–1946
- Region
- Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Balkans
- Languages
- German, French, Russian, English, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Serbo-Croatian
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
About Local Issues 1945 stamps
Stamps from this category typically feature overprints or provisional designs reflecting the immediate local political reality, often displaying languages of the occupying or succeeding administration, or simple vernacular text. This period is characterized by a fragmented postal landscape as established colonial or national postal systems struggled to reassert control or transition to new governing powers.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Local Issues 1945 stamps
- Look for overprints on existing stamps, often in local languages or indicating new administrative authorities (e.g., 'Stadtpost', 'Postamt', 'Provisorium').
- Identify provisional designs, often crudely printed, reflecting immediate local needs rather than national standards.
- Pay attention to the place of issue (city, town, region) which is often indicated on the stamp or by the overprint.
- Check for specific dates of issue, as these stamps were typically valid for very short periods.
Popular series
-
German Local Issues (Allied Occupation)
1945-1946
Provisional issues from various German cities and regions under Allied control, often overprinted or with new designs, reflecting the immediate post-war administrative chaos before unified postal services were re-established.
-
Austrian Local Issues (Allied Occupation)
1945
Stamps issued by local authorities in Austria, particularly in Vienna and other cities, before the re-establishment of a national postal administration under Allied occupation.
-
French Liberation Issues
1944-1945
While technically starting in 1944, many local issues continued into 1945, particularly in areas liberated from German occupation, featuring provisional designs or 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
- €0.50–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
The value of Local Issues 1945 stamps varies widely. Common types, especially those from larger cities or with higher print runs, are generally inexpensive. Rarer issues, often from smaller towns, with specific overprint varieties, or those used for a very short period, can command significant prices. Condition, cancellation, and specific catalog variations are crucial for valuation.
Catalogs. Local Issues 1945 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 Local Issues 1945 stamps
Local Issues 1945 refers to provisional or emergency postal stamps and markings used in various regions, primarily in Europe, immediately following World War II. These were issued by local authorities due to the disruption of central postal services and the rapid administrative changes in newly liberated or occupied territories.
The value of Local Issues 1945 stamps varies significantly. Many common types are inexpensive, ranging from a few cents to a few euros. However, rare varieties, specific overprints, or issues from smaller, short-lived postal administrations can be quite valuable, sometimes fetching hundreds or even thousands of euros, especially in fine condition.
Identifying Local Issues 1945 stamps involves looking for specific overprints, provisional designs, and indications of local issuing authorities. These stamps often reflect the immediate post-war political landscape. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Local Issues 1945 stamps are extensively listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Michel is particularly comprehensive for European local issues. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, overprints, and valuations.
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