Local Issues of the First Republic Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Local Issues of the First Republic Stamps
Local Issues of the First Republic primarily refer to provisional or specialized postal markings and stamps issued during periods of nascent statehood or political fragmentation in various regions, often within Europe or the Middle East, following major conflicts like World War I. These issues frequently arose when central postal authority was disrupted, leading local administrations to print their own stamps to maintain essential mail service. The language on these ephemeral issues is highly variable, reflecting the specific linguistic environment of the locality asserting temporary control. Such issues are historically significant as markers of transitional sovereignty before full integration into established national postal systems or international agreements like the UPU.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central and Eastern Europe, Balkans, Middle East
- Issuing period:
- None
- Languages:
- German, Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Serbo-Croatian, Romanian, Arabic, Turkish
- Currency:
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- issuer:local-issues-1st-republic.overview.parentIssuer:
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Stamp Catalogs
Local Issues of the First Republic stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Local Issues of the First Republic Stamp Series
Austrian Local Issues (e.g., Lower Austria, Upper Austria) (1918-1919)
Provisional issues from various Austrian provinces after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Hungarian Local Issues (e.g., Debrecen, Szeged) (1918-1920)
Stamps issued by local authorities during the Hungarian Soviet Republic and subsequent political upheavals.
Polish Local Issues (e.g., Cracow, Lublin) (1918-1919)
Provisional stamps from various Polish cities and regions during the re-establishment of Polish independence.
Local Issues of the First Republic Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies greatly depending on the specific locality, rarity of the issue, condition, and whether it's on cover. Many common local issues are affordable, while rare provisional overprints or specific errors can command high prices. Expert authentication is often crucial for higher-value items.
How to Identify Local Issues of the First Republic Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Local Issues of the First Republic stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints or surcharges on existing national stamps (e.g., Austrian, Hungarian, German).
- 2 Examine the text for local place names (e.g., 'DEBRECZEN', 'KRAKAU', 'OSTERREICHISCH SCHLESIEN').
- 3 Note the often crude printing quality and unusual denominations, indicative of provisional issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Local Issues of the First Republic stamps?
Local Issues of the First Republic refer to provisional or specialized postal markings and stamps issued by local administrations during periods of nascent statehood or political fragmentation, primarily after World War I. These issues arose when central postal authority was disrupted, leading local entities to print their own stamps to maintain essential mail service before full integration into established national postal systems.
Are Local Issues of the First Republic stamps valuable?
The value of these stamps varies significantly. While many common local issues are relatively inexpensive (€1-€20), rare provisional overprints, specific errors, or stamps on cover can be highly valuable, ranging from €100 to over €5,000. Rarity, condition, and historical significance are key factors. Expert authentication is often recommended for higher-value items.
How can I identify Local Issues of the First Republic stamps?
Identification involves looking for local place names, overprints or surcharges on existing national stamps, and often crude printing. Specialized philatelic catalogs are essential resources. For quick identification, you can use a stamp identifier app which can help recognize these unique issues by scanning the stamp.
Which catalogs list Local Issues of the First Republic stamps?
Major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons all list Local Issues of the First Republic. Michel is particularly comprehensive for European issues, often providing detailed listings for these provisional stamps within the respective country sections or specialized volumes.
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