Russian Army of the Northwest Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Russian Army of the Northwest Stamps
The Russian Army of the Northwest, also known as the Bermontians, operated primarily in the Baltic region of Northern Europe during the Russian Civil War following World War I. This entity issued provisional stamps between 1919 and 1920 to finance its military operations, primarily in areas contested between the newly independent Baltic states and Bolshevik Russia. The stamps typically bore inscriptions in Russian, reflecting the army's origin, and often featured military or local symbols pertinent to their temporary control over specific territories. These issues are scarce philatelic remnants of a short-lived military administration caught between major geopolitical shifts in the region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Northern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1919
- Languages:
- Russian
- Currency:
- RUB
- Parent issuer:
- Russia
Stamp Catalogs
Russian Army of the Northwest stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Russian Army of the Northwest Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (Pskov) (1919)
Stamps issued in Pskov, often overprinted on Russian imperial or provisional government stamps, used to finance military operations.
Provisional Issues (Bermondt-Avalov) (1919)
Stamps issued under the command of Pavel Bermondt-Avalov, often featuring local overprints or designs, primarily for use in areas of Latvia and Lithuania.
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Russian Army of the Northwest Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Russian Army of the Northwest stamps varies significantly based on condition, specific overprint, and rarity. Many are provisional issues, making unused examples, especially those with rare overprints or errors, highly sought after. Forgeries are known, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Russian Army of the Northwest Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Russian Army of the Northwest stamps:
- 1 Look for inscriptions in Russian, often 'Северо-Западная Армія' (Severo-Zapadnaya Armiya) or similar.
- 2 Many issues are overprints on existing Russian imperial or provisional government stamps, so examine the underlying stamp carefully.
- 3 Pay attention to the specific type of overprint, as variations can significantly impact value and identification.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Russian Army of the Northwest stamps?
Russian Army of the Northwest stamps are provisional postage stamps issued by the anti-Bolshevik military force, the Russian Army of the Northwest (also known as the Bermontians), during the Russian Civil War in 1919. These stamps were used in areas under their temporary control in the Baltic region to raise funds for their military operations.
Are Russian Army of the Northwest stamps valuable?
Yes, many Russian Army of the Northwest stamps can be valuable, especially rare provisional issues, specific overprints, and stamps in fine condition. Common examples might range from €5 to €50, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Their historical significance and limited issuance contribute to their philatelic interest.
How can I identify Russian Army of the Northwest stamps?
To identify Russian Army of the Northwest stamps, look for Russian inscriptions indicating the 'Northwestern Army' (Северо-Западная Армія) or specific overprints on Russian imperial or provisional government stamps. Consulting a specialized catalog is crucial. For quick identification, you can also use a stamp identifier app that can help recognize these unique issues.
Which catalogs list Russian Army of the Northwest stamps?
Russian Army of the Northwest stamps are typically listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Russia or related territories), Michel (especially for Eastern Europe), and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs focusing on Russian Civil War issues or Baltic states may also provide more detailed listings.
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