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.
- Issued stamps
- 1919–1919
- Region
- Europe, Northern Europe
- Currency
- RUB
- Languages
- Russian
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Russia
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for inscriptions in Russian, often 'Северо-Западная Армія' (Severo-Zapadnaya Armiya) or similar.
- Many issues are overprints on existing Russian imperial or provisional government stamps, so examine the underlying stamp carefully.
- Pay attention to the specific type of overprint, as variations can significantly impact value and identification.
Popular 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.
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
- €200–€2,000+
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.
Catalogs. Russian Army of the Northwest 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 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.
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.
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 a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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