Russian Army of the West Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Russian Army of the West Stamps
The Russian Army of the West, also known as the Russian Western Army, was a short-lived military formation operating in Eastern Europe during the Russian Civil War, primarily active in the Baltic region. This entity was not a sovereign nation but a White Army force that issued provisional postage stamps between 1919 and 1920 to facilitate mail service within the territories it controlled, mainly in modern-day Latvia and Lithuania. The stamps typically feature Cyrillic script, reflecting the Russian language of the military administration, and their issuance ceased with the ultimate defeat of the army by Bolshevik forces. These issues are significant as ephemeral wartime provisional postal instruments rather than standard national issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1919
- Languages:
- Russian
- Currency:
- RUB
- Parent issuer:
- Russia
Stamp Catalogs
Russian Army of the West stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Russian Army of the West Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1919)
Overprinted Russian Imperial stamps or locally produced designs, often featuring Cyrillic inscriptions indicating their provisional nature and military authority.
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Russian Army of the West Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint, and rarity of the underlying stamp. Forgeries are common, so expert authentication is crucial for higher-value items.
How to Identify Russian Army of the West Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Russian Army of the West stamps:
- 1 Look for Cyrillic inscriptions, often 'Русская Западная Армия' (Russian Western Army) or similar military designations.
- 2 Many stamps are overprints on existing Russian Imperial or Provisional Government issues.
- 3 Examine the paper, printing method, and perforations for consistency with early 20th-century provisional issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Russian Army of the West stamps?
Russian Army of the West stamps are provisional postage stamps issued by a White Army force during the Russian Civil War, primarily in parts of Latvia and Lithuania, between 1919 and 1920. They were used to facilitate mail service within the territories controlled by this military formation.
Are Russian Army of the West stamps valuable?
Yes, Russian Army of the West stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare varieties, specific overprints, or those in excellent condition. Common examples might range from $20-$100, while rare items can fetch hundreds or even over a thousand dollars. Due to their provisional nature and historical context, they are highly sought after by collectors of Russian Civil War and Baltic philately.
How can I identify Russian Army of the West stamps?
To identify Russian Army of the West stamps, look for Cyrillic inscriptions indicating the military authority, often overprinted on earlier Russian stamps. Pay attention to the specific overprint text, colors, and the underlying stamp. Using a stamp identifier app can help in cross-referencing these features with known issues.
Which catalogs list Russian Army of the West stamps?
Russian Army of the West stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (often under Russia or Russian Civil War issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs focusing on Russian and Baltic philately will also provide detailed listings.
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