Shkodra Stamps
Shkodra, located in the northern region of Albania in Southeastern Europe, possesses a complex postal history reflecting its strategic position near the Adriatic Sea. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region experienced administrative shifts, including periods under Ottoman rule and subsequent Albanian independence movements, which are reflected in its early stamp issues.
- Issued stamps
- 1915–1919
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- ALL
- Languages
- Albanian, Italian, German
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Albania
About Shkodra stamps
Stamps from this era often feature the Albanian language, though Ottoman-era issues would have used Turkish. The area's history is marked by transitions between various political entities, influencing the design and issuance of its postal materials.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- SCUTARI
- SHKODRA
- POSTE ITALIANE
How to identify Shkodra stamps
- Look for overprints such as 'SCUTARI', 'SHKODRA', 'POSTE ITALIANE', or 'K.u.K. FELDPOST' on Albanian, Italian, or Austrian stamps.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue and design. The overprint will indicate its use in Shkodra.
- Pay attention to the language used on the overprint (e.g., Italian for Italian occupation, German for Austrian occupation).
Popular series
-
Italian Occupation Issues
1915-1916
Stamps issued by Italian forces occupying Shkodra, often overprinting existing Albanian or Italian stamps.
-
Austrian Occupation Issues
1916-1919
Stamps issued under Austro-Hungarian occupation, frequently overprinted with 'Scutari' or 'Shkodra' and new values.
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
- €100–€1,000+
Value varies significantly based on the specific occupation (Italian vs. Austrian), overprint type, condition, and rarity of the base stamp. Early occupation issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, command higher prices. Forgeries are known, so expertization is recommended for valuable items.
Catalogs. Shkodra 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 Shkodra stamps
Shkodra stamps refer to postal issues used in the city of Shkodra, Albania, primarily during periods of occupation in the early 20th century. These stamps often consist of existing Albanian, Italian, or Austro-Hungarian stamps overprinted with new values or inscriptions indicating their use in Shkodra under Italian or Austrian administration.
The value of Shkodra stamps can vary widely. Common issues might be worth a few euros, while rare overprints, specific varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like the specific occupation period, the rarity of the overprint, and the condition significantly influence their market value.
To identify Shkodra stamps, look for overprints like 'SCUTARI', 'SHKODRA', 'POSTE ITALIANE', or 'K.u.K. FELDPOST' on stamps originally issued by Albania, Italy, or Austria-Hungary. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Shkodra stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, including their historical context, overprint types, and estimated values.
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