Germany – Memel postage stamps year 1920 French stamps Overprinted “Memel”
The stamps of the Memel Territory (Klaipėda) from the 1920s reflect a fascinating period of geopolitical change, specifically the transition from German to French and then Lithuanian administration after World War I.
The set you are referring to is the second major stamp issue for the territory, following the initial overprints on German stamps.
🇫🇷 Memel 1920: French Stamps Overprinted “MEMEL”
After the Treaty of Versailles, the Memel Territory was ceded by Germany to the Allied Powers, and the French assumed administration in February 1920. Lacking local stamps, the French Mandate administration quickly issued overprinted stamps from its own stock.
| Detail | Description |
| Parent Stamps | Stamps of France (typically the Sower design, but also the Merson design for the higher values). |
| Overprint | Black or red text reading “MEMEL” (or in some later issues, “MEMELGEBIET”) and a new value in German currency (Pfennig or Mark). |
| Date of Issue | July 7, 1920 (The first French overprinted set). |
| Currency | Surcharged values are in German Mark (M) and Pfennig (P). |
| Catalogue Numbers | The complete set of the first French overprints is catalogued as Michel (Mi.) Nr. 18-33. |
| Set Size | The initial set consists of 16 different values, with various sub-types and shades existing. |
Key Characteristics of the 1920 French Overprints
The set is known for its variety in both the underlying French stamps and the overprint itself.
- The Sower Design: Most of the lower values feature the iconic French Sower (Semeuse) stamps.
- The Merson Design: The higher face-value French stamps were from the Merson issue, a definitive series for French post offices abroad.
- The Overprint: The overprint on this first French series has the new German currency value with a small initial letter (e.g., “pfennig” and “mark”). Later issues have a large initial letter.
Example of a Stamp from the Set (Michel No. 20):
| Feature | Detail |
| New Value | 20 Pfennig |
| Surcharge | “20 pfg on 25 c” |
| Original French Value | 25 centimes (typically a Sower stamp in blue) |
Collectibility Note
The 1920 Memel overprints are a very collectible area, but collectors must exercise caution:
- Overprint Varieties: There are many minor varieties, shades, and plate flaws (e.g., wide or narrow spacing in the surcharge) that significantly affect value.
- Forgeries: Due to the popularity and historic nature of the Memel issues, excellent counterfeits of all Memel stamps exist, especially for the overprints. Authentication by a recognized philatelic expert is highly recommended for any higher-value pieces.
- Value: A complete, unhinged set (MNH) will carry a significantly higher catalogue value than a used (cancelled) set. Individual high-value or error stamps within the set can be quite rare and command premium prices.
