Postage Stamps of Saarland / Saargebiet (1920-1956)

The Saar region (Saarland) was a politically contested area between Germany and France, leading to different postage stamp issues during its various administrations. Saarland issued its own stamps in distinct periods: League of Nations rule (1920-1935), Nazi Germany (1935-1945), French occupation (1945-1956), and integration into West Germany (1957).

1. First Saargebiet Stamps (1920-1935) – League of Nations Administration

After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles placed Saar under League of Nations control (administered by France) from 1920 to 1935.

Key Issues:

  1. 1920 Overprinted German Stamps

    • German stamps were overprinted with “Sarre” (French spelling of Saar).
    • Early overprints were in Pfennig and Mark currency.

  2. 1921-1922 Saar Definitives

    • Featured industrial and mining scenes, reflecting Saar’s coal industry.
    • Landmarks such as the Ludwigskirche (Saarbrücken).
    • Denominations in centimes and francs (French currency).

  3. 1925-1934 New Definitive Issues

    • 1925-1926: New designs showed workers, Saarland landscapes, and French cultural influence.
    • 1934: Special Plebiscite Issue – Stamps featuring “Volksabstimmung” (referendum) to decide Saar’s fate.

  4. 1935 Saar Reunion with Germany

    • After a 1935 plebiscite, Saar voted to return to Germany.
    • Saar stamps were withdrawn, and German Reichspost stamps replaced them.

2. 1945-1956 Saar Under French Administration

After World War II, Saar became a French-administered territory. France issued separate Saar stamps from 1947-1956.

Key Issues:

  1. 1945-1946 Overprinted German Stamps

    • French authorities overprinted “Sarre” on German stamps.
    • Temporary use until new Saar designs were issued.

  2. 1947-1956 Saarland Definitives

    • New designs depicted Saarland’s economy, coal mining, industry, and culture.
    • Featured famous buildings like St. Johann Basilica.

  3. 1950-1955 Semi-Postal Stamps

    • Issued for charity causes, including the Red Cross and local aid programs.
    • Some were highly decorative and sought-after by collectors.

  4. 1952 Saarland Joins the European Movement

    • Stamps showed Saar as a part of a proposed “European Union” under French influence.
    • This was controversial, as many Saarlanders still wanted German reunification.

3. End of Saar Stamps (1957) – Integration into West Germany

  • In 1955, a referendum resulted in Saar joining West Germany (FRG).
  • On January 1, 1957, Saar officially became a German state.
  • From 1959 onward, West German stamps were used, marking the end of Saar postal independence.