Postage Stamps of Württemberg (1851-1923)

The Kingdom of Württemberg was one of the German states that issued its own postage stamps before becoming part of the German Empire (1871). Württemberg continued to issue separate stamps until 1923, after which its postal system was fully integrated into Germany’s Reichspost.

1. First Württemberg Stamps (1851-1864) – Early Issues

  • Issued on October 15, 1851, Württemberg’s first stamps followed the example of Bavaria.
  • Design:
    • Simple numeral design, similar to early Bavarian issues.
    • Printed in black ink on colored paper.
    • Denominations in Kreuzer (Southern German currency).
    • Imperforate (had to be cut manually).

Key Early Issues:

  • 1, 3, 6, and 9 Kreuzer (1851 Series) – First definitive set.
  • 1857-1863 Issues – Improved print quality, similar design.

2. Later Württemberg Issues (1865-1875) – Coat of Arms & King’s Portrait

  • 1865-1873: Introduction of Württemberg’s Coat of Arms on definitive stamps.
  • 1875: First stamps featuring King Karl of Württemberg.
  • Perforations introduced (no longer needed to cut by hand).

3. Württemberg Under the German Empire (1871-1923)

  • In 1871, Württemberg joined the German Empire but retained postal independence.
  • Württemberg stamps continued to be issued with Pfennig and Mark denominations.
  • 1906: Stamps with King Wilhelm II introduced.

4. End of Württemberg Stamps (1923)

  • In 1920, Württemberg’s postal service merged into Deutsche Reichspost.
  • The last Württemberg-specific issues were 1923 semi-postal stamps.
  • From April 1, 1923, Württemberg ceased issuing its own stamps.

Collectibility & Value

  • 1851 numeral issues are highly collectible.
  • 1865-1873 Coat of Arms & Royal Portraits are popular with German stamp collectors.
  • 1923 semi-postals are historically significant as Württemberg’s final issue.