Bosnia postage stamps year 1917 Used

Bosnia postage stamps year 1917 Used

The year 1917 was a significant period for Bosnian philately. At this time, Bosnia and Herzegovina was under Austro-Hungarian administration, and the stamps issued reflected the ongoing World War I and the transition of power within the Empire following the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

In 1917, there were three primary sets issued for Bosnia and Herzegovina:

1. The Emperor Charles I Definitive Issue

Following the death of Franz Joseph I in late 1916, his successor, Emperor Charles I (Karl I), was featured on a new definitive series released in July 1917.

• Design: These stamps depict the portrait of Emperor Charles I in military uniform.
• Denominations: The set is quite large, ranging from 3 heller up to 10 kronen.
• Key Details: The stamps are inscribed with “K.u.K. Militär Post” and “Bosnien-Hercegovina.” They were designed by the famous artist Alfred Cossmann.

2. Assassination Anniversary (Semi-Postals)

Released on June 28, 1917, this set marked the third anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo—the event that triggered WWI.

• The Set: Consists of 3 stamps (10h, 15h, and 40h denominations).
• Designs: * 10h (Grey-blue): Features the proposed memorial church for Sophie.
  • 15h (Purple-red): Features the portrait of the Archduke and Sophie.
  • 40h (Blue): Features a different design of the royal couple.
• Purpose: These were “Surtax” stamps; a portion of the price went toward a fund for a memorial church in Sarajevo.

3. Widow and Orphan Benefit Issue

Issued in May 1917, these were overprinted stamps intended to raise money for the “Widow and Orphan Week.”

• Details: These were overprints on the earlier definitive issues.
• Values: Common examples include the 10+2 heller and 15+2 heller stamps.

Summary Table: 1917 Major Issues

Variations for Collectors

• Perforations: Most of these stamps are found with 12½ perforation, but “line” perforations like 11½ exist and are often more valuable.
• Imperforates: There are rare imperforate versions of the 1917 sets (notably the assassination anniversary issue) which are highly sought after by specialists.