Deutsche Reich year 1872/1923 stamps Used collection

The time period from 1872 to 1923 covers several important eras and stamp issues for the Deutsche Reich (German Empire/Realm):

1872-1923 Germanias:

• Long-running definitive series depicting the allegorical Germania figure
• Early issues used large numerals of value, later added inscriptions
• Printed in a variety of colors over the years as denominations changed
• Issued imperforate until 1920, then perforated after WWI

1900 Reich Post Offices in China:

• Overprinted Germania stamps for use in the German post offices in China
• Different overprint styles used until the offices closed in 1914

1900 Reich Post Offices in Turkey:

• Germania stamps overprinted for use in the German levant post offices
• Overprints in French like “EMPIRE ALLEMAND” were used

1919 Germania Overprints:

• At the end of WWI, existing Germania stamps overprinted with new values
• Overprints included “Gebraucht” used stamps and provisionals

This era spanned the formation of the German Empire in 1871 through its defeat in WWI and the hyperinflation crisis of the early 1920s Weimar Republic. The definitive Germanias provided continuity, while the overprints for colonies and after WWI reflected Germany’s changing status. Many classic rarities exist as well from this lengthy period of German philatelic history.