Fiume year 1921 stamps Provisional Government MH set

Fiume year 1921 stamps Provisional Government

In 1921, the city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) was a focal point of political turmoil, leading to the issuance of several provisional stamps. The city had a complex political status after World War I, and the provisional government issued stamps to meet postal needs during this transitional period. Here’s an overview of the key issues from 1921 under the provisional government:

Fiume 1921 Stamps – Provisional Government

Background

• Historical Context: After World War I, Fiume was a disputed territory with various factions vying for control. In 1920, the Treaty of Rapallo declared Fiume an independent Free State. However, this status was short-lived, and in 1924, Fiume was annexed by Italy.
• Provisional Government: The stamps issued in 1921 were during the time of the provisional government, which administered the city amidst ongoing negotiations and political changes.

Key Stamps and Issues

1. Overprinted Hungarian Stamps
   • Date of Issue: Early 1921
   • Design: Existing Hungarian stamps were overprinted with “Fiume” to denote their validity in the territory.
   • Denominations: Various, ranging from low to high values.
   • Significance: These overprints were necessary to provide postal services while new stamps were being prepared.
2. Local Provisional Issues
   • Date of Issue: 1921
   • Designs: These stamps were specifically printed for Fiume, often featuring local symbols and the name “Fiume.”
   • Denominations and Designs:
     • 2 Centesimi: Overprinted on Hungarian 2 filler stamp.
     • 5 Centesimi: Overprinted on Hungarian 5 filler stamp.
     • 10 Centesimi: New design featuring the Fiume coat of arms.
     • 20 Centesimi: Depicts a ship symbolizing the city’s maritime importance.
   • Description: These stamps varied in design and were often simple due to the provisional nature of their issue.
3. Fiume Arms Issue
   • Date of Issue: Late 1921
   • Design: Featuring the coat of arms of Fiume.
   • Denominations: Included several values such as 1 lira, 2 lire, and higher denominations.
   • Description: These stamps were more formally produced and symbolized the city’s identity and autonomy during the provisional period.

Collecting Information

• Philatelic Interest: Stamps from the 1921 provisional government of Fiume are highly valued by collectors for their historical significance and the story they tell about a turbulent period in European history.
• Rarity: Some of these stamps, especially those with specific overprints, can be rare and sought after.
• Catalog Listings: These stamps are detailed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, which provide descriptions and valuations.

Legacy

The stamps issued by the provisional government of Fiume in 1921 are not only fascinating philatelic items but also important historical documents. They reflect the complex political landscape of post-World War I Europe and the shifting sovereignties in the region. Collecting these stamps offers insights into the provisional governance of Fiume and the broader geopolitical changes of the time.

These provisional issues are prized for their historical context, rarity, and the transitional nature they represent in the tumultuous period of Fiume’s history.