German Reich stamps year 1941/1945 Excellent MNH lot
German Reich stamps from the years 1941 to 1945 reflect the period of World War II and Nazi Germany. These stamps often featured Nazi symbols, war themes, and prominent figures of the Third Reich. Here’s an overview of some notable stamps from this period:
1. 1941
- Hitler Definitive Series: One of the most common series, featuring Adolf Hitler’s profile, was issued in various denominations and colors.
- German Occupation Issues: Stamps for occupied territories like Belgium, France, and others. These stamps typically carried overprints of the occupation authorities.
2. 1942
- Winterhilfswerk (WHW) Stamps: These were charity stamps for the Winter Relief Fund, featuring images related to Germanic culture, historical figures, and soldiers.
- Grossdeutsches Reich: The stamps from this period often bore the label “Grossdeutsches Reich” (Greater German Reich) instead of “Deutsches Reich.”
3. 1943
- Anniversaries and Events: Commemorative stamps for events like the 10th anniversary of the Nazi rise to power, and figures such as Field Marshal von Hindenburg.
- German Occupation Stamps: Continued issue of stamps for occupied territories, often with Nazi symbols or leaders.
4. 1944
- Propaganda Stamps: Stamps designed to promote the war effort, featuring soldiers, weapons, and symbols of the Nazi regime.
- Last Issues: As the war turned against Germany, fewer new issues were released, focusing on maintaining the propaganda themes.
5. 1945
- Last Days of the Reich: Stamps issued in the final months before the collapse of Nazi Germany. These are rarer, as the war disrupted production and distribution.
- Allied Occupation Overprints: After the fall of Berlin, stamps from the Nazi period were often overprinted by the Allied forces for use in post-war Germany.
Key Features:
- Swastikas and Nazi Emblems: Most stamps featured Nazi symbols prominently.
- Adolf Hitler: Hitler’s portrait was a central theme.
- Wartime Imagery: Tanks, planes, soldiers, and other war-related imagery were common.
Collectibility:
- Stamps from this period are often collected due to their historical significance, though they carry the difficult legacy of Nazi symbolism.
- Rarity: Some stamps, especially those issued towards the end of the war, are quite rare and sought after by collectors.
