German Reich year 1941 Hamburg Derby stamp MNH
Stamp Characteristics
- Official Event: The 72nd German Derby (known as the Großer Preis von Deutschland or “Blue Ribbon”) held in Hamburg-Horn.
- Issue Date: June 20, 1941.
- Michel Catalog Number: Mi. 779
- Scott Catalog Number: Sc. B191
- Denomination: 25 + 100 Rpf
- 25 Rpf was for postage.
- 100 Rpf was the surcharge dedicated to the Kulturfonds (Culture Fund) to support various Nazi cultural activities.
- Design: Features the powerful head of a racehorse and a jockey’s arm and whip. The stamp was designed by Erich Meerwald.
- Color: Deep Blue (Violet Ultramarine).
- Paper: Unwatermarked.
The Other 1941 Horse Stamp
Like the 1942 issue, the 1941 horse racing event included a second, different stamp dedicated to another major race:
- Event: Braunes Band von Deutschland (Brown Ribbon of Germany) race in Munich.
- Michel Catalog Number: Mi. 780
- Scott Catalog Number: Sc. B192
- Denomination: $42 + 108\text{ Rpf}$
- Design: Shows the finish line with two horses and jockeys.
- Color: Dark Reddish-Brown.
Value Considerations
Both the 1941 horse racing stamps are common, particularly Mi. 779. Their market value is relatively modest, consistent with most high-volume Third Reich semi-postal issues, and again, depends greatly on condition:
- Mint Never Hinged (MNH) Mi. 779: These typically retail in the $5 – $10 range.
- Mint Hinged (MH) Mi. 779: Significantly less, often around $2 – $4.
- Used/Cancelled Mi. 779: Very common, generally found in the $1 – $3 range.
