German Reich year 1944 stamps Goldsmith Art – MNH complete set
In 1944, during the final years of World War II, the German Reich issued a series of postage stamps featuring “Goldschmiedekunst,” which translates to “Goldsmith Art” or “Art of the Goldsmith.” This series showcased intricate pieces of German metalwork and jewelry from various historical periods.
Some of the notable stamps in this series include:
- Wenzel Jamnitzer’s Writing Case: This stamp featured a 16th-century silver-gilt writing case created by the renowned Nuremberg goldsmith Wenzel Jamnitzer. The case is considered a masterpiece of German Renaissance metalwork.
- The Palatine Wedding Casket: This stamp depicted a luxurious early 17th-century casket made of silver and precious stones, created to commemorate the marriage of Frederick V, Elector Palatine, and Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of King James I of England.
- The Luedenscheid Ciborium: This stamp showcased a 15th-century Gothic ciborium (a vessel used to hold the consecrated hosts in Christian liturgy) from the town of Lüdenscheid, known for its intricate design and craftsmanship.
These stamps were issued as part of a series celebrating German art and craftsmanship, possibly in an attempt to boost national pride and morale during the difficult late war years. By featuring these historical works of goldsmith art, the Nazi regime sought to emphasize Germany’s rich cultural heritage and promote a sense of continuity with the nation’s past achievements, even as the war’s outcome turned increasingly unfavorable for Germany.
