The Thurn and Taxis postal service operated in various German states in the 19th century before German unification. Here are some details about their stamps issued in the 1852-1858 period:
1852 Issue
- Lithographed stamps depicting a numeral value and inscribed “THURN UND TAXISCHE POST”
- Denominated in sgr (silbergroschen) and kr (kreuzer)
- Values included 1⁄4 sgr, 1⁄3 sgr, 1⁄2 sgr, 1 sgr, 3kr, 6kr, 9kr, 12kr
1857 Issue
- New engraved designs printed in Munich
- Featured the Coat of Arms in an oval frame
- Same denominations as the 1852 issue, plus a 15kr value added
1858 Issue
- Consisted of just one 18kr value stamp
- Engraved with the Coat of Arms in an upright rectangle
Other Key Points:
- All imperforate with no perforations
- Printed in limited quantities, so many are quite scarce in used condition
- The 1852 1⁄4 sgr and 1858 18kr are among the rarest values
- Shades can vary for each denomination across printings
- Used stamps canceled with various types of handstamps and pen cancels
The Thurn and Taxis stamps from 1852-1858 are quite popular with collectors of the German States. Their limited printings and status as forerunners to later united German issues make them valuable items, especially in very fine used condition on cover. Let me know if you need any other details!
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