Germany DDR stamps year 1987 Historic Post Uniforms special postmarks MNH
In 1987, the DDR (East Germany) issued a popular set of stamps and a corresponding souvenir sheet specifically to honor Historic Post Uniforms. This was part of a recurring series that celebrated the long history of German postal services.
1. The Stamp Series (Mi. 3117–3118)
Technically, this 1987 release was focused on the “Day of the Philatelists” but used historic postal uniforms as the visual theme. They are typically found as a se-tenant pair (two stamps joined together by a decorative center label).
| Michel # | Value | Subject / Uniform |
| 3117 | 10+5 Pf | Berlin Postal Messenger (circa 1760) – Features a messenger in a blue coat with a red collar and a tricorn hat. |
| 3118 | 20 Pf | Berlin Postal Official (circa 1760) – Features a more formal uniform with a distinctive wig and long coat. |
| Zierfeld | — | A decorative central label (Zierfeld) typically shows a historic postal horn or architectural element of the Hofpostamt Berlin. |
2. Special Postmarks (Sonderstempel)
Because these stamps were issued for the Tag der Philatelisten (Day of the Philatelists), they are almost always found with high-quality commemorative cancellations.
- Berlin Special Postmark: The most common special postmark features the 750th Anniversary of Berlin logo (as 1987 was Berlin’s jubilee year) and the date August 18, 1987.
- The Motive: The postmark itself often depicts a stylized Post Horn or a silhouette of a historic post carriage.
- Leipzig Fair Postmarks: Some versions exist with special cancellations from the Leipzig Autumn Fair (Leipziger Herbstmesse), which occurred shortly after the issue date.
3. The Small Sheet / Block Variations
While these were issued as standard stamps, they were also released in a “Kleinbogen” (Small Sheet) format of 4 or 8 stamps, which are highly prized by collectors for showing the full margins and decorative text.
- Stamps from Kleinbogen: Often have higher catalog values if kept as a full sheet.
- Condition: Like most late-DDR issues, “CTO” (Cancelled to Order) versions with the Berlin special postmark are extremely common and affordable, while Postally Used (on a real letter sent through the mail) are much rarer.
