Germany Wurttemberg postage stamps year 1851/1869 – Used stamps

Germany Wurttemberg postage stamps year 1851/1869 – Used stamps

The Württemberg postage stamps issued between 1851 and 1869 represent the early stamp issues of the Kingdom of Württemberg after it took over postal administration from Thurn and Taxis on July 1, 1851.

Key features and historical context:

• The first stamps appeared on October 15, 1851. These were typographed with large numerals indicating the value, inscribed “WÜRTTEMBERG” at the top and “FREIMARKE” (postage stamp) at the bottom.
• Denominations included 1, 3, 6, 9, and 18 kreuzer, printed on various colored papers such as yellow, green, bronze, rose, and blue.
• The stamps also bore the indication of the German-Austrian Postal Union treaty of April 6, 1850 (“DEUTSCH-ÖSTER. POSTVEREIN”).
• From 1857 to 1868, a series featured the kingdom’s coat of arms prominently on the stamps, replacing the earlier numeral-only design.
• In 1869, a new definitive series was issued featuring denominations in a double oval frame with the inscription “WÜRTTEMBERG” at the top and the value written out at the bottom in letters (e.g., “EIN KREUZER” for 1 kreuzer).
• This period saw typographical printing, and different color shades and paper types, including thick and thin papers.
• Numerous cancellations from towns such as Stuttgart, Crailsheim, and Ulm are notable on used examples, indicating regional postal history.
• Württemberg joined the German Empire and its postal system formally after 1871, though its independent stamp designs continued until 1902.

Summary of Württemberg stamps 1851-1869:

These stamps are of high interest to collectors due to their classic typographic designs and the historical transition from regional to imperial postal systems. Condition, paper type, and cancellation can affect value significantly.