The stamps of the Saargebiet (Saar Territory) issued in 1920 are significant as they mark the administration of the Saar region by the League of Nations following World War I. This period began after the Treaty of Versailles came into effect.
Stamp Characteristics:
- First Issues (1920): The first stamps issued for the Saar Territory in 1920 were overprinted German stamps. These overprints were essential to indicate the new political status of the region.
- Designs: The initial stamps were German stamps from the Germania series, overprinted with “Saargebiet.”
- Values and Colors: The overprinted stamps included various denominations and colors, making them quite distinct.
Collectability:
- Rarity: Early Saargebiet stamps, especially those from 1920, are highly collectible and can vary in value based on their condition, rarity, and specific overprint details.
- Authentication: Given their historical significance and age, authenticating these stamps is crucial, as forgeries can exist.
Examples:
- Overprint Variations: Different fonts and typesetting variations of the “Saargebiet” overprint exist, which are of particular interest to philatelists.
- Subsequent Issues: After the initial overprints, the Saargebiet issued stamps with unique designs specific to the region.
These stamps are not only valuable to collectors but also serve as historical artifacts that offer insight into the post-WWI European political landscape and the economic importance of the Saar region.
If you have specific Saargebiet stamps or are seeking more detailed information on particular issues, consulting specialized philatelic catalogs or reaching out to a professional philatelist can provide deeper insights and valuations.
The Saarland, or Saargebiet, is an area in southwestern Germany near the borders with France and Luxembourg. After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles placed the Saarland under the administration of the League of Nations, and it was governed by the League of Nations from 1919 to 1935.
Under the Treaty of Versailles, the Saarland’s coal mines were placed under French control as compensation for the destruction caused by Germany during World War I. This arrangement was intended to last for 15 years, after which a plebiscite would determine whether the region would remain under French control, return to Germany, or become an independent state.
In 1935, the Saarland held a plebiscite, and the majority of voters chose to reunify with Germany. As a result, the Saarland was reincorporated into Germany in 1935. This was seen as a significant symbolic victory for Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler, as it marked the first time that territory lost by Germany in World War I was returned through a plebiscite.
However, this reunification was short-lived, as World War II broke out shortly thereafter. During the war, the Saarland, like much of Germany, was heavily impacted by bombing raids and military operations. After the war, the Saarland became part of the French occupation zone in Germany and was eventually incorporated into the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in 1957.
