Luxembourg postage stamps year 1865 – 1900

Luxembourg postage stamps year 1865 – 1900 MH / Used set

Luxembourg’s postage stamps from 1865 to 1900 represent an important period in the country’s philatelic history. This era includes the first issues of Luxembourg and subsequent developments influenced by political and postal changes.

Key Highlights (1865-1900)

1. First Issues (1852-1865)

• Before 1865, Luxembourg issued its first stamps in 1852 under the German-Austrian Postal Union (Deutsch-Österreichischer Postverein), characterized by:
  • Design: Simple design featuring the crowned arms of Luxembourg.
  • Currency: Denominated in Silbergroschen and Centimes.
  • Engraving: Produced by the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris).

2. Early Issues After 1865

• From 1865 onward, Luxembourg began issuing stamps denominated in Luxembourg’s own currency—centimes and francs—as part of its postal modernization.
• 1865-1868 Series:
  • Introduced perforations (earlier issues were imperforate).
  • Continued to feature the Grand Ducal coat of arms in designs.
  • A shift to simpler, more practical stamps reflecting changes in postal operations.

3. Portrait Stamps (1874 Onward)

• In 1874, the first stamps featuring the portrait of Grand Duke William III were introduced.
  • Design: Classic profile portrait in an oval frame.
  • Colors and Denominations: Multiple values in different colors, ranging from low (1c) to high denominations.
  • These stamps symbolize Luxembourg’s sovereign status during this time.

4. Grand Duke Adolphe Era (1890s)

• In 1890, the reign of Grand Duke Adolphe began, and his portrait replaced that of William III on postage stamps.
  • 1895 Series: Featured engraved portraits of Adolphe.
  • Technical Advances: Better printing methods enhanced detail and durability.

5. Universal Postal Union (UPU) Membership

• Luxembourg joined the UPU in 1877, requiring its stamps to meet international standards for postal exchange.
  • Denominations included centimes and francs to align with international currencies.

6. Commemorative and Definitive Series

• During this period, no significant commemorative issues were produced; the focus remained on definitive stamps featuring:
  • Grand Ducal portraits.
  • Coats of arms.
  • Simple numerical and textual designs.

Printing and Production

• Stamps were printed primarily using intaglio and lithographic techniques, ensuring high-quality engraving.
• Early stamps often had watermark varieties, making them a focus for collectors.

Collectible Varieties

• Perforations: Variations in perforation types (imperforate and perforated).
• Watermarks: Some issues include rare watermark varieties.
• Color Variants: Differences in shades due to printing practices.
• Postal History: Covers and cancellations from this period often reflect Luxembourg’s evolving postal routes and international connections.