Northern Germany Confederation stamps year 1868 set Used

Postage stamps and postal history of the North German Confederation

The North German Confederation was established in 1867 and lasted until the formation of the German Empire in 1871. This period is significant in postal history as it marked the unification of postal services among the northern German states, leading to the issuance of standardized postage stamps.

Postage Stamps of the North German Confederation

Design and Features:

1. First Issues (1868): The first postage stamps of the North German Confederation were issued on January 1, 1868. These stamps were simple in design, featuring the numeral of the denomination within an oval frame and the inscription “NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK” (North German Postal District).
2. Colors and Denominations: The stamps came in various denominations and colors, such as:
   • 1 Kreuzer (brown)
   • 2 Kreuzer (blue)
   • 3 Kreuzer (green)
   • 7 Kreuzer (yellow)
   • 1 Groschen (rose)
   • 2 Groschen (blue)
   • 3 Groschen (orange)
   • 5 Groschen (brown)
3. Currency System: The currency system was based on Groschen and Kreuzer, with different values corresponding to the currencies of the member states.
4. Coat of Arms: Later issues included designs with the coat of arms of the North German Confederation, which featured a large eagle.

Usage and Transition:

• Unified Postal System: The introduction of these stamps represented a significant step towards a unified postal system in Germany. Before the Confederation, each German state had its own postal service and stamps.
• Validity: The stamps of the North German Confederation continued to be valid for postage after the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, until they were replaced by the stamps of the new empire.

Postal History

Key Developments:

1. Standardization: One of the main achievements of the North German Confederation was the standardization of postal rates and services across the member states, simplifying mail handling and improving efficiency.
2. International Mail: The Confederation entered into international postal agreements, enhancing mail exchange with other countries and laying the groundwork for the later formation of the Universal Postal Union.
3. Postal Services Expansion: The period saw an expansion of postal services, including the establishment of more post offices and the improvement of mail transportation infrastructure.

Collectible Items:

• Covers and Postmarks: Collectors of postal history often seek out covers (envelopes with stamps and postmarks) from this period, as they provide insights into postal routes, rates, and services.
• Transition Period Items: Items from the transition period between the North German Confederation and the German Empire are particularly interesting to collectors, as they reflect the changes in postal administration and stamp usage.

The stamps and postal history of the North German Confederation represent an important chapter in the history of German philately, marking the move towards a unified postal system that would eventually encompass the entire German Empire.