Russia 1919 White Army of the North stamps

Russia 1919 White Army of the North Mint never hinged

The 1919 “White Army of the North” stamps were issued by anti-Bolshevik forces in northwest Russia during the Civil War period after the 1917 Revolution.

Here are some key details:

Background:

• After the Bolshevik takeover in 1917, opposition “White” armies formed to fight the communist Red forces.
• One of these was the White Army of the North, based in the Arkhangelsk region and supported by Allied troops.
• To maintain postal services, they produced their own stamps while controlling that territory.

Designs:

• The stamps depict the Russian imperial double-headed eagle design, defaced or altered imperial arms, or the North Russian territorial arms.
• Values ranged from 1 kopek to 5 rubles.
• Many were overprinted on stocks of pre-revolution Russian stamps with inscriptions like “ARMIYA CEVERNOY OBLASTI” (Army of the Northern Region).

Printings:

• Printed locally in Arkhangelsk by typography
• Often on poor quality paper with multiple errors and varieties

Rarity:

• While released in 1919, very few legitimate covers exist posted from territory under White Army control.
• The stamps themselves are scarce but affordable, with the highest values being the most elusive.
• Any genuine commercial covers are extremely rare and valuable philatelic items.

The White Army of the North stamps provide a fascinating snapshot of the chaos and competing forces during the Russian Civil War period. They represent the final issues produced by anti-Bolshevik elements before their defeat by the Red Army in 1920.