Württemberg postage stamps year 1923 Dienstmarken – MNG lot

Württemberg postage stamps year 1923 Dienstmarken – MNG lot

The postage stamps for Württemberg in 1923, specifically the “Dienstmarken” (Official Stamps), are a part of the series of official stamps issued by Württemberg until it fully integrated its postal services with the Deutsches Reich (German Empire, later Weimar Republic) in 1923.

Here are the key characteristics:

1. “Dienstmarken” (Official Stamps): These were stamps specifically designated for use by governmental and official agencies. Württemberg was one of the last former German states to retain its own distinctive official stamps after its main postal services had been taken over by the Reichspost.
2. Period of Hyperinflation: The year 1923 was the peak of hyperinflation in Germany. As a result, many Württemberg official stamps from this time were surcharged or overprinted with extremely high new values to keep up with the rapidly escalating postal rates. Denominations often went into the millions and even billions of Marks.
3. Design and Michel Numbers (Examples):
   • Many of the 1920-1923 Württemberg Official Stamps featured designs like the Stag or City Views (e.g., Stuttgart).
   • The 1923 issues often involved surcharges (new value overprinted) on existing low-value stamps.
   • Specific issues from this period would have high Michel catalog numbers in the Württemberg Official Stamps section (e.g., Michel Mi. 140 to Mi. 153 for the December 1922 – 1923 surcharges, and subsequent higher value issues). For example, Michel numbers for some 1923 surcharged issues include:
     • Mi. 140 (5/10 Mark on 10 Pfg.)
     • Mi. 147 (60/1.25 Mark on 1.25 Mark)
     • Mi. 153 (2000/1.25 Mark on 1.25 Mark)