WWI German Occupation Belgium year 1914 1.25 Fr MNH stamp

WWI German Occupation Belgium year 1914 1.25 Fr MNH stamp

During World War I, the German Empire occupied Belgium, and this occupation led to the issuance of specific postage stamps. Here’s an overview of these stamps and their historical context:

German Occupation of Belgium Stamps (1914)

Context:

• The German Army occupied Belgium early in World War I, in August 1914.
• The occupation led to the establishment of a military administration, which necessitated the issuance of new postal stamps for use in the occupied territories.

Types of Stamps Issued:

1. Overprinted Belgian Stamps:
   • The initial stamps used during the occupation were Belgian stamps overprinted with the word “Belgien” (German for Belgium).
   • These overprints were a practical solution to quickly provide postage without waiting for entirely new stamp designs.
   • Examples include Belgian stamps of King Albert I overprinted with “Belgien” and new denominations in German currency (pfennig and mark).
2. German-Designed Stamps for Belgium:
   • Later, specifically designed stamps were issued for use in occupied Belgium.
   • These stamps often featured designs that aligned with German aesthetics and standards.
   • They included various denominations to meet the postal needs of the military administration and the civilian population.

Design Characteristics:

• Overprints: Early occupation stamps had the simple overprint “Belgien” in black ink, which was applied to existing Belgian stamps.
• New Issues: Subsequent stamps often depicted Germanic symbols and designs typical of German stamps of that era. These might include motifs like the German eagle or other national symbols.

Usage and Collectibility:

• Usage: These stamps were used for regular mail within occupied Belgium and for correspondence sent back to Germany.
• Philatelic Interest: Stamps from this period are of significant interest to collectors due to their historical context and the relatively short period during which they were in use.
• Rarity and Value: Some of these stamps, particularly those in good condition or with rare overprints, can be quite valuable. Authenticity and condition are critical factors in determining their value.

Notable Issues and Varieties:

• Belgian Stamps Overprinted “Belgien”: These were the first issues during the occupation and are relatively common, but specific variations in overprints can be rare.
• German Issued Stamps for Belgium: These include stamps with unique designs created during the occupation and are often sought after by collectors.