WWII Croatia postage stamps NDH year 1941/44

WWII Croatia postage stamps NDH year 1941/44

The period from 1941 to 1945 in Croatia was under the control of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), a puppet state of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during World War II. The NDH issued postage stamps during this time, and they are significant from both a historical and philatelic perspective.

Here’s an overview of some notable features and sets of stamps issued during the NDH:

Key Features of NDH Stamps (1941-1945)

• Designs and Themes: Early issues often featured symbols of Croatian nationalism and independence, including depictions of the Ustashe emblem, which was a fascist organization, and images of Croatian historical figures like King Tomislav. Later stamps featured military imagery, including Croatian soldiers and wartime motifs.
• Language: Stamps were issued in the Croatian language with the inscription “Nezavisna Država Hrvatska” (Independent State of Croatia), as well as the use of the Croatian currency (the kuna).
• Printing Techniques: Many stamps from this period were printed using traditional methods like engraving and lithography.

Notable Stamps and Issues:

1. First Issue (1941): The first set of stamps issued in 1941 consisted of denominations that were similar to the stamps used under the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but they featured the NDH coat of arms and the inscription “Nezavisna Država Hrvatska”.
2. Ustashe Symbolism: Later stamps during this period often included the Ustashe insignia, reflecting the influence of the Ustashe regime. These stamps featured the Ustashe emblem (a stylized “U”) and often depicted soldiers or nationalist themes.
3. King Tomislav Series (1941): A prominent series of stamps from 1941 included depictions of King Tomislav, who was an important figure in Croatian history. These stamps featured his image and emphasized the Croatian monarchy’s historical significance.
4. Military and War Stamps (1943-1944): As the war continued, the NDH produced stamps commemorating military events and soldiers, with motifs reflecting the regime’s alignment with Axis powers and its own military identity.
5. Overprints and Varieties: Some stamps from this period were overprinted, either due to changes in currency or adjustments to the postal system. These overprints are often sought after by collectors for their rarity.

Examples of Popular Stamps:

• 1941 Coat of Arms Set: This series featured the NDH coat of arms, with different values issued in 1941, such as the 10k, 20k, 30k, and other values.
• King Tomislav Stamp: Featured a portrait of King Tomislav, often in the form of a high-value stamp.
• Ustashe Emblem Stamps: Stamps featuring the Ustashe symbol, depicting war-related themes or Croatian soldiers.
• Portraits of Leaders: Some stamps featured Ante Pavelić, the leader of the NDH, though these are rarer and more controversial due to his association with the regime.

Collectibility:

• NDH stamps are highly collectible and are often categorized by specific issues, overprints, and varieties. The rarity of certain denominations, especially those with unique overprints, has made them valuable among collectors. Some of the most sought-after stamps are those that were either misprinted or were issued in limited numbers.