WWII year 1943 Package cart Stockholm – Wien over Berlin

WWII year 1943 Package cart Stockholm – Wien over Berlin

Postage traffic between Stockholm and Berlin in 1943, during World War II, was influenced by various wartime factors. Here’s an overview of what you might expect from mail sent during that period:

Historical Context

• Neutral Sweden: Sweden maintained a policy of neutrality during World War II. Despite this, it had complex relationships with both Axis and Allied powers.
• Nazi Germany: Berlin, as the capital of Nazi Germany, was heavily involved in the war effort, influencing both civilian and military mail traffic.

Mail Services

1. Censorship: All international mail was subject to censorship. Mail sent between neutral Sweden and Germany would likely have been inspected by German authorities. Swedish authorities might also have inspected outgoing and incoming mail.
2. Routes and Delays: Due to the war, standard postal routes were disrupted. Mail might have taken longer to arrive, and alternate routes may have been used to avoid conflict zones.
3. Air Mail and Surface Mail: Depending on the urgency and cost, mail could be sent via air or surface routes. Air mail was faster but more expensive, and available air routes were limited due to the conflict.
4. Postal Rates: Postage rates would have been determined by weight, type of service (e.g., air mail, registered mail), and any additional wartime surcharges.

Collectibility

1. Postal Markings: Stamps and postal markings from this period can provide insight into the mail’s journey. Look for censorship marks, transit stamps, and arrival marks.
2. Covers and Letters: Collectors value wartime covers (envelopes) and letters for their historical significance. The content of the letters can also provide a personal view of life during the war.

Example

A typical letter sent from Stockholm to Berlin in 1943 might include:

• Swedish Stamps: Appropriate postage paid with Swedish stamps.
• Censorship Marks: Indications of inspection by either Swedish or German authorities.
• Postmarks: Clear postmarks showing the date and location of mailing, transit, and receipt.
• Addressing: Clear and precise addressing, possibly in German or both languages.