Yugoslavia Kingdom year 1921 Osijek / Falcons stamps set Used

Yugoslavia Kingdom year 1921 Osijek / Falcons stamps set Used

The 1921 Osijek/Falcons stamps were an interesting topical issue from the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia).

Here are the key details:

Reason for Issue: These stamps were issued to publicize and raise funds for the Slavic Falcon gymnastic societies and movements across the new Yugoslav kingdom.

Designs: Each stamp depicted a male falcon figure in various gymnastic/athletic poses against backgrounds showing city scenes of Osijek (now in Croatia).

Denominations and Colors: 2 para brown 4 para green 8 para red 16 para blue 40 para violet

Printing Method: Lithographed

Perforation: 11.5

Other Details:

• The stamps were issued imperforate, with many being separated by razors, resulting in natural straight edges.
• They were only valid for postage within the Osijek region initially.
• Fairly large print quantities but many used up as postage.

The Falcons movement promoted Slavic nationalism, physical fitness and paramilitary training, so these striking topical designs highlighting gymnastics held important symbolism in the newly formed Yugoslav state after World War I. While not extremely rare, the 1921 Osijek Falcons set is prized by Yugoslav collectors as well as those specializing in sports/gymnastics topicals on stamps due to the distinctive and culturally significant designs.