In case you didn't know you can search this page (or most other internet pages) simply by pressing Ctrl + F on your keyboard then typing in a keyword.

Recent issues of Germania magazine have included articles on the following:

Vol 36/1
SOE's Himmler "Stamp" answers questions surrounding one of the most intriguing of SOE's projects, the production and use of a stamp bearing Himmler's head instead of Hitler's...
AM POST 1945-46: part cash/part stamped frankings (Teilbarfrankatur) examines covers bearing combinations of AM POST stamps and Gebühr bezahlt markings...
Prisoner of War camps in Germany 1914-1918 some information to help write up your collection...
The Revenue Stamps of German East Africa: 
 invaluable detailed usage and printing information with colour illlustrations of these very rare stamps..
German Inflation Stamps a good survey of the various stamp issues from 1921 to 1924, the "Rhineland Republic" stamps, varieties, marginal markings....
"A bit of hot air and hydrogen" two Danzig flight cards compared...
Vol 36/2
Danzig in the first World War various patriotic cards, censored, prisoner of war, military hospital marks on cober and cards illustrated...
AM POST 1945-46 Censorship detailed survey of censorship markings of the Bristish and American Zones...
Additional GB frankings from Alexandria on mail "via Triest" and "per Overland Mail" to destinations "East of Suez" article reproduced from "Postal History" with thanks, colour illustrations...
German Warships 1895-1905 colour illlustrations and background information on some very attractive postcards...
Changes in Postal Rates 1916-23 16th part of a long series of articles examining covers and cards from the period in quantity...
Vol 36/3
Hannover 1714-1866
 Study covering the Joint Sovereignty, military mails, disinfected mail and
postal cancels. Profusely illustrated.
Insurance Rates for Foreign Letters 1906-1921 Adds new information to published sources - explains background to the
rates, the effects of wartime and the early inflationary period and the make-up of frankings on four example insured letters.
Berlin Philharmonic Reconstruction Issue
 The story behind this stamp issue in 1950.
The German Censor Office in Lyons 1943-1944
 In depth study covering the censor office's activities, mail with
Switzerland and Italy, markings applied to mail, the temporary
"Dienststelle", definitive and transit hand-stamps, the sealing strips,
secret writing tests and the readers' marks.
The Use of Adhesive paper Seals by German Royal and Noble Families
c.1870-1918		 Article on a little known and unusual subject - poses interesting
questions - with many illustrations of rarely seen material.
Vol 36/4
The Concept of German Unification Some commemorative stamps and their historical background. Covers the period from 1848 to 1989 - very interesting and many good illustrations.
Special registered envelopes for handwritten letters from the Kaiser and
Kaiserin		 A subject given little attention in postal history publications. The author illustrates and describes three different types of special envelope and seeks more information.
AM POST - Emergency and re-activated postmarks/cancellers and Registration labels Profusely illustrated and detailed study of this aspect of the AM POST issues and the Anglo-American zone.
Reflections on Allied Control Council Issues: the first results of colour determination Scientific research to determine the colours of the different colour shades of the stamps of the series issued by the Allied Control Council.
Changes in Postal rates 1916-23 Part 17 of this long running series of articles; this part deals with the period 20-30 September 1923. Many illustrations.
Exchange Control and Kempten Criminal Court Study of an unusual cover.
Natzweiler-Struthof - the smallest of the concentration camps
 A history of this perhaps relatively unknown but infamous camp illustrating a rare printed postcard from a Luxembourger inmate with the comparatively low number of 976.
Vol 37/1
POW Camps in Münster in World War I
 Detailed information about the three camps which housed some 90,000 POWs. Many photos of the camps, and illustrations of letters and cards to and from the camps including a most interesting letter from the Rennbahn camp after the war when kept open as a Heimkehrlager.
German Cities Exhibition, Dresden 1903 Some cards and some questions including several Louis Godard balloon cards. The author seeks more information.
The Balloons of Louis Godard More balloons ! Leipzig and Munich exhibitions. How to tell the genuinely carried cards.
Post WWI changes in official adhesive paper seals It's surprising how much there is to paper seals - so often ignored on the backs of covers.
German East Africa 1880-1917 Notes of a display given at the Royal Philatelic Society on 11 January 2001 with superb colour illustrations of some extremely scarce items.
Norddeutscher Lloyd, Bremen, Masthead Signals More lovely colour illustrations of the beautiful series of NDL cards - a quick course in reading naval signals ! [For a detailed postal history of the NDL see the monograph advertised on this web site !]
Changes in Postal Rates 1916-23 Part 18 ! Covers the period 1-9 October 1923.
Vol 37/2
The Indian Legion of the WW2 Germany Army
From the end of 1932 until the end of the war about three thousand Indians fought in the German Army. This article tells the story of Sabbas Chandra Bose and the development of the Division Brandenburg. Information and illustrations of Indian Legion Field Post and the "Azad Hind" stamps.
The "Boxer" Uprising in China in 1900
A short background history with two interesting German consular seal items about which the author has some questions which he hopes members may be able to answer.
AM POST 1945-46: POW Mail and other Camp Correspondence
A selection of cards and covers to POWs in American, British and other camps abroad sent through the civilian postal system.
Changes in Postal Rates 1916-23
Part 19 covering the period 10-19 October 1923.
Emergency Registration labels of 1946/47
A study of the various ways in which people dealt with the lack of registration labels due to the shortages of materials immediately after WWII. Sixteen covers illustrated in colour.
German Exchange Control at Karlsruhe 1918-1924 and the French Censorship of Mail in Alsace Lorraine 1918-1919. Part 1 The story of the mail through the Karlsruhe exchange control office is inextricably linked to the story of the French attitude to Germany after WWI and the French censorship of mail in Alsace Lorraine in 1918-1919. A comprehensive and well presented study of mail inspection procedures, the cachets, labels and wax seals.
Caveat Emptor - a copy of Saxony Mi.Nr.1
One stamp made from two originals! A cautionary tale.
Vol 37/3
G&CPS Visit to Germany One of the benefits of belonging to the Society....
There are still bargains out there ! Just shows you how having some specialised knowledge can lead to discoveries in dealers' boxes !
Another Facet of the Western Front in WW1 Mail from occupied Belgium to the USA.
Changes in Postal Rates 1916-23 Part 20, covering the period 20-31 October 1923.
The Development of the Postal System between Saxony and the UK A detailed study of the mail from 1700 to 1867 with full, chronological information on routes and rates by arrangement (1) of the Reichspost via the Netherlands (2) with Thurn and Taxis (3) with the Prussian post via Hamburg (4) with the Prussian Post via the Netherlands and later via Belgium and (5) by agency of the Prussian Post. Numerous entire letters and covers decscribed and illustrated, many in colour.
German Exchange Control at Karlsruhe 1918-1924 and the French Censorship of mail in Alsace Lorraine 1918-1919 The second part of this specialised study including analysis of routes of mail inspected at Karlsruhe, labels, cachets, inspectors' numeral cachets and wax seals.
Vol 37/4
Zeppelin & Catapult Mail in the Rohrpost
What a combination ! Some very choice items described and illustrated. By studying the Berlin or Vienna transit marks on your Zeppelin covers, you may discover a Rohrpost connection !
Changes in Postal Rates 1916-23
Part 21: 1-4 November 1923. The author won the "Literature Award" at Germania Posta XV for this prodigious series of articles in "Germania".
German Stamp Dealers' Mail
 
An interesting selection of covers and cards on this subject was displayed at Germania Posta XV . The material is offered here to readers with a few extra notes.
Early Airmails of Danzig and the Baltic States
Fifteen colour illustrations of airmail cards and covers carried during the 1920s from Danzig, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Memel. A nice hand-drawn map and explanations of the frankings and transit marks complete the picture !
AM POST period 1945-46: Postage Due - Nachgebühr
 
Postage due covers are usually full of interest - those of this period are no exception. The author shares his considerable knowledge of the period immediately after WWII, describing unpaid or underpaid official, private and commercial mail.
The "Scharnhorst Provisional" of Karolinen
A great rarity of German colonial philately, seldom seen either on piece or on a complete card.
Vol 38/1
German Field Post Offices in Turkey, 1914-1918
An overview of German military activities in the Ottoman Empire - illustrating and explaining many covers sorted in field and base Post Offices as well as on board SMS "Goeben", "Loreley" and "General" moored off Constantinople.
The Godard Family of Balloonists
Three generations of the Godard family constructed, piloted and demonstrated balloons in the 19th century. Ballooning was clearly in their blood ! During the Prussian siege of Paris 1870/1 four members of the family flew Ballons-montés.
Design Features of Propaganda Postcards
A fascinating look at the powerful graphical messages delivered by postcards of the Third Reich and how this brutal regime sought domination and control through the insidious propaganda of these cleverly designed cards. Many of the cards described are illustrated in full colour.
Postzweig Nachnahme: Cash on Delivery
This article will really help you understand cash on delivery mail items between 1900 and 1923 - these being recognisable by either a mauve square label (until 1906) or an orange triangular label (after 1906). The service, fees and rates are all explained, with a useful rates table. 13 cards and covers are illustrated in full colour with analysis.
Receipt for 1 Dollar A curious cover sent in 1921 from Indianapolis to Bavaria. The author tries to unravel the mystery of the markings relating to its original contents - a one dollar note. Can you shed more light on this ?
The Czech Hostages in Buchenwald
Items of mail from these hostages are not common. They will interest collectors of Czech material as well as German. Background information is given as well as details of the regulations relating to the sending and receipt of mail.
Philatelic Iconoclasm: a sad discovery
The author sets out the "evidence which destroyed an icon of Heligoland's philately".
Vol 38/2
Bildpostkarten - the first twenty years.
The story of the development of the cards in design and print during the first twenty years of their use. A first trial printing and the various issues are illustrated with many examples.
A forgery ?
A possible attempt to "improve" an exchange control cover from the Danzig area, 1920. The author seeks help in confirming whether the exchange control label is genuine.
Changes in Postal rates 1916-23. Part 22: 5-11 November 1923.
The material used in this survey shows just how well the German Post Offices coped with the great difficulties of keeping pace with the astronomical inflation.
The Dresden Kunstausstellung of 1901: some questions.
Beautiful colour illustrations of a number of cards, often humorous, produced for the Art Exhibition held in the city between 20 April and 20 October 1901. The author welcomes further information.
The German "Horseshoe" cancellations.
The story behind the introduction of these distinctive cancellations and their eventual use in forty-one towns. Many illustrations of the cancellations used on covers and cards, some quite rare.
Vol 38/3
Seiner Majestät Schiff 'Danzig'.
For the enthusiastic collector wishing to add a few items from this 'namesake' warship to a specialised Danzig collection ! Information on the analysis and writing up of items of mail sent to or from S.M.S. 'Danzig', or indeed any other WW1 German naval ship.
A few more 'Horseshoe' cancels.
A supplement to the article in the May 2002 issue adding illustrations of the cancels from Colmar and Mühlhausen, Oberndorf and Pollnow.
A View of Heligoland's Classic Philately and its Grouping.
 
A comprehensive article reproduced from Philatelie, translated into English by one of the Society's members. An attempt is made both to portray Heligoland's postal history from the early 18th century to the period of British postal administration ending 9 August 1890, and to group it logically, providing a framework for subsequent study. Illustrated with pre-stamp entires and stamped letters from 1702 to 1866
German Issues used in British & French Colonies in Africa.
 
nformation on, and illustrations of, 1880/90s mail from German merchants in the Gold Coast and other places to Germany via Woermann steamers franked with German stamps in contravention of UPU regulations.
Removal of the Eagle and Swastika.
 
Colour illustrations of 1945-47 pre-printed envelopes showing the efforts made, and indeed the lack of effort, to remove symbols of the Third Reich from items going through the post, as decreed by the Allied Forces in Germany in 1945.
The Introduction of the Euro in Germany.
 
Philately is alive and well in Germany !! Even the introduction of the Euro can provide interest for collectors.
Michel No.97 (A1) Ministerdruck: News from an old Stamp.
 
The author calls into question the attribution of this sought after stamp as a so-called "Ministerdruck" (a stamp produced for presentation for official purposes).
Vol 38/4
German Army Fieldpost Service Overseas, 1992-2002 The first of several major articles derived from superb displays at 'Heide Posta' at Fallingbostel in August, to appear in "Germania" over the next few issues. 
This article demonstrates how quality philatelic interest can be found in modern (post-war !) covers from Germany. It sets out to show the participation of the Bundeswehr in international humanitarian operations overseas in recent years.
Neutral Moresnet - A Brief History of a Micro-Nation This article is an object lesson in how to extract maximum philatelic interest from the study of a small area (just 344 hectares), a dispute between two great powers (the Netherlands and Prussia in this case), and a dash of political horse-trading (the Congress of Vienna 1815) ! Super colour illustrations !
I.G.P.O. Validation ? Intrigued ? So is the author ! Not intrigued ? Write to the author !
Machine-Franking of Commercial Zeppelin Mail to Herman Stolz Not all Zeppelin mail is philatelic ! The author provides some tests and clues for determining commercial Zeppelin mail.
The Russians in Danzig, 1945 An exciting discovery of a card probably sent home from a Russian soldier in Danzig in 1945. The author has not seen another in some 25 years of collecting Danzig. More information is sought.
Vol 39/1
Who ? When ? Where ? Why ? How ? Written in fond memory of a close friend and perhaps an unusual introduction to philately. The author believes, that he, in 1948, was the first English schoolboy to live with a German family and attend a German school since before the war. His reminiscences make for fascinating reading, with useful background information on "INSELPOST" stamps.
The Berlin Strassenpost What a joy to read ! One cannot help feeling, when reading this superbly written article by the author of the Society's latest monograph on the Berlin Rohrpost, that a horse-drawn Travelling Post Office system, such as the Strassenpost in 1890s Berlin, is just what the Royal Mail should introduce in London today ! 
Post-War Germany 1945-46 A helpful expansion on an article from the August 2002 issue of "Germania" about the removal of the eagle and swastika. 
Nazi Propaganda in Perspective Also, more thought-provoking detail following on from the article in the February 2002 issue of "Germania" about design features of propaganda postcards. 
Resisters of Nazism in Germany: Part I, Communists It is intended that future parts of this series will cover German resistance by other than members of the German Communist Party. This part provides helpful background information, to the stamps commemorating communist resisters issued in the Russian occupied area of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, and the DDR with beautiful colour illustrations of the stamps.
POSTSACHE: Official Post of German Postal Administrations


 This is a major article on the subject - profusely illustrated in both colour and black and white with clear explanation of examples from 1724 up to the present day; from Prussia, Bavaria, Hanover, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Westphalia, Saxony, the Kaiserliche DR /Deutsche Reichspost, up to Allied Occupation and recent usages. Essential reading.
Vol 39/2
The Prussian Post in Upper Silesia In another of the major articles derived from exhibits at Fallingbostel last year, we are treated to a range of superb postal history items from various towns in Upper Silesia, with illustrations of the town arms and chronological and other details of the introduction of the Prussian postal administration and handstamps following the Truce of Breslau in 1742. The explanations of postal markings on weights and rates will also be helpful to the wider study of the Prussian Post. 
The Brandenburger Tor During the dark days of the Wall, the Tor characterised the division of Germany, but in 1989 it became a powerful symbol of the unification of Germany and, by extension, of unification everywhere. The article, illustrated in colour, is based on a thematic display and includes an early telegram and several Rohrpost cards from the office at the Tor, special handstamps, meter cancellations, postal history and stamps (of particular note are DDR and Berlin trial issues).
Resisters of Nazism in Germany: Part II, Independents Part I (Germania Vol.39 No.1) described anti-Nazi resisters whose activities were prescribed by their political party, the KPD; the present article describes those who based their resistance on the prompting of their own consciences. A thought-provoking study illustrated with stamps from the DDR, Deutsche Bundespost, Berlin and France.
Martin Bucer (1491-1551)
 The death of Martin Bucer (often anglicised to Butzer) a German Protestant reformer who ended his days as a Professor at the University of Cambridge, was commemorated by the issue of a special stamp in February 2001. Most interestingly we are shown illustrations of the competing design entries for that stamp including the selected design.
Vol 39/3
Kaiserliche Deutsche Marine Schiffspost: Different numeral types ? Taking S.M.S. Dresden as an example the author illustrates differences in the numerals on ostensibly the same MSP postmarks thus questioning the received wisdom that only one such canceller was issued at a time per ship.
Resisters of Nazism in Germany: Part III, The Harnacks' Circle The title of this Part relates to a large group of friends and relatives of the married couple Dr. Arevid Harnack and Dr. Mildred Harnack, who opposed Nazism for a decade until their detection. Short biographies of some of the principals in the Circle are first given, then the climax of the Circle's activities during the fateful years 1940-1942 is described.
A postcard tells its story...
 A translation of an article which first appeared in Philatelie 278. The Gruss aus Eberswalde postcard tells its own tale from first sending on 28 January 1895, its journey by mail-coach and sea, shipwreck and rescue and eventual delivery to Washington D.C. after 47 days rather than the then usual two weeks. A gentle and charming lesson in interpreting the many clues offered by an unassuming postcard.
World Heritage Sites in Germany: Part I - Religious Sites. This article, being another of the superb exhibits derived from Fallingbostel in 2002, illustrated and describes stamps and postmarks relating to the German UNESCO Commission, Lorsch, Reichenau, Aachen, Hildesheim, Speyer, Maulbronn and Cologne.
The Currency Reform in Germany, June 1948 Again from Fallingbostel, a major and detailed article on the basis and effects of the currency reform profusely illustrated largely in colour. Full explanations of the frankings are given for each of the covers shown.
Vol 39/4
Official registered envelopes for Royal hand-written letters An interim report following up the author's article in the November 2000 issue on the same topic. More information is still needed.
Resisters of Nazism in Germany: Part IV, The Conspirators The names of some of the ill-fated conspirators who attempted to rid the world of Hitler come readily to mind: Stauffenberg, Bonhoeffer, Beck - there were many others, perhaps less well-known, whose stories are also told in Part IV of this fascinating article and who are commemorated on illustrated German stamps.
Lauenburg in Pomerania - memories of a lost homeland Postcards from Lauenburg, all illustrated in colour, from a charming and beautifully put together 'Heimat' collection in which the material speaks for itself and which may serve as a useful example to others seeking to do the same for their hometown, wherever it may be situated.
Württemberg: Philatelic History to 1875 An article, written by the late and much missed Franceska Rapkin, reproduced from the 'American Philatelist' on the occasion of the 150th year of the introduction of postage stamps into the postal service of Württemberg.
SS-GB The author introduces this article by saying that "German philatelic fun begins where the Michel catalogue stops" ! Now is your chance to find out about a booklet of 'Hitler stamps' produced in the 1970s with a holiday advertisement for Bournemouth interleaving the sheets ! Then there is the postcard inscribed "Siegesparade in London, 20. April 1941" - intrigued ? Enjoy the article !
Also enclosed with this issue a special supplement on useful websites for German collectors.
Vol 40/1
The German Raider Pinguin The auxiliary cruiser Pinguin, a converted freighter, was a successful 'raider' operating mainly in Indian Ocean. Her fascinating story is told here, in brief, in an article which first appeared in "Postal History", the Journal of the Postal History Society, reproduced with their kind permission. A small selection of Feldpost covers from the ship before she set off on her wartime mission in June 1940 are shown.
Postwar Königsberg/Kaliningrad 1945-1949 Until 1946, the Germans remaining in the renamed Kaliningrad Oblast had virtually no contact with the outside world. There was no postal service and the only way to send or receive mail to and from Germany was to have it smuggled across the Russian-Polish border. Interesting details are given here of such clandestine mail along with an appeal for more information from readers.
Eilnachricht and Eilauftrag cards of Dresden These special 'express service' cards were used in wartime Germany following the heavy air raids. Eilnachricht cards with red frames for civilian addresses and with green frames for fieldpost addresses were used by survivors to send urgent news, of either a lucky escape or sad loss of life or home. Eilauftrag cards with a violet frame were used to check whether a mail address was still correct. Besides the official stationery there are many privately made cards - various examples of both categories, from the Dresden area, are illustrated in colour and described. 
Gdynia: The Polish Corridor By means of some very interesting postcards and covers, illustrated in colour, the author briefly tells the story of the transformation of the fishing village Gdingen into the modern port of Gdynia in the 1920/30s, its occupation and further change of name to Gotenhafen in 1939 and its reversion to the Polish name of Gdynia in 1945. 
The Remembrance Cruise of the 'Monte Rosa' After the first world war the anniversaries of three major naval battles were often marked by simple wreath laying ceremonies performed by passing German warships. On at least one occasion, however, a special cruise was arranged to enable relatives, friends and former comrades of the German seamen who had lost their lives to pay their own tributes. The liner 'Monte Rosa' was chartered in the late summer of 1933 by Nazi Party groups in Hamburg in conjunction with the local newspaper Hamburger Tageblatt. Examples are shown here of various photo postcards, special handstamps and on board cachets used in connection with the somewhat sombre cruise.
Vol 40/2
The Free City of Danzig: Nazism and the Church A fairly ordinary looking official letter from the Danzig Court on 10.5.1939 tells a story of human suffering...
German Postcodes The story of the first nationwide postcode system (postleitzahl) - how it was introduced by Nazi Germany in 1941 to apply to small parcels but was later extended to cover all mail. The system, its further development and its postwar successors are explained with illustrations in this most useful article.
Starnbergersee Schiffspost The postal service by steamer on the Lake of Starnberg was introduced in 1851 and continued until 1929. The wealth of beautiful cards illustrated in full colour show just how one can bring fun and interest and perhaps a little romance to your collection...
The German Eagle The author examines the evolving image of the eagle as depicted in German postage stamps. The changes in design are not simply a case of stylistic variation: they reflect changes in German society. Many superb colour illustrations.
A major PLZ (post-code) and Postmark rarity - or is it ? A rare postmark find caused much excitement when found in a dealer's box - but it turns out to be a blatant forgery - the author seeks more information and comments.
The National Assembly in Weimar: February 1919 After the turmoil of the revolutionary uprising in post-WW1 Germany, elections were held for a National Assembly, which was celebrated by a new series of postage stamps - the design of these was thrown open to public competition and was greeted with an enthusiastic response. The varying prize designs are illustrated.
Vol 40/3
S.M.S. 'Dresden'; her end and her crew's fate The author gives a resumé of the German warship's first world war service and recounts how she was attacked in March 1915 by H.M.S. 'Glasgow' whilst at anchor, and not seaworthy, in neutral Chilean waters. The ship was scuttled. The article contains illustrations and descriptions of many letters and cards to and from the ship, and surviving crew. A fascinating study.
Stuttgart's Private City Post - and All-Round Service: Part 1- The Adhesive Stamps This invaluable in-depth study of the Stuttgart City Post is essential reading for all those interested in the German City Posts - a collecting area which has an enthusiastic following represented by the Society's associated "Stadtpost" collectors' group, details of which appear in the front of 'Germania'. The article is superbly illustrated in colour throughout - may of the items are extremely rare.
Early Zeppelins The author shares with us here a large selection from his wonderful collection of early Zeppelin postal items and memorabilia - most of which are illustrated in colour. We are given a wealth of background information and technical details of many of the airships from LZ1 to LZ120. An outstanding 29 page article !
Vol 40/4
The Berlin Strassenpost revisited A follow up to the article in the February 2003 issue featuring a Rohrpost card which had passed through the Strassenpost, illustrations of various Strassenpost items and a plan showing the sites of the delivery post offices at the inception of the service (1.11.1889) and at its closure.
German Bicycle Clubs up to 1932 Apparently the popularity of cycling, particularly by ladies, excited some comment in the 1890s ! The clubs flourished as can be seen by the enormous range of beautifully designed souvenir postcards, vignettes, and other material - many of which are superbly illustrated in colour. A delightful collection which may inspire you to 'get on your bike' to the nearest postcard fair to look for some cards for yourself.
Stuttgart's Private City Post - An All-Round Service Continuing on from the article in the previous issue - this part deals in depth with the Stamp imprinted stationery. Normal postcards, the Jubilee issue and postcards with advertisements on the front are all covered, mainly illustrated in colour.
Vol 41/1
'The Postal Curiosity of the Century' A "12.12.12" card with a "12.12.12.12" postmark !
Extra, Extra ! Grandson of George III dethroned ! Two letters from Hanover posted on the same day (16 October 1866), one showing usage of the postage stamps of Hanover during the period of grace before they were phased out and the other bearing the new Prussian franking.
The work of a German Wartime Censor A thought-provoking summary of a personal account of work in a wartime postal censor station.
A suggestion followed up...over twenty years later ! An interesting letter from Korv. Kapt. Crüsemann (fully translated) whose seminal work on the Marine Schiffspost was translated in sections in Germania Vol.17/18.
Labels affixed to mail arriving in Dresden without stamps/contents An outline study of these labels calling for further research.
Stuttgart's Private City Post - an All-Round service: part 3 The series continues with more information, with many illustrations, on the stamp imprinted stationery - featuring postcards with advertising on the reverse and postcards printed to private order.
Frauentrachten - Ladies' Traditional Costumes A superb study of the attractive 1935 Frauentrachten charity stamps - the stamps, both individual and in booklet panes, and their usage on covers and cards are fully illustrated in colour. The article gives details of the design and costumes as well as historical background.
Vol 41/2
Stobs Camp 1914-1919 Postal history of the British military camp near Hawick which was used as an Internment and POW camp from 1914 to 1919. This fascinating study includes photos of the camp and prisoners, as well as many illustrations of postmarks, censor marks, postcards, letters, and the special wrappers for sending out the camp newspaper 'Stobsiade'.
Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805) In this 200th anniversary year, some notes on Schiller's life and a look at his drama 'Kabale und Liebe'. 
Bodensee Schiffspost A selection of beautiful postcards, illustrated in colour, telling the remarkable story of the ship posts on the Bodensee. Five countries, each with their own postal authority, controlled the waters of the lake. Between 1897 and 1900 it was regarded as 'fun' by holiday makers to make up combination covers with one stamp from each of the five States.
Stuttgart's Private City Post - An All-Round service Part 4 of this detailed study deals further with the Stamp-imprinted stationery. Normal, 'Jubilee' (the Silver Jubilee of King Karl), and privately ordered envelopes are illustrated and described in profusion.
Vol 41/3
Saarlouis - a town of several names The history and changing names of the town reflected by its different postmarks: Saare-Louis, Sarre Libre, Saarlouis, Saarlautern.
Changes to the frontiers of Germany 1919-1940 The many changes in the territorial frontiers of Germany following World War I are described and illustrated with a selection of stamps and 'mourning labels' from amongst others Eupen-Malmédy, Luxemburg, Elsaß, Saar, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Posen, Danzig, Memel and Schleswig-Holstein.
'Soldatenbriefe' labels to and from Dresden Although the many postcards and covers illustrated in colour in this article relate specifically to the Dresden area, special 'Soldatenbriefe' labels were used throughout Germany during the decades leading up to the first World War. The origin and use of these labels are explained.
Stuttgart's Private City Post - an All-Round Service The concluding part (no.5) to a stimulating series of articles on one of the most successful of the German private post organisations. This part deals with Letter cards included those printed to private order, folded letter sheets, wrappers, postage due envelopes, postal stationery for money transfers and forms.
Vol 41/4
Stamp Days in Germany up to 1945; Part I 1936-40 The author describes and illustrates the special cancels, stamps and cards used on the 'Stamp Days' held from 1936, on the first Sunday after 7 January, the anniversary of the birth of Heinrich von Stephan.
Forged Datestamps of the Polish Post in Danzig 1925-3 A comprehensive summary by an accredited expert of the Polish Philatelic Union (PZF) of all known forged datestamps, illustrated and described, whether they be copies of genuine datestamps or completely spurious ones.
From 'QEII' to the 'Hohenzollern' As a counterweight to the collecting of the 'yacht stamps' the author explores an unusual aspect of German colonial postal history: a look at letters and cards sent into the colonies. Many of the illustrations are in colour including some lovely cards to Shanghai, Deutsch Neu Guinea, Swakopmund and Apia in Samoa.
Soldatenbriefe Throughout the whole of Germany from May 1872, soldiers on active service up to the rank of sergeant, or its equivalent, were entitled to receive personal mail free of postage. Such mail was to be inscribed 'Soldatenbrief. Eigene Angelegenheit des Empfängers'. The article, illustrated in colour, provides a comprehensive look at such mail, and the many types of privately produced labels containing the required inscription.
Vol 42/1
A German P.O.W. in England 1945-48
 The author analyses twenty-five pieces of P.O.W. mail relating to the detention of a German gunner in Butterwick and other camps in Yorkshire. A fascinating story emerges.
Stamp Days in Germany up to 1945 Part II - 1941-45 More special cancels, stamps and postcards illustrating each 'Tag der Briefmarke'.
Graf Zeppelin LZ127 Orient Flight 1929 and the replacement Egyptian Flight 1931
 The original flight plan for the 1929 flight was to include a flight over Egypt landing at Cairo, but at the last minute the itinerary had to be changed for political reasons. The revised arrangements, cachets etc are described and profusely illustrated in colour.
Late 19th century official German mail
 In this article the author explains and illustrates the use of portopflichtige and frei and related terms on 19th century official mail.
The Reichsmusikkammer in Dresden A look at some aspects of anti-semitism particularly the use of an unusually large cachet on mail from the Reichsmusikkammer.
Forced Civilian Labour: the Philemon Schoeckaert correspondence An article shared with the Belgium Study Circle looking at details, particularly censorship, of a correspondence comprising thirty items sent in 1916 and 1917.
Vol 42/2
Estonia: Local & National Issues 1941-43 A first hand account by a German Signals Officer who was assigned to the task of making the Estonian telecommunications system operative once more following the retreat of the Russians. In undertaking this task he also took a special interest in the parallel 'resurrection' of the letter delivery service, taking detailed notes of all happenings that could possibly be of philatelic interest.
The Zeppelin-Eckener Fund The story behind the fund launched by Dr. Hugo Eckener which raised 2.5 million Reichsmarks and without which the 'Graf Zeppelin' LZ127 airship would never have been built. The article describes and illustrates the special labels which were designed to be affixed to mail, the publicity postmarks and special postcards, advertising material and a special bronze plaque.
Mail of German mercantile submersibles, 1916-1917 A major article giving the background to the building of the unarmed blockade-running submarines 'Deutschland' and 'Bremen'. Details of the two voyages to and from the USA by the 'Deutschland' are given with many illustrations, many in colour, of the associated postal material including the adhesive stamps for supplementary charges, the cachets and Zurück markings.
A Photograph of von Paulus A photograph that purports to be a genuine Hoffmann, official picture of von Paulus who was promoted Field Marshal immediately prior to the surrender of the German VIth Army at Stalingrad. But the photograph raises some intriguing questions...
Airmail Directional Handstamps involving Berlin The author illustrates what appears to be the remarkably few airmail directional handstamps relating to Berlin he has found, compared to other major airports, and seeks information on other handstamps that readers may be aware of.
Vol 42/3
World Heritage Sites in Germany Part 2 - Castles and Stately Homes This article follows on from the one in Vol.39/3. It provides information, with illustrations from stamps and postal stationery on (i) the Wartburg and the Contest of the Singers, (ii) the Wurzburg Residence, (iii) Rococco - The Augustus and Falkenlust Castles in Bruhl, (iv) Prussian Arcadian Castles and Parks in Potsdam and Berlin, and (v)the Period of Enlightenment - Dessau and Worlitz - the Gardens
Heinrich von Stephan (1831-1897) A concise biography of the organiser of the German postal system with illustrations of his birthplace, the Royal Prussian Post Office in Stolp where he started his postal career, autograph documents and other items as well as a splendid colour picture of von Stephan in his State dress.
The German Red Cross, 1914-1918 Although collectable items are available from before 1914, the onset of the First World war opened the floodgates for Red Cross material. Some superb items are researched and illustrated, many in full colour, under the headings 'Publicity and Fund Raising', 'German Red Cross Hospital Trains', 'Red Cross Hospitals', 'First Aid Columns' and 'Prisoner of War Enquiries'.
Service Suspended - Labels on mails that could not be delivered in wartime The wartime periods covered are WW1, WW2 and post-WW2. Some most interesting covers are examined, with labels translated and explained under such headings as (WW1) 'occupied Germany', 'mail to neutral countries', 'after the Armistice'; (WW2) 'The closure of the LATI route'; (post WW2) 'The position of Yugoslavia'. 'Poland', 'Mail to Austria 1948' and 'The Gulf War 1991'.
Deutsche Städte-Ausstellung 1903 in Dresden This article focuses on the so-called 'Roland' cards, many of striking design and colour, which were issued at the time of the exhibition.
Vol 42/4
Successes at Bristol The author shares with other members four interesting post WW2 zones covers addressed to the Austrian Delegation in Hannover which he found at the stamp fair associated with our AGM weekend in Bristol in October. Another good reason to come to our annual get-togethers.
Martin Luther (1483-1546); the 450th anniversary of his death The article includes selections from an exhibit relating to the stamp issued in 1996 commemorating the 450th anniversary of Luther's death. Background information on Luther is given as well as illustrations of, and commentary on, the competitive designs for the stamp, the selected design and the many ways in which the selected designs are marketed by the German Post Office.
Air mails between Germany and China to 1945 From a superb one-frame exhibit given at our AGM weekend in Bristol - seventeen covers, each of great interest, are illustrated in full colour showing the different routes to China. The postage rates and routes are all succinctly explained. The study covers routes via Moscow and Siberia, via India, and South America carried by German, British, Dutch and French airmail and partly by Zeppelin.
A Hungarian Study of the 1948 Buildings Series A selection of eight pages of illustrations of varieties which speak for themselves as the effort that has been put into the drawings makes the pictures self-explanatory - which is as well as the descriptions are all written up in Hungarian !
Vol 43/1
Konstanz Exchange Control Office 1918-1924 A further instalment of detailed analysis of cachets and labels following the law of 15 November 1918 which stopped the military censorship and instituted the exchange control.
The Story behind the Stamp: 650th Anniversary of the Golden Bull
 The stamp in question was issued in 2006. In 1356 the oral tradition of the election of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by seven electors was written down in the document that is called 'The Golden Bull' with far-reaching consequences, as explained.
Württemberg Postal Stationery addressed to Dr. Adolf Weil (1848-1916)
 Prof. Dr Weil is one of the many once celebrated, now largely forgotten, medical discoverers. The author uses a collection of letters which were addressed to Weil in Heidelberg and Stuttgart as a student, later as a doctor, to illustrate postmarks and routes of the period. The letters date from 1867 to 1875.
The Zeppelin-Eckener Fund
 Following an article written for Germania in May 2006, the author describes and illustrates a set of ZE postcards previously unknown to him.
50 Years of Kinderdorf Flugpost: From Free Balloon to Zeppelin NT
 An article written by Herr Wolfgang von Zeppelin about the activities of a small Society which works tirelessly and quietly for children in need. Many interesting cards and covers have been produced in support of this cause. Many collectors regard the collecting theme 'Zeppelin NT' as a logical development of classical Zeppelin mail. To accompany the article a comprehensive selection of modern Zeppelin NT Kinderppost mail is illustrated in colour.
A Hohenzollern Seal discovered on board ship
 The author describes how by showing a treasured 'S.M.S. Danzig' cover in his collection at a Society display, he learned that it had been sent by Prince Adalbert, the third son of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Zeitungsbestellung: Newspaper Orders
 The author presents a small collection of these proforma cards all with souvenir postmarks in the hope that more light can be shed on this under-researched facet of German philately.
Vol 43/2
World Heritage Sites in Germany: Part 3 This part gives background information, illustrated with stamps, special cancels and covers on: the Berlin Museum Island, the 'Bauhaus' in Weimar and Dessau, the Volklingen Ironworks, Trier, Quedlinburg and Goslar.
The Tram Post of Hamburg During the period 1922-43 people were permitted to post their letters into post boxes on the tram cars in Hamburg. This detailed article includes a map of the tram routes, a tabulation of tram post cancels, colour illustrations of ordinary, express and foreign covers, and postal rates. The end of the tram post in 1943 is described as well as its short reintroduction between 1949 and 1958.
Mixed Frankings in Dresden, 1945-46 A fine and unusual selection of covers of Russian Zone provisionals, illustrated in colour, reflect the turbulent post-war period. They include AM Post frankings accepted and not accepted, mixed frankings, censor marks, COD and registered mail with Provinz Sachsen, Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Berlin, Thüringen frankings and Großräschen, Stadt Niesky, Plauen and Spremberg locals. 
Vol 43/3
World Heritage Sites in Germany: Part 4 (Historic Towns and Sites). The series continues with stamps and special cancels illustrating the glories of the Hanseatic towns of Lübeck, Stralsund and Wismar; the 'Franconian Rome' - Bamberg; the town of poets and philosophers - Weimar; 65 Kilometres of World Heritage - the Upper Middle Rhine and 'The Window on the History of the Earth' Grube Messel.
Gemeinnütziger Verein Stadtbriefbeförderung.
 Quite extraordinarily, two private postal companies with the identical name, as above, were founded in the city of Dresden in September 1911. This fascinating article begins to unravel the mystery.
German Post Offices in China.
 This is not an article as such but nineteen pages scanned in colour from an exhibit - it includes stamps, cancels and covers of various categories including forerunners, 'Boxer Rebellion', Marine Schiffspost and Fieldpost.
Danzig to German occupied Warsaw on WW1.
 A one-pager illustrating a commercial card sent from Danzig to Warsaw on 1.9.1916. It was censored in Posen, and had a local stamp affixed for delivery direct the addressee.
The Steamship 'Dresden' in the Vorpostenflotille Jade-Weser.
 This small vessel, along with others, was requisitioned for use in the war as a supply ship and mail distributor in the estuary of the rivers Jade and Weser. She was issued with an unusual wartime cachet.
Vol 43/4
The 'Bauernball' in Dresden: Some advertising Postcards and Vignettes The attractively designed cards and vignettes were designed by pupils, and possibly one or two teachers, of the Dresden Art Academy - only a few passed through the post but they clearly represent an interesting facet of the social history of Dresden in the early twentieth century.
Kamerun: Post Office Forms Illustrated and described are a number used forms connected with the period when Kamerun was part of the German colonial empire; the range covered includes certificates of posting, forms used to collect charges due, packet cards, a notice of inability to deliver a parcel, a list of parcels received from abroad, an international money form, 'Postsache' envelopes, and a 'Rückschein' acknowledgement form.
The Recent History of the Saar illustrated by its Meter Marks Mater marks play an important part in German philately. This article provides a most atrractive and unusual way of illustrating the history of a particular territory. Numerous examples are shown of Francotyp manufacturer's record cards giving specimen impressions of the meter marks and recording changes made to them, often made as a result of the changing administration. Such cards are rarely seen and effectively are the primary source record for information on the period of use of the marks in question. Advertisements for the Francotyp and Komusina machines are appended to the article.
Vol 44/1
'Liebesgabenpakete' - parcels sent by civilians of neutral countries to Axis civilians during WWII. The author has found little background research material but has put together what facts are known alongside illustrations of a number of cards from his collection. The pre-printed cards were intended for the recipient of the gift parcel to complete, sign and return. Three of the cards came through an organisation called DEHAWI in Lisbon with parcel recipients in Pforzheim, Sackingen and Vienna. There are Scandinavian activities as well: parcels were sent to Denmark, Norway and Finland from Swiss senders.
Catapult mail of the North Atlantic The article covers a range of postal items illustrating the development of the service during its period of operation from 1925 to 1935. These include examples of first and last flights, multiple flights, mail from crew members, instructional marks for cancelled or unavailable flights and a selection of foreign acceptances as Treaty States mail.
German States After the Austro-German Postal Union came into being in April 1850, the many German States began to introduce postage stamps and printed stationery. The article includes colour illustrations of the first issues of Bavaria, Saxony, Prussia, Schleswig Holstein, Hanover, Brunswick, Oldenburg, Bremen, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Hamburg, Lübeck, Württemberg, Baden and Thurn & Taxis with comments on their background and design.
'Punktverrechnungskarten' Another little known facet of of WWII postal history is revealed, but only to a limited extent, as once again the author has found no background literature to explain the use of these pre-printed cards. Those illustrated sent by clothing manufacturers list the contents of orders and their 'points' scores. More information is needed.
Modern German Private Posts This article first appeared in Vol.47/2 of 'The Cinderella Philatelist'. The author, a long-time collector of classic German Private Postal material, sets out an overview of what is, in reality, a complex postal service privatisation process, and the resulting stamp/label/vignette issues of the modern day private companies in Germany. A detailed table of service dates and issues by town is provided.
Vol 44/2
The Danish Brigade in Germany 1947-1949 and the Danish Command in Germany 1949-1958 In 1947 a contingent of some 4000 Danish troops was stationed, at first, in East Friesland. Postal arrangements for Den Danske Brigade are described in detail (postal rates, cancels etc) as well as for the Danish Command created in 1949.
'Liebesgabenpakete': an addendum Better colour illustrations are given of items referred to in Vol. 44//1
Prussia: King Frederick William IV postal stationery envelopes 1851-1860 Prussia was the first German State to issue postal stationery, an idea 'borrowed' from the contemporary British postal stationery. This article examines the the Prussian 1851/2/3/5 issues in detail.
The christening of His Majesty's Yacht 'Meteor' 25 February 1902 The yacht had been built on Shooters Island, New York. She was christened by the daughter of US President Theodore Roosevelt. The event was a significant boost to German-American relations and was celebrated accordingly. Four postcard publishers of the time issued special cards, of sophisticated design - as illustrated in colour.
German East Africa: more to pay/postage due There is little in the literature about postage due of GEA. This article fills the gap !
German official census stamps 1903, 1905. Why were they used ? The author shows how certain Dienstmarken were in fact used as official post office census labels and examines their usage and the need for them. 
Acquisition of the Berliner Privatpost und Spedition in 1897 The Berliner Privatpost und Spedition A.G. proved to be such a serious competitor to the Berliner Packetfahrt A.G., that in June 1897 the latter acquired their business. Various postal items are illustrated from the time of the transfer.
Two letters of the Franco-Prussian War The two letters in question were sent home to Bonn by a Militärarzt (Medical Officer) Dr. Wilhelm Lange who at the time was attached to the 2nd battalion of infantry regiment No.80. The first letter was sent on 11 August 1870 from Clermont-en-Argonne, the second on 23 September from the outskirts of Paris.
Vol 44/3
Anton Hechler: the story of a 19th-century German immigrant An adaptation of a gold medal exhibit telling the story of the pioneering life of Anton Hechler who emigrated from Darmstadt in 1871 to the USA. The story is told through covers, postcards and memorabilia.
A German internee in Spain during World War II The author reveals the story behind a doubly censored cover, dated 1 March 1944, addressed to a seaman on board the German ship M.S. Nord-Atlantic which had been heavily bombed but managed to reach the Spanish naval port of El Ferrol del Caudillo. 
My life and times - or how the Stadtpost Collectors Group was born This article first appeared in the 100th edition of 'Stadtpost', the journal of The Stadtpost Collectors Group. Peter Rogers celebrated this centenary as Editor by showing a selection of his favourite covers and cards. 
Eilbrief/Eilkarte of the Berliner Verkehrs-Anstalt 'Hansa II' The author explains that genuinely used material from the short-lived 'Hansa II' is arguably the scarcest of all the German Town Posts and then goes on to show a card uprated for express delivery and two express letters !
An exchange control story: Importing stamps This article first appeared in the June 2008 issue of 'Czechout', the journal of the Czechoslovak Philatelic Society of Great Britain. A letter containing stamps was sent on 28 June 1921 from Moravia to Stade-Campe, near Hamburg. The letter was opened by an inspector at Dresden Postal Supervision Office who then sent a postcard to the addressee requesting that he obtains an import licence. This was not produced within the given time, so the letter and contents were impounded. But the card and cover were eventually linked together again.
Modern German private posts (II) - an update The author recounts how in the rapidly developing market of modern day German private posts, "there have been many company takeovers, consolidations, alliances and closures, all tempered with a touch of political intrigue which far outshines the efforts of Machiavelli."
Fraudulent cancellations of the inflation period Valuable background and sound advice which may help readers avoid pitfalls and disappointment.
Pasewark, Danzig: Doubly datestamped card Just why was the postcard illustrated datestamped on 19 March 1943 twice, seemingly twelve hours apart ? two possible explanations are given - but readers may be able to think of another.
Vol 44/4
The Story behind the Stamp: Carl Zuckmayer, Der Hauptmann von Köpenick Zuckmayer's play is based on real events that took place in Imperial Berlin before the First World War. It is very popular as a play and has been filmed twice. The main event in the play created a new word 'Köpenickiade', meaning an unusual, determined and courageous action.
From Minsk to Warsaw
 A censored USSR postal stationery envelope bought cheaply on eBay, turns out to be a scarce and poignant example of mail sent on 21.5.1941 into the Warsaw ghetto by a sender whose address was given as The Jewish theatre c/o State Polish Theatre in the Bielorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.
My favourite item: Last prewar mail from German East Africa The author explains how a postal stationery card sent from Tabora to Nuremberg on 13.7.1914 could only have been carried on the last pre-WW1 voyage of the Rhenania from Dar-es-Salaam, even though it lacks the tell-tale German arrival and transit datestamps.
A tribute to Bronisław Czech One of the heroes of the Second World War well known to many Poles is Bronisław Czech, an Olympic skier, who used his mountaineering skills in the illegal smuggling of wanted men out of German occupied territory. He was caught and sent to Auschwitz - the German authorities made him an offer that he be Germanised and ski for the Fatherland - but he refused outright. Czech was consequently cruelly mistreated and died in the camp in June 1944. It is a moving story with letters of his from Auschwitz, including one superbly illustrated by him.
The 1925 Deutsche Nothilfe stamp booklets This promises to be the first in a series of articles dealing with the Nothilfe charity stamp booklets which appeared from 1925 to 1935. With the aid of diagrams and colour illustrations, the author provides a detailed study of the make-up of the booklets.
A ship called Berlin The author describes how Berlin has been the centre of his collecting activity for nearly 40 years and how the finding of a postcard showing the sinking of the Berlin in the early part of the 20th century led to further discoveries and the putting together of a fascinating display.
Some philatelic contrivances re the Berliner Packetfahrt. Following the demise of the Berliner Verkehrs-Anstalt 'Hansa I' on 19.11.1886, and the subsequent acquisition of parts of its business by the Berliner Packetfahrt, some spectacular frankings of 'Hansa I' stamps with Packetfahrt cancels were contrived.
The British Legion Volunteer Police Force: September/October 1938 The author found an envelope addressed to the British legion Volunteer Police Force from Denmark. It was marked 'DISBANDED' and returned to Denmark. Subsequent research revealed its connection with the story of the volunteer force at the height of the Sudetenland crisis of 1938.
Vol 45/1
The story behind the stamp: The Hanseatic League The 'Hansa' stamp in question was issued in 2006, depicting a 'Kogge' (Hanseatic ship). The story of the Hanseatic League is told concisely - from its 13th century beginnings to its 15th century decay.
In the absence of an official seal One possibility foreseen by the meticulous German administration at the end of the 19th century was that official mail sent without an official seal needed to be authorised in an alternative way. Such mail was either endorsed by hand or with a handstamp 'In Ermangelung eines Dienstsiegels'.
German letter rates from 1.1.2009 A useful table originally published in 'Michel Rundschau 12/2008'
South African occupation of German South West Africa: Adapted German postmarks With the outbreak of WW1 the German colony was invaded by vastly superior, South African-led forces who established military post offices as they occupied the territory. From the latter half of 1915, post offices were gradually re-established as civilian post offices. This article studies the adapted German postmarks used.
A humble Ukraine cover that inspired a collection The author explains how a chance acquisition of a wartime cover awakened an interest in postal history which has never subsided...why not write your own account of how you started collecting ?
A German floating postbox This article first appeared in Vol.62/1 of 'TPO', the journal of the TPO & Seapost Society, and is reproduced with their kind permission. It has been possible since 1964 for sailors on Steinhuder Meer near Hanover, to post mail in an officially recognised floating postbox in the middle of the lake.
Camp stationery for Jehovah's Witnesses A rare example of special postal stationery for 'Bibelforscher' at Sachsenhausen is 'witness' itself to a sad chapter in history.
The 1926 Deutsche Nothilfe stamp booklets The second in a series of detailed studies with full colour illustrations.
German royal mail Some scarce covers from the 19th century German royalty illustrate the principles of German royal mail.
The end of German private posts The demise of the private posts came into effect on 1 April 1900. On the same day the Reichspost introduced a new local postcard rate of 2 pfennigs. This gave rise to some interesting postal usages, as briefly examined in this article.
Expertisation of inflationals A follow-up to the article in Vol 44/3 which may be of interest those who want to have inflation material expertised. The information is also applicable to other material.
Vol 45/2
Millions of leaflets over Dresden, 1944-45 The core of this short article is adapted from an article by Dr. Christian Hermann for the Military Historical Museum of the Bundeswehr in Dresden. It includes a detailed tabulation of the various leaflets dropped over Dresden and several are illustrated.
Chambers of Commerce, Town Hall and Police certification of mail in British-occupied Rhineland 1919 The British Occupation Authorities' civil mail regulations are described. A good selection of cover and cards are shown, illustrating the various cachets used by the Chambers of Commerce, Town Halls and Police in the Rhineland.
The story behind the stamp: The Celtic prince of Glauberg A 144c stamp, Michel 2436, was issued by Germany on 3.1.2005 illustrating the Keltenfürst vom Glauberg. The article tells the story of the remarkable discovery of a 5th century BC life-size statue of a Celtic warrior.
Saxony in 1945: the 'Sächsische Schwärzungen' At the end of the war large quantities of Hitler stamps were found stored in many post offices in Saxony. These came into use in May 1945 with obliterations from corks, ink-bottle stoppers and by other methods. The article surveys their usage with colour illustrations of covers, postal stationery and parcel cards.
A Heligoland item The registered 10Pf postal stationery envelope from Heligoland in 1879 described is particularly interesting as it is sealed with a blue German-style British Post Office seal.
Stamps of the secret post in occupied Warsaw 1943 Reproduced by kind permission of the author and editor of 'The Cinderella Philatelist', the article tells the remarkable story of the sheets of postage stamps used by the 'Sword and Plough' resistance organisation. A number of sheets of the stamps were discovered by the Wehrmacht after the Warsaw Uprising.
Some items of Dresden diplomatic mail The items shown represent the remainder of a 'Dresden Diplomatic mail' collection. They are from the General Consulate of the Czechoslovak Republic between the wars.
Expertisation regulations of the BPP A useful English translation of the key regulations.
Vol 45/3
The memorial meeting of the military transport units in Dresden, 6-8 May 1922 (reproduced, in translation, from 'Infla-Berichte' 224/2006 with kind permission).
A special postmark and set of six souvenir cards commemorated this meeting. The cards, which are illustrated, are rarely found. Details are given of some of the units involved.
Königsberg Exchange Control Office 1918-1925: Part 1 One of a series of occasional, detailed and painstakingly reseached articles on the subject of German Exchange Control 1918 to 1925.
An unusual Kamerun cover The registered cover, sent from Kamerun to Lagos on 17.10.1900, was franked with a block of 15 25Pf stamps - it is therefore heavily overfranked but does not appear to be 'philatelic', but what other explanation could there be ?
Not worth a week's wage ! In 1891 a certain David Cohn of Berlin posted a registered packet to Italy but the Italian post office reassessed the weight and levied postage due equivalent to an average weekly wage - not surprisingly the packet was refused !
'Thank you, Albert !' - a tribute to Albert Thasler A crew member of the Graf Zeppelin, one Albert Thasler, was also a collector of Zeppelin mail. Over the years he attempted to arrange mail from unusual, even exotic, places to be flown on board the airship. Two such are illustrated.
Emil Reichardt Krippner - a biography in covers Herr Krippner designed and handpainted 'patriotic' covers - he was also convicted of forging stamp cancellations - his story is as colourful as his covers of which, to date, 144 have been identified.
The story behind the stamp: Heinrich Zille Zille (1858-1929) was a painter, photographer and graphic artist, whose drawings often are accompanied by appropriate texts in the Berlin dialect. Five different stamps are illustrated which pay tribute to this remarkable man.
An overlooked Ukraine gem from eBay This is a real object lesson in the virtues of knowing your postal history ! The author recognized many unusual features of a cover sent from the Ukraine to Brest-Litowsk in 1944 which added up to make it a very scarce and valuable item - and he secured it for a fiver ! Read and learn.
Where is Brest-Litowsk ? If you didn't find out from the previous article, then you will now ! A 1944 parcel card from Minsk prompts the author to trace the history of the place.
Vol 45/4
There always was an England Did you know there is a place in Germany called England ? Read and learn !
The story behind the stamp: Carl Schurz (1829-1906), German revolutionary and American democrat The author gives a fascinated potted biography of Schurz, including his recollections of meeting Karl Marx in Cologne, and an account of how he saved a man from execution when a major general in the American civil war. 
Modern German private posts (III) - 2008: an open marketplace This is the concluding article in a trilogy recording the transition of the German postal service from a state monopoly to an open privatised business sector. The first two parts appeared in the February and August 2008 issues of Germania.
Private trade with Romania discouraged The author describes a letter to Bucharest posted on 31 August 1915, censored in Breslau and returned to sender.
Königsberg Exchange Control Office 1918-1925: Part 2 This part covers 'Return to sender' markings, wax seals and manuscript markings, and Post Office cachets in detail. Two useful appendices cover (i) the historical context of conflicts surrounding East Prussia 1918-1923 and (ii) routing instructions for Königsberg Postal Supervision Office.
Vol 46/1
The Sudeten-German Freikorps This article not only provides a great deal of information but also indicates where more can be found. The illustrations include photo cards of Henlein, Hitler and the Freikorps, a document dated 26.9.1938 giving the organisation and strength of the Sudetendeutsches Freikorps, and a letter (with translation) of the same date seeking recruits. Also shown are Freikorps mail and cachets.
Occupied Belgium treated as an enemy A cover, sent on 9.1.1915, with various cachets, demonstrates that German-occupied Belgium was treated as an enemy country for the purpose of civilian communications from Germany.
The story behind the stamp: the Franciscan friar Alfred Stanke In fact two stamps are shown, both French - (i) Stanke was at one time a German army chaplain at the Bordiot prison at Bourges, France. At the risk of his own life, he actively helped the Résistance. (ii) Another German chaplain, Abbé Franz Stock, was also honoured by the French PTT, in 1998, for his courage and moral integrity.
A Königsberg exchange control cover Further to the article in the last issue, a COD letter sent from Memel on 16.1922 is analysed in great detail.
The 1927 Deutsche Nothilfe stamp booklets The carton of the booklet cover comes in two thicknesses - 190,218 of which were sold. Two variants of the booklet pane are described and illustrated, according to the perforation in the margin. Full information on the booklet sheet is also given.
Decorative envelope for Wilhelm I & Augusta The author seeks information on a decorative envelope, with no space on its face for address or postage stamp - perhaps produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the royal wedding in 1854, or possibly the 40th in 1869.
Baron von Richthofen A cover signed by the great-nephew of the famous 'Red Baron'.
International mail via Trieste 1840-1871 Some choice covers with German connections, selected from a display given at the Royal Philatelic Society London on 27.11.2009, are illustrated and described. These include beauties from Sudan to Württemberg 1846, Saxony to China 1860, and North German Confederation to New Zealand 1868.
Postschnelldienst Berlin Due to the extensive wartime damage to the Rohrpost network in Berlin and East/West split, a new rapid postal system was designed and began to operate on 1.3.1949 - it was one of the most unusual postal systems ever devised. Many covers are illustrated and the network and tariffs are described.
Vol 46/2
Memelland ist frei ! The occupation overprints of 1939 The head of the Memel German 'police service' confiscated a quantity of Lithuanian stamps and had them overprinted and put on sale on 23 March 1939. The incoming official Reichspost team took a dim view of such 'private labels'. It's an intriguing story.

Restrictions on registered mail and the SA/SS stamps

(Reprinted from the 'German Postal Specialist March 2010, with kind permission of the GPS)

 The purpose of the article is to acquaint readers with the restrictions placed by the Reichspost on registered mail in the later phases of WW2, rather than to further the debate about SA/SS covers.
The Anti-German 'Winox' labels One of the more interesting examples of 'patriotic' anti-German propaganda labels from WW1 are those, believed to be four in number, produced for the firm of Winox Ltd. The labels are illustrated and the designs are described.
An Indian parole centre, a German pioneer aviator and a Greek bank. The curious story of a PoW card to Greece that arrived with over a year's delay. The author's assiduous research reveals the life and work of Antonius Raab, a man of talent, principle, idealism and ingenuity.
The German transit camp at Friedland. The motifs on two commemorative covers produced by the G&CPS in 1967 reveal not only a great deal about the refugee/PoW camp but also about the early history of the Federal Republic.
The artistic development of the Deutsche Nothilfe 1933 stamps - Scenes from Wagner. An in-depth study of Professor Alois Kolb's original designs, and the Reichsdruckerei-produced essays and proofs held by the Museumsstiftung Post und Telekommunikation, Archiv für Philatelie, Bonn, showing the evolution of the accepted designs, and those rejected along the way.
The story behind the stamp. The author uncovers the swashbuckling life of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben.
German Post Office economies after WW1 Germany's economy was in tatters - even the Post Office had to be, and seen to be, economical. Money was saved by using up outdated adhesive paper seals, and postal stationery cards and by manpower savings.
Vol 46/3
'Punktverrechnungskarten und -stellen' This follow-up article responds to the appeal for more information in Vol. 44 No. 1 on these little known cards and the system behind them.
A political mischmasch: a cover from the Ukraine The cover was bought cheaply on eBay and turns out, after a bit of detective work, to feature elements of Polish, German, German-Ukranian and Russian political or postal history.
Field post letter to Haifa A musketeer from the 2nd Company, 3rd Battalion of the Großherzoglich Mecklenburgisches Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 90 writes to probably his father in August 1917. The regiment had been involved in heavy fighting against the British in Flanders.
Problems with a Bickerdike machine On 8 May 1900, a vertical pair of stamps on a letter caused no end of problems for the Berlin post office as they tried to cancel both stamps through the machine.
'Deutsches Reich' overprints on Bavaria used in Dresden The overprinted stamps Mi. 119-138 were valid throughout the German Reich from 6 April 1920 to 30 September 1923. The author has put together a good selection of covers showing different usages of the stamps from Dresden.
New Zeppelin mail forgeries This article first appeared in a special issue for IBRA 2009 of the 'Zeppelin Post Joyrnal' (Vol. 3, No.2). It exposes a number of dangerous forgeries of 'exotic' Zeppelin mail, and provides guidance on identifying them as forgeries.
Litzmannstadt Ghetto stamp issues This article provides background to the postal service established in the Ghetto from March 1940. Two issues of stamps were produced featuring Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski. the Elder of the Jews. 
Freedom of Weeze to RAF Laarbruch In 1974 RAF Laarbruch was granted the Freedom of Weeze, near the Dutch border. A cover described here commemorates the first military unit in Germany to receive such an honour.
Delivering stamps to German post offices in 1923 A wrapper for a package of stamps delivered from the Reichsdruckerei gives an insight into the method used for the distribution of stamps to post offices in the 1920s.
Vol 46/4
The story behind the stamp: Königin Luise von Preußen 2010 marks the bicentenary of the death of Queen Luise. She has been held in high esteem in Germany over the past two centuries for the way she tried to intercede with Napoleon at Tilsit on behalf of Prussia.
Currency reform in Berlin The reform is neatly illustrated by an instructive cover posted in Berlin on 24 June 1948 when for just one day West Berlin was the only place in Germany with the Reichsmark still circulating.
The birth of German stamp booklets The first German stamp booklet was released on 1 November 1910. The author's extensive research reveals the fascinating detail behind its development and issue. Experimental and sample booklets from various archives are illustrated along with examples of the first booklet.
Camp Siegfried in Yaphank, New York Postcards marking events for the 'Friends of New Germany' and the 'German American Bund' reveal unpleasant ideological activities in 1930s New York.
Sudeten crisis: a postcard from Ústí nad Labem A postcard written two days prior to the occupation of Aussig on 9 October 1938 provides a sad reminder of the dark days of the annexation of the Sudetenland.
A not-so-usual ZKD cover from the DDR The clear cachets and postmarks on a cover of 14.8.1961 reveal regulations regarding the use of used Zentraler Kurierdienst covers and their contents, Landpost addresses and a lot more besides.
Vol 47/1
Further aspects of 'Punktverrechnungskarten' A further follow up on the the article published in Vol. 44/1 with more information in 46/3.
Interesting WWI field post authorisation handstamps: (1) 'Minen-Werfer' (2) Western GHQ field hospital In two short articles, the author explains the authorisation process for Feldpost, illustrating examples of handstamps, one including the abbreviation 'S.B.' for 'Soldaten-Brief' and a picture of a German trench mortar (Minen-Werfer), as well as a picture postcard of Kriegslazarett 1/VIII Mädchenschüle Gr. Hauptquartier, Westen incorporating a portrait of the MO in charge.
German East Africa: The Marie and the watermarked 1 Rupie On 9 January 1916 a small steamer left Wilhelmshaven harbour with a cargo of supplies for the beleaguered forces in East Africa. Apart from armaments the ship was also carrying fresh supplies of postage stamps including the 1 Rupie on watermarked paper. Only 50 out of a probable 400 of the stamps have been recorded as still extant to date.
From the invention of the parcel card to the cork cancels of Danzig - and the battle for the stamps attached to them! This article first appeared in 'The Danzig Philatelist' No. 13 Jan-Mar 2010, based in turn on one published in German in 2005 as 'Literatur No.849', by the Arge Danzig. The title is self-explanatory. The extraordinary story of the 'battle' emerges from a number of late 19th and early 20th century philatelic journals.
The birth of German stamp booklets: A new discovery An unmounted mint pane of six 10Pf from the first experimental booklet of 1900 has just been discovered - there could be more.
Deutsche Nothilfe order cards To aid the ordering by post of charity postage stamps, booklets and cards special order forms were produced which incorporated pictures of the stamps. The author illustrates and describes a number of these.
Currency reform of June 1948 Several covers and cards are described and illustrated which are not only philatelically illustrating but have political or historical significance.
Air Marshall Sir Arthur Harris and the Graf Zeppelin An extraordinary account of Harris flying the Graf Zeppelin on a round trip from Cairo in 1931.
Export of samples of merchandise An unusual feature of the German Exchange Control was that samples of merchandise could be taken to a Customs Office attached to a post office to have the contents checked. Two examples of postal sendings of such samples from 1920 and 1922 are given with explanations of the postal charges, markings and routings.
Vol 47/2
Forgery, fakery and fraud A short introduction to what to look out for and be aware of.
Where was the illustrated 'Return' cachet used? A postcard sent from Berlin in 1919 to Beaumarais in the Saar was returned as 'not permitted' - the return cachet begs various questions.
Can you explain the apparent charge of 95 groschen on this parcel card? A self-answered query reprinted from the journal of the Austrian PS about a parcel card sent from Vienna to St. Ruprecht bei Klagenfurt in 1938.
Interesting WWI field post authorisation handstamps: A General Headquarters assortment. Somebody amused himself at GHQ by misusing authorising handstamps!
The aftermath of World War 1 and the inflation The onset of the inflation is illustrated by a postcard from a hotelier, a banknote-dealer's price list, a wholesaler's notification of price increases and a circular notifying a cool 179,900% price hike!
Service suspended in German South-West Africa A letter from Burg addressed to the Pomona Diamond Mines Co attracts two strikes of a cachet "Zurück wegen Kriegszustand" (Return because of war situation).
The first 2Pf postal stationery card of 1900 and postage due Detective work reveals that the card was made available for sale on 29 March 1900 not 1 April as stated in Michel. Local postage and postal due rates are explained in detail.
Berlin 16pf with doubled black overprint A sad story is revealed about the discovery of this error (Mi. 7DD) in 1948.
The ordinal dot is important! There is no longer any excuse for getting this wrong!
The stamps of NordBrief, a modern German private post NordBrief was established on 1 May 2005 as a subsidiary of the regional newspaper Kieler Nachrichten based in Kiel. A mail service has been available to private customers since 14 February 2007 along with the first issue of stamps which are illustrated with their subjects explained.
A favourite much-gestempelt cover A letter sent from Italy to Germany in WWII attracted 12 different handstamps!
Interesting WW1 field post authorisation handstamp: Artillery observation balloon crew An (authorising) letter handstamp reading "BALLON-ABWEHR-KANONEN-ZUG 154" (Defence Guns Balloon Crew 154) on a postcard written by a German soldier allocated one of the most dangerous tasks.
The story behind the stamp: Reichskanzler Otto von Bismarck The author paints a portrait of the 'Iron Chancellor', arguably the most significant figure in the history of Germany and certainly its chief architect.
Vol 47/3
The Berlin Strassenpost An image from the Deutsches Post-Archiv of the interior of a coach used by the Berlin Strassenpost
The Saar Plebiscite, 13 January 1935 A card written on one of the special trains organised for Germans to travel to the Saar during the voting process.
The first day after the high inflation The author gives a flavour of the fun that can be had with Dezemberbriefe, as letters from December 1923 are termed.
The story behind the stamp: Heinrich von Kleist, Prinz Friedrich von Homburg A DDR miniature sheet issued on 18 Oct 1977 marked the bicentenary of the birth of Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811). The sheet also shows Prinz Friedrich von Homburg with his laurel wreath. The author provides the historical background.
A missed birthday uncovers a sunken ship An 1894 postal stationery card from Hamburg to Darlington stimulates research which reveals a story of a ship saved by being sunk whilst on fire.
Service suspended: First Gulf War, 1991 This letter shows how recent events can make for collectable postal history - an airmail letter posted in Germany for Kuwait in February 1991 was returned to sender with a label attached that reads (in translation) 'Airmail service to Iraq and Kuwait temporarily suspended. Re-presentation problematic for the time being'.
Bismarck mourning card A full colour picture postcard produced especially to mourn the death of Bismarck on 30 July 1898 posted from Friedrichsruh, his home village, on 3 August 1898, just four days later !
Interesting WWI field post authorisation handstamp: The Kaiser's Silver room at GHQ A field post stamp reveals the vanity of the Kaiser.
The stamps of Nordbrief, a modern German private post: Part 2 Following on from the first part of the article in the May 2011 issue (47/2) of Germania, the story the private post in 2008/9 is developed with illustrations of their issues of stamps and postmarks.
Déjà-vu: The source of the Zeppelin forgeries This article first appeared in the Zeppelin Post Journal Vol.3 No.5, Winter 2009 and is reproduced by by kind permission of the author and editor, Dieter Leder. It follows on from the special edition of forgeries previously published and reprinted in the August 2010 issue (46/3) of Germania.
The Eastern Front 22 June 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the German attack on the Soviet Union. The story of that bloody campaign is told through field post letters and propaganda cards.
A Bavarian Feldpost item and its place in history The item in question is a field post letter addressed to Nürnberg bearing a clear strike of a standard half-circle Bavarian "Relais I" stamp dated "11/2" [1871].
Vol 47/4
Memelland ist frei! Addendum This follows on from an article in Vol. 46/2 to provide much greater detail on the overprint plate varieties of these stamps and other information on postmarks.
The Rinteln-Stadthagen Railway (1900-1937) This comprehensive, profusely illustrated article has been translated from one that first appeared in Der Fiskal-Philatelist: Rundbrief Nr.49 of the ArGe Fiskalphilatelie e.V. in 2010 which we are grateful for permission to publish. The article aims to examine the use of railway freight and revenue stamps based on the example of a small north German private railway.
Trains to the Saar plebiscite Nice illustrations of the front page and centre map of a railway timetable for the event, and a special postcard for the German railways.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel, architect and painter Various stamp issues are used to illustrate this short biography.
The Nazi rocket mail of 1934 This comprehensive, profusely illustrated article attempts to shed some light on the story behind the launch of a rocket in January 1934 by Gerhard Zucker carrying 'rocket mail'. Detail on the production and usage of the associated special stamps and mail is also provided.
Operation Hannibal: Evacuation from the East The remarkable story of the Luftwaffe unit still operational forty days after the end of the Second World War in Europe.

And of course each issue of "Germania" contains Members News, Answers and Queries and information on New Issues.

Design ©2000 Forward Web Design