Finsterwalde Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Finsterwalde (Local Issues) Stamps
Finsterwalde is a town located in the state of Brandenburg, Germany, within Central Europe. As part of the German postal system, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the evolution of the German Reichspost and subsequent administrations, including the GDR period. Stamps issued for this region would primarily feature the German language, reflecting the dominant linguistic environment. While Finsterwalde itself did not issue independent stamps, its postal history is defined by its integration into the broader German administrative and postal framework through various political epochs.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1946 – 1946
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- DM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
Finsterwalde (Local Issues) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Finsterwalde (Local Issues) Stamp Series
Local Issues of 1946 (1946)
Provisional local issues created due to postal disruptions after World War II, often overprinting existing German stamps or using locally produced designs.
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Finsterwalde (Local Issues) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on condition, specific overprint varieties, and whether they are genuinely postally used. Forgeries and reprints are common, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Finsterwalde (Local Issues) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Finsterwalde (Local Issues) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Finsterwalde' overprints or specific local designs on stamps issued in 1946.
- 2 Examine the overprint for authenticity; many local issues of this period were forged or privately produced.
- 3 issuer:finsterwalde.identification.tips.2
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Finsterwalde stamps?
Finsterwalde stamps refer to provisional local postal issues created in the town of Finsterwalde, Brandenburg, Germany, during 1946. These were necessitated by the collapse of central postal authority after World War II and typically involved overprinting existing German stamps or using locally produced designs for a brief period.
Are Finsterwalde stamps valuable?
The value of Finsterwalde stamps varies significantly. Common varieties might be worth €5-€50, while rare overprints, specific errors, or genuinely postally used examples can fetch €100-€500 or more. Authenticity is a major factor, as many forgeries exist.
How can I identify Finsterwalde stamps?
Finsterwalde stamps are identified by the 'Finsterwalde' overprint or specific local designs used in 1946. Collectors should pay close attention to the details of the overprint and the underlying stamp. Using a stamp identifier app can help in preliminary identification, but expert opinion is often crucial for these specialized local issues.
Which catalogs list Finsterwalde stamps?
Finsterwalde local issues are primarily listed in the Michel specialized catalogs for Germany (Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog), which provide detailed information on these provisional issues. They are generally not listed in Scott or Stanley Gibbons catalogs, which focus more on national issues.
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