German Eastern Front Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Eastern Front (Ostfront) Stamps
The German Eastern Front, or Ostfront, was not a sovereign country but a military administrative zone established by the German Empire during World War I on occupied territories in Eastern Europe, primarily within the Russian Empire. Stamps issued for this region were provisional issues, often overprinted German or local postal stationery, reflecting the temporary military governance and the German language dominance in administration. These issues are significant as they represent a unique, short-lived postal entity tied directly to the military campaigns on the European Eastern Front between 1915 and 1918. The postal system was entirely subordinate to the German military command structure until the collapse of the Central Powers.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1916 – 1916
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
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- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German Eastern Front (Ostfront) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Eastern Front (Ostfront) Stamp Series
Overprinted German Issues (1916)
German stamps overprinted 'Postgebiet Ob. Ost' (Postal Area Upper East) or similar inscriptions for use in the occupied territories.
Local Postal Stationery Overprints (1916)
Existing Russian or Polish postal stationery overprinted for German military use.
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German Eastern Front (Ostfront) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, the base stamp, condition, and rarity of the overprint variety. Forgeries are common, so expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify German Eastern Front (Ostfront) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Eastern Front (Ostfront) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Postgebiet Ob. Ost' or similar German overprints on German or local (e.g., Russian) stamps.
- 2 Check for German military postmarks (Feldpost) or civilian postmarks from occupied towns.
- 3 Authenticity of overprints is crucial; many forgeries exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Eastern Front stamps?
German Eastern Front stamps were provisional issues used by the German military administration in occupied territories of Eastern Europe during World War I, primarily in 1916. They were typically German stamps or local postal stationery overprinted with inscriptions like 'Postgebiet Ob. Ost' (Postal Area Upper East).
Are German Eastern Front stamps valuable?
The value of German Eastern Front stamps varies significantly. Common overprints on readily available base stamps might be in the €5-€50 range, while rare varieties, specific postmarks, or genuinely scarce overprints can fetch hundreds of euros. Condition and authenticity are key factors determining value.
How can I identify German Eastern Front stamps?
You can identify German Eastern Front stamps by looking for specific German overprints, such as 'Postgebiet Ob. Ost', on German Empire stamps or local postal stationery from the occupied regions. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint and the postmark. For precise identification and authentication, especially for potentially valuable items, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a philatelic expert.
Which catalogs list German Eastern Front stamps?
German Eastern Front stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Michel (especially the Germany specialized catalogs), Scott, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these occupation issues.
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