German Post Abroad Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Post Abroad (Reichspost) Stamps
German Post Abroad, or *Reichspost*, refers to the postal services established by the German Empire outside its metropolitan borders, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries across Africa, Asia, and the Ottoman Empire. These issues reflect Germany's brief period as a colonial power before World War I, often featuring surcharges on standard German definitive stamps for use in specific overseas territories. Stamps from these offices typically bear German inscriptions, though some colonial issues were bilingual or featured local names. The postal administration ceased following the loss of these territories and the subsequent reorganization of German postal services after the Treaty of Versailles.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa, Southwest Africa, West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1888 – 1919
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- German Mark (ℳ)
- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German Post Abroad (Reichspost) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Post Abroad (Reichspost) Stamp Series
Yacht Issue (Hohenzollern Yacht) (1900-1919)
Definitive stamps featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern', overprinted for various German colonies and post offices abroad.
German Empire Surcharges (1888-1900)
Standard German Empire stamps (e.g., 'Reichsadler' or 'Germania' issues) overprinted with the name of the specific colonial territory or post office and sometimes a new value.
Kiautschou Surcharges (1900-1914)
Stamps specifically issued for the German concession in China, often featuring the Yacht issue with 'Kiautschou' overprints.
German Post Abroad (Reichspost) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific colony/post office, overprint variety, condition, and rarity. Early surcharges and high values from less common offices (e.g., Morocco, Levant) can be quite valuable. Errors and unissued stamps are highly sought after.
How to Identify German Post Abroad (Reichspost) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Post Abroad (Reichspost) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Deutsches Reich' or 'Reichspost' inscriptions on the base stamp.
- 2 Identify overprints indicating the specific colonial territory or post office (e.g., 'Deutsch-Ostafrika', 'Kiautschou', 'Levant', 'Marokko').
- 3 Note the design of the base stamp, often Germania or the Hohenzollern Yacht.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Post Abroad stamps?
German Post Abroad stamps refer to the postal issues used by the German Empire in its overseas colonies and post offices in foreign countries (like the Ottoman Empire and China) from the late 19th century until the end of World War I. These were typically standard German stamps overprinted with the name of the territory or a new denomination.
Are German Post Abroad stamps valuable?
Yes, many German Post Abroad stamps can be quite valuable, especially early surcharge issues, high denominations, and stamps from less common offices or with rare overprint varieties. The 'Yacht' issue overprinted for specific colonies is also popular. Common examples might be worth a few euros, while rare items can fetch thousands.
How can I identify German Post Abroad stamps?
To identify German Post Abroad stamps, look for the 'Deutsches Reich' or 'Reichspost' inscription on the base stamp, combined with an overprint indicating the specific colonial territory or foreign post office (e.g., 'Deutsch-Ostafrika', 'Kiautschou', 'Levant'). Using a stamp identifier app can help quickly identify the specific issue and its details.
Which catalogs list German Post Abroad stamps?
German Post Abroad stamps are extensively listed in major stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (often in a dedicated section for colonies and foreign post offices), the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Germany and its colonies), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (though some are listed under Germany).
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