Koltchak Army Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Koltchak Army Stamps
The Kolchak Army, representing the anti-Bolshevik White Movement, operated primarily across Siberia and the Russian Far East during the Russian Civil War, making its postal history geographically diffuse across Eastern Europe and North Asia. These provisional issues, often overprinted on existing Russian Imperial or provisional stamps, reflect a period of extreme political fragmentation following the collapse of the Tsarist regime. The stamps predominantly feature the Russian language, utilizing the Cyrillic script, and document a brief, tumultuous period of governance that ended with the defeat of the White forces by 1922. This ephemeral postal system ceased operations as Soviet authority was established across the region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1919
- Languages:
- Russian
- Currency:
- RUB
- Parent issuer:
- Russia
Stamp Catalogs
Koltchak Army stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Koltchak Army Stamp Series
Siberian Provisional Issues (1919)
Overprinted stamps of Imperial Russia or Provisional Government issues, often with 'Siberia' or 'Kolchak' inscriptions.
Vladivostok Issues (1919)
Stamps issued under Kolchak's authority in the Far Eastern regions, sometimes featuring local overprints.
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Koltchak Army Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies greatly depending on the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity of the provisional issue. Forgeries are common, especially of the more valuable overprints.
How to Identify Koltchak Army Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Koltchak Army stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints on Russian Imperial or Provisional Government stamps, often in Cyrillic script, indicating 'Siberia' or specific local authorities under Kolchak's control.
- 2 Examine the base stamp for its original design and watermarks to confirm it's a genuine Russian issue.
- 3 Be wary of common forgeries; expertization is often recommended for higher-value items.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Koltchak Army stamps?
Koltchak Army stamps are provisional issues released during the Russian Civil War (1917-1922) by the anti-Bolshevik White Movement forces under Admiral Alexander Kolchak. These stamps were primarily overprints on existing Russian Imperial or Provisional Government stamps, used in territories controlled by Kolchak's forces, mainly across Siberia and the Russian Far East.
Are Koltchak Army stamps valuable?
The value of Koltchak Army stamps varies significantly. Common overprints on readily available base stamps might be worth a few dollars, while rare overprints, specific varieties, or stamps used in certain localities can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition and authenticity are crucial factors, as forgeries are prevalent.
How can I identify Koltchak Army stamps?
To identify Koltchak Army stamps, look for overprints, typically in Cyrillic, on Russian Imperial or Provisional Government stamps. These overprints often indicate the issuing authority or region, such as 'Siberia' or specific cities under Kolchak's control. Comparing your stamp to catalog images and consulting with a philatelic expert or using a stamp identifier app can help confirm its authenticity and specific variety.
Which catalogs list Koltchak Army stamps?
Koltchak Army stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott (under Russia, Civil War Issues), Michel (under Russland, Bürgerkriegsausgaben), and Stanley Gibbons (under Russia, Civil War Issues). Specialized catalogs focusing on Russian philately will provide even more detailed listings and varieties.
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