January 25, 2024
Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941)
Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941) - Description
Alsace is a region in eastern France located between Germany and the Vosges mountains of France. During World War II, Alsace was under German occupation. Consequently, Germany issued stamps in Alsace between 1940 and 1941. The stamps feature the overprint “Elsaß” on original German Third Reich stamps.
Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941) - History
Between the 17th and mid-20th centuries, the region of Alsace changed hands between France and Germany multiple times, beginning with the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. The area remained under German control until Germany’s defeat in World War I.
During the Second World War, Germany occupied Alsace. The region was administered as part of the Gau Baden–Alsace (Gau Baden-Elsaß in German) district. In 1940, Germany began to issue provisional stamps for military and public use. The occupational authorities overprinted “Elsaß,” the German name of the region, on sixteen of President Paul von Hindenburg’s definitive issues of 1933 to 1936. Originally, the design of the stamps was based on the Hindenburg medallion, created by medalist Karl Xaver Goetz. The provisional stamps of Alsace were sold on August 15, 1940.
The overprints were valid as postage until December 31, 1941. On January 1, 1942, definitive postage stamps of the Third Reich were issued for use in Alsace. These monochromatic stamps feature a right-facing profile of Adolf Hitler ranging in values from 1 pfennig to 3 marks.
In December 1944, Alsace was freed by the Allied forces. The territory was returned to France in 1945, and German provisional postage was discontinued.
What is the Value of your Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941)? View more in our Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941) Price Guide.
Alsace German Occupation Stamps In Price Guide
Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941) - Identification & Value
The provisional Alsace issue consists of sixteen stamps featuring the overprint “Elsaß” in black German Fraktur font just above the title “Deutsches Reich.” The original set ranges in value from 3 pfennigs to 100 pfennigs. The design features Paul von Hindenburg, the second president of the Weimar Republic. The lower denominations, from 3 pfennigs to 40 pfennigs, are monochromatic. The higher values of 50 pfennigs, 60 pfennigs, 80 pfennigs, and 100 pfennigs, are bi-colored.
All stamps of this issue are printed on swastika (Hakenkreuz) watermarked paper. While most of the values are printed on upward watermarked paper, a few denominations exist with sideways watermarks. The stamps have a perforation gauge of 14.
Find the Value of your Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941). WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. Explore over 425 Million “sold for” prices with item details and images.
stamps In Library
Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941) - Marks
The stamps of Alsace under German occupation are identified by their characteristic overprints, designs, and watermarks. Additionally, they are marked by the country of issuance. Collectors can best authenticate stamps using a detailed, trustworthy provenance.
Identify your Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941) Marks.
Further Reading on Alsace (German Occupation) Stamps (1940 – 1941)
Books and Periodicals
European Stamp Issues of the Second World War by David Parker.
Guide to Stamp Collecting by Janet Klug.
Web Resources
Alsace (Elsaß) www.germanstamps.net.
Alsace, German Occupation in WW2 (1940 – 1944) www.dcstamps.com.
German Occupation Alsace (Elsaß) www.stamp-collecting-world.com.