In World War II, while Adolf Hitler‘s Germany was occupying Poland, the Polish government was exiled in Great Britain. The Polish government in exile issued some postage stamps for use on its ships. Polish exile stamps were inscribed POCZTA POLSKA. Collectors of Poland stamps in general, and of the endless types of WWII stamps, need some Polish government in exile stamps to complete their collection.
Polish exile stamps look like regular Polish stamps except for the fact that each is designed around a war theme. Tanks, soldiers, the ruins of buildings and cities, and others are the downer designs. The postage stamps were issued between 1941 and 1944. Collectors may look for a complete set of all stamps issued – say, one from each year. But there are other items that may be of interest to you as well.
See also: Albania Stamps: Collecting a Twisted History of Names
Stamps Related to Polish Exile Stamps
Also of note to anyone looking for Polish government in exile stamps is an issue from later in the War. In 1945, there was a semi-postal stamp issued by the exiled Polish government. This semi-postal honored the Warszaw Uprising of 1944. Owning one of these fascinating pieces, from a fraught time and honoring one of the War’s key moments, means owning a real, tangible piece of history.
Finding Polish exile stamps and related collectibles (like, say, envelopes with canceled exile stamps that were actually used) can be done best online. A multitude of sellers from all over the world continually update their sales listings as old stamps are purchased and new ones are offered. Watch the listings and be sure you’re getting a good deal. Find listings with good close-up scans of the stamp(s) you’re thinking of buying and make sure there is a money back guarantee and fair shipping policies.
Austria rare stamps for philatelists and other buyers
Note that a seller who has one of more Polish exile postage stamps for sale may also have other items of interest. Check his or her other offers and try to save on shipping costs as you build your own collection!
