Are you a stamp collector interested in Polish and/or WW1 and WW2 history? If so, you may want to add Poland occupation stamps to your collection. These stamps are unique and rare due to their historical significance, as Poland was occupied by German and Austrian forces in World War I, and again by Germany in World War II.
Poland occupation stamps from WWI
In the late 18th century, Poland was partitioned by its neighboring countries, Russia, Prussia, and Austria. As a result, Poland ceased to exist as an independent country for over a century. In 1914, World War I broke out, and by 1915, Germany and Austria-Hungary had invaded Russia from the west, occupying large parts of the country.
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During this time, the Germans took control of the northern part of the Russian-controlled Poland, including the capital city of Warsaw. The German forces then established a civil administration in the occupied territories, which they called the General Government of Warsaw. This administration was headed by a governor general, who was responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that the occupied territories were economically and politically integrated with Germany.
To establish their authority in the occupied territories, the Germans used various methods, including imposing their own laws, taking control of industries, and setting up a new administrative structure. The use of German stamps with overprints was one way of establishing control over the postal system. Poland occupation stamps this were an important means of communication and transportation in the early 20th century.
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Poland occupation stamps after WWI
The German occupation of northern Poland continued until the end of World War I in 1918. After the war, Poland regained its independence, and the German administration in the General Government of Warsaw was dissolved. However, the impact of the occupation and the subsequent World War II had lasting effects on the country, and many of the stamps and other artifacts from this period continue to be valued by collectors as reminders of Poland’s tumultuous history.
During World War I, Austria occupied the southern part of Poland and used its own stamps with no overprints. In the south, German overprints read ‘Russische-Polen’ and then ‘Gen.-Gouv. Warschau’. German overprints are in the Fraktur typeface, which adds to their distinctiveness.
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In 1918, after the occupation ended, the city of Lublin overprinted leftover Austrian K UND K stamps without authority. These rare stamps are highly sought after by collectors.
Poland occupation stamps from WWII
During World War II, Hitler’s Germany invaded Poland and began using German stamps with overprints, before switching to stamps specifically designed for use in Poland. These stamps featured Hitler’s face and were inscribed with GENERALGOUVERNEMENT. They were used until the end of the war in 1945.
If you’re interested in adding these stamps to your collection, you can find them at stamp fairs, online auctions, or from reputable dealers. Make sure to do your research and only purchase from trusted sources to avoid counterfeit or fake stamps.
