The Stamp Clan.

Southland Times, Issue 19500, 14 March 1925, Page 19

The Stamp Clan.

(By

Cousin Phil).

The division of European States alter the war was responsible for a number of new stamp-issuing countries, and some of the earlier issues have become very valuable. To the young collector some of the stamps are hard to place, and unless the album has been printed since 1922 there are not spaces for the new countries. I will try to help you to identify the new ones. Jugo-Slavia was originally a part of Hungary and the first stamps used were those of Hungary surcharged “SJI.S.” And all Hungarian stamps so surcharged should be placed in the Jugo-Slavia section. In 1919 the first issue of Jugo-Slavia stamps was made, and the lower value type is referred to as the “Chain Breaker.” It shows a man, representing the Jugo-Slavs, breaking the chain of bondage. In 1920 a somewhat similar issue was made and is easily recognised by the word “Drgavna Posta.” In 1921 a new currency was issued 100 paras—l dinar. In 1921 a permanent issue was made, and the stamps were printed by the American Bank Note Co. and on fine specimens of philatelic art. The design is good and clear, and the colours beautiful. This issue was used throughout Jugo-Slavia and Serbia. Since 1923 the stamps have been printed in England, but they are still the same design. Czecho-Slovakia was part of Austria and issued its first stamp in 1918, and they were issued both imperf. and perf. They are easy to pick, as they all have the words “Czecho-Slovenska” in the design. Danzig was a part of Germany and the first issue of stamps was made in 1920. The current stamps of Germany were surcharged “Danzig” in 1921, the permanent issue was made, and since then there has been a big variety of issues, mostly charity stamps. The prices of the Danzig stamps have risen very much this last few months.

The Air Post stamp is well worth buying. Esthonia was proclaimed a Republic in 1918, and the stamps are all inscribed “Essti Post” and the values are in penni and mark, 100 penni—l mark. Fiume stamps were first issued in 1918 and current Hungarian stamps survharged “Fiume” were used, and new issues have constantly been appearing. Some were issued for charity, and some to help the student of Fiume to study in Italy. Georgia first issued stamps in 1919, and some of the values are worth a considerable amount now. Bavaria became a Free State in 1919, and German stamps surcharged “Freistaat Bayorn” should be placed with the Bavarian stamps. In 1920 this was made and later this was surchanged “Deutches Reich” for use throughout Germany. No more stamps will be issued for Bavaria. Lithuania first used stamps in 1918 which were type set; but there are so many forgeries in circulation that it is hardly safe to buy them. A permanent issue was made in 1919. The stamps are all inscribed “Lituva.” Memel, first issue 1920. Stamps of France surcharged “Memel,” followed by German stamps, over-printed “Memel Gebeit.” Poland had a small issue of stamps in 1860, but later used Russian. In December, 1918, the Germans surcharged German stamp “Pocyta Polska.” The Austria Military Post also did the same. In 1919 the current Austrian stamps were surcharged in the same way. The permanent issue was made in 1919, and was issued imperf. and perf. Numerous issues have been made since, both charity and commemorative. Saar was occupied Ly the French in 1920 and the German stamps were surcharged “Saar.” Bavarian stamps were also surchanged “Saar.” In 1921 a very fine pictorial set was issued, depicting the industries of the Saar mining, etc. Syria (French occupation) French stamps surcharged in 1919 “T.E.0.” later in 1920 surcharged “0.M.F.” “SYRIE” in two lines. UKRAINE: —The first issues were made in 1918, when Russian stamps were over--1 printed with a “Triden” device,” in various colours and sizes. There are over 800 varieties of this first emission. In 1921 a pictorial set was issued. Stamps of the Ukraine are easily identified, as a Trident forms part of the design of every stamp.