German Postage Stamps Under Allied Occupation
Historical Context
After World War II, Germany was divided into occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. Each zone issued its own postage stamps.
Key Features
- Overprints and New Designs:
- Initial issues often used overprinted existing German stamps.
- Later issues included new designs featuring local themes or allied authorities.
- Zones:
- American and British Zones: Known as the “Bizone” after merging.
- French Zone: Issued separate stamps for its region.
- Soviet Zone: Issued stamps that later became part of East Germany’s postal system.
- Berlin:
- Special issues for Berlin, which was jointly administered but physically within the Soviet zone.
Collectibility
These stamps are valued for their historical significance, reflecting the immediate post-war period and the beginning of the Cold War. Collectors often focus on specific zones, overprints, and issues, especially those with unique designs or limited production.