Postage Stamps from Kiautschou

Kiautschou (Jiaozhou), a German leased territory in China from 1898 to 1914, has a fascinating philatelic history. Here is an overview of the postage stamps from Kiautschou:

Historical Context

• German Lease (1898-1914):
  Kiautschou Bay was leased to Germany by China in 1898, and the town of Tsingtau (Qingdao) became the administrative center. The area was developed as a major naval base and commercial port.
• End of German Administration:
  During World War I, Japan captured the territory in 1914, ending the German administration.

Early Issues

• First Stamps (1901):
  The first stamps of Kiautschou were issued in 1901. These stamps were overprints on German stamps of the “Germania” series, featuring the word “Kiautschou.”

Key Series and Designs

• Yacht” Series (1905-1914):
  One of the most iconic series from Kiautschou is the “Yacht” series, issued between 1905 and 1914. These stamps featured the German Emperor’s yacht, the “Hohenzollern,” and were used across Germany’s colonies. The designs were intricate and are highly valued by collectors. The stamps were printed in two types: low values (3 to 50 pfennigs) and high values (1 to 5 marks).

Themes and Characteristics

• Overprints:
  Initial issues were overprints on German stamps, a common practice for colonial territories. The overprint read “Kiautschou” and was applied to various denominations of the “Germania” series.
• Bilingual Issues:
  Some stamps included bilingual inscriptions in both German and Chinese, reflecting the administrative structure and the local population.
• Postal History:
  The stamps of Kiautschou also provide insights into the postal routes and services established by the German administration. Postal history enthusiasts often seek covers and postal documents from this period.

Collecting Kiautschou Stamps

• Rarity and Value:
  Stamps from Kiautschou are considered quite valuable, especially the higher denominations of the “Yacht” series and well-preserved covers.
• Philatelic Societies and Resources:
  Joining philatelic societies and utilizing specialized catalogs like the Michel or Scott catalogues can help collectors identify and value Kiautschou stamps accurately.
• Auction Houses and Dealers:
  Reputable auction houses and stamp dealers often have Kiautschou stamps in their collections, providing opportunities for acquisition.

Online Resources

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Overview

The postage stamps of Kiautschou offer a unique glimpse into a short-lived but historically significant period of German colonial activity in China. The combination of overprinted German stamps and the distinctive “Yacht” series makes Kiautschou an intriguing area for philatelic collection and study. Whether you’re interested in the historical context, the intricate designs, or the postal history, Kiautschou stamps are a valuable and captivating aspect of philately.