Postage Stamps of German Occupation (1914-1918)
During World War I, Germany occupied several territories and issued postage stamps in these regions. These stamps are categorized into different occupation issues based on the regions:
- Belgium:
- Overprinted Belgian stamps with “Deutsch-occupied Gebiet” (German Occupied Territory) or “Belgien.”
- Northern France:
- Stamps were overprinted with “Belgien” or “Belgique.”
- Eastern Europe:
- Various overprints on local stamps, including regions like Lithuania, Courland, and the Ober Ost area (Eastern Command).
- Romania:
- Overprinted Romanian stamps with “M.V.i.R.” (Militärverwaltung in Rumänien) indicating military administration.
Key Features
- Overprints:
- The main feature of these stamps is the overprint on existing stamps of the occupied territories.
- Designs:
- Basic designs of the original stamps with additional overprint text or symbols indicating German control.
- Denominations:
- Retained the original denominations but included overprints.
Collectibility
Stamps from the German occupation period are highly collectible due to their historical context and the variety of overprints. They reflect the geopolitical changes during World War I and are sought after for their rarity and historical significance. Collectors value covers and stamps with clear postmarks from the occupied regions.