Postage Stamps of German Ship Mail
German ship mail refers to the postal services provided by German ships operating between Germany and its colonies, as well as other international destinations. These services were crucial for communication in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key Features
- Maritime Routes: Stamps were used on ships traveling along major maritime routes connecting Germany to its colonies and other nations.
- Designs: Stamps were typically overprints on regular German or colonial stamps, indicating maritime use or specific routes.
- Postmarks: Special maritime postmarks were often applied, indicating the ship’s name or route.
Overview
Stamps and covers from German ship mail are highly collectible, especially those with rare postmarks or from specific routes. They are valued for their historical context and the role they played in global communication during the German colonial period.