Description
On offer here is a set of 35 unused never hinged, never postmarked French Occupation Zone stamps from postwar Germany (1945). All are unused & in fantastic condition, as the photos show. French Zone General Issues - 1945-1946 The French zone of occupation was not initially allocated by the victorious Allies following the end of World War II. This was done in consideration of the historical animosity between the French & Germans. With the urging of Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces, & in appreciation of the important role the French underground played in the defeat of Germany, the British & American forces ceded small portions of their occupation zones to France. This resulted in the French occupation zone, consisting of two non-contiguous areas along the German border with France. The capital of the French Military Government was Baden-Baden. The list of stamps includes; 1) 12x 1 Pfennig Zone Francaise Briefpost stamps, serrated. 2) 3x 3 Pfennig Zone Francaise Briefpost stamps, serrated. 3) 5x 5 Pfennig Zone Francaise Briefpost stamps, serrated. 4) 6x 8 Pfennig Zone Francaise Briefpost stamps, serrated. 5) 9x 12 Pfennig Zone Francaise Briefpost stamps, serrated. The stamps were issued between December 1945 & April 1946 for general usage throughout the French occupation zone. Though the stamps were denominated in German currency, they all have the "appearance" of similar contemporary French postage stamps of the era. These general issues were valid for postage until June 1948, though in 1947, each of the German states within the French occupation zone began issuing their own postage stamps. The Pfennig denominations pictured the coats of arms of Rheinland, Pfalz, Wurttemberg, Baden, & the Saar Protectorate. They were typographed on unwatermarked paper & were perforated 14 x 13 1/2. With this type of production, there are many printing & color errors in this series. The Pfennig values of this set were printed in sheets of 100, with a gutter between the two panes of 50 stamps. Material: Paper, 35 stamps mixed denominations Dimensions: 2 cm x 2.5 cm Years Made: 1945 Condition: Most are MINT all are unused, never hinged. Never been postmarked. See photos for details. Set 35x French Stamps Occupation Zone Francaise Germany France New Luxe Mnh 1945, Philately, Stamp Collecting
