The postage stamps of the former German state of Braunschweig, issued between 1861 and 1865, are highly valued by philatelists and historians alike for their rarity, beauty, and historical significance. Braunschweig, located in what is now Lower Saxony, was a duchy within the German Confederation, and its stamps offer a glimpse into the period's postal history before German unification.

Braunschweig’s first stamp series, issued in 1861, featured the ducal coat of arms, a horse (known as the Braunschweiger roß) leaping forward on a shield. These stamps, like other regional German issues of the time, reflected local pride and heraldic traditions. The intricate design was printed on small, square stamps, giving them a distinctive look compared to the rectangular stamps of other countries. The use of bold colors, such as shades of green, blue, and red, further distinguished these stamps.

The period of 1861-1865 was short but pivotal, as Braunschweig was preparing for its eventual integration into the North German Confederation in 1866, which would later become part of the German Empire. Stamps from Braunschweig during this era were issued in limited quantities, which adds to their scarcity today. Furthermore, these stamps are often associated with the unique postal rates and regulations of the duchy, including postage fees calculated by weight and distance, which makes them a subject of special interest for postal historians.

Braunschweig stamps from this period are not only valuable for their scarcity but also for their condition. Mint-condition stamps, particularly those that were never used and still retain their original gum, are extremely rare and can fetch significant sums at auctions. Collectors also prize stamps with clear and well-preserved postmarks, especially those from smaller towns or outposts in Braunschweig.

Today, Braunschweig stamps from 1861 to 1865 are sought after for their artistic merit, rarity, and the fascinating historical context they represent—a time when Germany was still a patchwork of independent states, each with its own postal service and identity.