The year 1919 was a significant period for philatelists interested in the stamps of the German state of Württemberg, as it marked the issuance of unique and valuable postal artifacts. Württemberg, once an independent kingdom that became a member state of the German Empire, issued a series of rare stamps post-World War I that have become treasured items for collectors today.
One of the most notable examples is the 35 Pfennig "Dienstmarken Für Staatsbehörden" (Service Stamps for State Authorities). This postfris (mint, never hinged) stamp is highly valued not only for its pristine condition but also for its historical context. Issued for official use by government departments during a period of significant political change, it symbolizes the transitional state of Württemberg as it shifted from a monarchy to a republic within a newly fragmented Germany. These service stamps are rare finds, especially in mint condition, as they were primarily used for official correspondence and fewer specimens survived in unused form.
Equally remarkable is the “Volksstaat Württemberg” series, which reflects the political evolution of the region into the Free People’s State of Württemberg following the upheavals of the German Revolution of 1918-1919. The 1 Mark blue stamp from this series stands out for its bold design and historical value. Bearing the "Volksstaat Württemberg" inscription, this stamp captures a moment when Württemberg rebranded itself as a republic, a shift evident in both its political and cultural outputs.
Another gem from this era is the 6 Kreuzer blue-and-white stamp, also marked "Volksstaat Württemberg." Although this denomination harks back to the earlier currency of Kreuzer, its use in 1919 symbolizes continuity amid transition. Collectors value this stamp not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its representation of a state straddling old and new identities, juxtaposing traditional and modern values.
These stamps, especially when preserved postfris, are esteemed for their scarcity and the insight they offer into the socio-political landscape of post-WWI Germany. They are coveted not only for their beauty and craftsmanship but also for the stories they tell of Württemberg’s passage from imperial heritage to republican existence. The combination of rarity, historical context, and pristine condition makes them highly sought after in the world of philately, and they continue to capture the fascination of collectors and historians alike.
