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Bavarian Stamps

Embossed Arms Issues

1876-1911


After January 1876, all Bavarian stamps of the embossed arms design had their denomination values changed to the currency of the German Empire, that being Pfennig and Marks.

For better chronological presentation, the following sets are presented in Michel Catalog order. The later sets are presented by "paper type" and then by Michel Catalog order.



The ten new stamps of the embossed arms design shown above (Mi. #37-46, Sc. #38-47) were issued between 1876 and 1878.

As with the previous issue, these were all printed on toned paper with the horizontal wavy lines far apart watermark (shown above at top), and they were all perforated 11 1/2.



The eight embossed-arms-type stamps shown above (Mi. #47-53y, Sc. #48-54a) were issued between 1881 and 1900.  The Pfennig denominations were printed on toned paper, and the two 1 Mk. denominations were printed on both toned paper and white paper.  The stamps are watermarked vertical wavy lines close together (shown above at the top).


In 1888, under the new Regency of Prince Luitpold, major changes were made to the Bavarian stamps of the embossed arms designs. The 1888 issues below are presented by paper type, and then by denomination, per Michel catalog order.



The twelve Bavarian stamps of the embossed-arms-type shown above (Mi. #54 // 68, Sc. #58a // 71a) were issued between 1888 and 1900. They are printed on toned paper and are watermarked horizontal wavy lines close together (shown above at the top). They are all perforated 14 1/2.



The three Mark denomination stamps, shown in the scan above (Mi. #64x, #69x-70x, Sc. #55a, #56-57), were issued between 1890 and 1900.  They were printed on toned paper, are watermarked vertical wavy lines close together, and they are perforated 11 1/2.

A two Mark in lilac, on toned paper, was printed around 1890, but it was never officially issued (Mi. #I, Sc. N/L). Though scarce, they are relatively affordable.

The 2 Mk. orange, 3 Mk., and 5 Mk. denomination stamps were printed on white paper with the vertical wavy lines close together watermark between 1901 and 1906. They are much scarcer than the 1890-1900 toned paper varieties (Mi. 64y, #69z-70z, Sc. #55, #56a-57a).



The ten Bavarian stamps shown above (Mi. #56By-57By, #60y-63y, #65y-68y, Sc. #58-71), were issued between 1888 and 1900. They were printed on white paper, are watermarked horizontal wavy lines close together, and they are perforated 14 1/2.



In 1911, the 1 Mk., 2 Mk., 3 Mk., and 5 Mk. denomination stamps were printed on white paper that was watermarked horizontal wavy lines close together. All of them, except the 1 Mk. denomination stamp, are shown in the scan above (Mi. #71-74, Sc. #73-76).

They are inexpensive in mint condition but are relatively scarce used.



In January 1911, the 5 Pf. green denomination was printed on thick, toned paper that was watermarked vertical wavy lines close together. The stamp is shown above (Mi. #75, Sc. #72).



Bavarian stamps that may appear to be imperforate Embossed Arms Types on thick paper, with posthorns at the top instead of numerals, are actually cut-outs from contemporary Bavarian postal stationery. They generally follow the types and colors of the regular postage stamps, but the designs are impressed into stamped envelopes and postal cards.

They are interesting and collectible, but they are not adhesive postage stamps. A 5 Pf. postal card and a 5 Pf. used cut-out are shown above.




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Bavarian Stamps - Embossed Arms Issues - 1876-1911





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