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Schleswig-Holstein Stamps


Schleswig-Holstein comprises the southern part of the Jutland peninsula, where the nation of Denmark is located. The ethnic makeup, in various areas of these territories is both Danish and German. Schleswig and Holstein were two former duchies, long disputed by both Germany and Denmark, and a number of wars have been fought over the territories. The major cities are the ports of Kiel and Lübeck.


Stamp Issues for Holstein


The first stamps for Holstein, shown above (Mi. #1-2, Sc. #1-2), were issued in 1850. The stamps were typographed on white paper with silk security threads, and they featured an embossed coat of arms in the middle.

From 1848 to 1851, the First War of Schleswig was fought between Denmark and Prussia, following a rebellion of ethnic Germans that wanted unification with Prussia. The war ended with a Danish victory, and Denmark gained control of the territory. Between 1851 and 1863, Danish postage stamps were used in the territory.



In 1863, the Second War of Schleswig was fought between Denmark and Prussia, This time, the Prussians, with the aid of the Austrian Empire, were victorious, and the territory reverted to Prussian control.

The new postage stamps shown above (Mi. #5-7, Sc. #15-18) were again issued for Holstein during 1864.

The stamp shown in the top row, at the left (Mi. #5I-5II, Sc. #15-16), has small lettering and comes in two types.  These stamps were lithographed and imperforate.

The stamp shown in the top row, at the right (Mi. #6, Sc. #17), has larger lettering. This stamp was lithographed and imperforate.

The stamp shown in the bottom row (Mi. #7, Sc. #18) was issued a few months after the previous two. Though it has the same denomination, it has a new design. All these stamps were typographed and rouletted 8.



The new stamps shown above (Mi. #19-25, Sc. #19-25) were issued for the Duchy of Holstein between 1865 and 1866.

The denominations in the top row were issued in November of 1865, and they are all rouletted 8.

The denominations in the bottom row were issued between November 1865 and July 1866, and they are all rouletted 7 to 8. There is also another 2 Sch. denomination that goes with the types shown in the bottom row. It is not shown in the image above.


Stamp Issues for Schleswig


The new major-type postage stamps shown above (Mi. #3-4, #8-12, Sc. #8-14) were issued for the Duchy of Schleswig between 1864 and 1865.

The two denominations in the top row were issued in early 1864, and they are rouletted 11 1/2.

The denominations in the middle and bottom rows were issued in November 1865, except for the 1 1/4 Sch. gray lilac, which was issued in June 1867. The 1865 issues are rouletted 11 1/2, and the 1867 issue is rouletted 10.


Issues for Schleswig and Holstein


The stamps shown above (Mi. #8-12, Sc. #3-7)f were issued for Schleswig-Holstein during 1865.

At the beginning of 1868, Schleswig and Holstein joined the North German Confederation, and their stamps were replaced by those of the North German Postal Administration.





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