Wurttemberg Stamps
Numeral Issues - 1869-1900
Between 1869 and 1873, Wurttemberg stamps underwent a transition. The typographic embossing method of production, used for the coat of arms definitive stamps, was found to be very expensive. In 1868 the Government decided to abandon it, in favor of ordinary typographic printing.
The new stamps still
featured a white numeral of value in the middle, but the dimensions of
the stamps were changed to conform to the stamp sizes used by other
Germanic kingdoms of the time.
The six new definitive postage stamps shown above, at the top (Mi. #36-41, Sc. #47-52), were issued between 1869 and 1873. These stamps were typographed and rouletted 10.
With changes in rates, the 18 Kr. denomination stamp was done away
with, and it was replaced by a 14 Kr. denomination stamp, also printed in
orange.
In 1874, the government
purchased and implemented a new perforating machine, having a gauge of
11 1/2 x 11. Some of the 1 Kr. stamp sheets were perforated with this
gauge, before this issue was retired in 1875. This stamp is shown
above, at the bottom (Mi. #43, Sc. #54). Other denominations perforated in this manner are
fraudulent.
At the end of 1874, Wurttemberg changed their currency
from the Kreuzer to the Imperial German Mark (100 Pf. = 1 Mark). Due to this change, all the stamps
denominated in Kreuzer were demonetized and replaced with new stamps
denominated in Pfennigs and Marks.
The seven new definitive postage stamps shown above were issued between 1875 and 1878. The stamps are typographed and perforated 11 1/2 x 11.
The new definitive stamp designs featured the numeric denomination in a circle. Above the circle was the German language abbreviation for "Kingdom of
Wurttemberg Postage", and below the circle was the denomination-name spelled-out.
The catalog attributes are as follows.
- 03 Pf. (1875 - Mi. #44, Sc. #56) - Green.
- 05 Pf. (1875 - Mi. #45, Sc. #58) - Violet.
- 10 Pf. (1875 - Mi. #46, Sc. #60) - Carmine, Rose.
- 20 Pf. (1875 - Mi. #47, Sc. #61) - Ultramarine, Blue.
- 25 Pf. (1875 - Mi. #48, Sc. #62) - Red Brown.
- 50 Pf. (1875 - Mi. #49, Sc. #66) - Gray.
- 50 Pf. (1878 - Mi. #51, Sc. #57) - Gray Green, Olive Green.
The four new high-denomination definitive postage stamps shown above were issued between 1875 and 1883.
The catalog attributes are as follows.
- 02 Mk. (1875 - Mi. #50, Sc. #69) - Yellow, Yellow Orange.
- 02 Mk. (1879 - Mi. #52, Sc. #70) - Vermilion on Buff.
- 02 Mk. (1883 - Mi. #53, Sc. #71) - Orange & Black, Yellow & Black.
- 05 Mk. (1881 - Mi. #54, Sc. #72) - Blue & Black.
The 2 Mk. (Yellow) and the 2 Mk. (Vermilion on Buff) high-denomination Wurttemberg stamps were not sold to the public, but they were affixed to articles by the postal clerks. They had "Unverkauflich" or "not for sale" printed on the backs of them. Mint examples do exist though. Both of these stamps are very scarce, mint or used.
The 5 Mk. denomination stamp was used primarily
for telegraphs, though it was available for postal use.
The eight new definitive Wurttemberg stamps shown above were issued between 1890 and 1900. These stamps feature new denominations and colors.
The catalog attributes are as follows.
- 02 Pf. (1894 - Mi. #60, Sc. #55) - Slate Gray.
- 03 Pf. (1890 - Mi. #55, Sc. #57) - Brown.
- 05 Pf. (1890 - Mi. #56, Sc. #59) - Green, Blue Green.
- 25 Pf. (1890 - Mi. #57, Sc. #63) - Orange.
- 30 Pf. (1900 - Mi. #61, Sc. #64) - Orange & Black.
- 40 Pf. (1900 - Mi. #62, Sc. #65) - Deep Rose & Black.
- 50 Pf. (1890 - Mi. #58, Sc. #68a) - Red Brown.
- 50 Pf. (1890 - Mi. #59, Sc. #68) - Purple Brown.
On April 1, 1902, the regular
letter postage definitive Wurttemberg stamps were replaced by those of the
German Empire. However, the Wurttemberg Official stamps for the
Communal and State authorities continued in use through 1923.
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Wurttemberg Stamps - Numeral Issues - 1869-1900
