When it comes to collecting stamps that were produced during the second world war, many collectors gravitate towards what are known as “Third Reich Stamps.” These are stamps that were produced in Germany from a period between 1933 and 1945, when the Third Reich was in power in that country. If you are interested in collecting war memorabilia, or you are just looking for rare stamps to collect, these are certainly valuable in many cases.

To determine whether or not you have an authentic Third Reich stamp on your hands, there are a few things that you should pay attention to.

1. The Colors

Most Third Reich stamps are either green, red or brown. The backgrounds of the stamps will have the most color, while the designs are usually white or simply not colored at all. This creates a contrast effect and provides a backdrop for the artwork that is used. Many other countries used the opposite effect, where the background of the stamp was pale in color and the designs featured color, but Third Reich Stamps are usually different.

2. The Designs

This is where there is a lot of variation. Some Third Reich stamps will feature Hitler or prominent people from the Third Reich, while others will have sometimes strange designs that depict Egyptian figures. Other designs from this time period also feature soldiers, and as the country deteriorated into war, symbols such as the swastika were used in greater numbers. You can actually track the war through the stamps that were issued, and see where the country was headed during this time.

3. The Commemoration

Many Third Reich Stamps were issued in commemoration of certain events and these are probably the most popular. They will typically contain the anniversary of a date that was important to leaders within the Third Reich, or of specific victories. These are typically the kinds of stamps that are collected by those that have a specific interest in the war with Germany during this time.

If you find a Third Reich stamp and you are wondering whether or not it is legitimate, pay attention to the colors that were used and rely on the above tips to help you determine whether or not it is authentic. Always look for stamps that are in good condition, have never been used, or still contain the original adhesive. These are the most valuable, in addition to the ones with specific dates.

You may also want to get an appraisal or have an expert examine a Third Reich stamp before you buy it. There are counterfeit stamps running around, and you may end up wasting your money if you are not careful and go through the authentication process. If you are buying a stamp at auction, the organizers or seller will usually provide you with additional information about the history of the stamp as well as its value. You can use these figures to help you determine whether or not this is a stamp that should be added to your collection.

Originally posted 2008-09-03 05:00:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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