Postage stamps and postal history of Baden

The postage stamps and postal history of Baden refers to the postal history and postage stamps of the German state of Baden from 1851 to 1871.

Pre-stamps period

The dukes of Thurn und Taxis had great influence on Baden's postal development. From 1718 to 1811 they established their own postal system and took over the postal organisation. It was 1811 before the postal administration changed hands to Baden's authority with the "Zessionsvertrag" (Assignment Treaty) of Thurn und Taxis. The postal system developed and on May 1, 1851 Baden joined the German-Austrian Postal Union. On the same day Baden's first stamps were issued.

tamp issues

First stamps

On May 1, 1851 the first definitive stamps à 1, 3, 6, and 9 Kreuzer were issued in the Grand Duchy of Baden. With these denominations all important postage tariffs were covered in both distance and weight. Baden's first four stamps were designed on the model of Bavaria's stamps. They are cipher designs highlighting the postage denomination. Additionally they have the inscription "Baden" and "Freimarke" (definitive stamp) as well as "Deutsch-Österreichischer-Postverein / Vertrag 6. April 1850" (German-Austrian Postal Union / Treaty April 6, 1850) to emphasise joining the postal union.

9 Kreuzer green

Philatelists refer to the colour misprint of the 9 Kreuzer value of the first stamp issue in cyan instead of pink as "9 Kreuzer error". Green ink was intended for the 6 Kreuzer value. Only three cancelled copies of this misprint are known, two of which are on letters. The error is one of the greatest philatelic rarities of the world valued at several millions euros.

Further stamp issues

Until 1871 Baden issued 28 different stamps. Following the cipher design of the first issue, the Baden's coat of arms was prominent in the next issue. While the first issues were imperforate, in 1860 the first perforated stamps were issued, but the execution of the perforation was inadequate.fact|date=August 2008

"Landpost"

The "Landpost" postage due stamps are a special area in Baden's postal history. The three values of 1, 3, and 12 Kreuzer were issued on October 1, 1862. These stamps were not given to postal customers during their valid period and could not be used as definitive stamps.

With these stamps additional delivery charges to addresses in rural villages, not served by a local post office, were paid. The sender could chose to pre-pay the charge. The "Landpost" stamps were not regular "Postage Due" stamps, although their use as such, and for other charges, is also known. They should have been stuck on the reverse, but are often seen on the front.

Forgeries

Forgeries are known of a number of Baden stamps. If the 1853 1 Kreuzer stamp is immersed in tea for a long time the paper colour appears like that of the 1951 1 Kreuzer issue which increases its value tenfold, however the shade is a not as saturated as an original. When the stamp is dipped into warm water the staining of the falsified stamp dissolves and the water darkens.fact|date=August 2008 The 3 Kreuzer stamp is endangered too. The 1862 stamp, perforated 13½, with unusual narrow margin or especially nice perforation, can be made from the stamp perforated 10, to increase its value significantly. Both stamps need to be the same size. Forgeries of the 18 Kreuzer stamp are fairly primitive; the characters are different and can be clearly distinguished by comparing it to other stamps of the series. The 30 Kreuzer stamp occasionally has a forged cancellation. In this case only an inspector can help.

The Landpost stamps often are uncancelled total forgeries, but the leaf that points towards the value number is not well accomplished and can be identified through comparison and the paper is browner.

Joining the German Reich

By December 31, 1871 the postal system of Baden was handed over to the German Reichspost and since then the postal history of Baden is part of the German Reich. Baden's stamps could only be used until the end of 1871, but Baden stamps could be exchanged for stamps of the German Reich until February 25, 1872.

Literature

* B. E. Crole: "Geschichte der Deutschen Post". 2nd edition. Publishing house W. Malende in Leipzig, Leipzig 1889. The author is Bruno Emil König from Berlin.
* K. Schwarz (Postrat): "Zeittafel zur deutschen Postgeschichte". R.V.Deckers Verlag, Berlin 1935, vol. 22 "Post- und Telegraphie in Wissenschaft und Praxis".
* "Handwörterbuch des Postwesens". Frankfurt a. M. 1953, ASIN B0000BJ291