issued March 14th,1968 The Sorben (Sorbs) are slavonic people,living in the east of Germany in Saxony and Brandenburg.They have their own slavonic language and culture. They number roughly 60.000 people. The stamps are inscribed bi-lingual,German and Sorbic.
19th century parade-costumes of miners and metal-workers from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) in Saxony.
This set,shown by James in post # 9 was printed by photo-print in blocs of 4,perforated 12.5 x 13. The set was also printed by litho-print,in sheets of 50,perf.14. Except of the obvious different prints,there are also some small colour-differences. Both versions issued Feb.4th,1986.
Post-deliverers´uniforms,issued Oct.27th,1949; from a set of 2; I wonder,wether there is a female analogy to the "post-man" ?
Soldier of the "National People´s Army" of the GDR. Issued Nov.7th,1958 in commemoration of the proclamation of the Republic of Germany on Nov.9th,1918. The stamp was sold one day only and then declared invalid. However from Nov.11th till 21st it could be used for postage again. Of the print of 1.5 millions,726.000 were sold on the day of issue,Nov.7th. On demand it was possible to exchange the stamps for valid other postage stamps. I guess nobody took advantage of this offer for exchange !
The "Jungen Pioniere" (Young Pioneers) was the communist youth organization of the GDR for the 7 - 14 years old. The uniform,- here shown are the girls- ,was only worn on big occasions. The organization was similar to scouting,however in the communist spirit.Membership was not obligatory,but when the DDR ended in 1989, 98 % of all children were members. Stamp issued Dec.3rd,1968,celebrating the 20th anniversary of the "Jungen Pioniere". (from a set of 2)
(stamp IV of 4) Two stamps were issued again as booklet stamps on Nov.23rd,1971. The booklet stamp´s design measure 23 x 28 mm,while the stamps of the set are 32,5 x 41,5 mm. The booklet contains two panes a) 4 x 10 Pfg & b) 2 x 10 + 2 x 20 Pfg. Ten millions booklets were printed,so the 10 Pfg.has a print of 60 millions.Quite a lot for a country of 17 millions !
Three different uniforms on this s.s.,issued Sept.11,1973. background: "Rotfrontkämpfer" armed fighters of the Communist Party of Germany.Established in 1924,banned in 1929. middle: International Brigades (Spanish Civil-War) front: "Kampfgruppen",a near military force to secure factories, railways etc. within the GDR.
Austria issued a long definitive set from 1949 to 1952,with reprints in 1957 ,of provincial costumes.Here are a few with different postmarks.
