1872 – The Stamps of the German Empire: A Historical and Philatelic Perspective

The unification of Germany in 1871 marked a significant milestone in European history. Under the leadership of Emperor Wilhelm I, the German Empire emerged as a powerful entity, bringing together various states under a single administration. One of the most profound changes following unification was the establishment of a standardized postal system, reflected in the issuance of the 1872 Eagle with Small Shield stamps. These stamps remain some of the most historically significant and highly valued items in philately.

This article explores the history of Emperor Wilhelm I, the evolution of the German postal system, and a detailed examination of the 1872 German Empire stamps, including their variations, market valuations, and known forgeries.

Emperor Wilhelm I and the Birth of the German Empire

Wilhelm I served as King of Prussia from 1861 and later became the first Emperor of Germany in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War. His reign saw the consolidation of German states into a unified empire under the leadership of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. This unification led to major advancements in infrastructure, governance, and the military, including the development of a centralized postal system to facilitate efficient communication across the new empire.

The Role of the Imperial Printing Office

Before the establishment of a centralized postal authority, Germany’s postal system was fragmented, with different states issuing their own stamps. Until May 1879, the Prussian State Printing Office was responsible for printing German postage stamps. However, from that date onward, the Reichsdruckerei (Imperial Printing Office) took over, ensuring uniformity and high standards in stamp production.

The 1872 German Empire Stamp Issues

The Eagle with Small Shield stamps were the first issued by the German Empire. These stamps featured a background and inscriptions designed by H. G. Schilling, with the Imperial Eagle embossed in colourless relief. The stamps were initially issued for districts using thaler currency, followed by stamps denominated in gulden currency.

(a) Issues for Districts Using Thaler Currency

1. ¼ Groschen Violet
   • Market Price: £375 (unused), £160 (used)
   • Description: A relatively rare issue due to its lower denomination.
2. ⅓ Groschen Yellow-Green
   • Market Price: £800 (unused), £65 (used)
   • Imperforate Variation: No known market value (likely a proof or trial printing).
3. ½ Groschen Orange-Vermilion
   • Market Price: £1800 (unused), £70 (used)
   • Description: A highly sought-after variation in the vermilion shade.
4. ½ Groschen Orange-Yellow (4.1872)
   • Market Price: £1900 (unused), £80 (used)
   • Description: A similar variation to the vermilion but in a distinct yellow shade.
5. 1 Groschen Rose-Carmine
   • Market Price: £500 (unused), £14 (used)
   • Bisected (on cover): Market Price £88,000
   • Description: One of the most valuable German bisected stamps, found on cover.
6. 2 Groschen Blue
   • Market Price: £2750 (unused), £25-£00 (used)
   • Imperforate Variation: Market Price £15,000
   • Description: A beautiful deep blue stamp highly prized in imperforate form.
7. 5 Groschen Bistre
   • Market Price: £1500 (unused), £150 (used)
   • Imperforate Variation: Market Price £18,000
   • Description: The highest denomination in the thaler currency series.

(b) Issues for Districts Using Gulden Currency

8. 1 Kreuzer Yellow-Green
   • Market Price: £1100 (unused), £90 (used)
   • Description: A distinctive yellow-green stamp, reflecting the currency shift.
9. 2 Kreuzer Orange-Vermilion
   • Market Price: £1100 (unused), £500 (used)
   • Description: A vibrant orange-vermillion variation with significant collector interest.
10. 2 Kreuzer Orange-Yellow (4.1872)

• Market Price: £70 (unused), £325 (used)
• Description: A yellow variation that commands relatively moderate value.

11. 3 Kreuzer Rose-Carmine

• Market Price: £3000 (unused), £25(used)
• Description: A highly valuable issue in mint condition.

12. 7 Kreuzer Blue

• Market Price: £4000 (unused), £150(used)
• Description: One of the rarest and most expensive of the gulden currency series.

13. 18 Kreuzer Bistre

• Market Price: £800 (unused), £650 (used)
• Description: A large denomination issue highly valued by collectors.

Forgery Concerns: Identifying Fake Issues

Some of the most notorious forgeries in German philately involve these early Eagle with Small Shield stamps. Collectors should be especially cautious of:

• Stamps with embossed eagles inverted, which are all forgeries.
• Overprinted variations, which often indicate reprints or manipulated copies.
• Imperforate versions, as many could be proofs or trial printings rather than official issues.

Conclusion

The 1872 Eagle with Small Shield stamps represent a defining moment in German postal history. Issued at a time of national unification, they symbolize the emergence of a strong and centralized German Empire. With two separate currency systems in use, these stamps highlight the complexity of the transition from regional governance to imperial administration.

For collectors, these stamps are not just rare and valuable but also serve as historical artifacts. Understanding their origins, variations, and the risk of forgery is essential for anyone interested in German philately. Whether an investor, historian, or casual collector, the stamps of Wilhelm I’s Empire remain a fascinating subject that continues to captivate the philatelic world.