The 1934 German Airmail Stamp Series, issued by the Deutsches Reich, is one of the most notable aviation-themed philatelic releases of the era. This series was designed to commemorate Germany’s advancements in air travel, particularly the era of Zeppelins and pioneering aviators. The stamps feature powerful symbols of aviation and nationalistic themes, including an eagle soaring over a globe and portraits of aviation pioneers like Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin and Otto Lilienthal.
This blog post explores the historical background, technical specifications, and full catalogue listing from the Stanley Gibbons catalogue, providing collectors with a detailed reference to the 1934 German Airmail issue.
Historical Background: Germany’s Role in Aviation and Zeppelins
By the early 20th century, Germany was at the forefront of global aviation, particularly in airship technology. The Zeppelin, developed by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, revolutionized long-distance air travel. These rigid airships could carry passengers, mail, and cargo across continents, establishing Germany as a leader in aviation engineering.
The 1934 German Airmail stamp series was issued to highlight this legacy, depicting themes of aviation, national power, and pioneering flight technology. The Zeppelin Airship LZ-127, Otto Lilienthal, and symbolic eagles soaring over the globe were prominently featured in the series.
Technical Features of the 1934 German Airmail Stamps
- Issue Date: 21 January 1934
- Purpose: Airmail (Luftpost) Issue
- Printing Method: Typographic Printing
- Designer: H. Bastanier
- Watermark: W 97
- Perforation: 14
- Paper Variants: Vertically ribbed gum and horizontally ribbed gum
- Denominations: 5 Pfennig to 3 Mark
Complete List of Stamps, Catalogue Numbers, and Valuations
- No. 526 – 5 Pfennig Emerald (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£9.00 mint unmounted, £1.90 mint mounted, £1.50 used)
- Depicts an eagle soaring over a globe, symbolizing Germany’s ambitions in aviation and world connectivity.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£19.00 mint unmounted, £2.50 mint mounted, £15.00 used)
- No. 527 – 10 Pfennig Scarlet (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£9.00 mint unmounted, £1.90 mint mounted, £1.50 used)
- Represents Germany’s growing influence in international airmail services.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£16.00 mint unmounted, £3.00 mint mounted, £12.00 used)
- No. 528 – 15 Pfennig Dull Ultramarine (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£10.00 mint unmounted, £2.00 mint mounted, £1.50 used)
- Illustrates the increasing reliance on airmail transport for global communication.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£50.00 mint unmounted, £7.50 mint mounted, £25.00 used)
- No. 529 – 20 Pfennig Steel Blue (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£20.00 mint unmounted, £5.00 mint mounted, £3.75 used)
- Represents the development of Germany’s military and civilian aviation programs.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£48.00 mint unmounted, £10.00 mint mounted, £15.00 used)
- No. 530 – 25 Pfennig Yellow-Brown (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£20.00 mint unmounted, £5.00 mint mounted, £3.75 used)
- Symbolizes German dominance in early international airmail transportation.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£65.00 mint unmounted, £10.00 mint mounted, £15.00 used)
- No. 531 – 40 Pfennig Magenta (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£110.00 mint unmounted, £30.00 mint mounted, £25.00 used)
- Represents advancements in Zeppelin airship travel and intercontinental aviation routes.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£110.00 mint unmounted, £33.00 mint mounted, £30.00 used)
- No. 532 – 50 Pfennig Deep Grey-Green (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£160.00 mint unmounted, £42.00 mint mounted, £35.00 used)
- One of the higher-value airmail stamps, associated with long-distance flights to the Americas.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£160.00 mint unmounted, £50.00 mint mounted, £45.00 used)
- No. 533 – 80 Pfennig Yellow-Orange (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£160.00 mint unmounted, £42.00 mint mounted, £35.00 used)
- Celebrates high-altitude and long-range airmail services.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£160.00 mint unmounted, £50.00 mint mounted, £45.00 used)
- No. 534 – 100 Pfennig Black (Golden Eagle and Globe) (£110.00 mint unmounted, £12.50 mint mounted, £31.00 used)
- One of the most striking designs, featuring a dramatic contrast in black ink.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£150.00 mint unmounted, £25.00 mint mounted, £31.00 used)
- No. 535 – 2 Mark Black and Green (Otto Lilienthal and Lilienthal Glider) (£190.00 mint unmounted, £28.00 mint mounted, £31.00 used)
- Honors Otto Lilienthal, the German aviation pioneer who was one of the first to make controlled, sustained flights with gliders.
- Perf 13½ × 13 Variant Value: (£550.00 mint unmounted, £130.00 mint mounted, £70.00 used)
- No. 536 – 3 Mark Black and Blue (Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin and Airship LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin) (£500.00 mint unmounted, £130.00 mint mounted, £750.00 used)
- Depicts Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the visionary behind the legendary Zeppelin airships, alongside the LZ-127, one of the most famous airships of all time.
- Horizontally Ribbed Gum Variant Value: (£900.00 mint unmounted, £130.00 mint mounted, £1,100.00 used)
- Complete Set of 11 Stamps (Nos. 526-536) – (£600.00 mint unmounted, £1,400 mint mounted)
Why Is This Series Highly Collectible?
- Celebrates Germany’s Aviation History – These stamps honour pioneers like Otto Lilienthal and Count Zeppelin, showcasing Germany’s dominance in early flight technology.
- Iconic Zeppelin Imagery – The 3 Mark Zeppelin stamp (No. 536) remains one of the most valuable aviation-themed stamps ever issued, particularly in used condition (£1,100.00).
- Rare Variants and High Valuations – Horizontally ribbed gum varieties and Perf 13½ × 13 versions command significantly higher prices.
- Strong Investment Potential – The Otto Lilienthal 2 Mark Stamp (No. 535) and the Zeppelin 3 Mark Stamp (No. 536) continue to increase in collector value.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Germany’s Aviation Legacy
The 1934 German Airmail Stamp Series is a masterpiece of aviation philately, celebrating the visionaries, engineers, and airships that defined early flight history. These stamps remain highly sought after, with some rare varieties commanding exceptional prices.
For aviation and Zeppelin enthusiasts, this series is a must-have piece of postal history, offering a glimpse into Germany’s pioneering role in early 20th-century flight.