Philately often reflects significant political and historical events, and one of the most iconic Soviet stamp series is the 1928 Tenth Anniversary of the Red Army issue. This set of stamps, released on February 6, 1928, commemorates the formation of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in 1918, marking a decade of military strength, revolution, and socialist unity.
Designed by D. Golyadkin, this series highlights the key figures of the Red Army, emphasizing the Soviet military’s role in securing the revolution and defending the USSR.
Historical Context: The Formation of the Red Army
The Red Army was established in 1918 following the Bolshevik Revolution. Its primary purpose was to defend the new Soviet state against internal counter-revolutionary forces and external threats. Led by Leon Trotsky, the Red Army played a crucial role in the Russian Civil War (1917-1922) and later became the backbone of the Soviet Union’s military power.
By 1928, the Soviet government sought to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Red Army’s foundation, issuing a set of stamps that symbolized the unity of workers, soldiers, and peasants, who together formed the backbone of the Soviet state.
The 1928 Red Army Anniversary Stamps: Design and Features
This commemorative series features four distinct designs, each representing a different aspect of the Red Army and Soviet revolutionary forces.
- 8 kopeks chestnut (Infantryman, Lenin Mausoleum, and Kremlin) – This stamp portrays a Red Army soldier standing in front of the Lenin Mausoleum, symbolizing the defense of Soviet ideology and leadership.
- 14 kopeks blue (Sailor) – A Soviet naval serviceman, emphasizing the role of the Soviet Navy in protecting revolutionary gains.
- 18 kopeks carmine (Cavalryman) – A depiction of a Soviet cavalry officer, recalling the Red Cavalry’s crucial role during the Civil War.
- 28 kopeks yellowish-green (Airman) – Featuring a Red Army pilot, symbolizing modern military advancements in aviation.
Each stamp prominently displays the years 1918-1928, reinforcing the anniversary theme.
Printing and Perforation Details
- The stamps were printed typographically, a common method for Soviet commemorative issues.
- The perforation is P 13½, which was the standard for many Soviet stamps of this period.
- Some varieties exist with imperforate versions, making them extremely rare.
Rare Varieties and Errors
As with many early Soviet stamp issues, the 1928 Red Army series includes notable errors and printing varieties, increasing their collectibility.
- Imperforate Stamps – A limited number of 8k, 14k, and 18k values were printed without perforations, making them highly valuable.
- “CECP” Error on the 28k Stamp – Some copies of the 28k yellowish-green stamp feature a misprint where “СССР” (USSR) appears as “CECP”, making it one of the most famous Soviet stamp errors. This variety occurs in positions 33, 38, 83, and 88 on the sheet.
Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1928 Red Army Anniversary stamps remain highly sought after by Soviet philatelists, particularly for their historical significance and rare varieties.
- The standard 8k chestnut stamp is valued at £3.50 mint and £0.75 used.
- The 8k imperforate pair is highly valuable, selling for £325 mint and £250 used.
- The 14k blue stamp is valued at £4.00 mint and £1.30 used.
- The 14k imperforate variety is one of the most desirable, valued at £1,100 mint and £550 used.
- The 18k carmine stamp is valued at £4.00 mint and £2.50 used.
- The 18k imperforate version is extremely rare, priced at £1,100 mint and £500 used.
- The 28k yellowish-green stamp has a standard market value of £6.25 mint and £7.50 used.
- The “CECP” error variety of the 28k stamp is extremely rare, valued at £44.00 mint and £50.00 used.
- A full set of all four stamps in mint condition is valued at £16.00, with used sets fetching £10.00.
The imperforate versions of the 14k and 18k stamps are among the most valuable, with some commanding prices of over £1,000 per stamp in auctions. Collectors seeking high-value Soviet stamps prioritize these rare imperforate varieties due to their limited numbers and historical significance.
The Legacy of the 1928 Red Army Stamps
This historically significant Soviet stamp issue serves as both a tribute to the Red Army’s role in the Russian Civil War and a symbol of Soviet military strength. The stamps commemorate the unity of workers, soldiers, and peasants, reinforcing the Soviet narrative of revolutionary solidarity.
For collectors of Soviet philately, military history, and revolutionary memorabilia, this series is a must-have, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early years of Soviet commemorative stamp design.