Stamps often serve as powerful political and social statements, and the 1935 Soviet Anti-War series is one of the most striking examples. Issued on January 1, 1935, this set of five stamps was designed to promote peace and anti-war sentiment, commemorating the 20th anniversary of World War I (1914-1934).
Designed by I. Ganf, this series remains one of the most visually dramatic Soviet philatelic issues, illustrating the devastating effects of war and the hope for a peaceful future.
Historical Context: The Soviet Union’s Anti-War Messaging
In the early 1930s, the world was still recovering from the destruction of World War I, while tensions were rising in Europe with the rise of militarism and fascism. The Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, sought to promote peace through communist propaganda, framing itself as a defender of workers and global stability.
This stamp issue was intended to warn against the dangers of war while reinforcing the Soviet narrative of internationalism and anti-militarism. Each stamp visually conveys the horrors of war and the potential for a peaceful, socialist future.
The 1935 Soviet Anti-War Stamps: Design and Features
Each stamp in the series features a vertical design with the inscription “1914-1934”, symbolizing 20 years since the outbreak of World War I.
- 5 kopeks black – “War Clouds”
- A dark, haunting design featuring storm clouds dripping like bombs over a Soviet city, symbolizing the looming threat of war.
- 10 kopeks ultramarine – “Flight from a Burning Village”
- Depicts civilians fleeing destruction, highlighting the suffering of innocent people during wartime.
- 15 kopeks emerald-green – “Before War and Afterward”
- Shows a stark contrast between a peaceful soldier before war and a wounded soldier on crutches after war, reinforcing the human cost of conflict.
- 20 kopeks chocolate – “Ploughing with the Sword”
- An image of a soldier using a sword as a plough, representing the transition from war to peaceful labour.
- 35 kopeks carmine – “War and Revolution”
- A dynamic scene of armed revolutionaries fighting, emphasizing the Soviet belief in the power of workers and soldiers to resist war and oppression.
These bold, graphic images made this set one of the most politically charged philatelic issues of the Soviet Union.
Printing and Perforation Details
- The stamps were collotyped, ensuring a high level of detail in their dramatic designs.
- They were issued with perforation 14, a common Soviet standard at the time.
Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1935 Soviet Anti-War stamps are highly sought after, both for their historical significance and unique designs. Below are their correctly transcribed values from the scanned text:
- 5k black (“War Clouds”)
- £19 mint, £6.25 used
- 10k ultramarine (“Flight from a Burning Village”)
- £65 mint, £19 used
- 15k emerald-green (“Before War and Afterward”)
- £130 mint, £25 used
- 20k chocolate (“Ploughing with the Sword”)
- £31 mint, £6.25 used
- 35k carmine (“War and Revolution”)
- £190 mint, £65 used
- Complete Set of 5
- £400 mint, £110 used
Auction results indicate that well-centered, lightly hinged copies fetch higher prices, especially for the 15k and 35k stamps, which are among the most valuable in the set.
The Legacy of the 1935 Soviet Anti-War Stamps
This bold and symbolic series stands as a visual representation of the USSR’s anti-war propaganda, warning against imperialist conflict and the suffering of ordinary people. While Stalin’s Soviet Union was preparing for future conflicts, this issue publicly promoted peace and unity.
For collectors of Soviet propaganda stamps, historical philately, and politically themed issues, this series is an essential addition, preserving a powerful message from the interwar period.