Bergedorf, a small yet historically significant town, played an important role in the postal history of Northern Germany. Jointly governed by the Free Cities of Hamburg and Lübeck from 1420 until 1867, Bergedorf saw the issuance of unique postage stamps that remain highly valued by philatelists today. This article delves into the town’s history, the postal system under the Lübeck-Hamburg Post Anstalt (LHPA), and the 1861 stamp issues, along with their valuation, reprints, and forgeries.
Historical Context: Bergedorf and Its Governance
Bergedorf was jointly administered by Hamburg and Lübeck for over four centuries. This dual administration provided the town with a unique status, particularly in trade and communication. In 1867, Hamburg purchased Lübeck’s share of Bergedorf, making it a part of its territory. From that date, Hamburg’s postal system replaced Bergedorf’s distinct postal operations.
The town’s postal system was managed by the Lübeck-Hamburg Post Anstalt (LHPA), which ensured smooth correspondence between the two cities and the surrounding regions. In 1861, Bergedorf issued its first and only series of postage stamps, which remain some of the most intriguing and rarest stamps in German philately.
The 1861 Bergedorf Stamp Issues
On November 1, 1861, Bergedorf issued a set of postage stamps featuring various denominations and colours. These stamps were imperforate, meaning they had to be manually cut from sheets. Below is a detailed list of the stamps issued:
- ½ Schilling Black on Pale Lilac
- Market Price: £650 (mint), £- (used)
- Description: A highly valued stamp due to its unique colour scheme and limited issue.
- ½ Schilling Black on Pale Blue
- Market Price: £70 (mint), £1400 (used)
- Description: The pale blue variant of the ½ Schilling issue, with prices varying based on condition.
- ½ Schilling Black on Deep Blue (1867 Reprint)
- Market Price: £200 (mint), £9000 (used)
- Description: A reprint from 1867, which significantly differs from the original in shade and paper type.
- 1 Schilling Black on White
- Market Price: £70 (mint), £650 (used)
- Description: One of the standard Bergedorf issues, featuring a clean and simple black-on-white design.
- 1 Schilling Tête-bêche Pair
- Market Price: £850
- Description: A rare printing error where two stamps appear inverted relative to each other, making them highly collectible.
- 1½ Schilling Black on Yellow
- Market Price: £33 (mint), £2500 (used)
- Description: A yellow variant of the 1½ Schilling stamp, one of the rarer Bergedorf issues.
- 1½ Schilling Tête-bêche Pair
- Market Price: £400
- Description: Another rare and highly sought-after printing error.
- 3 Schilling Black on Rose
- Market Price: £1200 (mint), £- (used)
- Description: A striking black-on-rose design, one of the most beautiful Bergedorf stamps.
- 3 Schilling Blue on Rose
- Market Price: £39 (mint), £3250 (used)
- Description: A blue-on-rose variant, fetching high prices in excellent condition.
- 4 Schilling Black on Brown
- Market Price: £39 (mint), £3750 (used)
- Description: The highest denomination issued in Bergedorf, often regarded as the most prestigious among collectors.
Trial Printings and Reprints
The 1 Schilling (£1300 unused) and 1½ Schilling (£650 unused) were printed on thick paper as part of a trial run. Additionally, the 4 Schilling Black on Pale Brown (£2500 unused) was part of the June 1861 trial printing, making it one of the rarest Bergedorf issues.
In 1867, the ½ Schilling Black on Lilac and 3 Schilling Black on Rose were reprinted. These reprints have noticeable differences from the originals:
- The impression is less sharp.
- The ‘H’ in ‘SCHILLING’ lacks a crossbar or is faint.
- The paper tint is slightly different.
The 3 Schilling reprint was produced on thin rather than thick paper. Additionally, there are two dots on the letter ‘S’ in ‘POSTMARKE’, a distinguishing feature.
Further reprints were made in 1872 and 1887, with some stamps reprinted again in 1874 and 1888. Notably, all reprints of the 1½ Schilling feature ‘SCHILLINGE’ with a final ‘E’.
Forgery Identification
Due to their rarity and high value, Bergedorf stamps have been widely forged. Modern forgeries can be identified through the following characteristics:
- On the ½ Schilling and 1½ Schilling, the fraction touches the enclosing square, a flaw does not present in genuine stamps.
- Forged 3 Schilling stamps often lack the crossbar in ‘E’ of ‘BERGEDORF’ and feature a straight ‘M’ in ‘MARKE’ instead of a rough outline.
- On the 4 Schilling, the two dots in the ‘B’ of ‘BERGEDORF’ are missing.
The End of Bergedorf’s Postal System
On August 8, 1867, Hamburg purchased Lübeck’s share of Bergedorf. From this point onward, Bergedorf’s stamps were discontinued, and Hamburg’s postal system was fully implemented.
Conclusion
Bergedorf’s stamps, though few in number, remain some of the most fascinating in philately. Issued under the unique joint administration of Hamburg and Lübeck, they serve as historical artifacts from a period of postal innovation. The rare tête-bêche errors, trial printings, and forgery-prone high-value issues make them a favourite among collectors.
For philatelists, understanding the history, characteristics, and rarity of Bergedorf’s 1861 stamps is crucial for making informed acquisitions. Whether one owns a standard issue, a trial printing, or a rare error, Bergedorf’s stamps remain timeless symbols of Germany’s postal heritage.