Hamburg, one of the most significant Free Cities of the Hanseatic League, has a rich postal history that continues to fascinate philatelists. The city’s stamp issues are particularly revered for their intricate designs, historical significance, and rarity. The 1859 Hamburg stamp series, featuring imperforate stamps with watermark wavy lines (T2), is among the most sought-after issues by collectors. These stamps, engraved by J. F. R. Ziesenist and printed by Th. G. Meissner, showcase the early postal independence of Hamburg before it joined the German Empire in 1871.
This blog post explores the history, design elements, gum varieties, and full denomination listing of the 1859 Hamburg stamp series, ensuring collectors have a detailed and reliable reference for identification and valuation.
The Historical Significance of the 1859 Hamburg Stamps
Hamburg was a crucial trading hub, first forming the nucleus of the Hanseatic League in 1241 and officially becoming a Free City in 1510. By the 19th century, the need for a well-structured postal system became evident, leading to the issuance of its own stamps in 1859.
At the time, 16 Schilling = 1 Mark, and Hamburg maintained its independent postal administration. The stamps were issued before Hamburg became part of the North German Confederation in 1868, which later standardized postal services across German states.
The design of the stamps reflects Hamburg’s sovereignty, featuring the city’s fortified towers and the number of Schilling denomination. These features made them both aesthetically unique and functional for postal use.
Technical Details of the 1859 Hamburg Stamps
1. Printing and Design
- Engraved by: J. F. R. Ziesenist
- Printed by: Th. G. Meissner, Hamburg
- Typography: Classic letterpress printing
- Watermark: Wavy line (T2)
- Imperforate Format: Required manual cutting from sheets
2. Gum Varieties and Collectability
One notable characteristic of Hamburg’s early stamps is their gum varieties. Many surviving examples lack gum, significantly lowering their market value. The original brown gum is highly desirable, and unused stamps with intact gum command much higher prices.
👉 Note for Collectors: If a stamp is missing gum, its value is considerably reduced, as per the reference valuation.
Complete List of the 1859 Hamburg Stamps and Their Valuations
Using the Stanley Gibbons catalogue as a reference, here is the full listing of Hamburg’s 1859 stamp series, including their denomination, colours, and values in mint and used condition.
- ½ Schilling Black is valued at £170 for mint condition and £1,000 for used. This is one of the most recognizable and iconic stamps of the series.
- 1 Schilling Brown is priced at £170 mint and £160 used.
- 2 Schilling Red maintains a steady valuation of £170 for both mint and used copies.
- 3 Schilling Prussian Blue has an estimated value of £170 mint and £200 used.
- 4 Schilling Yellow-Green is worth £130 for mint condition, but it’s used counterpart soars to £2,000, making it one of the more valuable stamps in this series.
- 4 Schilling Green, a slightly different shade, carries a valuation of £250 for mint condition and £2,000 for used copies.
- 7 Schilling Orange is priced at £170 mint and £90 used.
- 7 Schilling Orange-Yellow has an identical valuation of £170 mint and £90 used.
- 9 Schilling Yellow is among the highest-valued in this series, commanding £325 for mint copies and an impressive £3,250 for used examples.
- 9 Schilling Pale Yellow also holds a £325 mint valuation, with its used counterpart valued at £3,250, making it one of the most expensive stamps in this issue.
What Makes the 1859 Hamburg Stamps Special?
1. Hamburg’s Postal Autonomy
These stamps were issued before Hamburg’s postal system was integrated into the North German Confederation (1868) and later into the German Empire (1871). As such, they represent a crucial period when Hamburg maintained an independent postal identity.
2. Unique Security Features
The watermark wavy lines (T2) were a cutting-edge security feature at the time, preventing counterfeiting and ensuring authenticity.
3. The Impact of Gum on Valuation
A significant portion of these stamps lacks original gum, reducing their value substantially. Collectors should prioritize examples with intact brown gum, as they retain their original condition and fetch higher prices at auctions.
4. Rarity and Market Demand
Some denominations, such as the 4 Schilling Green (£2,000 used) and 9 Schilling Pale Yellow (£3,250 used), are among the rarest Hamburg stamps available. Their limited supply and high collector demand make them excellent long-term investments.
Collecting and Preserving Hamburg’s 1859 Stamps
For philatelists looking to acquire or preserve Hamburg’s early stamps, consider the following expert recommendations:
- Check for Original Gum: Stamps without gum are valued significantly lower, so always verify authenticity before purchase.
- Examine Watermarks Carefully: The wavy lines watermark (T2) should be clearly visible under a backlight or watermark detector.
- Pay Attention to Color Variations: Some shades, such as Prussian Blue or Pale Yellow, are highly valuable compared to their standard counterparts.
- Ensure Certification for High-Value Stamps: Due to their rarity, getting stamps authenticated by BPP (Bund Philatelistischer Prüfer) adds credibility and enhances resale value.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Hamburg’s Philatelic Excellence
The 1859 Hamburg stamp series stand as a testament to the city’s historical significance, artistic craftsmanship, and technical advancements in postage design. These stamps capture a moment in time when Hamburg operated its own postal system, making them a prized addition to any serious philatelic collection.
With some stamps fetching over £3,250 for used copies, this series is not only an incredible historical artifact but also a lucrative investment opportunity for collectors. Whether you are a seasoned philatelist or a beginner, understanding the importance of gum, colour variations, and watermark authenticity is crucial when dealing with these valuable stamps.
For those who appreciate the beauty and history of classic stamps, the 1859 Hamburg series is undoubtedly one of the most compelling collections to explore.