The 1933 German Welfare Fund Stamp Series, commonly known as the Wagner Opera Series, is a unique and historically significant issue from the Deutsches Reich. These stamps celebrate Germany’s rich operatic heritage, specifically honouring the works of Richard Wagner, one of the most influential composers in history.
This nine-stamp set, issued on November 1, 1933, features scenes from Wagner’s most famous operas, designed by Alois Kolb in an engraved recess printing technique. These stamps are widely collected today, with certain varieties commanding exceptionally high prices.
This blog post provides a detailed historical background, technical specifications, and a complete catalogue listing from the Stanley Gibbons catalogue, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive reference for collectors.
Historical Background: Celebrating Wagner’s Operas Through Philately
Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was a revolutionary German composer, conductor, and dramatist, best known for his epic operas and innovative musical techniques. His works, including The Ring Cycle, Tristan und Isolde, and Parsifal, played a significant role in shaping modern opera.
The 1933 Wagner stamp series was issued to support welfare programs in Germany and showcased scenes from Wagner’s most famous operas. The series was designed by Alois Kolb, using an elaborate engraving method, making these stamps some of the most aesthetically stunning issues from the Deutsche Reich era.
Technical Features of the 1933 Wagner Opera Stamp Series
- Issue Date: 1 November 1933
- Purpose: Welfare Fund Issue (Charity Stamps)
- Printing Method: Engraved (Recess Printing)
- Designer: Alois Kolb
- Perforation: 14 × 13
- Watermark: W 97
- Denominations: Ranging from 3 Pfennig to 40 Pfennig
- Scenes Depicted: Iconic moments from Wagner’s Operas
Complete List of Stamps, Catalogue Numbers, and Valuations
- No. 513 – 3 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Brown (Tannhäuser) (£38.00 mint unmounted, £4.50 mint mounted, £9.50 used)
- Depicts a scene from Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser, a romantic and mythical tale of redemption through love.
- No. 514 – 4 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Deep Blue (The Flying Dutchman) (£25.00 mint unmounted, £2.50 mint mounted, £3.75 used)
- Represents The Flying Dutchman, Wagner’s early opera about a cursed sea captain doomed to roam the seas forever.
- Perf 14 Variant: (£25.00 mint unmounted, £2.50 mint mounted, £5.00 used)
- Booklet Pane (Nos. 514×5 & 516×5): (£375 mint unmounted, £225 mint mounted)
- No. 515 – 5 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Light Green (Rheingold) (£65.00 mint unmounted, £6.25 mint mounted, £11.50 used)
- Depicts a moment from Rheingold, the first opera in Wagner’s epic four-part cycle, The Ring of the Nibelung.
- No. 516 – 6 Pfennig + 4 Pfennig Myrtle Green (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg) (£25.00 mint unmounted, £2.50 mint mounted, £3.75 used)
- Based on Wagner’s only comedic opera, The Mastersingers of Nuremberg, which celebrates the power of artistic mastery.
- Perf 14 Variant: (£25.00 mint unmounted, £2.50 mint mounted, £8.25 used)
- No. 517 – 8 Pfennig + 4 Pfennig Orange-Red (The Valkyries) (£38.00 mint unmounted, £3.75 mint mounted, £6.25 used)
- Illustrates a dramatic scene from The Valkyries, the second opera in The Ring Cycle, featuring the legendary Ride of the Valkyries.
- Perf 14 Variant: (£31.00 mint unmounted, £3.50 mint mounted, £7.00 used)
- Booklet Pane (Nos. 517×5, 518×4 + label): (£375 mint unmounted, £225 mint mounted)
- No. 518 – 12 Pfennig + 3 Pfennig Carmine-Red (Siegfried) (£38.00 mint unmounted, £3.50 mint mounted, £4.50 used)
- Features Siegfried, the third opera in The Ring Cycle, which tells the story of the hero Siegfried and his journey to becoming a great warrior.
- Perf 14 Variant: (£31.00 mint unmounted, £3.75 mint mounted, £10.50 used)
- No. 519 – 20 Pfennig + 10 Pfennig Greenish Blue (Tristan und Isolde) (£19,000 mint unmounted, £325 mint mounted, £325 used)
- Depicts a famous moment from Tristan und Isolde, Wagner’s groundbreaking opera that introduced new harmonic techniques and inspired modern classical music.
- Perf 14 Variant: (£1,200 mint unmounted, £200 mint mounted, £165 used)
- No. 520 – 25 Pfennig + 15 Pfennig Ultramarine (Lohengrin) (£450 mint unmounted, £50 mint mounted, £65 used)
- Represents a scene from Lohengrin, Wagner’s romantic opera about a mysterious knight who arrives to defend a falsely accused woman.
- No. 521 – 40 Pfennig + 35 Pfennig Magenta (Parsifal) (£1,200 mint unmounted, £200 mint mounted, £225 used)
- Illustrates a scene from Parsifal, Wagner’s final opera about the Holy Grail and spiritual redemption.
- Complete Set of 9 Stamps (Nos. 513-521, Cheapest Versions) – (£2,750 mint unmounted, £450 mint mounted)
Why Is This Series Highly Collectible?
- Celebrates Germany’s Artistic and Musical Heritage – One of the most culturally significant issues from the Deutsche Reich, dedicated to Wagner’s operatic masterpieces.
- Stunning Engraved Design – The use of recess printing and detailed illustrations make these some of the most visually stunning stamps of the era.
- Scarcity and Investment Value – The 20 Pfennig + 10 Pfennig Greenish Blue Tristan und Isolde stamp (No. 519) is valued at an astounding £19,000 for mint unmounted, making it one of the most valuable Weimar-era stamps.
- High-Value Booklet Panes and Varieties – Several booklet panes and Perf 14 variants have significantly higher valuations in the collector’s market.
Conclusion: A Stunning Tribute to Wagner’s Legacy
The 1933 Wagner Opera Stamp Series stands as a masterpiece of German philately, celebrating the works of one of the world’s greatest composers. These stamps remain highly sought after by collectors, with some rare varieties commanding incredible prices.
Whether you are a stamp collector, opera enthusiast, or historical philatelist, this series represents a unique intersection of art, music, and postal history. Owning even one of these exquisitely engraved stamps is like holding a piece of Germany’s artistic legacy.