The 1934 German Welfare Fund Stamp Series, issued by the Deutsches Reich, is one of the most unique charity stamps sets of the era, dedicated to honouring various professions and trades. Designed by F. Spiegel, the series features detailed engravings of workers, artisans, and professionals, emphasizing the importance of labour in German society.
This nine-stamp set, released between November 2–5, 1934, was used to raise funds for social welfare programs. The designs depict merchants, farmers, blacksmiths, architects, and judges, symbolizing the strength and structure of the nation’s workforce.
This blog post provides a detailed historical background, technical specifications, and a full catalogue listing from the Stanley Gibbons catalogue, making it an essential reference for collectors.
Historical Background: Supporting Social Welfare Through Philately
During the early 1930s, Germany faced economic hardship and political instability. To support social welfare programs, the German postal system issued charity (welfare) stamps, with a portion of the proceeds allocated to government-run welfare initiatives.
The 1934 series was part of this charity stamp tradition, portraying different professions as pillars of the German economy. It reflects the era’s emphasis on work, discipline, and national identity, making it one of the most symbolically significant issues of the period.
Technical Features of the 1934 Welfare Fund Stamps
- Issue Date: November 2–5, 1934
- Purpose: Charity Issue (Welfare Fund Stamps)
- Printing Method: Engraved (Recess Printing)
- Designer: F. Spiegel
- Perforation: 13 × 13½
- Watermark: W 97
- Denominations: 3 Pfennig to 40 Pfennig
- Depictions: Professions such as Blacksmith, Scientist, Farmer, Judge, etc.
Complete List of Stamps, Catalogue Numbers, and Valuations
- No. 551 – 3 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Brown (Merchant) (£12.50 mint unmounted, £1.80 mint mounted, £2.50 used)
- Depicts a telephone operator or businessman, symbolizing commerce and trade.
- No. 552 – 4 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Black (Blacksmith – T 106) (£7.75 mint unmounted, £1.30 mint mounted, £2.50 used)
- Features a blacksmith, symbolizing the strength and importance of metalwork in industrial development.
- Booklet Pane (552×5 & 554×5) Value: (£150.00 mint unmounted, £90.00 mint mounted)
- No. 553 – 5 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Green (Mason/Builder) (£60.00 mint unmounted, £9.50 mint mounted, £12.50 used)
- Illustrates a mason or builder, representing the construction and architectural professions.
- No. 554 – 6 Pfennig + 4 Pfennig Myrtle Green (Miner) (£7.50 mint unmounted, £1.30 mint mounted, £1.00 used)
- Shows a miner with a pickaxe, reflecting Germany’s coal and mineral industries.
- No. 555 – 8 Pfennig + 4 Pfennig Indian Red (Architect) (£12.50 mint unmounted, £1.80 mint mounted, £3.25 used)
- Depicts an architect, representing city planning and structural design.
- Booklet Pane (Nos. 555×5, 556×4 + label): (£225.00 mint unmounted, £140.00 mint mounted)
- No. 556 – 12 Pfennig + 3 Pfennig Brown-Red (Farmer) (£6.00 mint unmounted, £95.00 mint mounted, £1.00 used)
- Illustrates a farmer, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and food production.
- No. 557 – 20 Pfennig + 10 Pfennig Deep Bluish Green (Scientist) (£160.00 mint unmounted, £25.00 mint mounted, £35.00 used)
- Depicts a scientist with laboratory equipment, highlighting advances in scientific research.
- No. 558 – 25 Pfennig + 15 Pfennig Dull Ultramarine (Sculptor) (£180.00 mint unmounted, £30.00 mint mounted, £40.00 used)
- Features a sculptor, representing art and creativity in Germany’s cultural heritage.
- No. 559 – 40 Pfennig + 35 Pfennig Brown-Lilac (Judge) (£375.00 mint unmounted, £70.00 mint mounted, £100.00 used)
- Depicts a judge holding a legal document, symbolizing the judicial system and rule of law.
- Complete Set of 9 Stamps (Nos. 551-559) – (£750.00 mint unmounted, £180.00 mint mounted)
Why Is This Series Highly Collectible?
- Represents Professions as Symbols of National Strength – One of the few stamp series dedicated to workers, professionals, and their contributions to society.
- Elaborate Engraving and Artistic Detail – The recess printing technique creates striking, high-contrast portraits of each profession.
- Rare and Valuable Varieties – The 40 Pfennig + 35 Pfennig Judge Stamp (No. 559) is the most valuable, with a mint unmounted price of £375.
- Booklet Panes and Variations Increase Collector Interest – Booklet panes for Nos. 552 & 555 are valued at £150 to £225, making them highly desirable.
- Part of Germany’s Welfare Stamp Tradition – A philanthropic issue that supported social welfare programs in Germany.
Conclusion: A Unique Philatelic Tribute to Work and Society
The 1934 German Welfare Fund Stamp Series is a historically significant collection, honouring the professions that built and sustained the German economy. With its detailed engravings, strong symbolic themes, and high investment potential, this series is one of the most sought-after welfare stamp issues.
For collectors interested in classic German stamps, historical labour themes, or social welfare philately, acquiring these stamps adds both historical value and artistic appeal to any collection.