The 1935 German Welfare Fund Stamp Series, issued by the Deutsches Reich, is a remarkable philatelic tribute to regional traditions and cultural heritage. This series features women dressed in traditional costumes from various German provinces, highlighting the diversity of folk attire across different regions. Designed by Karl Diebitsch, the series was released between October 4 and November 15, 1935, as part of Germany’s ongoing welfare stamp program.
This ten-stamp set served a dual purpose—it promoted Germany’s cultural identity while raising funds for social welfare programs. The detailed engravings of regional dresses and historical elements make this series one of the most aesthetically appealing Deutsche Reich stamp issues.
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: Celebrating Regional Folk Culture Through Stamps
Germany has a long history of folk traditions, regional customs, and provincial identities, which were preserved and passed down through generations. Traditional women’s costumes (Tracht) varied by region and were often highly decorative, featuring elaborate hats, embroidery, and unique styles that signified the wearer’s social status, marital state, and hometown.
The 1935 Welfare Fund stamp series was issued to honour these traditions, portraying women in traditional attire from ten different regions. As a charity stamp series, a portion of the sales was directed toward social welfare programs, following the precedent set by earlier Deutsche Reich welfare issues.
Technical Features of the 1935 Welfare Fund Stamps
- Issue Date: October 4 – November 15, 1935
- Purpose: Charity Issue (Welfare Fund Stamps)
- Printing Method: Engraved (Recess Printing)
- Designer: Karl Diebitsch
- Perforation: 14 × 13½
- Watermark: W 97
- Denominations: 3 Pfennig to 40 Pfennig
- Depictions: Women in traditional costumes from various German provinces
Complete List of Stamps, Catalogue Numbers, and Valuations
- No. 585 – 3 Pfennig + 2 Pfennig Brown (East Prussia) (£2.50 mint unmounted, £0.55 mint mounted, £0.65 used)
- Depicts a woman from East Prussia in traditional dress, representing the historic eastern territories of Germany.
- Booklet Pane (Nos. 585×4, 590×5 + label): (£110.00 mint unmounted, £70.00 mint mounted)
- No. 586 – 4 Pfennig + 3 Pfennig Grey-Blue (Silesia) (£9.00 mint unmounted, £2.00 mint mounted, £2.50 used)
- Illustrates a woman from Silesia, known for its distinctive embroidered caps and lacework.
- No. 587 – 5 Pfennig + 3 Pfennig Emerald (Rhineland) (£2.50 mint unmounted, £0.55 mint mounted, £1.60 used)
- Shows a Rhineland woman in a headdress, reflecting the Catholic influences in the region’s cultural attire.
- Booklet Pane (Nos. 587×5 and 588×5): (£75.00 mint unmounted, £45.00 mint mounted)
- No. 588 – 6 Pfennig + 4 Pfennig Myrtle Green (Lower Saxony) (£1.30 mint unmounted, £0.30 mint mounted, £0.65 used)
- Represents Lower Saxony, where rural clothing styles influenced traditional German folk fashion.
- No. 589 – 8 Pfennig + 4 Pfennig Orange-Brown (Kurmark/Brandenburg) (£7.50 mint unmounted, £1.80 mint mounted, £2.50 used)
- Features a woman from Kurmark (Brandenburg), known for elaborate woven fabrics and accessories.
- No. 590 – 12 Pfennig + 6 Pfennig Scarlet (Black Forest) (£1.90 mint unmounted, £0.45 mint mounted, £0.50 used)
- Depicts a woman from the Black Forest, wearing the famous Bollenhut, a traditional red-pommed hat symbolic of the region.
- No. 591 – 15 Pfennig + 10 Pfennig Purple-Brown (Hesse) (£33.00 mint unmounted, £7.50 mint mounted, £9.00 used)
- Shows a woman from Hesse in a high-collared folk costume with lace elements.
- No. 592 – 25 Pfennig + 15 Pfennig Dull Ultramarine (Upper Bavaria) (£50.00 mint unmounted, £12.50 mint mounted, £17.50 used)
- Features a Bavarian woman in a Dirndl-style dress, often associated with Alpine traditions and Oktoberfest celebrations.
- No. 593 – 30 Pfennig + 20 Pfennig Drab (Friesland) (£70.00 mint unmounted, £17.00 mint mounted, £33.00 used)
- Depicts a woman from Friesland, an area with strong maritime traditions and Dutch-influenced clothing styles.
- No. 594 – 40 Pfennig + 30 Pfennig Magenta (Franconia) (£75.00 mint unmounted, £18.00 mint mounted, £35.00 used)
- Illustrates a woman from Franconia, wearing an elaborate golden headdress and embroidered dress, reflecting the wealth and nobility of the region’s folk culture.
- Complete Set of 10 Stamps (Nos. 585-594) – (£225.00 mint unmounted, £75.00 mint mounted)
Why Is This Series Highly Collectible?
- Showcases Germany’s Cultural Diversity – One of the few stamp issues that honour regional folk traditions and traditional dress.
- Elaborate Engraving and High Artistic Quality – The use of recess printing ensures sharp detail in the costumes and facial expressions, making the stamps miniature works of art.
- Rare and Valuable Varieties – The 40 Pfennig + 30 Pfennig Franconia Stamp (No. 594) is the most valuable, with a mint unmounted price of £75.00.
- Booklet Panes Add to Collector Interest – The East Prussia (No. 585) and Rhineland (No. 587) booklet panes are highly sought after, valued at up to £110.00.
- Part of Germany’s Welfare Stamp Tradition – A charity issue, emphasizing Germany’s efforts to support social welfare through philately.
Conclusion: A Stunning Tribute to German Heritage and Tradition
The 1935 German Welfare Fund Stamp Series is a historically significant collection, offering a fascinating glimpse into Germany’s regional folk costumes and cultural diversity. With its detailed engravings, strong symbolic themes, and high investment potential, this set remains one of the most desirable welfare stamp issues from the Deutsche Reich.
For collectors interested in classic German stamps, cultural history, or charity philately, acquiring these stamps adds both artistic and historical value to any collection.