OFFICIAL POSTCARDS
(1938)
This page was last updated
23-Feb-2025 02:15
MICHEL P276
OFFICIAL POSTCARD
KÖLN CARNIVAL
VALIDITY: 31st Dec 1938 to 31st Dec 1939.
BACKGROUND: Official postcards issued on 31st Dec 1938 to advertise the annual Köln Carnival held from 23rd to 28th Feb 1939. There were two versions of this postcard, P276 with a green 6 Rpf pre-printed stamp and P277 issued 16th Feb 1939, which has a brown 6 Rpf pre-printed stamp.
The cards feature a view of Wallraff Square during the Rose Monday Procession and were designed by local artist Rüdell. Produced by the M. Dumont-Schauberg company in Cologne they were printed by the Reichsdrukerei with a pre-printed 6 Rpf stamp designed by local graphic artist Rademacher, and featuring the Cologne Coat of Arms and a fool's cap.
These cards were only available from post offices in Cologne and from the collectors window in Berlin at 15 Rpf per card. As was now common practice the balance of 9 Rpf was a donation to Hitler's culture fund. With additional postage applied these cards were allowed to be sent overseas.
SONDERSTEMPEL: A special handstamp was availale, inscribed "KÖLN | Singendes, klingendes, | lachendes | Köln | Karneval 1939" - "COLOGNE | Singing, ringing, | laughing | Cologne | Carnival 1939', during the event.
As well as the official card there is an official card with additional private printing as can be seen below.
OFFICIAL POSTAL STATIONERY
WITH PRIVATE ADDITIONAL PRINTS
1. ADDITIONAL TEXT ON REVERSE SIDE
With text on the reverse left-hand side on 4 lines
MAIN REFERENCE SOURCES
1. MICHEL GANZSACHEN DEUTSCHLAND 2018. ISBN: 978-3-95402-225-02. BOREK GANZSACHEN-SPEZIAL-KATALOG DEUTSCHLAND ab 1933. ISBN: 3-87091-060-7
3. MICHEL BILDPOSTKARTEN- UND MOTIVGANSACHEN KATALOG DEUTSCHLAND 1997. ISBN: 3-87858-631-0
4. GANZSACHEN-HANDBUCH DES "DITTEN REICHES" 1933-1945 by FRECH. ISBN: UNKNOWN
