GELEGENHEITSSTEMPEL
OPPORTUNITY STAMP - SPECIAL STAMP
(1938)

This page was last updated
30-Sep-2024 07:44

NOTE: This page contains details of special postmarks that are directly related to official stamps issued in 1938. For special postmarks that are not directly related to the issue of commemorative stamps look here

INTRODUCTION:
The study of the various postmarks and cancellations used in 1938 is a difficult one due to the limited information available. Fortunately, we have the BOCHMANN catalogue to assist in identifying most of them. Whilst the catalogue covers most special cancellations and is a required source for this area of study, the information provided is limited and does not put the various postmarks and cancellations into context. The Bochmann catalogue forms the basis of this page, but I have provided additional information where possible. My apologies now for any errors and the inevitable omissions.

5th ANNIVERSARY OF THE THIRD REICH
(30th Jan 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: VARIOUS (SEE BELOW)
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 660 and 661
RELATED POSTCARD: A souvenir postcard P267 was also made available to collectors and the public.

This special handstamp was used to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the Third Reich. Used for a single day on 30th Jan 1938 the handstamp was available in seven cities: BERLIN, FRANKFURT, HAMBURG, LEIPZIG, MUNICH, NÜRNBERG and STUTTGART. The handstamp depicts a Reichs Eagle with its wings outstretched holding a swastika wreath in its talons and surrounded by an oak leaf wreath.

BERLIN

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 3, Page: 116. Number: 255

The special cancel used in the German capital of BERLIN exists with many different counters as follows: '-', 'a' to 'i' and 'k' to 't'.



ABOVE: BERLIN Counter 'a' (P)

FRANKFURT (MAIN)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 7, Page: 285. Number: S 83

The special cancel used in FRANKFURT (MAIN) exists with one of six counters: 'a' to 'f'.



ABOVE: FRANKFURT (MAIN)

HAMBURG

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 10, Page: 355. Number: S 77

The special cancel used in HAMBURG exists with one of ten counters: '-' and 'a' to 'i'.



ABOVE: HAMBURG special cancel counter 'a' (C)

LEIPZIG

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 13, Page: 478. Number: S 127

The special cancel used in LEIPZIG exists with one of seven counters: '-' and 'a' to 'f'.



ABOVE RIGHT: LEIPZIG

MÜNCHEN

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 555. Number: S 108

The special cancel used in MÜNCHEN exists with one of six counters: '-' and 'a' to 'e'.



ABOVE LEFT: MÜNCHEN special handstamp counter 'a' (C)
ABOVE RIGHT: MÜNCHEN special handstamp counter 'd' (C)

NÜRNBERG

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 595. Number: S 55

The special cancel used in NÜRNBERG exists with one of four counters: '-' and 'a' to 'c'.



ABOVE: Special cancel used in NÜRNBERG counter 'a' (P)

STUTTGART

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 21, Page: 713. Number: S 70

The special cancel used in STUTTGART exists with one of five counters: '-' and 'a' to 'd'.



ABOVE: STUTTGART Special cancel counter 'a' (C)

AUSTRIAN VOTE
(Apr 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN:
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 662 and 663
RELATED POSTCARD: In addition to the stamps an official postcard P268 and a multitude of private postcards were also sold across Germany and Austria.

9th Apr 1938

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 22, Page: 760, Number: S 7

There are several special handstamps and slogan cancels that were used to commemorate the Austrian plebiscite on 10th Apr 1938. The cancels below were only used in Austria and only on 9th April. This cancel exists in either black or violet or red ink



ABOVE LEFT: VIENNNA 9th Apr in black
ABOVE CENTRE: VIENNA 9th Apr in violet
ABOVE RIGHT: VIENNA 9th Apr in red. Example from my collection

10th Apr 1938

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 22, Page: 760, Number: S 8

The handstamp dated 10th April exists in either black or violet / red ink.



ABOVE LEFT: VIENNA 10th Apr in black
ABOVE RIGHT: VIENNA 10th Apr in red

10th Apr 1938 SLOGAN CANCEL

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829/830, Number: 274 to 282 The slogan cancel used to commemorate the day of the vote on 19th Aor 1938 exists in nine variations.

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 274

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April | dem Führer | Dein "Ja" and features a Swastika. The height of the text 21mm, in some earlier Austrian places only 16mm tall, see series 275 to 282 used from 31st Mar to 10th Apr 1938 in 208 different German and Austrian towns and cities. This slogan exists in Type 'A', 'B', 'C' , 'G', 'Bd' and roller.






REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 275

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April dem Führer | Dein = Ja!". This is a two-part line stamp in various fonts and stamp colours including black, blue, violet (tone). See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 7th to 20th Apr 1938 in Enns, Kronstorf, Leonding, Linz, Neuhofen, Obernberg, St. Florian, St. Marien, Völcklabruck and Weiβkirchen.




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 276.

This version is also inscribed "Am 10.April dem Führer | Dein = Ja!". This is a two-part line stamp in various fonts and stamp colours including black and violet (tone). See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 in Linz, Steyer and Traunstein.




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 277

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April | dem Führer Dein "Ja". This is a two-part line stamp in various fonts and stamp colours including black and violet (tone). See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 in Salzburg.




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 278

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April | dem Führer | dein "Ja". This is a two-part line stamp in various fonts and stamp colours including black and violet (tone). See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 in Baden b.Wien, Braunau, Bruck and Wien.




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 279

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April | dem Führer | dein Ja". This is a two-part line stamp in various fonts in black. See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 in Klagenfurt and Wien.



ABOVE: example from my collection. Bochmann states the slogan used in Klagenfurt was a two line cancel but this is on three lines and is in violet text.


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 829, Number: 280

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April | dem Führer dein | Ja!". This is a two-part line stamp in various fonts in black or green. See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 in Fügen and Innsbruck.




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 830, Number: 281

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April dem Führer dein Ja!". This is a one-line stamp in various fonts in black. See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 only in Innsbruck.




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 830, Number: 282

This version is inscribed "Am 10.April | + Dem Führer dein Ja! +". The design features a swastika is a two-line stamp in various fonts in black or violet. See also 274 to 282. This version was used from 8th to 10th Apr 1938 only in Graz.




In addition to the cancellations shown above there were also special cachets applied at various venues across Austria during Hitler's official visit to celebrate the union.



ABOVE LEFT: Circular form in violet ink (C)
ABOVE RIGHT: Circular form in black ink (C)

Hitler also visited several Austrian towns and cities and gave speeches to adoring crowds. These towns issued special circular cachets commemorating the visit and each was used only for the day that Hitler was there. At least three (probably more) of these special cachets were used.



ABOVE LEFT: INNSBRUCK 5th Apr
ABOVE CENTRE: LINZ 7th Apr
ABOVE RIGHT: VIENNA (undated)

49th BIRTHDAY of ADOLF HITLER
(20th Apr 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN:
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 664
RELATED POSTCARD:

On 20th Apr 1938 special handstamps were used in Berchtesgaden, Berlin, Braunau Am Inn, Eger, Graz, Linz, Munich, Nürnberg, Pasewalk and Vienna to commemorate Hitler's 49th birthday. Each of these towns and cities had a special link to Adolf Hitler during his lifetime.

Special handstamps, postcards and stamps were issued every year in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944 to commemorate his birthday.

The special handstamp used in BERLIN exists with 16 different counters: 'a' to 'h' and 'i' to 'q'.



1. BERCHTESGADEN (P)
2. BERLIN (P)
3. BRANAU AM INN (P)
4. EGER (P)



5. GRAZ (P)
6. LINZ (C)
7. MUNICH
8. NÜRNBERG (P)



9. PASEWALK (P)
10. VIENNA (P)

The special handstamp above used in PASEWALK was re-used for a single day on 21st Oct 1938 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hitler's stay in PASEWALK hospital. In Oct 1918 just weeks before the end of the First World War Hitler was temporarily blinded in a British gas attack on the Western front. Whilst he was recuperating in PASEWALK hospital the Germans surrendered and the war was over. Hitler it is said was not a happy man.



ABOVE: 20th Anniversary of Hitler's stay at PASEWALK hospital (P)

16th GERMAN SPORTS TOURNAMENT - BRESLAU
(23rd/31st Jul 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 4, Page: 177, Number: 41 and 42
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 665 to 668
RELATED POSTCARD: There were no official postcards published to commemorate the 1938 16th German Sports Tournament but there were a number of private postcards available.

There are two related special postmarks to collect.


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 4, Page: 177, Number: 41
This slogan cancel is inscribed "Deutsche Turn- | u. Sportfest | Breslau | 1938" and features an eagle and a swastika. Four Type 'A' handstamps were used: BRESLAU 1 counters 'a' and 'd', BRESLAU 2 counter 'c' and BRESLAU 3 counter 'a' and these were used from 23rd to 31st Jul 1938




REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 4, Page: 177, Number: 42
The second cancellation was a standard handstamp which existed with 34 possible counters: '-', 'a' to 'i', 'k' to 'z', 'ab', 'ac' and 'ba' to 'bd'. This handstamp was also used for the duration of the event from 23rd to 31st Jul 1938.



ABOVE: Special cancel counter 'n' on all four special stamps (P)

100th ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH OF GRAF ZEPPELIN
(8th Jul 1938)

There were three different handstamps used to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin and the related Zeppelin Post Exhibition. These were used in FRANKFURT (MAIN), FRIEDRICHSHAFEN and KONSTANZ.

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: VARIOUS (SEE BELOW)
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 669 and 670
RELATED POSTCARD: A special postcard was also available.

FRANKFURT (MAIN)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 7, Page: 285, Number: S 90
There is only one version of this handstamp that was used from 7th to 9th Jul 1938, and it does not have a counter.



ABOVE LEFT: FRANKFURT cancel (C)
ABOVE RIGHT: FRANKFURT cancel (C)

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 7, Page: 300, Number: S 4
There is only one version of this handstamp, it does not have a counter, and was only used for a single day on 8th Jul 1938.



ABOVE: FRIEDRICHSHAFEN Cancel (C)

KONSTANZ

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 11, Page: 444, Number: 4
Only one version of this handstamp was used to commemorate the Zeppelin Post Exhibition which coincided with the 100 anniversary of the birth of Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin. It is a type 'A' cancellation and was used from 8th to 12th Jul 1938.



ABOVE RIGHT: KONSTANZ slogan cancel (C)

5. BRAUNE BAND VON DEUTSCHLAND
5th BROWN RIBBON OF GERMANY RACE
(20th Jul 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 555 and 556, Number: S 117 to S 119
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 671
RELATED POSTCARD: None

There were three special handstamps available in MUNICH as well as a slogan postmark used during the event from 14th to 31st Jul 1938.


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 555, Number: S 117
The first handstamp was used only on 24th Jul 1938 and has the inscription "INTERNATIONALER AMATEUR-REITERTAG | 24.7.1938". This special handstamp was only supposed to be used on the related special stamp, however there are examples of incorrect usage on other postage stamps.



ABOVE: 24th Jul special handstamp


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 556, Number: S 118
The second handstamp is inscribed "DAS BRAUNE BAND DES SPRINGSPORTS | 30.7.11938" and it was only used on the 30th Jul 1938. This special handstamp was only supposed to be used on the related special stamp, however there are examples of incorrect usage on other postage stamps.



ABOVE: 30th Jul special handstamp


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 556, Number: S 119
The third special handstamp was only used on the day of the main race, 31st Jul 1938. It is inscribed "DAS BRAUNE BAND V. DEUTSCHLAND | 31.7.38". Only one version of this handstamp exists and like the two cancels above it was only supposed to be used to cancel the related stamp.



ABOVE: Special handstamp used only on 31st Jul (C)


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, Page: 831, Number: 291
There was also a slogan cancel used in BERLIN and MUNICH to advertise the event that was inscribed "Internationale Rennwochen | München | 14.-31. | Juli | 1938 | Braunes Band von Deutschland". This slogan was used form 1st until 28th Jul 1938.



ABOVE: Slogan cancel (C)

10. REICHSPARTEITAG
10th NAZI PARTY RALLY
(5th/12th Sep 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN:
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 672
RELATED POSTCARD:

For details on all of the special stamps used at the Nazi Party rallies from 1933 to 1938 see here

OPENING OF SAARPFALZ THEATRE
(9th Oct 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: SEE BELOW
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 673 and Michel 674
RELATED POSTCARD: There was no official postcard published to commemorate the opening.

To commemorate the opening of the Saarpfalz Theatre in the Saar region two special postal cancellations were available. There were also two commemorative postage stamps issued on 9th Oct to celebrate the event, Hitler's gift to the people of the Saarland after their vote to return to Germany in 1935.


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 20, Page: 656, Number: S 12
A special handstamp inscribed "SAARBRÜCKEN | Eröffnung | des Gautheatres | Saarpfalz | Saarbrücken" was used only on 9th Oct 1938. There were nine variations depending on the counters: '-' and 'a' through 'h'.



ABOVE LEFT: Special handstamp counter 'b' on Michel 674 (P)
ABOVE RIGHT: Special handstamp counter 'h' on Michel 674 (P)


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 20, Page: 656, Number: S 11
In addition to the handstamp above, there was a slogan postmark featuring an image of the theatre and the inscription "Gautheatre Saarplalz | Saarbrücken | 9. Oktober 1938 | Beginn der Spielzelt". This was a Type 'A' slogan used at the 'SAARBRÜCKEN 2' post office with a counter 'a'.



ABOVE: special slogan cancellation.

WINTERHILFSWERK
WINTER RELIEF FUND
(18th Nov 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN:
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 675 to 683
RELATED POSTCARD:

SUDETENLAND VOTE
(2nd Dec 1938)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: VARIOUS (See Below)
RELATED STAMPS: Michel 684 and Michel 685
RELATED POSTCARD: P275

Two commemorative stamps were issued on 2nd Dec to celebrate the victory of the Germans in the Sudetenland plebiscite. As part of the celebrations that followed there was a special Zeppelin Flight by L.Z. 130, the Graf Zeppelin II. An Official postcard and private postcards were also printed to mark the occasion.

The towns of AUSSIG, KARLSBAD, REICHENBERG and TROPPAU used a special handstamp, only on 4th Dec 1938, inscribed "Im befreiten Sudetenland | Wahl und Befenntnigstag" or 'In liberated Sudetenland, Election and Acceptance Day'. There was also a special Zeppelin flight which had a special cachet, and a great number of towns used the slogan cancel inscribed "Am 4 Dezember | Dein "Ja" dem Führer" (similar to the slogan used to commemorate the union with Austria)



LEFT: AUSSIG handstamp BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 1, Page: 52, Number: S 1 (PC)
CENTRE LEFT: KARLSBAD handstamp BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 11, Page: 406, Number: S 1 (PC)
CENTRE RIGHT: REICHENBERG handstamp BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 17, Page: 640, Number: S 1 (PC)
RIGHT: TROPPAU handstamp BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 21, Page: 732, Number: S 1 (PC)


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, page: 832, Number: 302
This rectangular slogan cancel was used extensively from 28th Nov until 4th Dec 1938 in AUSSIG, EGER, FRANZENSBAD, KARLSBAD, MARIENBAD and REICHENBERG



ABOVE: Rectangular slogan cancel

This slogan cancel was used over the following dates:

AUSSIG 1: 30th Nov to 14th Dec 1938
EGER 2: 2nd Dec to 6th Dec 1938
FRANZENSBAD: 4th Dec to 15th Dec 1938
KARLSBAD: 4th Dec to 15th Dec 1938
MARIENBAD: 4th Dec to 15th Dec 1938
REICHENBERG 3: 2nd Dec to 12th Dec 1938


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, page: 832, Number: 303
Another rectangular slogan cancel was used extensively on 4th Dec 1938 in BUCHERS, CHRISTIANSBERG, DEUTSCHE REICHENAU, KRUMAU and SALNAU. This cancellation was inscribed "Der Befreite Böhmerwald | stimmt für Führer und Reich!" - 'The Liberated Bohemian Forest votes for the leader and the Empire!'



ABOVE: Rectangular slogan cancel


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 25, page: 832, Number: 304
A three-line rectangular slogan cancel was used on 4th Dec 1938 in ARNSDORF, BLOTTENDORF, BÜRGSTEIN, HAIDA, LANGENAU(?) and SCHAIBA. This cancellation was inscribed "Glasgebiet Haida | gibt am 4.12.1938 | dem Führer sein "Ja" - 'The Glass Region of Haida, on 12/4/1938 gives its "yes" to the leader.'



ABOVE: Rectangular slogan cancel


REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: XX, page: XXX, Number: XXX
The airship Graf Zeppelin LZ130 made its maiden flight around the Sudetenland region to commemorate the annexation of the region to Germany. On this flight all mail was franked on the front side with a red circular cachet (see below). The reverse side of each item was cancelled with the "Am 4.Dezember | Dein > Ja < | dem Fuhrer" rectangular slogan, after it was dropped in REICHENBERG.



ABOVE: Sudetenfahrt cachet


REFERENCES:
1. JULIUS BOCHMANN - KATALOG DER DEUTSCHEN GELEGENHEITSSTEMPEL
2. ROBERT W. JONES - THE PHILATELY OF THE THIRD REICH GERMANY 1933-1945 - MAR PUBLISHING - 2011 - ISBN: 978-0-9765165-3-8