POSTAGE STAMPS
(1942)

This page was last updated
19-Mar-2023 01:06

MICHEL 2
FIELD POST PARCEL CONCESSION LABEL

BACKGROUND: These stamps were issued in Jul 1942 for use on field post packages and were valid through May 1945. They were produced on Sheets of 100 (10x10). The stamp was designed by Marggraff and typography printed by the State Printing Works in Berlin. The stamp is perf 13¾:14 for the 'A' version, and the 'B' version is rouletted.

As well as being issued directly to eligible soldiers by the Army, this stamp could also be purchased for 50Rpf at the collector's counter in Berlin but was only allowed to be cancelled using Feld Post cancellations.

Initially packages weighing up to 250 grams could be sent free of charge. From 250 grams to 1Kg one of these package stamps was required along with a regular 20Rpf postage stamp. On 1st Sep 1942 the weight limit was raised to 2Kg with 40Rpf of postage and two of these package stamps being required. On 23rd Jun 1944 the weight allowance was significantly reduced with packages only allowed up to 100 grams (20 grams on the western front) and requiring one of these stamps but no additional postage.

From 10th Jul 1942 until 31st Aug each eligible solder was issued one stamp per month, rising to two stamps per month from 1st Sep 1942 until the Autumn of 1944 two stamps per month were issued.

There are two major versions, Type 1 A which is perf 13¾:14 and Type 1 B which is serrated roulette.

VALIDITY: Jul 1942 until Maty 1945
VALUE: N/A
COLOUR: brown to brownish red
WATERMARK: None
PERF: 13¾:14 and roulette
AVAILABILITY: Sheets (10x10)
QUANTITY PRINTED: Unknown

MAJOR VARIATIONS

There are two major variations depending on whether the stamp is perf 13¾:14 (1942) or roulette (1943).



ABOVE LEFT: Mi 2 A - perf 13¾:14
ABOVE RIGHT: Mi 2 B - roulette

VARIATIONS

Each major variant (Mi 2 A and 2 B) has several sub-variants depending on the gum.



ABOVE LEFT: 2 A x- smooth gum
ABOVE CENTRE: 2 A y - horizontally ribbed gum
ABOVE RIGHT: 2 A z - vertically ribbed gum



ABOVE LEFT: 2 B x - smooth gum
ABOVE CENTRE: 2 B y - horizontally ribbed gum

PLATE FLAWS

There were no major plate flaws however there are a number of 'freaks', rouletting through the stamp, mutilated letters and dots on the eagle.

STAMPS FROM MY COLLECTION

All stamps from here until the end of the page are from my collection.

POSTALLY UNUSED - MINT

ABOVE LEFT: Mi 2 A y - perf 13¾:14 with horizontal gum
ABOVE RIGHT: Mi 2 B y - serrated with horizontal gum