GELEGENHEITSSTEMPEL
OPPORTUNITY STAMP - SPECIAL STAMP
(1937)

This page was last updated
04-Dec-2023 08:03

NOTE: This page contains details of special postmarks that are NOT directly related to official stamps issued in 1935. For special postmarks that are related directly to the issue of commemorative stamps look here

INTRODUCTION:
The study of the various postmarks and cancellations used in 1937 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.

TAG DER BRIEFMARKE
THE DAY of the STAMP
(10th Jan 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft 26, Page 873, No. 17

There was a special handstamp used to commemorate the Day of the Stamp in 1937 used in 14 towns and cities on 10th Jan 1937.



ABOVE LEFT: Special handstamp MUNCHEN (P)
ABOVE RIGHT: Special handstamp STUTTGART (P)

INTERNATIONALE WINTERSPORTWOCHE
INTERNATIONAL WINTERSPORTS WEEK
(23rd/31st Jan 1937)

BOCHMANN: VARIOUS

Four special cancellations were introduced to commemorate the 1937 Winter Sports Week held in GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN from 23rd to 31st Jan 1937.


1. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 8, Page: 305, Number: S 6
The first design is incribed "23.-31. Januar | Internationale | Wintersportwoche | 1937 | Garmisch | Partenkirchen" and features mountains and the five Olympic rings. Only one type exists, and it is a Type 'A' with counter '2 *'




2. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 8, Page: 305, Number: S 7
The second design is inscribed "* INTERNATIONALE * | WINTERSPORTWOCHE 1937" and features an ice hockey player. Only one type exists, and it is does not have a counter. This handstamp was used from 20th until 31st Jan 1937




3. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 8, Page: 305, Number: S 8
The third design is inscribed "* INTERNATIONALE * | WINTERSPORTWOCHE 1937" and features a female figure skater. Only one type exists, and it is does not have a counter. This handstamp was used from 23rd until 31st Jan 1937




4. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 8, Page: 305, Number: S 9
The fourth design is inscribed "INTERNATIONALE | WINTERSPORTWOCHE 1937" and features a ski jumper. Only one type exists, and it is does not have a counter. This handstamp was used from 23rd until 31st Jan 1937



ABOVE LEFT: Special handstamp (P)

LUFTKURORT IM WÜRTTEMB
CLIMATIC HEALTH RESORT
(2nd Feb 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft 1, Page 35, No. 2

This special handstamp is inscribed "ALPIRSBACH | Luftkurort im Württemb. Schwarzwald" - 'ALPIRSBACH | climatic health resort in Württemberg. Black Forest". The image is a townscape with a church in front of Bergen. This version of the special handstamp was used in 1936 and 1937, then again from 1945 until 1949.

INT. AUTOMOBIL u. MOTORRAD AUSSTELLUNG
INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE and MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITION
(20th Feb / 7th Mar 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft 3, Page 109. No. S215

This special handstamp was used during the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition held in BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG from 20th Feb until 7th Mar 1937. There were two versions available: one with counter 'a' and the other with counter 'b'. The image depicts the Brandenburger Tor and three automobiles.



ABOVE: Counter 'a'

REICHSAUSSTELLUNG TEXTIL u. BEKLEIDUNG
EMPIRE EXHIBITION TEXTILE and CLOTHING
(24th Mar/11th Apr 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page: 109, Number: 216

There are many variations of this slogan cancel (all Type 'A': slogan on the left and the CDS on the right) used to commemorate the Textile and Clothing Exhibition held in the BERLIN Radio Tower from 24th Mar until the 11th Apr 1937. The inscription reads "REICHSAUSSTELLUNG | TEXTIL u. | BEKLEIDUNG | Berlin-Funkturm | 24. MÄRZ - 11.APRIL 37" - 'EMPIRE EXHIBITION | TEXTILE and | CLOTHING | Berlin radio tower | 24. MARCH - 11. APRIL 37'.



Variations are as follows:

BERLIN C 2: counters 'dh', 'dn', 'dt', 'dy'
BERLIN N 4: counters 'an' and 'at'
BERLIN NW 7: counters 'mc', 'mm', 'mp' and 'mq'
BERLIN W: counter 'G 9 G'
BERLIN O 17: counters 'b', 'g' and 'pp'
BERLIN CHARLOTTENBURG 2: counter 'bc'.

There are two versions of the BERLIN O 17 'b' counter: Type I with a horizontal stroke throught the 'b' and Type II without the stroke. (Requires clarification)

HILDBURGHAUSEN INGENIEURSCHULE
HILDBURGHAUSEN ENGINEERING SCHOOL
(30th Mar 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 10, Page: 385, Number: 3

The following special handstamp was used to advertise the HILDBURGHAUSEN Engineering School. The design features a propellor and lightning bolts. According to Bochmann this cancel was only used in 1935 and 1936, but here it is being used in 1937.

MAGEN, HERZ, RHEUMA
BAD CANNSTADT SPA SLOGAN
(26th Apr 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 21, Page: 710, Number: 48

The following slogan cancel was used to advertise the health benefits of the Bad Cannstadt region near Stuttgart. The image is that of a wine jug and the inscription reads "STUTTGART - BAD CANNSTATT | Magen, Herz, Rheuma" - 'STUTTGART - BAD CANNSTATT | Stomach, heart, rheumatism'.

This particular slogan was used in 1935, 1936 and 1937 and there are two variations. Another similar slogan [BOCHMANN 51] but featuring the 'Daimler Brunnen' or Daimler Fountain was also available in 1936.

MAY WEEK - WIESBADEN
(2nd - 29th May 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 22, Page: 772, Number: 38

This rectangular slogan cancel is inscribed "WIESBADENS | MAIWOCHEN | 2.-29.5. | THEATER - SPORT - KUNST". There is only one variant, a Type 'A' with an 'a' counter and it was used from 2nd to 29th May 1937.

DEUTSCHE FRAUENWERK
GERMAN WOMEN'S WORK
(May 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page: 112, Number: 224

This rectangular slogan cancel is inscribed "Jede Deutsche Frau ins | Deutsche | Frauenwerk! | Berlin - Schöneberg | Hauptstr.19.II" - 'Every German woman in German Women's work! Berlin - Schöneberg, Hauptstrasse.19.II'. Bochmann does not state the period of use only '1937'. There are multiple Type 'A' versions of this cancellation:

BERLIN C: with counter 'do', 'dq' and 'nv'.
BERLIN N 4: with counter 'am' or 'an'
BERLIN NW 7: with counter 'mm', or 'mq'
BERLIN O 17: with counter 'b' or 'c'
BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 2: counter 'S' or 'u'
BERLIN- FRIEDENAU: counter 'az'.



ABOVE: Type 'A' used in BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 2, counter 'u'

SCHAFFENDES VOLK AUSSTELLUNG
CREATIVE PEOPLE EXHIBITION
(May/Oct 1937)

Six different special cancellations were used to commemorate the 1937 'Creative People Exhibition' staged in DÜSSELDORF from May to October 1937.


1. BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 5, Page: 243, Number: 42.

The first design features a hand holding a hammer, and the inscription "DÜSSELDORF | Schaffendes Volk | 1937 | Grosse Reichs- | Ausstellung | Mai | Okt". Four handstamps were used: Counters 'a', 'b' and 'c' as well as one without a counter. This handstamp was also used in 1936.



ABOVE: Special handstamp without counter


2. BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 5, Page: 243, Number: 43.

The second design features the same arm holding up a hammer and is a rectangular slogan cancel. The inscription reads "Schaffendes | Volk | REICHSAUSSTELLUNG | DÜSSELDORF 1937 | Mai-Oktober". Three examples were used: Type 'A' with '* II' and 'ko' Counters and a Type Bd with a 'km' counter (used in 1936 and 1937).



ABOVE LEFT: Type 'A' with '* II' counter
ABOVE CENTRE: Type 'A' with 'ko' counter (PC)
ABOVE RIGHT: Type Bd with 'km' counter (P)


3. BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 5, Page: 243, Number: 44.

The third design is almost identical to the first, but the inscription is slightly different and reads "DÜSSELDORF | Schaffendes Volk | 1937 | REICHS- AUSSTELLUNG". Six variants were used: counter 'd' to 'f', 'h', 'm' and 'n'. These were used from 5th May until 20th Oct 1937. This design has the date and time above the "REICHS- AUSSTELLUNG" text.



ABOVE: Special handstamp counter 'd' (P)


4. BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 5, Page: 243, Number: 45.

The fourth design is almost identical to the first and third designs, but the inscription is slightly different and reads "DÜSSELDORF | Schaffendes Volk | 1937 | Reichs- | Ausstellung", only now the date is below the "REICHS- AUSSTELLUNG" text. Three versions of this handstamp were used from 5th May until 20th Oct 1937 and have either an 'i', 'k' or 'l' counter.




5. BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 5, Page: 244, Number: 46.

The fifth design is a roller cancel with the inscription "Reichs- | Ausstellung | Schaffendes | Volk | 1937". There was only one version, and it has the CDS cancellation at 90 degrees from the horizontal. This version was only used from 5th May until 20th Oct 1937.




6. BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 5, Page: 244, Number: 47.

The final design, a Type 'A' is inscribed "Schaffendes | Volk | REICHS- | AUSSTELLUNG | DÜSSELDORF | 1937". There was only one version, a Type 'A', used from 5th May until 20th Oct 1937 with a 'kp' counter.



ABOVE: Special cancellation Type 'A' with 'kp' counter (PC)

BEWÄHRTES HEILBAD - BAD DITZENBACH
PROVEN HEALTH SPA - BAD DITZENBACH
(May 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 2, Page 54 Nr: 1
This special handstamp was the only one used in the town during the Nazi period, and was used to attract visitors to the town's health spas. The inscription reads "BAD DITZENBACH (WÜRTT) | Bewahrtes Heilbad für | herz-Nieren-und.Stoff- | wechselleiden" - 'BAD DITZENBACH (WÜRTT) | Preserved spa for | heart-kidney-and stomach | transitional suffering'. The handstamp image is of a fountain. There was only one version of this handstamp and it was used every year from 1937 until 1940.

22. SCHLESISCHE MUSIKFEST
22nd SILESIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
(28th/30th May 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 8, Page: 322, Number: 10.

This special Type 'A' cancellation is inscribed "Besucht das | 22. Schlesische | Misikfest | in Görlitz | vom | 28.-30.Mai 1937" and was the only special cancellation used during the event. Bochmann doesn't specify the usage period, but the example below was used before the festival as it is dated 26th May 1937.



ABOVE: Type 'A' cancellation used before the festival (P)

HEIDENAU (SACHS) PARKFEST
HEIDENAU (SACHS) PARK FESTIVAL
(29th May 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 10, Page: 377, Number: S 1.

The following special handstamp was the only special cancel used in HEIDENAU during the Nazi period. The inscription reads "HEIDENAU (SACHS) | Parkfest | Groβsedlitz | Schönster Barockgarten Sachsen" and depicts a statue in the park. It was only used on two days, 29th and 30th May 1937.



ABOVE: Special handstamp (P)

SCHLES LAND VERB TAG
SILESIAN COUNTRY DAY
(6th Jun 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 17: Page: 635, No: S 1]

Only two special slogan handstamps were ever used in RATIBOR (now in present day Poland) during the Nazi period and this is the first one. It is inscribed "RATIBOR | Schles.Land-Verb.Tag | d. Philatelisten | 6.6.1937" and appears to commemorate a Silesian country/stamp fair [REQUIRES MORE RESEARCH]. The image on the handstamp is the Ratibor Coat of Arms, above a scythe and hammer further emphasising the rural nature of the event. There is only one version of this handstamp and it was only used on 6th Jun 1937.

WINTERSPORT - DIE DEUTSCHE ZINNSTADT
WINTER SPORTS - THE GERMAN ZINNSTADT (?)
(10th Jun 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 1: Page: 36, No: 3]

There was only one version of this special handstamp and it was used every year from 1936 until 1942 in the town of ALTENBERG. The inscription reads "ALTENBERG (ERZGEB) | 800 | m | Wintersport | Die deutsche Zinnstadt". The image features a skier infront of a townscape of BERGEN.

REICHSTAGUNG NS GEMEINSCHAFT
REICH MEETING of the NATIONAL SOCIALIST COMMUNITY
(10th / 13th Jun 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 10, Page 354, No. 71]

This special slogan cancel is inscribed "Reichstagung | d.NS Gemeinschaft | Kraft Durch Freude | Hamburg 10.-13. Juni 1937" - 'Reichs Meeting of the National Socialist Community, Strength Through Joy, Hamburg 10th-13th June 1937’. There were two versions of this cancellation, the first a Type 'A' and the second a Type 'Bd', both from HAMBURG 1 and both with an 'a' counter.



ABOVE: Type 'Bd' version

AUF ZUM FRANKENTAG AUF DEN HESSELBERG
OFF TO HESSELBERG FOR FRANKENDAY
(19th and 20th Jun 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 16, Page 594, No. 50]

This special slogan cancel is inscribed "Auf zum Frankentag | auf den Hesselberg | am 19.und 20.Juni 1937" - 'On to Frankentag on the Hesselberg on June 19th and 20th, 1937’. The Hesselberg near Wassertrüdingen was the venue for of a large scale Nazi propaganda rally from 1928, and was the brainchild of the Gauleiter of Franconia and owner of the anti-semitic 'newspaper', Der Sturmer', Julius Streicher.

This version of the cancellation [BOCHMANN: heft: 25, Page: 823, Nr: 214] was used in NÜRNBERG and FÜRTH from 7th to 20th Jun 1937 and it was also used the previous year from 13th to 21st Jun 1936 [BOCHMANN: Heft: 25, Page: 827, Nr: 262].



ABOVE: Type 'A' used in NÜRNBERG in 1937

BRANDENBURG TURN u. SPORTFEST GAU III DRL
(19th/27th Jun 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 112, No. S 227]

This special handstamp is inscribed "1. Brandenb. Turn - | u. Sportfest Gau III DRL | 19.-27.6.1937" and was used to promote the 1st Brandenburg gymnastics and sports festival of GAU III. There is only one version of this special cancel.



ABOVE: Special handstamp (P)

INTERNATIONALER SEGELFLUG-WETTBEWERB
INTERNATIONAL GLIDING COMPETITION
(4th Jul 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft X, Page XXX, No. XX]

This special handstamp is inscribed "FLIEGERLAGER WASSERKUPPE | b. GERSFELD | (Rhon) | Internationaler | Segelflug-Wettbewerb 1937" - 'FLYER CAMP WASSERKUPPE | b. GERSFELD | (Rhon) | International | Gliding competition 1937’.



ABOVE: Special handstamp (P)

NS-KAMPFSPIELE - STUTTGART
NATIONAL SOCIALIST FIGHTING GAMES - STUTTGART
(8th / 11th Jul 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 21: Page: 712, No: 63]

This special slogan handstamp is inscribed "NS-Kampfspiele | im Bereich der | SA-Gruppe Südwest | Stuttgart 8.-11.7.37" - 'Nazi fighting games | in the area of | SA Group Southwest | Stuttgart 8.-11.7.37’. There were two variations available, one with a counter 'c' and the other with a counter 'e', both used at STUTTGART 9.



ABOVE: Type 'A' counter 'c'

BELOW: [BOCHMANN: Heft: 21, Page: 712, Nr: S65]

A related circular handstamp was also used on 10th and 11th Jul 1937, this one inscribed "STUTTGART-BAD CANSTATT | ns-kampfspiele", featuring a sword in front of a swastika, surrounded by an oak leaf laurel.

REICHS LUFTSCHUTZ BUND
AIR RAID PROTECTION
(14th Jul 1937)

There were a number of slogan cancellations used to honour the Reichs Luftschutz Bund during the Nazi period.


BOCHMANN: Heft: 25, Page 816, No. 140
The first type is inscribed "Luftschutz | ist nationale Pflicht. | Werdet Mitglied im | Reichsluftschutzbund". It exists in almost all formats incuding Types 'A', 'B', 'C', 'E', 'F', 'G', 'Bd', 'K' and roller. Usage was from 18th Aug 1933 and every year thereafter until 1941 and again in 1943. This slogan was used in 78 towns and cities.



ABOVE: Example used in BRAUNSCHWEIG (C)


BOCHMANN: Heft: 25, Page 817, No. 155
The following type is inscribed "Luftschutz | ist nationale Pflicht. | Werdet Mitglied | im Reichsluftschutzbund". It exists only as a Type 'A' and was used in 11 towns and cities from 16th Aug 1934 and every year thereafter until 1940.



ABOVE:


BOCHMANN: Heft: 25, Page 818, No. 164
and below is one of them, this one inscribed "Werdet | Mitglied | im | Reichsluftschutzbund" - 'Become a member of the Air Raid Protection Association’ and featuring a police badge with the "RLB" initials. This design was used in 11 towns and cities from 30th Nov 1934 and every year after until 1940. The slogan was available in Type 'A', Type 'B' and 'C' formats.



ABOVE: Example used in BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG in 1937 (C)

STRUMPF-INDUSTRIE - OBERLUNGWITZ
STOCKING INDUSTRY - OBERLUNGWITZ
(16th Jul 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 17, Page 602 Nr: 3
This special handstamp was used in 1937 and 1938 to commemorate the town of OBERLUNGWITZ and its association with the stocking industry. The inscription reads "OBERLUNGWITZ | Weltbekannte | Strumpf-Industrie" - 'OBERLUNGWITZ | World famous | Hosiery Industry'. There were six special handstamps used in the town during the Nazi period, and every one of them is a variation on the hosiery industry.

BRIEFMARKEN AUSSTELLUNG - BAD BLANKENBURG
STAMP EXHIBITION - BAD BLANKENBURG
(18th Jul 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 2, Page 53 Nr: S3
This special handstamp was used only for one day on 18th Jul 1937 and commemorates the Stamp Exhibition held in BAD BLANKENBURG. The inscription reads "BAD BLANKENBURG (THÜRINGERW) | Briefmarken Ausstellung | Das Grüne Deutschlands" - 'BAD BLANKENBURG (THÜRINGIA) | Stamp exhibition | The Green of Germany'. The image on the handstamp is that of Greifenstein Castle ruins and a heart, symbolising the town as the green heart of Germany.

ERBACH (ODENW) WIESEMARKT
ERBACH - MEADOW MARKET
(19th Jul 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 6, Page 257 Nr: S3
This special handstamp was used to commemorate the 1937 ERBACH Meadow Market. The handstamp was used on the following dates: 18th, 19th and 25th Jul 1937; 22nd to 31st Jul 1938; 23rd, 24th, 30th Jul, 1st and 2nd Aug 1939. There is only one version of this handstamp although it was used again from 1949 to 1952 without the (ODENW) text.

KANDEL - GRENZLANDTAGE
KANDEL FRONTIER DAYS
(25th Jul 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft 11 Page 406, No. S 1

This was the first of only two special handstamps used in KANDEL. This one is simply inscribed "KANDEL | GRENZLANDTAGE" - 'KANDEL FRONTIER DAYS' and features an image of the St. George Tower in the town, located about 10Km from the French border. There is only one version of this handstamp, and it was used for three consecutive years as follows: 24th to 26th Jul 1937, 20th to 22nd Aug 1938 and 8th to 10th Jul 1939.



ABOVE: Special handstamp (P)

12 DEUTSCHES SANGERSBUNDSFEST
12th GERMAN SINGER'S FESTIVAL
(29th Jul 1937)

There were two special handstamps used to promote the 1937 12th German Singer's Festival held in BRESLAU.


BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 4, Page: 176, Number: S34

There are two versions of this first special cancel inscribed "12 Deutsches | Sängerbundesfest | in Breslau | 28.7.-1.8.1937" - '12 German | National Singers' Festival | in BRESLAU | 28.7.-1.8.1937". This slogan cancel also has the letters DSB in a rhombus.




BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 4, Page: 176, Number: S35

This next special handstamp was inscribed "12 Deutsches | Sängerbundesfest | in Breslau | 28.7.-1.8.1937 | DSB" (now without the words 'in Breslau'). This handstamp was used at multiple counters: a to i, k to p, r, t and u.



ABOVE LEFT: Counter 'm'
ABOVE RIGHT: Counter 'k'

DEUTSCHE RUDERMEISTERSCHAFTEN
GERMAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS
(31st Jul / 1st Aug 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 13, Page 477 Nr: S121
This next special handstamp was used in the city of LEIPZIG on 31st Jul and 1st Aug 1937 to commemorate 'German Rowing Championships'. The image on the handstamp features four rowers and the inscription "Deutsche Ruder meisterschaften 1937 | LEIPZIG C1". There was only one version of this handstamp.

HEIMATTAGE - ANNWEILER
HOME DAYS - ANNWEILER
(31st Jul / 2nd Aug 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 1, Page 42 Nr: S3
This special handstamp was used in the town of ANNWEILER from 31st Jul until 2nd Aug 1937 to commemorate 'Home Days' 1937. The image on the handstamp features the Reichsburg Trifels, castle ruins located in the Palatinate Forest, above the town of Annweiler.

WELTKONGRESS der FELTWANDERER
WORLD CONGRESS of FELTWALKERS
(4th Aug 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft 22, Page 773, No. S 39

This special handstamp is inscribed "WIESBADEN-BIEBRICH | Weltkongress | der | Feltwanderer | 1937" - 'WIESBADEN-BIEBRICH | World Congress | the | Felt Wanderer | 1937' [Better translation Required]. Only one version of this handstamp exists and it was used from 31st Jul until 4th Aug 1937.



ABOVE: Special handstamp (P)

14. GROSSE DEUTSCHE RUNDFUNKAUSSTELLUNG
14th GREATER GERMAN BROADCASTING EXHIBITION
(8th Aug 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 3, Page: 112, Number: S 231

This special handstamp is inscribed "BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 5 | 14. Groβe Deutsche | Rundfunkausstellung | Berlin 1937" - 'BERLIN CHARLOTTENBURG 5 | 14th Greater German | Broadcast Exhibition | Berlin 1937'. It was used from 29th Jul until 9th Aug 1937 and there are three versions all used in BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 5: counter 'a', 'b' and 'c'. Counter 'c' was used for Rohrpost mail and has additionl hours and minutes indicated.



ABOVE LEFT: Special handstamp - Counter 'a' (P)

ANKLAM
(8th/9th Aug 1937)

REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 1, Page 41, S1
RELATED STAMPS: None
RELATED POSTCARD: PP122-C-54/01, PP122-C-54/02, PP142-C-14/01 and PP142-C-14/02

The following special cancel was the first of only 4 special handstamps used in ANKLAM during the Third Reich period. It was used to commemorate the 2nd Western Pomeranian philatelic advertising show which took place on 8th and 9th Aug 1937. The cancel features the Steintor in the city of Anklam.

GLAUCHAUER VOLKSFEST
GLAUCHAU FOLK FESTIVAL
(14th / 22nd Aug 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 8, Page 317 Nr: 2
This special handstamp was used to commemorate the 1937 Glauchau folk festival. The inscription reads "GLAUCHAU | Glauchauer Volksfest | Rund um's Rosarium | 14.-22. August | 1937" - 'GLAUCHAU | Glauchau Folk Festival | Around the Rosarium | 14th-22nd August | 1937' and the design features a single rose. There is one error to watch out for and that is the incorrect year on the stamp "36" instead of "37".

700 JAHRE BERLIN
700th ANNIVERSARY of BERLIN
(14th/22nd Aug 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
RELATED POSTCARD: There was no offical postcard but there were a number of private postcards published to commemorate the anniversary.

There were four special cancellations used during this period:

1. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 113, 233
This first example is a rectangular cancellation inscribed "700 | Jahre | Berlin" with the Berlin Coat of Arms in the top right-hand corner. There were five versions of this Type 'A' cancellation: BERLIN C 2 counter 'dh', BERLIN N 4 counter 'ah', BERLIN NW 7 counter 'mm', BERLIN O 17 counter 'pp' and BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 2 counter 'u'.



ABOVE is the BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 2, counter 'u' variant.

2. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 113, 234
This circular handstamp is inscribed "BERLIN FAHRBARES POSTAMT | 700 Jahre Berlin" with the Berlin Coat of Arms at the top and two swastikas each side. There were six versions of this handstamp all inscribed "FAHRBARES POSTAMP" and with counters 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e' and 'f'.



ABOVE is the counter 'a' variant.

3. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 113, S236
This circular handstamp was used in PANKOW and bears the inscription "700 Jahre Berlin | Heimatschau in Pankow | 15.8.-22.8" and features an image of Pankow City Hall Tower. Two versions were used, both from PANKOW 1 and with either an 'a' or a 'b' counter.



ABOVE is the counter 'a' variant.

4. REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 113, S237
This handstamp was used in BERLIN-STRALAU and BERLIN-TREPTOW and bears the inscription "Straulauer Fischzug 1937 | Das Volksfest | der 700 Jahre-Feier | der Stadt Berlin | 15.8.-5.9.37" and features an image of a fish. Four versions were used, two in BERLIN-STRALAU with counter 'a' or 'b', and two in BERLIN-TREPTOW also with either counter 'a' or 'b'. These cancellations were used from 15th Aug until 6th Sep 1937.



ABOVE LEFT: BERLIN-STRALAU counter 'b' variant
ABOVE RIGHT: BERLIN-TREPTOW counter 'b' variant

INT. MILCHWIRTSCHAFTLICHE AUSSTELLUNG
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY EXHIBITION
(21st / 29th Aug 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 113, Nr: S239
The following special handstamp was used only in BERLIN-CHARLOTTTENBURG 5 and only from 20th to 30th Aug 1937. The inscription reads "BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 5 | Int. Milchwirtschaftliche | Ausstellung | Berlin 1937 | 21.-28.8". There was only one variant of this handstamp.

700. JAHRE STADT GERA
700th ANNIVERSARY of GERA
(22nd / 29th Aug 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 8, Page 311, Nr: S3
This special handstamp was used to commemorate the 700th Anniversary of the city of GERA. The inscription reads "GERA | 1. Briefmarken Ausstellung | 700 Jahre Stadt Gera | Geposta | 22.29.Aug. | 1937 | Deutsche Sammler-Gemeinschaft | Veranst. NSG. Kraft durch Freude | Kreisgr. Gera" - 'GERA | 1st Stamp Exhibition | 700 years of the city of Gera | Geposta | 22.29.Aug. | 1937 | German collector community | Event NSG. Strength through joy | Circle size Gera'. There was only one version of this handstamp and it was used from 22nd until 29th Aug 1937.

INTERNATIONALE BRIEFMARKEN-SCHAU - BAD NAUHEIM
INTERNATIONAL STAMP SHOW - BAD NAUHEIM
(2nd / 5th Sep 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 2, Page 66, Nr: S4
This special handstamp was used to commemorate the International Stamp Show held in BAD NAUHEIM from 2nd to 5th Sep 1937. The image depicts the "Sprudelbrunnen' - Bubble Fountain, part of the Sprudelhof, a large spa complex located in the town of BAD NAUHEIM. Built between 1905 and 1911 it contained six bathhouses with waiting rooms and 265 bathing cells. You can read more at this website.

There is only one version of this handstamp and it was used from 2nd to 5th Sep 1937

WOLFENBÜTTEL - DIE LESSINGSTADT MIT WELTBEKANNTER BIBLIOTHEK
WOLFENBÜTTEL - THE LESSING CITY WITH A WORLD-KNOWN LIBRARY
(15th Sep 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 22, Page 783, S 2
There were only four special handstamps used in WOLFENBÜTTEL during the period 1933 to 1945. This is the first of those handstamps and it commemorates the world reknowned library. The inscription reads "WOLFENBÜTTEL | die lessingstadt mit weltbekannter bibliothek" and the image depicts the library with a tree on either side. Bochmann does not state the period of usage for this handstamp only that is was used in 1936, 1937 and 1938.

50 JAHRE PHILATELIE
50 YEARS of PHILATELY
(17th Sep 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 8, Page 324 Nr: S3
This special handstamp was used to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of philately in the town of GÖSSNITZ. The inscription reads "GÖSSNITZ (KR ALTENBURG) | D.V Göβnitz | Dtsch.Philat.-Verb. | 17.9.1887 | A.E. | G1. | 50 Jahre Philatelie." The handstamp was the only one used and was available from 17th to 19th Sep 1937.

STATE VISIT of MUSSOLINI
(25th/29th Sep 1937)

Commemorative handstamps were used in BERLIN and MUNICH to celebrate Mussolini's state visit to Germany from 25th to 29th Sp 1937.


1. BERLIN: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 3, Page: 114, Number: S 243

Inscribed "BERLIN | 25.-29.9.1937 | Staatstreffen Mussolini-Hitler", this cancellation exists in a number of different variants: counter 'a' and 'b' in Fraktur font, counter 'a' to 'i' and 'k' to 'ag' in Antigua font.



ABOVE: special cancel with Antigua font and counter 'z' on a Block 11 commemorative Minisheet.


2. MÜNCHEN: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr: 16, Page: 554, Number: S 100

Inscribed "MÜNCHEN | 25.9.1937 | Staatsbesuch | Mussolini-Hitler | 25.-28 9 1937" this special handstamp exists in a number of different variants: counters 'a' to 'i', and 'k' to 'm'.



ABOVE: special cancel counter 'i' used in Munich.

1. PRENZLAUER BRIEFMARKEN - WERBEAUSSTELLUNG
1. PRENZLAUER STAMPS - ADVERTISING EXHIBITION
(23rd / 24th Oct 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 17: Page: 629, No: S 2]

Only three special slogan handstamps were ever used in PRENZLAU during the Nazi period and this is the second one. It is inscribed "PRENZLAU | 1. Prenzlauer Briefmarken - Werbeausstellung | 23. und 24. Oktober 1937" and commemorates the first PRENZLAU stamp advertising Exhibition held on 23rd and 24th Oct 1937. The image is that of the PRENZLAU Coat of Arms. Only one version of this handstamp was used and only on these two days.

HOSPITALITY, ACCOMMODATION & FOOD TRADE SHOW
(24th Sep - 5th Oct 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft 3, Page 114, No. S 242

This special handstamp is inscribed "BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG 5 | Jahresschau | Gast- stätten | u. Beherberungs gewerbe | Nahrungsmittelhandwerke | Berlin | 24.9.-5.10.1937 | Die Küche das Reich der Frau" - 'BERLIN CHARLOTTENBURG 5 | Annual show | Restaurants | and accommodation industry | food crafts | Berlin | 24.9.-5.10.1937 | The kitchen the realm of women’.

Two variants were available: Counter 'a' and counter 'b'. The 'b' variant being used on Rohrpost mail and having additional hours and minutes information.



ABOVE: Special handstamp with counter 'a' (P)

BÜCKEBERG
HARVEST THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL
(1st Oct 1937)

BOCHMANN: VARIOUS

Two special handstamp were used to commemorate the 1937 Harvest Thanksgiving Festival in BÜCKEBERG.


BOCHMANN: Heft 4, Page 183, No. S 2

There are two similar styles of this special handstamp, both of which can be seen below. The design features 4 interlocking ears of corn, a reference to the rural nature of the festival.

There were four varieties in use as follows:

1. BÜCKEBERG | BEI | HAMELN - Type 'A'
2. BÜCKEBERG | b HAMELN | a - Type 'A'
3. BÜCKEBERG b HAMELN | b - Roller cancel
4. BÜCKEBERG b HAMELN | m - Roller cancel

Versions 1 and 2 were used for three consecutive years from 1935 until 1937: 5th and 6th Oct 1935, 3rd and 4th Oct 1936 and 2nd and 3rd Oct 1937.

Version 3 was used in 1936 and 1937: 3rd and 4th Oct 1936 and 2nd and 3rd Oct 1937

Version 4 was only used on 2nd and 3rd Oct 1937



ABOVE LEFT: BÜCKEBERG | BEI | HAMELN - Type 'A'
ABOVE RIGHT: BÜCKEBERG | b HAMELN | a - Type 'A'



ABOVE LEFT: BÜCKEBERG b HAMELN | b - Roller cancel
ABOVE RIGHT: BÜCKEBERG b HAMELN | m - Roller cancel


BOCHMANN: Heft 4, Page 183, No. S 3

This was a circular handstamp inscribed "BÜCKEBERG b. HAMELN | ERNTEDANKTAG". on 4th and 5th Oct 1936 and 2nd and 3rd Oct 1937 there were 7 different counters available: 'c' to 'i'. In 1937 a further three counters were also used: counters 'k', 'l' and 'n'.

BERLIN CHRISTMAS MARKET
(4th to 22nd Dec 1937)

[BOCHMANN: Heft 3, Page 115, No. 249]

A special handstamp was available at BERLIN C2 from 4th to 22nd Dec 1937 to commemorate the Christmas Market in Berlin. The handstamp design features a bear standing on its hind legs (the symbol of the city) with a Christmas tree either side. There are four different counters: 'a', 'b', 'c' or 'd'. There was no special stamp to mark this occasion.



ABOVE LEFT: Counter 'a'
ABOVE CENTRE LEFT: Counter 'b'
ABOVE CENTRE RIGHT: Counter 'c'
ABOVE RIGHT: Counter 'd'

5 JAHRE BERLIN BRIEFMARKEN TAUSCHZIRKEL
5th BERLIN STAMP EXCHANGE CIRCLE
(10th Oct 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page: 114, Number: S244

The special handstamp below was used to advertise the 5th Year of the BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG Stamp Exchange Circle. The inscription reads "BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG | 5 | Jahre | * Briefmarken-Tauschzirkel Charlottenburg 1932 * | 10.10.37 10-19" - 'BERLIN CHARLOTTENBURG | 5 | years | * Stamp exchange circle Charlottenburg 1932 * | 10/10/37 10-19'. There was only this one handstamp used on the day of the event.

GROβE ANTIBOLSCHEWISTISCHE AUSSTELLUNG
GREAT ANTI-BOLSCHEVIC EXHIBITION
(6th Nov / 19th Dec 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 3, Page 114, S 246
This special handstamp was used from 6th Nov until 19th Dec 1937 to commemorate the Great Anti-Bolschevic Exhibition held in BERLIN. The handstamp is inscribed "Groβe Antibolschewistische Ausstellung | Bolschewismus | ohne maske | 6.11.-19.12.37" - 'Great Anti-Bolshevik Exhibition, Bolshevism unmasked, 6.11.-19.12.37'. There were three versions of this handstamp, all inscribed BERLIN-REICHSTAG and having either an 'a', 'b' or 'c' counter. The 'c' stamp was for Rohr postal items (pneumatic post) with minutes indicated after the number of hours.



ABOVE is the BERLIN-REICHSTAG, counter 'a' variant.

AACHENER WÜRZIGES FESTGEBACK
AACHENER SPICY HOLIDAY PASTRIES
(7th Dec 1937)

RELATED STAMPS: None
REFERENCE: BOCHMANN: Heft Nr 1, Page 30, Nr: 18
Bochmann doesn't list the time period when this slogan cancellation was used but it does state that it was used in 1936 and 1937 and that there are two versions, both Type 'A', the first with a '* 1 V' counter (1936) and the second with a counter 'b' (1937). The design features a candle in front of a fir tree, first textile white on a black background, with the second line of text underlined.



ABOVE: The 1937 version with counter 'b'.

SPREMBERG 1st STAMP SHOW
(12th Dec 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft Nr. 20, Page: 692, Number: S 1

This was the only special handstamp used in SPREMBERG during the Nazi era. The cancel is inscribed "SPREMBERG (NIEDERLAUSITZ) | 12.12.37 | Erste Werbeschau des | Briefmarken-Sammler-Vereins" - 'SPREMBERG (LOWER LAUSITZ) | 12/12/37 | First advertising show of the | Stamp Collectors Association'. There is only one version of this handstamp.



ABOVE: Special handstamp (P)

ZWICKAU
ZWICKAU - COAL and COKE
(23rd Dec 1937)

BOCHMANN: Heft: 22, Page: 799. No: 16

This special handstamp is inscribed "ZWICKAU | Sächs.Steinkohle | Sächs. Zechenkoks" - 'ZWICKAU | Sächs.Hard coal | Sächs. Mine coke' and commemorates the regions principal industry of coal mining. The image on the slogan is of a silhouette of the city of Zwickau and only exists as a Type 'A'. This slogan was used every year from 1937 to 1940.



REFERENCES:
1. JULIUS BOCHMANN - KATALOG DER DEUTSCHEN GELEGENHEITSSTEMPEL