The Stamps of the German Empire (1914) - Collector's Reference

Our review of The Stamps of the German Empire explains why this 1914 reference remains useful for collectors and historians alike: it is a focused, period-specific guide that catalogs stamps issued between 1872 and 1914 and explains technical details relevant to identification and valuation. For anyone assembling a German Empire collection or researching postal history, the book's detailed discussion of designs, colors, perforations, watermarks and printing methods is the single biggest reason to buy this facsimile reprint.

Key Features

• Comprehensive chronological coverage: The book surveys stamps issued from 1872 to 1914, helping readers place individual issues in historical context.
• Technical identification details: Perforations, watermarks and printing methods are described to aid accurate identification and comparison.
• Design and color notes: Descriptions of designs and color variants help collectors spot differences that affect rarity and interest.
• Historical commentary: Short discussions of the German Empire's politics and postal role provide useful background for the collecting scholar.
• Illustrated reference: Over 200 black-and-white photographs give visual examples for reference when evaluating stamps.
• Indexed for research: A detailed index makes it practical to find entries on specific issues or topics within the period covered.

Who It's For

The Stamps of the German Empire is best for dedicated philatelists, postal historians and regional collectors who focus on late 19th- and early 20th-century German states and imperial issues; the technical emphasis on perforations, watermarks and printers suits those who need precise identification guidance. The facsimile reprint format also makes it suitable for libraries and researchers who prefer access to an otherwise scarce original.

Collectors seeking a modern price guide or color plate reproductions in full color should look elsewhere; the book is an historical, descriptive reference presented in black-and-white images and does not provide current market valuations or color plates in color.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough coverage of the 1872-1914 period that aids chronological research and collection building.
• Detailed technical notes on perforations, watermarks and printing that support accurate identification.
• Over 200 photographs and a detailed index that make the work practical to use for reference.

Cons

• As a facsimile reprint with black-and-white illustrations, it lacks modern color plates and contemporary market pricing.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Stamps of the German Empire (1914) remains a valuable reference for serious collectors and historians who need detailed, period-specific descriptions and identification guidance. While it is not a modern price guide and prints illustrations in black and white, its breadth of coverage and technical focus offer long-term research value and good historical context for anyone building or studying a German Empire collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the original book or a reprint?
This is a facsimile reprint of the original 1914 work and may show printing imperfections typical of antiquarian reprints.

Does the book include color plates?
No, illustrations are presented in black and white; the text includes descriptions of colors and variants.

Does it provide current market values?
No, the book is a descriptive and historical reference and does not include contemporary pricing or valuation data.