Stamps from the German colonies

Briefmarken von der deutschen Post aus China von den Zeiten der deutschen Kolonien
Format: Stamps, letters and postcards
Period: Approx. 1886 to 1919
Value: 6 – €100,000 (higher in individual cases)

 

Do you want to sell your stamps from the German colonies?

Get an unbiased valuation of your individual items, special postmarks, entire letters or stamp collection and sell them at the best price. Stade Auktionen will guide you to the auction professionally and respectfully.

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Stamps from the German colonies – coveted collector’s items

 

Stamps from the German colonies are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and rarity. Postmarks from smaller towns in the colonies are particularly rare, which can increase their value considerably.

Factors determining the value of stamps from the German colonies

Origin

The stamps can come from various colonies of the German Empire.

  • German South West Africa
  • German East Africa
  • Togo
  • German New Guinea
  • Caroline Islands
  • Mariana Islands
  • Marshall Islands
  • Samoa
  • Cameroon
  • Kiautschou

Stamps from Deutsche Post in China are also in great demand.

Age

Stamps from the German colonies date from around 1886 to 1919.

Material

Usually, the stamps of the German colonies are printed on paper and can be found as letters, postcards or individual stamps.

The preservation of the letters and stamps are important factors for the value.

Condition

Letters and stamps should be in a collectible condition, without defects or discoloration.

Good condition increases value accordingly.

Rarity

Postmarks from smaller places in the German colonies are extremely rare and increase the value considerably.

Stamps from the following colonies are particularly valuable:

  • German South West Africa
  • German East Africa
  • German New Guinea
  • Cameroon

Characteristics

Special features such as rare postmarks, very special overprints or particular historical relevance can further increase the value of a stamp from the German colonies.

Examples of various stamps from German colonies

Briefmarke aus der deutschen Kolonie Samoa
Postakrte mit Briefmarke gestempelt in Kiautschou
Briefmarke aus der deutschen Kolonie Süd-Westafrika

How to sell your stamps with Stade Auktionen

Mann mit Brille hält eine Briefmarke und eine Lupe in der Hand. Auf dem Tisch vor ihm liegen weitere Briefmarken.
1

Contact us

Contact us by phone, e-mail or via the contact form for personal consultation.

2

Let us take care of your request

Whether you wish to entrust us with an extensive legacy, your entire collection or parts of it – we will appraise everything with utmost respect.

3

Your treasures in the best hands

We will make sure that your treasures get into the right hands as quickly as possible.

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Logo des Allgemeinen Postwertzeichen-Händlerverband e.V.
Logo des BDPh
Logo des Bundesverbandes deutscher Briefmarkenversteigerer

Frequently asked questions

Find out everything you need to know about selling your stamps.

Stamps from the German colonies are particularly popular. They are extremely rare and their history makes them truly unique historical pieces. Stade Auktionen accepts stamps on letters and postcards as well as single stamps.

Individual items usually fetch a higher price. Nevertheless, we should consider together with you when it makes sense to sell individual items and when it makes sense to sell an entire collection. The valuation of a stamp collection depends on factors such as age, origin, rarity, condition and material.

The following conditions apply for consignments:

  1. The consignor may only consign postcards, stamps and other documents over which he has sole control.
  2. Consignments can be made at any time and will be included in the next auction.
  3. The starting prices are generally determined by the auction house. They are based on the current market situation.
  4. The auctioneer is entitled to accept underbids up to a maximum of 20% of the starting price.
  5. If the consignor withdraws the goods for reasons for which the consignor is responsible, an expense allowance of EUR 100 per hour shall be payable for the inspection and valuation of the items to be auctioned, but at least EUR 100 per order.
  6. The sales commission for the auctioneer is 22% of the hammer price. If the hammer price is up to 500 euros, the sales commission is 30% and the insurance costs are 1% of the hammer price. The statutory value added tax is levied on this. Postage costs for any returns shall be borne by the consignor. We charge a fee of 2.50 euros per lot for processing large lots and 1 euro for individual lots.
  7. The auctioneer cannot accept any liability for auctioned goods. He therefore takes out special auction insurance for the account of the customer, which insures the auctioned goods against all risks within the scope of this contract. The sum insured is 1% of the hammer price.
  8. If the consignor withdraws the goods for reasons for which he is responsible after the auctioneer has already advertised the goods in the catalog or on the Internet, the goods shall be deemed prepared for the auction and the auctioneer shall settle the order with a further expense allowance. This includes the lost commission of 20% of the starting price of the lot. In addition, the processing fee of EUR 25 per lot, up to a maximum of EUR 300, must be reimbursed. Fees for inspections that are necessary, at the auctioneer’s discretion, will be invoiced separately after consultation.
  9. Billing takes place 6-8 weeks after the auction.
  10. Advances are possible for good consignments.
  11. The place of jurisdiction for all parties involved is Lörrach.

We offer you various options for selling your stamps with us, depending on the type of stamp and your requirements. For advice on direct sales, commission sales or consignments for auction, please contact our experts on +49 7624 – 98 95 870 or at e-mail at einlieferung@stade-auktionen.de. In most cases, we can give you a clear assessment after you have sent us pictures. However, you also have the following options for sending the stamps:

  • by visiting our premises
  • by shipping at your own risk
  • by letting us manage the collection of your valuables for transport, 100% insured (costs from €40.00 to max. €80.00 depending on the value).

The following costs apply depending on the value of the goods:

  • Value of goods up to €10,000.00: €40
  • Value of goods up to €15,000.00: €50
  • Value of goods up to €20,000.00: €65
  • Value of goods up to €25,000.00: €80
  • Value of goods over €25,000.00: please give us a phone call

The surcharge for scheduled shipment within a time window of 4 hours (between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) is €6.00.

The surcharge for scheduled shipment within a time window of 2 hours (between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) is €10.00.

The bank transfer will be made as soon as possible after receipt of the goods.

The value and hence the selling price of old stamps depends on factors such as age, origin, rarity, condition and material. Rare stamps from German colonies can fetch high prices when sold.

To determine the value of stamps, it is important to consult a specialist such as Stade Auktionen. Specialist knowledge is required to correctly assess the value based on factors such as age, origin, rarity, condition and material.

Sell your stamps with Stade Auktionen

Do you want to sell a collection but don’t know how much your stamps are worth or how to sell them? Send us a message and we will take care of your request as soon as possible.

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