In Highlight #4 we featured nineteenth century Canadian local stamps — most of them bogus. In the worldwide sections there are many lots of both local issues and propaganda stamps which come from the era during and after World War II. Sometimes these two categories overlap as in Lot 1152 from Austria. Many of these are carefully described, numbered, and valued in the Specialized Michel Catalogues.
Among the propaganda items are Lots 1248, 1249, and 1899.
Lot 1249 — Michel #28II 1943 British Propaganda forgery, on which the typical Hitler head has been replaced with that of Heinrich Himmler, Type II narrow line variety, mint never hinged, fine-very fine, signed on reverse. Michel €400.
Lot 1899 — World War II Propaganda and Occupation Issues. An interesting selection of 63 stamps including Azad Hind (Free India), apparently complete (21 stamps), both imperf and perforated, French Volunteer Legion of the German Army (9 stamps), German Occupation of Lithuania (12 stamps). All mint, some never hinged and fine-very fine. The key Azad Hind set of 3 imperfs is never hinged but with light gum bends. Estimate $500.
Other issues either offered a local service, made an attempt to do so, or were overprinted for that purpose. Examples are the issues of Fredersdof, Saverne, Gorochow, Labomi, and Zara in Lots 1253-1258. Larger lots of locals etc. are found in Lots 1869 and 1874.
Lot 1874 — World War II and Post-War Local issues accumulation. An interesting grouping of over 150 stamps issued during or immediately following the German occupation of various territories. Note Memel, Estonia, better Ukraine and Lithuania, Russia, Bohemia & Moravia, Plebiscites, Laibach. Also British Propaganda forgery of 1938 Winter Help issue depicting Himmler (small fault). Several stamps bear expert markings. Inspection may prove rewarding. A lovely accumulation containing a wealth of seldom seen material. Estimate $500.