Between the Wars: Interesting Stamp Issues of 1919-1939 (Part One)
I am have always been quite interested in World history between the First and Second World Wars. This turbulent period saw the end of many monarchies, the rise of communism and fascism, a period of hyperinflation, wealth and the Great Depression. It was probably the golden age of philately. Virtually every schoolboy had a stamp collection of some sort.
In this article I thought we might glimpse at some of the interesting stamp issues of this period. Some of the were issued by “dead” countries, in other words, places, which now neither exist or have changed their names or have just stared to issues their own stamps again after a long absence.
They are chosen at random, in no order of preference, merely to inspire you to unearth your childhood collection or perhaps to consider a new collecting area. In an age of “supermarket” label stamps and computerised cancellations, it’s nice to relax and look at these enthralling issues of the past. Do let us now if you have some favourites from this period. Enjoy!
Tannu Tuva
Let’s start with a few issues from the intriguingly-named Tannu Tuva, located between Mongolia and north-western Siberia. The stamps are a treasure trove of thematic issues, often in unusual shapes, triangular and diamond, for example.
The inside of a Yurt and a Tuvan milking a yak! (1934).
For the airmail collectors there’s the 1936 issues depicting a seaplane over a dragon and a zeppelin flying over a rather startled horse, which given the remoteness of the place is not at all surprising!
Guatemala
Another favourite country from this period is Guatemala in Central America, bordering on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. There are surcharges galore in different colours the issues, providing the surcharge collector with much of interest, as these issues from the 1920s show:
The exotic quetzal is seen to advantage on this 1935 issue and the 1937 stamp depicting General Jorge Ubico and his fine horse and on an equally fine looking stamp.
Latvia
Latvia, (Lettonia, Lettland), bordering on the Baltic Sea in northern Europe issued some well-designed and interesting stamps in the 1920s and 1930s. Here are a few to whet your appetite:
The 1919-20 issue showing a warrior slaying a dragon…
A range of superb surcharges…
A range of stamps celebrating their freedom from Russian occupation and those lost in the Great War with these 1937 war memorial and indepedence monuments issues.
We continue our trip down memory lane with more countries and more nostalgic issues in Part Two
Tony Burgess
July 3rd, 2009, 1:16 pm
You have similar interests as I do. The early years of the last century are probably the most interesting, and Latvian stamps of the 1919 to 1940 period are always a favorite with me. I have a particular interest in the stamps printed on the maps and bank notes. My hardest challenge is finding multiple stamps on the bank note paper, particularly the 1920-21 semi postal issues. I was very fortunate to have recently purchased the Latvian #2 on a full sheet of 54 stamps. The back side is quite impressive. My search continues still…
TONY GONCALVES
July 17th, 2009, 1:54 pm
I have Latvia 1918 Full Maps ( 228 stamps ) on War Maps – R19 and K19 as well as several smaller blocks at what appears 30 15′ corners. I also have 2 Full , 108 stamps, Latvia 1r and 50r printed on 10 Zenn bank notes – Mint ! The war maps are 1 perf and 1 imperf – the bank notes are both perf. I am interested in information on them as well as possibly selling them – any interest please contact me. thanks
Janis Zvaigzne
September 15th, 2009, 12:18 pm
Hi. I’m a Latvia stamp collector from Latvia and I’m wery interested in Tony Goncalves described Latvia stamps. I would be wery happy if Tony Goncalves will contact’s me throght e-mail. My e-mail is compromse@inbox.lv
Jake Kaner
August 4th, 2010, 5:52 pm
Hi,
I was interested to see this article as I have some five stamps from my grandfather’s collection from the Tannou-Touva republic.
Four are triangular depicting various traditions, bear hunting, fishing and archers whilst the most interesting one is a diamond shape being of a farmer with a new tractor. I would guess this to be early 1930s. and very much in the ‘peoples’ tradition of communism.
Regards