Classic Postage Stamps: Old German States (Altdeutschland 1849–1871)

Welcome to our category for classic postage stamps from the Old German States (Altdeutschland)! With Bavaria's legendary "One Kreuzer Black" (Schwarzer Einser) issued on November 1, 1849, the history of the German postage stamp began. Until the unification of the German Empire in 1871, numerous kingdoms, grand duchies, duchies, Free Hanseatic Cities, as well as the Thurn und Taxis postal service and the North German Postal District issued their own iconic, world-renowned classics.
At NOBIS24.com, you will discover guaranteed originals from this pioneering era of philately—including imperforate and perforated singles, crisp numeral cancellations, and historic stampless and franked covers.

Bavaria number 5 Pfennig postal stationery without watermark o Bergzabern November 27, 1906
5,00 EUR
Bayern Michel 93A single franking on cover o Hof 3 June 27, 1911
5,00 EUR
Württemberg postcard postal stationery A Kreuzer o Ludwigsburg train station October 16, 1874
9,00 EUR
Wurttemberg printed matter postal stationery with private printing three pfennigs o Bahnpost 64 S1 July 14, 1913
9,00 EUR
Messenger letter to Koenigsbrueck February 20, 1789
9,00 EUR
76 to 80 (from a total of 80)
What awaits you in our "Old German States" category:
  • Major Old German States: Classic issues from Bavaria, Prussia, Saxony, Hanover, Württemberg, Baden, and Thurn und Taxis (Kreuzer and Silbergroschen currencies).
  • Northern States & Hanseatic Cities: Sought-after issues from Brunswick, Oldenburg, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck.
  • North German Postal District (1868–1871): Transitional issues in Groschen and Kreuzer denominations as well as period usages.
  • Cancellations & Postal History: Finely cancelled stamps featuring cogwheel (Mühlrad), ring numeral, and town postmarks, unused examples, alongside postally used Old German States covers and postal stationery.
Whether you are completing an Old German States collection, hunting for specific cancellations, or acquiring a true 19th-century classic: browse our original collector's items today at NOBIS24.com!