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Collection of German Occupation, Hong Kong, and Ajman Stamps (1920–1972)

A collection of vintage stamps including German Germania overprints for Sarre and Danzig, Hong Kong Queen Elizabeth II issues, and Ajman Olympics. - view 1
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Estimated value

$15 - $45

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Stamps

Era

1920–1972

Origin

International

Artist / Creator

Paul Eduard Waldraff

Authenticity

High(80%)
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COLLECTION OF GERMAN OCCUPATION, HONG KONG, AND AJMAN STAMPS (1920–1972): IDENTIFICATION

A diverse grouping of philatelic items comprising three distinct historical periods. The first group contains eight 1920-era German 'Germania' definitive stamps overprinted for the Saar Basin (Sarre/Saargebiet) and the Free City of Danzig, primarily the 1905–1919 design by Paul Eduard Waldraff. The second group features mid-20th century Hong Kong definitives including the 1954 Annigoni portrait of Queen Elizabeth II ($1.30 value). The third group consists of 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympic commemoratives from the State of Ajman (United Arab Emirates), featuring alpine and bobsleigh motifs.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Weimar Republic1920-1923

The overprinting of imperial symbols reflects the chaotic transition from monarchy to republic and the loss of sovereignty in border regions.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Topical collecting (Thematics), where collectors focus on specific subjects like the Olympics or Royalty across different nations.

Meaning Through Time

Post-WWI

The Germania figure represented a unified, powerful German Empire, but the 'Sarre' and 'Danzig' overprints physically and symbolically defaced that unity.

POSTAL HERITAGE

The Germania overprints represent the post-WWI territorial shifts mandated by the Treaty of Versailles, where German stamps were repurposed for newly formed administrative zones like the Saar (League of Nations mandate) and Danzig. The Hong Kong issues reflect the colonial transition into the ...
The Germania overprints represent the post-WWI territorial shifts mandated by the Treaty of Versailles, where German stamps were repurposed for newly formed administrative zones like the Saar (League of Nations mandate) and Danzig. The Hong Kong issues reflect the colonial transition into the Elizabeth II era, specifically utilizing the $1.30 and $2 denominations common in the 1950s–60s. The Ajman stamps belong to the 'Dunes' era (1964–1972), a period where Trucial States issued high volumes of colorful commemoratives primarily targeted at the international topical collector market rather than for domestic postal use.

PHILATELIC NOTES

1

The 'Germania' design was modeled after actress Anna Führing, who famously wore a heavy imperial crown and armor for the original 1899 photographic session.

2

Ajman stamps from 1972 are often classified as 'Dunes' by philatelists because many were sold directly to dealers in New York and London and never actually saw a post office in the UAE.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

    How does authenticity detection work?

    PHILATELIST'S VERDICT

    Philatelist

    Stamp Specialist

    Identifications are based on highly recognizable designs and clear overprint text, though lack of reverse-side images prevents definitive gum assessment.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Machin and Annigoni portraits on Hong Kong issues consistent with 1954 and 1962 series.
    • 2Photogravure printing and 'Ajman State' inscription on the 1972 Winter Olympics series.

    UNCERTAINTIES

    • •The 1920 overprints require inspection for correct font spacing to rule out contemporary 'philatelic' forgeries.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Check the reverse side for a 'hinge mark'—Mint Never Hinged (MNH) commands a 50-100% premium over Hinged (MH).
    • →Inspect the Hong Kong $2 for a specific city name in the cancel to determine postal history value.

    CONDITION & GRADE

    Fine-Very Fine (F-VF)

    Grading breakdown

    Centering on the Germania overprints is typical for the period, ranging from average to fine. The Ajman stamps show the crisp, oversized margins characteristic of modern thematic printing.

    Condition

    The Germania issues appear to be Mint (possibly Never Hinged or Lightly Hinged), showing sharp perforations and vibrant ink density. The Hong Kong $2 stamp shows a circular date stamp (Used condition), while the $1.30 values appear Mint. The Ajman stamps appear to be Mint Never Hinged (MNH) with original tropical-resistant gum typical of the period.

    PHILATELIC VALUATION

    $15 - $45

    Updated: Sep 2, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

    How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

    What Aligned

    • User's claim of 'Mint' condition aligns with the appearance of the Germania and Ajman sets, which lack cancellation marks and show fresh colors.

    What Conflicted

    • The $2 Hong Kong stamp (Blue) is clearly 'Used' rather than 'Mint', as it bears a visible black circular postal cancellation.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    AK

    akotb

    Wonderseeker•0 items

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