Stamp_&_Coin_Mart_2016_01_

http://www.stampandcoin.co.uk JANUARY 2016 133

O

ne of the most

curious German

‘states’ was

undoubtedly the

town of Bergedorf

and surrounding

rural areas located on the river Elbe in

the vicinity of Hamburg.

From 1420 until 1867 Bergedorf

was jointly owned by the Hanseatic

cities of Luebeck and Hamburg. The

arrangement seems to have worked well

thanks to a very detailed agreement

between the two Free Cities.

In many ways Bergedorf was an

international communications hub

where much trade took place. In the

19th century, several European nations

operated postal services from Bergedorf.

Danish postage stamps were on sale

in Bergedorf and had to be used on

all mail to Denmark and the Danish

Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein.

The town’s unique position is

demonstrated by the design chosen for the

five postage stamps released in 1861. It

Well into the early 20th century, Germany

was a patchwork of kingdoms, principalities

and a few free city states, explains Christer

Brunström, as he examines the

curious stamps of Bergedorf

features the coat of arms which comprises

parts of those of Luebeck and Hamburg.

At each corner we see the letters LHPA

(Lübeck Hamburgisches Post Amt). The

five stamps were printed in different

sizes reflecting the face value. The largest

stamp is the 4 schillinge denomination.

Bergedorf ceased to be an independent

stamp country on 31 December, 1867.

The next day the stamps of the North

German Postal Area were used. From

1 January, 1868 Bergedorf was also the

sole property of Hamburg as the tiny

town had outlived its use for Luebeck.

Bergedorf only issued five basic stamps

which are not excessively expensive in

mint condition. However, it is still a

difficult area as there are at least four

different reprints of limited value. When

acquiring Bergedorf stamps it is essential

to have them signed by an expert.

Genuine Bergedorf covers from the

short stamp period are very expensive

and rank among the greatest rarities in

Old German States philately.

The rural area surrounding the town

of Bergedorf is extremely fertile and

in the latter part of the 19th century

large quantities of vegetables and

fruit were produced here to be sold at

markets in Hamburg.

The Vierlande area was particularly well-

known for the quality of its agricultural

produce. The market stands in Hamburg

were usually in the hands of women who

wore the Vierlande dress. In the 1880s

a flat hat was added to the outfit. This

attire then became a sort of trademark for

quality produce from Bergedorf.

Those wishing to find out more

about this most interesting marketing

strategy are advised to visit the local

museum in Bergedorf ’s castle.

As in numerous other German towns

and cities a local post was established

in Bergedorf. It was in business from

21 December, 1887 until it closed on

28 January, 1888. Considering that

Bergedorf only had a population of a few

thousand people at the time the need

for a local post was highly doubtful. It

rather seems to have served as an excuse

to print stamps to be sold to collectors.

The local post issued its first stamp

on 21 December, 1887. It was a

bi-coloured triangular 2-pfennig stamp.

On Christmas Day 1887 there was

a second and final issue of stamps. The

five values showed different animals

(otter, bird dog, squirrel, storks and

hare). The stamps were released both

perforated and imperforate. There were

also proofs on cardboard paper.

Today Bergedorf is one of Hamburg’s

boroughs with a population of some

120,000. A thirty-minute train journey

from the main station will take you to this

town whose history is far more interesting

than a casual visitor might realise.

Stamp Miscellany

A miniature

stamp country

Many reprints exist of

this Bergedorf 1861 1

Schilling stamp

From left: Vierländerin

with fruit baskets; the

Bergedorf wetlands are

ideal habitats for storks

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