Martin Bechstedt presented the explanatory cards that have been sent with subscriptions to new stamps from the Estonian Post since 2003, and which are currently being sent to Germany in two languages, German and French. There is currently a 3rd series of the new Estonian coat-of-arms stamps, which includes not only a €10 stamp but also a 1 €–stamp in the format 34 x 43 mm (!).

Simon Schütt showed some covers from the early 1920s with foreign destinations (see example on right).

Friedhelm Doell is currently looking for covers from or to Displaced Persons Camps in Germany 1945-1949 in the French occupied zone (‘ postage paid’ or franked) and was able to pick up some tips for further contacts, e.g. to the Working Group French Zone.

Finally, the participants discussed internal ArGe topics.

A cover from the period after Latvia's War of Independence, from Riga (date?) to Transvaal / South Africa February 10, 1921, franked with a block of four of the 1 kopeck Dragon Rider overprint stamp of 1920 (Michel No. 60)

Our monthly video chat, where anyone with an interest in Baltium philately is welcome, takes place on every first Saturday of the month at 17 h CET more technical information on this here).

Next date: May 3, 2025

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The first topic was a report and photos from Philatelia in Munich (see also separate article below) – a now "normal" trade fair stand without any major special features.

Oliver Hanschmidt showed some Estonian newspaper frankings from the year 1923 – local printed matter rate ½ marka – they have never been seen in this form before (see picture).

Olaf Hoffmann introduced us to some new acquisitions from the last few weeks. Many an explanation and additional information on individual pieces was provided by the participants.

Finally, Martin Bechstedt reported on the possibilities of being able to conveniently translate an article in an unknown foreign language (here: Lithuanian) with the software DeepL (in the paid version) on a mobile phone and a photo of the original. His example dealt with an article by the technical manager of the Lithuanian postal service, in which he describes the difficulties of obtaining postmarks in 1994 in view of Lithuanian special requests (e.g. for the date) (see article soon in BALTIKUM).

Not seen before: Newspaper dispatch (1923) with reduced local printed matter fee ½ marka

Our monthly video chat, where anyone with an interest in Baltium philately is welcome, takes place on every first Saturday of the month at 17 h CET more technical information on this here).

Next date: April 5, 2025

Special theme: none so far This email address is being protected from spambots. JavaScript must be activated in order for it to be displayed.

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