Lot 70

Description

Lithuania, Raseiniai, 1919 Local Issue Printings of the 15 kopeck stamps, all stamped from Raseinia Post, 10th February 1919 (2nd printing), all on a large sheet of 70 stamps with positions noted (see below). All fine used. (70)

In 1918, there was a shortage of postage stamps in the city of Raseiniai after the German Occupation Authority allowed the organisation of the post-offices in Lithuania. In December of 1918, the Kadushin Printing Establishment was commissioned to produce some interim stamps using a very basic format - the 15k green stamp. The first printing was 14,400 stamps printed on 300 sheets of 48 stamps. The second printing was 22,224 stamps printed on 463 sheets of 48 stamps. Stamps were printed on a white, unwatermarked paper, no gum, and perforated 11 1/2. The issue was authorized by the Postmaster in Kaunas.

Two types are recognized by the frames: Type I - open mitred corners, and Type II - closed straight overlapping corners, Type I stamps (frames) are found in positions 2 through 6 (on each stamp in a vertical column). Type II stamps (frames) are found in positions 1, 7 and 8.

The three-ring postmarker (Fug. 1597 red-orange) was a provisional red-orange circular cancel of 34 mm diameter has been used on Raseiniai stamps from the second printing. Known dates are between 1.II.1919 and 22.III.1919 (as seen in this collection).

Ex Ray Kaleda Collection.