Germany-- I Know Nothing! Help

Picked these up from a mixed lot -- I know I've seen a couple of the overprints on here before but havn't a clue what is here. These won't be staying so more looking at a what would the page be worth from a retail / sell it point of view. Also have a more interesting 3 page spread of early russia I'll post seperatly.

Nitro,

The stamps are from the German Republic, circa 1919-1922. Look at SC 107,108,105,106,155,153,154. You also have airmails C1, C2
The third row are posthorns and miners from the same era. You need to check watemarks for the SC number. The last row has Bavarian overprints, 257,261,260,259,256,258,262,263,265.
From a value standpoint they are pretty common issues. Also, there are a lot of CTOs during this period.
Hope this points you in the right direction.

Dan

One thing worth knowing is that in this period used stamps are generally worth more than mint. Some can be worth quite a lot, depending (usually) on the watermark.

I also note you have a stamp with a very nice cancel (Zittau). SON cancels like this are popular with those who collect Germany.

For a guide to German stamps in this period, go to:

http://philadb.com/?site=list&catid=1&catuid=484

What exactly is a CTO. I have seen it mentioned in a coupkle of posts.
Thanks
David

David,

A CTO is a cancelled to order stamp. It has been cancelled by the postal authority with no intention of being used. They are generally sold to collectors. Sometimes they have the cancellation AND the original gum. Generally, they are of little market value.

Jimjam is correct. Some of these used stamps do command a very high price -- if they are genuine. According to the Scott catalog, there are "plentiful" CTO's. It says the CTOs were produced by the original handstamp so it is difficult to tell them apart. (My guess would be an analysis of the ink used) What I find interesting is that Michel doesn't list a CTO price or mention "plentiful" CTO's (unless I missed it! LOL. They usually do.

Dan

David- CTO is canceled to order. Some prefer to have a stamp canceled by their local post office . Other times actual releases from the post offices will be CTO by direction.