Germany: 1946 Numerals Lot. Need Opinions

Just won this auction, today. The top two sheets appear to be CTO's, but I would like some confirmation or correction. Overall, a beautiful lot!

http://www.kmphilately.com/index.php?a=2&b=9339103

Brian

It would help to see the postmarks up close, but the uniformity does scream CTO.

They look like exhibition cancels to me but the scans are blurred.
A very nice lot it looks like.

But yes, I'd say CTO....but nice.

Checking the last item in the lot, the small souvenir sheet states: "Berlin Postage Stamp Exhibition. At the Zeughaus (Old arsenal building at German historical Museum) 8-15 Dec, 1946"

The cancels on the stamps above appear to be the same as on the sheet. Based on that, I would judge these as CTOs, but are not CTOs in the typical sense since they appear to be done for one week only at a special event.

Scott makes no mention of these, and I only have volume 1 of the Michel Specialized catalogue. Does anyone have volume 2 and are willing to take a look for me?

Thank you!

Brian

They're joint issues for the American, British, and Soviet Zones, Mi 911-937, commonly known as the 1st Control Commission Issue. Issued Feb/May 1946. Most are of minimal value, though most have rarer color variants and plate flaws, a few of which are worth considerably more.

Is there something specific you'd like me to look up?

2 thing:

1) I am genuinely curious about the exhibition cancelations ... which you have answered.

2) I'd like to know if they have the same cat value as the normal, postally used items or is the value increased/decreased by having the Exhibition cancels? In particular, the 42pf, which is the most valuable of the lot at $30 in Scott.

Thanks!

Michel makes no mention of exhibition cancels, so it's really market driven. If I were to guess, they're probably worth a little less due to the CTO.

PostmasterGS,

I just checked out the website linked on your profile. Is that your website? If so, I must know more about those German "Trade Submarine" stamps! Very kewl stuff!

It is indeed my website. It's a good way for me to show off my collection, and a good way for me to keep track of what I have/don't have, no matter where I'm at.

To avoid jacking this thread, I started a new thread on the Deutsche Ozean-Reederei issues.

Brian,

Nice group of stamps!

The scan is a little fuzzy but the cancellations you asked about appear to be "Sonderstempel." (Special cancellations) It's a type of topical collection with some German collectors. I think of them along the lines of first day of issue/special event cancellations. My guess is that they would be valued in that area.

Dan

... ask enough people, and you'll get the answer you're looking for.

Thanks!

Brian