Illegal Postcards

Below is a picture of a postcard that could have got you literally sent to Siberia in 1900 if you would have sent it in Finland, which was part of Russian empire then.

Reason being that Russian rulers banned the use of Finnish lion coat of arms as it was seen as nationalistic propaganda to separate from Russia.

The Finns started printing so called mourning stamp, which was a black label with Finland coat of arms. This label was attached to letters, particularly to abroad and the letters were brought directly to ships bypassing Russian authorities. These labels are sough after collectables now if on mailed letter, and this German made postcard of the label is a rarity as well, because may of these were not used in the early 1900s.

Do you have more examples of propaganda postcards which were actually declared illegal?

Very interesting with the manner that Finland was able to bypass Russia. I had never heard of them which means I would not have any to add.