German Soldatenbrief

In the late 19th century, German soldiers and sailors could send letters of up to 60 g weight free of postage, if the envelope was marked "Soldatenbrief - Eigene Angelegenheit des Empfängers" (Soldier letter - personal for recipient).

Several printers printed stamps that could be used by the soldiers and sailors in lieu of hand-writing the required language. These stamps were sold in stationery stores and service canteens.



This stamp was printed by H.J. Dauth of Frankfurt am Main in 1884.

Have never heard of these before, kind of an interesting issue. Are these listed by Michel, or are they considered more along the lines of a cinderella?

They're not listed in Michel, but there is a note in the Spezial Band I just before the Deutsches Reich Officials section.

Picked up another variety of these recently. These are in the style of the Prussian Officials of 1903.