North German Confederation

The North German Confederation (in German, Norddeutscher Bund), came into existence in 1867, following the dissolution of the German Confederation. Formed by 22 states of northern Germany, it was effectively a transitional grouping, lasting only until the founding of the German Empire in 1871. However, it cemented Prussian control over northern Germany, and emanated that same control via the Zollverein (Customs Union) into southern Germany. Notably, the Confederation excluded both Austria and Bavaria.

Postage stamps

One of the functions of the Confederation was to handle the mail and issue postage stamps, which it began doing on 1 January 1868. To accommodate the different monetary systems in use by the various states, it issued a series valued in groschen for the Northern District, and another using kreuzer for the Southern District, distinguishing them by framing the value number in a circle for the groschen stamps, and in an oval for the kreuzers. All of these stamps were inscribed "NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK".

Related Topics:
Mail - Postage stamp - 1 January - 1868 - Monetary system - Groschen - Kreuzer

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In addition, there was a special quarter-schilling stamp for Hamburg, with the additional inscription "STADTPOSTBRIEF HAMBURG".

Related Topics:
Schilling - Hamburg

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Early in 1869 the stamps were issued with perforations, the previous issues having been rouletted. On 1 March, 10gr and 30gr values were issued, notable for being printed on goldbeater's skin, a scheme to prevent reuse of these high-value stamps.

Related Topics:
1869 - Perforation - Roulette - 1 March - Goldbeater's skin

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Confederation stamps were superseded on 1 January 1872 by the first issues of the German Empire.

Related Topics:
1 January - 1872

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