Postage stamp, 40 zloty, featuring the Cloth Hall, Krakow, issued in German occupied Poland
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 1.250 inches (3.175 cm) | Width: 1.000 inches (2.54 cm)
Archival History
The postage stamp was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2005 by Terry Friedman.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Terry Friedman
Scope and Content
Postage stamp issued by the General Gouvernement, the civilian ruling authority established by the Germans in southwestern Poland in 1939. This area was ceded to Germany under the terms of the German-Soviet Pact and it would be occupied by the Germans until 1944. It was divided into four administrative districts with seats in Krakow, Warsaw, Radom, and Lublin. There were several issues of stamps featuring historic landmarks of the region that the Germans claimed were of ancient German origin. This stamp depicts the Cloth Hall in Warsaw.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Rectangular paper stamp with perforated edges; on the recto is a graphic design in gray ink. It features an illustration of a gothic style walkway with large pointed arches and stone pillars with people walking in the foreground. In the upper left corner is a dexter eagle with outstretched wings, perched atop a pedestal holding a swastika in its talons. The denomination 40 is printed in large type beneath the eagle. German text is printed along the lower border. The faded imprint of a circular cancellation stamp in black ink is across the stamp. The verso is covered with aged yellowed adhesive.
Subjects
- Poland--History--Occupation, 1939-1945--On postage stamps.
- Postage stamps--Poland--History--1933-1945.
- Nazi propaganda--On postage stamps.
- Postal service--Poland--History.
- Postage stamps--Germany--Themes, motives--History.
Genre
- Object
- Exchange Media