Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"West Germany"

Mr. Gary Cheyne

Members of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society enjoyed viewing the most interesting display on West Germany given by member Gary Cheyne at their meeting on Friday, 30^th September. He began by explaining that West Germany had been instituted in May, 1949 - and formally came into existence in August, 1949. It was formed from the eleven states formed in the three Allied zones of occupation held by the US, UK and France.

Members were interested to see all the stamps issued by West Germany in the years 1949-1970 – and, in the second round, the years 1978-1990. Starting, in 1949, with stamps illustrating the Opening of Parliament, this was followed by a great variety of commemoratives – and also definitives. In the years 1954 -1960, the definitives showed the head of President Heuss; from 1964-1969, the subject was 12 centuries of German architecture. The commemoratives included the 500^th Anniversary of the Gutenberg Bible; the Brandenberg Gate; the 20^th Anniversary of the attempt on Hitler’s life – a set of stamps showing the anti Hitler martyrs; a cover, stamp and postmark of Oberammagau; and an annual issue of a set of stamps for Humanitarian Relief and Welfare.

The second round continued with issues – among many – commemorating the 50^th Birth Anniversary of Anne Frank; the first Direct Elections to the European Parliament – showing the seating plan; Grimm’s Fairy Tales; Famous people from different walks of life; Tourism; and, in 1988, the 25^th Anniversary of the Franco-German Co-operation Treaty – with stamps depicting Charles DeGaulle and Dr Konrad Adenauer.

David Haig gave warm thanks to Gary for his most interesting evening.

Our next meeting in St Andrews Parish Church Hall, Avon Street, Hamilton, is on Friday, 7^th October, 2011 at 7:30pm when we look forward to a visit from members of Stirling Philatelic Society. 

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.