Bulgaria Stamps
1939
At the outbreak of the Second World War Bulgaria was ruled by Tsar Boris III (1918–1943). Bulgaria entered World War II in 1941 as a member of the Axis alongside Germany, Italy and Japan but did not participate in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of Russia in Jun 1941.
The sudden death of Boris III in mid-1943 pushed the country into political turmoil as the war turned against Germany, and the communist guerrilla movement gained momentum in the country. The government of Bogdan Filov subsequently failed to achieve peace with the Allies.
Bulgaria did not comply with Soviet demands to expel German forces from its territory, resulting in a declaration of war and an invasion by the USSR in September 1944. The communist-dominated Fatherland Front took power, ended participation in the Axis Alliance and joined the Allied side until the war ended. Bulgaria suffered little war damage and the Soviet Union demanded no reparations.
Michel 354 to 357
"50th Anniversary of Bulgarian Railways"
Issued 26th Apr 1939. These stamps were printed photogravure and are perf K13.
Michel Block 358-359
"60th Anniversary of the Bulgarian Postal Service"
Issued 14th May 1939. These stamps were printed photogravure and are perf K13.
Michel 360 to 364
"9th Congress of the Sports Association "Junak", Sofia"
Issued 7th Jul 1939. These stamps were printed photogravure and are perf 13.
Michel 365 to 369
"Express Stamps"
Issued 6th Aug 1939. These stamps were printed photogravure and are perf 13.
Michel 370 to 374
"Earlier Definitives with New Value Overprint"
Issued 22nd Sep 1939. These stamps were printed typography and are perf 12½:12.
