GERMAN EMPIRE
STAMPS
1872
MICHEL 1 to 12
ARMS EMBOSSED as TYPE A
Regular Issue of 1st Jan 1872. Perf 13½:14¼. Type 'A' embossed stamps have a smaller eagle and shield, "Kleiner Brustschild", (among other less obvious differences) whereas Type 'B' stamps have a larger eagle with a larger shield "Grosser Brustschild". Note also that those stamps denominated in 'Kreuzer' were for use in the Southern German states and those denominated in 'Groschen' were for use in the North German states.
*Mi2 exists in two colours, 2a is light to dark yellowish green and 2b is dark grey to emerald green.
There are many forgeries of these small shield stamps and expertisation is required to be sure they are genuine.
MICHEL 12 and 13
Issued 1st Jan 1872 Regular issues for internal mailings only. Numbers perf 14¼:13½.
MICHEL 14 and 15
ARMS EMBOSSED as TYPE A
Issued 1st Apr 1872.
These are similar to Mi3 and Mi8 but have different colours.
MICHEL 16 to 28
Issued: 1st June / Nov 1872. Regular Issue Eagle with large breast shield "Grosser Brustschild"(and crown with ribbons). Schilling: Combined typography and embossed sheets (10x15). Perf 13½:14¼
MICHEL 1 to 8
TELEGRAPH STAMPS
Issued: 1st Nov 1872. Rosette pattern. Denomination and currency printed in black Perf K13½x14½. Note these telegraph stamps are inscribed "TELEGRAPHIE DES DEUTSCHEN REICHS" and should not be confused with the 1869 North German Confederation Telegraph Stamps which are inscribed "NORDDEUTSCHE BUNDES TELEGRAPHIE".
