Four-Volume Set: Deutsch-Österreichische Feldpost, Nr. 1–215 (1914–1918)

This is a rare complete set of Deutsch-Österreichische Feldpost (German-Austrian Field Mail) publications—an extraordinary four-volume archival compilation spanning issues Nr. 1 through Nr. 215. These volumes document, in meticulous chronological order, the officially sanctioned military dispatches, communiqués, and reports from the Central Powers during World War I, beginning with the opening days of conflict on 31 July 1914 and continuing into 1918.

Historical Context & Content

Published by the Leipziger Allgemeine Zeitung, each issue offers contemporary military news, frontline updates, and war-related developments from the Austro-Hungarian and German fronts. The series served both as a propaganda tool and a means of communicating the evolving war effort to soldiers and civilians. The issues are densely printed in Gothic typeface and occasionally include patriotic poetry and editorials. The first issue begins with the solemn announcement of war and a call to arms; subsequent issues track campaigns in France, Belgium, Russia, the Balkans, and beyond.

What makes this set especially notable is that it includes the complete wartime run, culminating in the final publications of 1918. Early issues are titled Deutsch-Österreichische Feldpost, while later volumes expand to include Türkisch-Bulgarische Feldpost, reflecting the wartime alliance of the Central Powers.

Physical Description

• Volumes: 4 (complete run of Nr. 1–215)

  • Volume I: Nr. 1–50 (31 July–27 August 1914)

  • Volume II: Nr. 51–100 (22 June–28 July 1915)

  • Volume III: Nr. 101–150 (1916–1917)

  • Volume IV: Nr. 151–215 (21 June 1917–1918)

• Binding: All four volumes are uniformly bound in period black cloth spines with marbled paper boards. Gold-stamped spines denote the contents by range.

• Size: Approx. 6.25 x 4.5 in. each

• Pages: Approximately 500–700 pages per volume

Each volume opens with its first issue's original title page and contains hundreds of individual leaflets bound sequentially. Page edges show mild toning typical of war-era paper. The Gothic Fraktur print is sharp and legible throughout. Marbled boards remain intact with some shelf wear and spotting consistent with age. Volume IV shows slight fraying to the upper spine edge.

Condition

Overall very good. The contents are clean, legible, and firmly bound. Spines retain gold titling with only minor rubbing. Boards exhibit expected edge wear and some marbling variation from exposure and handling. Internally, the paper remains stable, with only mild uniform browning—no significant damage, tears, or missing leaves.

Collector Significance

This is a complete and well-preserved run of one of the most significant wartime publications issued by the German and Austro-Hungarian military press. Sets of this kind were generally assembled by officers, archivists, or institutions; few survive intact today. Ideal for advanced collectors of WWI German militaria, wartime propaganda, or military journalism. Particularly valuable for researchers interested in firsthand wartime narrative and field communications during the Great War.

Provenance

From a private historical archive.