Set of 4 Imperial German Colonial Stamps – Togo, Karolinen, Deutsch-Neu-Guinea – Unused with Original Gum

This striking set of four original Imperial German colonial-era postage stamps features pristine representations from Togo, Karolinen (Caroline Islands), and Deutsch-Neu-Guinea (German New Guinea). Each stamp prominently displays the imperial cruiser motif – the “Reichspost” steamship – a symbol of German naval and colonial might during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These stamps reflect Germany’s overseas imperial ambitions during the Kaiserzeit and would have circulated within its colonial administrative posts. The vivid imagery and region-specific labeling offer collectors a visual tour of Germany’s global holdings prior to World War I.

• Denominations included:

  • Togo – 3 Pfennig (brown)

  • Deutsch-Neu-Guinea – 10 Pfennig (red) & 20 Pfennig (blue)

  • Karolinen – 3 Pfennig (brown)

Condition:
All stamps are unused with partial or full original gum. Light hinge remnants on the reverse, consistent with storage in vintage album mounts. Crisp perforations and strong impressions, ideal for display or philatelic research.

Historical Insight:
Issued between 1897 and 1914, these stamps were not merely postal instruments but also served as potent propaganda tools, reflecting Kaiser Wilhelm II’s push for overseas colonies and a global German presence. The use of warships emphasized strength, control, and prestige.

Collector Appeal:
This set is perfect for both seasoned philatelists and collectors of German colonial history. The inclusion of multiple territories enhances the educational and comparative value, especially as many of these colonies were short-lived and their postal artifacts relatively scarce.

Display Suggestion:
Frame alongside a colonial map or incorporate into a thematic album page focused on the Kaiserliche Marine or imperial propaganda.