'Germania' stamps and high values ​​from 1902 (part 3)

On April 1, 1902, the inscription REICHSPOST on the stamps of the German Empire was changed to DEUTSCHES REICH. The stamps bearing the inscription Reichspost were declared invalid effective from the end of the day on December 31, 1902.   The ten values ​​issued in 1900 in the 'Germania' type were reprinted with a new border and virtually the same colors. The stamp paper used had also remained unchanged; it was without a watermark. The perforation for the stamps of this issue is comb perforation 14. Although the series was not valid for postage until April 1, 1902, the stamps were already available at various post offices from March 20, 1902. The postmark on used stamps can serve as a first aid in distinguishing between the two later printings. As an example, consider the 2 Pfennig stamp in dark blue-grey with the date May 20, 1905. The second printing of this stamp, also known as the 'Friedensdruck', was issued on November 20, 1905. This printing is characterized by clear impressions on glossy, satin-finished paper with a 'diamond' watermark that is clearly visible. The center section with the 'Germania' image is usually somewhat glossy. The white gum is dull. The perforation is comb perforation 14:14½. The third edition is called 'Kriegsdruck'. The print of this run is of inferior quality. The stamps are printed on dull, rough paper with a 'diamond' watermark that is barely visible. The gum is glossy and smooth. The perforation is also 14:14½. A very well-known 'plate error' is the damage to the letter E in DEUTSCHES, making it appear as if it has become an F, hence DFUTSCHES. Furthermore, many imperfections can be found, such as a scratch on the cheek of 'Germania'. The series also occurs unperforated. The 1902 series was marked with the imprint Specimen for the UPU, among others. The high denominations from 1 Mark up to and including 5 Mark were intended for the franking of parcels and letters of value. Regarding parcels, data is available for the years 1900, 1901, 1902, and 1903 concerning the numbers sent: 1900: 180.000.000 units; 1901: 184.200.000 units; 1902: 192.300.000 units; 1903: 199.700.000 units. Hence, there was a great demand for these high denominations. The series appeared in two different editions, one perforated with comb perforation 14 and the second with comb perforation 14:14½. The stamps were printed on paper without a watermark. In 1906, a reprint appeared with perforation 14¼:14¾ or hybrid forms with 14½. The 2 Mark seal with Gothic inscription exists only with perforation 14. Gothic letters. The text DEUTSCHES REICH was also rendered in Gothic letters. The second edition, available from May 1902, featured Latin letters. These appear in two different perforations: comb perforation 14 and comb perforation 14:14½. A reprint of the stamp appeared from February 1906. The 3 Mark value exists in many shades, from black-violet to dark violet. The stamp was reprinted and issued from March 1911 as a so-called 'Friedensdruck'. The 5 Mark value usually appears with perforation 14. The stamp with perforation 14:14½ is particularly rare. A reprint of the stamp appeared on January 24, 1906. The reprints produced during the First World War are called 'Kriegsdruck'. Significant differences can be observed in the quality of the print. It is much more 'smudged' and was printed on rough paper. The final part of this series of articles discusses the 'Germania' stamps in new values ​​and colors, as well as the high values ​​from 1916.