Miniature sheet

The stamp block or just block (plural: block, not blocks, except in Austria and Switzerland - there they are always referred to only as blocks ) consists of one or more contiguous stamps, with a broad, mostly frequently decorated and labeled, edge are provided. Some of the motif of the stamp on the edge continues or goes into adjacent marks on (see example below). Stamp Blocks are generally sold only as a whole, while it is often the sale price exceeds the face value. For block Kastenzähnung is used almost exclusively. The difference of block with multiple brands to small curves is difficult to determine, sometimes the lack of perforation up to the edge (ie Kastenzähnung ) referred to as the decisive criterion for the block. Not to stamp blocks include stamp booklet.

History

The first precursor of the blocks and published on 3 January 1923 in Luxembourg. It was the occasion marks the birth of the Princess Elizabeth, who was spent with an extra wide, loose edge inscription. One speaks of a commemorative edition in block form.

In 1925, then followed the idea Luxembourg France with a block output in the modern sense. 50,000 blocks were spent at the Exposition Internationale de Timbre -Poste in Paris on May 2. These blocks have a large, commemorative sheet-like frame with ornaments and an inscription.

In the German Empire was first published in 1930 block at the counters of the imperial post. 1937 at blocks 9 and 11 of the edge has been pierced by the four marks contained to be able to sell individually.

In Austria, the first block at the WIPA were launched in 1933 and among the world's most sought after and most expensive souvenir sheets.

Postal purpose

The stamp block is used because of its size in many cases no practical Frankaturzwecken.

If, then find blocks with individual brands, such as the block. "For us children," with brands of the usual standard letter postage occasionally make their way to letters

But especially in the compilation of several brands in a block of Frankaturzweck is more than doubtful, such as as shown on the right stamp block to 750 Years Berlin, postage value: 40 50 60 80 = 230 Pfennig = 2.30 DM order a correctly franked letter to frank so, one would have a large DIN C4 envelope simply because of the size used of 130 × 100 mm of the block. Even more so-called advance directives, such as registered mail, special delivery, insured letter or something similar you would have needed a " valid for FPP " to write letter. The stamp block is therefore largely a pure collector's item and therefore ends up mostly directly from the philatelists in the album without the issuing postal companies have to provide a transport service.

Gallery of stamp block

Block 2 of 1959 Inauguration of the Beethoven Hall

Block 4, 1968 edition of the German Federal Post Office, ( First anniversary of the death of Konrad Adenauer )

Block 5, 1969 edition of the German Federal Post Office, (50 years of women's suffrage )

Block 6, 1971 Special stamp block the Federal Post Office to the 1972 Summer Olympics

Block 7 Special stamp block the Federal Post Office to the 1972 Summer Olympics

Block German Nobel Peace Prize in 1975, block 11

Block German Nobel Prize for Literature in 1978, block 16

Stamp block on the occasion of the Football World Cup 2006 by Deutsche Post AG