Churchill, Chamberlain, and Stalin Spott Postcards

[ramon]

Spottcards were postcards which were created to satirize their subjects. These cards were typically sold at German armed forces exquivalent to the US's PX or Post Exchange and used through the Feldpost system. Used as a Feldpost, these cards didn't require postage. If purchased for use by non military correspondants then normal postage would have been necessary to send through the Reichspost.

Here are the 3 basic cards. The Churchill and Chamberlain cards first appeared in early 1940 while the Stalin examples I have are postmarked in 1942. The Stalin card shown here is an example of a card sent through the regular mails hence the 6Rpf Hitler head definitive stamp.

The Churchill and Chamberlain cards come with 6 different types of font for the word Feldpost while the Stalin comes with the single type of font shown here. Further varieties extant involve the Churchill card where the color of the ink used for Feldpost and related verbage printed on the card are either in black or blue. Card print number shown at the bottom of the card under the printers logo can also be found showing either 3503 25 or 5503 25. The blue version of the type 2 Feldpost font has variations of the color blue which can vary from being a very dark blue to a dark sky blue. And as if this weren't enough there are variations in the card stock used.

All in all, these simple issues are an interesting subject to collect and study.

[ramon]

Here is an example of the Stalin card. Easily the rarest of the 3 main cards, it can fetch 300 to 500 Euros when offered in postally used condition.

[ramon]

Here is another iteration of the Spottkarte. This time Chamberlain and Churchill are in the form of the folding letter or Faltbrief. One could purchase the sheet, write their communication, fold it up, address it and send it on it's way.

As far as is known the Stalin design was never produced in the Faltbrief format.

Ramon

[ramon]

Here is a quick survey of 5 of the 6 font styles for the word Feldpost. The styles shown from top to bottom type VI to type I. Missing is type IV.

Notice the type VI card at the top. Compare and contrast the Churchill image shown with those displayed on the other cards. Check out the epaulets, Churchill's face, the ship, and the position of the crossed out denomination.

[ramon]

In the spirit of showing as complete a survey of these issues, I have included images of the type IV Chamberlain and Churchill cards that are not in my collection. These images come from the Raith Auction House.

Here is the Chamberlain. Notice the printer's indicia in the lower left corner.

This, in my experience, just about the rarest of the 6 versions of the Chamberlain and Churchill designs.

The Churchill cards follows.

[ramon]

The type IV Churchill with the printer's indicia in the lower left card. Rare.

[ramon]

Just recently, in fact so recently, I haven't yet received it into my hands, I have purchased a 2nd example of a used Stalin card with genuine Feldpost usage.


OK, now I'm just showing off....

Many thanks for looking on.

Ramon

[ramon]

To round things out, here's my unused Stalin card.

[Viewfinder]

Outstanding! Beyond belief examples of these Very rare cards.

Thanks for showing them to us Ramon.

R G L

[ramon]

To my great surprise and pleasure I've found another of the rare Stalin version of the "Wert Keinen Pfennig" Spottkarten and have added it to my collection.

Christmas come early.....

[Viewfinder]

Just Wonderful! Very impressive. Thanks so much Ramon for showing these to us.

[Steve P]

Awesome finds man! Thanks for posting - Fascinating!

[ramon]

I've done it again. I've come across yet another geniunely Feldpost used Stalin card.

Sighted card. Purchased same. LOL

[ramon]

As in so many of our chosen fields of interest in collectiing militaria, there seem to be those who thrive in planting landmines for the unsuspecting collector. Postcard collectors are not immune from the fraudster.

I am posting for the those interested, just such an item.

This is a mish mash concoction of several food groups: Feldpost, SS Hauptamt published items, Third Reich personality and Stalin. All in all, the popourri of poop. This very item is currently being offered by a leading German Philatelic auction house with a minimum bid of 100 Euros.

I have notified them of the problems associated with this fantasy item.

The more material we see, the more we know.


Ramon

[ramon]

My latest addition is an example of the Churchill type 4. This particular type seems to be the most difficult to find. Again, it's distinguishable from the other 5 types by the font of the word 'Feldpost' and the printer's indicia showing in the lower left corner.

A real score.

Ramon