The Johann Ulrich Schmitt Collection

Not only the single lots but also nearly every part of the larger lots in this unbelievable with love created collection - find it here https://www.heinrich-koehler.de/de/366-auktion-m%C3%A4rz-2018?f%5B0%5D=field_catalogue_part%3A3466 - deserves its own article in this blog.

One example:

This page gets the title "Early greek postmarks in Xania/Crete"

 

It begins with a 5 Lepta Great Hermes Head bearing the scarce postmark of the greek post office, which works in Chania only 1881. first/last known postmark date 3. March/30. November 1881

here October 1881

followed by three stamps first issue independent crete each bearing the one circle cretan postmark, used in Chania 1900 to 1905

first/last known postmark date 1. March 1900/27. Januar 1905

here September 1900, 20. March 1900 (early usage) and 1901

followed by two stamps gothic ellas issue independent crete both bearing the double circle postmark, used in Chania 1900 to 1913

first/last known postmark date 4. Februar 1905/11. July 1913

here the 25 Lepta November or December 1909

followed by a greek 10 Lepta black overprint issue bearing a greek two circle postmark XANIA  AΠOΣTOΛH  with Chania beeing the first cretan post office using a greek postmark  after the independent period

first known postmark date 7. Februar 1913

here March 1913

followed by a registered letter with franking 20 Lepta and 25 Lepta second issue independent crete bearing the already described double circle postmark September 1906

postal rate 25 L for letter abroad and 20 L registration fee

registration mark CANEE  CRETE with handwritten number 7808

Although there must have been 7807 registered letters that year in Chania before, this is nowadays the only known registration letter from Chania 1906. 1906 was a quiet philateletic year on crete, so the letter shows no philateletic influence. Such non-influenced registered letters of independent crete are rarities.