Article updated: Oct 31, 2010
In 1918, there was a shortage of postage stamps in the city of Raseiniai after the German Occupation Authority allowed the organization of the post-offices in Lithuania. In December of 1918, the Kadushin Printing Establishment was commissioned to produce some interim stamps using a very basic format – the 15k green stamp.
The first printing was 14,400 stamps printed on 300 sheets of 48 stamps. The second printing was 22,224 stamps printed on 463 sheets of 48 stamps. Stamps were printed on a white, unwatermarked paper, no gum, and perforated 11 ½. The issue was authorized by the Postmaster in Kaunas.
Type Indicators (Frame)
Two types are recognized by the frames: Type I – open mitred corners, and Type II – closed straight overlapping corners as shown in Table III. Other five types are recognized in both printings by the frame details (weak splits or joinings). Type I stamps (frames) are found in positions 2 through 6 (on each stamp in a vertical column). Type II stamps (frames) are found in positions 1, 7 and 8.
Table I. Types (I and II) recognized by frames
The Printing Plate
The counter sheets of 48 stamps were printed using a very basic typeset design – there are six horizontal rows of eight stamps each. The printing plate consisted of 8 stamps (clichés) arranged horizontally, the design being repeated 6 times producing one sheet of 48 stamps in a 8×6 arrangement. Because of this arrangement, all 6 stamps in vertical row (column) are identical. Each individual stamp in horizontal row is different.
Printing plate of 8 clichés arranged horizontally (the second printing)
Eight different stamp (letter) types can be found in both printings.
Type Indicators (Letters)
Typical letter type indicators of both printings are summarized in the Table I and Table II.
Table II. Position type indicators (first printing)
Table III. Position type indicators (second printing)
An example of various letter types (pos. 2-4) (first printing)
An example of various letter types (pos. 6-8) (second printing)
Postmarks found on Raseiniai stamps
There types of postmarks have been used: a) two-ring date provisional postmarker (red-orange), b) three-ring date provisional postmarker (red orange and blue), and c) standard date postmarker (black).
Two-ring postmarker (Fug. 1596 red-orange)
This provisional red-orange circular cancel of ca. 30 mm diameter has been used on Raseiniai stamps from the first printing. Known dates are 2.I.1919, 5.I.1919, 7.I.1919; and 12.I.1919.
Three-ring postmarker (Fug. 1597 red-orange)
This provisional red-orange circular cancel of 34 mm diameter has been used on Raseiniai stamps from the second printing. Known dates are between 1.II.1919 and 22.III.1919.
Three-ring postmarker (Fug. 1597 blue)
This provisional blue circular cancel of 34 mm diameter has been used on Raseiniai stamps from both printings. Known dates (second printing) are between 18.III.1919 and 3.IV.1919. Known dates (first printing) are 1.III.1919, 5.III.1919, 7.III.1919, 9.III.1919, 15.III.1919, 18.III.1919, 3.IV.1919, 10.V.1919 and 10.VI.1919.
A standard calendar-type postmarker (Fug. 1071 black)
Raseiniai stamps are also found canceled with a standard calendar-type postmarker (Raseiniai-a). Two known dates are 3.VI.1919 and 1.VII.1919.
Other provisional postmarks
Genuine use of Raseiniai local issue stamp on a letter cancelled with a large provisional one-liner “TAURAGE”
Genuine use of Raseiniai local issue stamp on a postcard cancelled by manuscript “SKAUDVILĖ”
Genuine use of Raseiniai local issue stamp on mail (Königsberg censor cachet).
