U.S. and Worldwide Stamps & Postal History
July 17-18, 2018
| Images | Description | Current Bid |
 | Lot #404 GERMAN COLONIES Caroline Islands 1914 picture postcard (S.M.S. "Gneisenau"), free-frank fieldpost datelined Ponape 5 Aug 1914, with "Marine Schiffspost No.22" handstamp, addressed to Germany. At the outbreak of World War I, the armored cruiser "Gneisenau" was part of the East Asia Squadron, still at Ponape as of 6th August, under the command of Admiral von Spee. Mail was offloaded and buried under an altar at a mission station. It was not until 1923, that the few recovered pieces were dug up and delivered to Germany. This card has a rounded corner, with some toning, actually exceptionally good condition for this rare item, with the original mimeograph explanation label attached. A great historical World War I item, so-called "Vergrabenen Post" (buried mail) from German Caroline Islands, with 2003 Ronald Steuer certificate. One of the top rarities in German Colonies collection (see note in Michel Specialized catalogue)  Catalog Value €7,000 | Price Realized $5,500.00 |
