Czechoslovakia (1918-93) Country Guide

eyestrane
Jan, Tue, 2024

Czechoslovakia (1918-93) Country Guide

Czechoslovakia, a nation situated in the heart of Central Europe, emerged as a sovereign state in the aftermath of World War I, born from the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Established on October 28, 1918, with a commitment to democratic ideals, the First Republic of Czechoslovakia became a beacon of stability and progress in the interwar period. The country’s rich history is marked by its resilience during the challenges of the Munich Agreement, Nazi occupation, and subsequent liberation by the Soviet Red Army in 1945. Striding through the twists of the 20th century, Czechoslovakia witnessed political shifts, including the Communist takeover in 1948 and the transformative Velvet Revolution in 1989, ultimately leading to its peaceful dissolution into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. The legacy of Czechoslovakia endures through its cultural contributions, historical landmarks, and the memories of a nation that navigated the currents of change with both courage and determination

Collecting Notes

The Masaryk stamps of 1925-27

IMPERFORATE

003 H. (1918 – Sc. #1) – Red Violet.
005 H. (1918 – Sc. #2) – Yellow Green.
010 H. (1918 – Sc. #3) – Rose.
020 H. (1918 – Sc. #4) – Bluish Green.
025 H. (1918 – Sc. #5) – Deep Blue.
030 H. (1919 – Sc. #6) – Bister.
040 H. (1919 – Sc. #7) – Red Orange.
100 H. (1919 – Sc. #8) – Brown.
200 H. (1919 – Sc. #9) – Ultramarine.
400 H. (1919 – Sc. #10) – Purple.

PERFORATE

005 H. (1918 – Sc. #13) – Yellow Green.
010 H. (1918 – Sc. #14) – Rose.
020 H. (1918 – Sc. #15) – Bluish Green.
025 H. (1918 – Sc. #16) – Deep Blue.
200 H. (1919 – Sc. #20) – Ultramarine.

The Masaryk stamps of 1925-27 could provide a collector some challenge as they come in various types and variations. I have added some below and will add photos as time permits.

1918-19 “Hardcany at Prague” issue

Two variations based on the inscriptions.

1. The words “Posta Ceskoslovenska” appear on issues 40h and below as white type on a colored background. (Type I)

2. On higher denominations you will see the type is colored on a white background. (Type II)

1919 “Harcany at Prague” with “cesko-slovenska” inscription issue

These come in three types:

Type II: The sun can be seen over the top of the Cathedral and there is no color in the foliage in the foreground.

Type III: There is no sun behind the Cathedral and the foliage in the foreground is shaded.

Type IV: The background behind the Cathedral is different and the foliage in the foreground has disappeared.

IMPERFORATE

0001 H. (1919 – Type II – Sc. #23) – Dark Brown.
0005 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #25) – Blue Green.
0015 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #27) – Red.
0025 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #29) – Dull Violet.
0050 H. (1919 – Type II – Sc. #30) – Dull Violet.
0050 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #31) – Dark Blue.
0060 H. (1919 – Type III – Sc. #32) – Orange.
0075 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #33) – Slate.
0080 H. (1919 – Type III – Sc. #34) – Olive Green.
0120 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #36) – Gray Black.
0300 H. (1919 – Type III – Sc. #38) – Dark Green.
0500 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #39) – Red Brown.
1000 H. (1919 – Type III – Sc. #40) – Violet, Bluish Violet.

PERFORATE

0001 H. (1919 – Type II – Sc. #41) – Dark Brown.
0005 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #42) – Blue Green.
0010 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #43) – Yellow Green.
0015 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #44) – Brick Red.
0020 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #45) – Rose.
0025 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #46) – Dull Violet.
0030 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #47) – Red Violet.
0060 H. (1919 – Type III – Sc. #50) – Orange.
0120 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #53) – Gray Black.

IMPERFORATE

0010 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #43a) – Yellow Green.
0020 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #45a) – Rose.
0030 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #47a) – Red Violet.
0030 H. (1919 – Type IV – Sc. #47e) – Deep Violet.

The last 4 were never issued imperforate. officially but some were released accidentally and are more scarce than other issues.

The Hradcany, known in English as the Castle District, encompasses the historic area surrounding Prague Castle. Its construction commenced in the 9th Century, and some structures were not fully completed until the early 20th Century.

Key structures within the district include:

Prague Castle (initiated around 870)
Church of the Virgin Mary (commenced around 884)
Basilica of St. George (dating back to around 920)
St. Vitus Cathedral (construction starting around 930)
Various palaces once owned by Bohemian nobility.

Prague Castle holds the distinction of being the largest castle in the world, as recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. Its interior spans over 750,000 sq. ft., with a length of 1,870 ft. and an average width of 427 ft.

Throughout history, the castle has served as the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.

The Bohemian Crown Jewels, including the St. Wenceslas Crown created in 1347 for the coronation of King Charles IV, are safeguarded in a concealed room within St. Vitus Cathedral. Reproductions of these jewels are on public display in the royal palace section of Prague Castle, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and regal heritage of the region.