Bavaria – Scott # 144, used

Description

This 35 Pfennig orange brown overprinted definitive from Bavaria (Scott #144) was issued in 1919, during the revolutionary months following the abdication of King Ludwig III. The striking black Gothic overprint “Volksstaat Bayern”—translating to People’s State of Bavaria—was applied to existing royal-era stamps, symbolizing the official end of the monarchy and the creation of a new republican government.

These issues circulated amid the political upheaval that included the brief but dramatic Bavarian Soviet Republic later that year. Though not produced by the Soviet government itself, the Volksstaat Bayern overprints are historically linked to that turbulent transition from monarchy to socialism and finally to the early Weimar Republic.

This example is postally used, bearing a light circular cancel that leaves both the overprint and the king’s portrait fully legible.

Condition: Used; light cancel; fine centering; vivid orange-brown color; clear overprint.
Issued: 1919
Color: Orange Brown with black overprint
Denomination: 35 Pfennig
Series: Overprinted King Ludwig III Definitives — “Volksstaat Bayern”
Subject: King Ludwig III portrait with People’s State of Bavaria overprint