Bavaria – Scott # O54, used

Description

Bavaria Scott #O54 (1920) — Used

This 15 Pfennig carmine Official stamp (Scott #O54) was issued in 1920, marking the final phase of Bavaria’s postal independence before full integration into the German Reich postal system. The design is from Bavaria’s Dienstmarke (Official) series featuring a bold numeral within an ornate oval frame, now overprinted “Deutsches Reich” to indicate its conversion for use under national postal authority.

These overprints were produced after Bavaria relinquished postal autonomy in 1920, when the Free State’s stamps were absorbed into the unified German postal service. As such, they represent the last official issues of Bavaria and the end of its distinctive philatelic era that had begun in 1849.

This example is postally used, with a legible circular cancellation and rich carmine color, showing the transition from regional to national governance in post–World War I Germany.

Condition: Used; fine centering; strong “Deutsches Reich” overprint; clear cancellation.
Issued: 1920
Color: Carmine
Denomination: 15 Pfennig
Design Theme: Numeral of value within oval frame
Overprint: “Deutsches Reich” (German Empire)
Purpose: Official correspondence under unified national postal authority
Historical Note: Marks the administrative and postal unification of Bavaria with the rest of Germany at the close of the Free State period.