Fischer 17-19 | Michel 17-19 | Scott 27-29 | Year of issue 1918 | Pre-war Poland
After World War I, Poland became a free country again. Poland recovered its independence and was called the Second Republic. The first stamp issues were Austro-Hungarian and German stamps overprinted "Poczta Polska" (Polish Postage). Overprinted stamps were issued in Warsaw, Lublin, Kraków, Poznań and Gniezno. Overprints were temporarily used until Poland was able to produce stamps of its own.
In Southern Poland, issues from Lublin and Kraków were used. Before being overprinted, these stamps were Austro-Hungarian military field post stamps. Some stamps are signed on the reverse side.
The stamps are issued in Korona/Halerzy denomination, derived from the Austrian Kronen/Heller.
17 Karl I
18 Zita of Bourbon-Parma
19 Karl I
overprinted with the Polish eagle
Glossary
The eagle is the coat of arms of Poland. Karl I was the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian double monarchy. He was married with Zita of Bourbon-Parma.
The Karl's Fund is a charity surcharge for Austria. Lublin is a city in Poland from which these stamps were issued.
Translations
K(aiserliche) und K(önigliche) Feldpost = Emperial and Royal field post. Karlfonds = Karl's Fund.
