Germany (West Berlin) - 1948 Black Overprint Definitive, 19 Pfennig

Germany · 1948 · 19 Pfennig

This stamp is part of the 1948 'Schwarzaufdruck' (Black Overprint) definitive series for Berlin. It features a portrait of a worker, originally designed by Max Bittrof, with a 'BERLIN' overprint in black.

Issued during the early stages of the Cold War and the Soviet blockade of West Berlin, these stamps were crucial for maintaining postal services in the isolated city. The overprint distinguished them from stamps used in the Soviet occupation zone.