Germany (Allied Control Council) 24 Pfennig with Erfurt 16 Handstamp Overprint

Germany (Allied Control Council) · 1948 · 24 Pfennig

A dark green 24 Pfennig stamp from the Allied Control Council for Germany, featuring a simple 'POSTAGE' design. It is overprinted in black with a circular handstamp reading 'Bezirkshandstempel 16 Erfurt' and '1948' in the center.

This stamp was issued in post-World War II Germany under Allied occupation, specifically in the Soviet zone. The 'Bezirkshandstempel' (district handstamp) overprint was applied to regular issues to validate them for use in specific postal districts, indicating a period of strict postal control and regional validity.