Croatia 1918 First Issue, 2f Orange-Brown

Croatia · 1918 · 2f

This stamp, the first issued by Croatia, features an allegorical design by Rudolf Valdec titled 'Man Breaking the Chains of Slavery'. It depicts a muscular figure shattering his bonds, symbolizing Croatia's newfound freedom and separation from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The design was originally intended for a monument that was never built.

Issued in November 1918, this stamp marks the establishment of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary at the end of World War I. This state would soon merge into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia).