The “German Eastern Territories” Working Group
A study group of the “Poststempelgilde e.V.” within the Federation of German Philatelists (BDPh) e.V.
We are a dedicated association of philatelists specializing in post-historical topics and local history collectors. Our focus is on the territories of the German Empire east of the Oder-Neisse Line within the 1914 borders, including the Sudetenland and Austrian Silesia.
Regional Depth
Explore historic provinces in detail:
Memel Land
Postal history from 1920 onward, postmarks, overprints, and local mail routes in the northernmost region.
East and West Prussia
From Königsberg to Danzig: A comprehensive guide to all post offices, railway mail services, and maritime mail services.
Pomerania & the Borderlands
Postmarks and postal documents from the Baltic Sea region, as well as from the Posen-West Prussia border region between the wars.
Silesia & the County of Glatz
The extensive postal infrastructure in the industrial areas and rural regions along the Oder River.
Upper Silesia & the Sudetenland
Voting districts, plebiscite issues, and the complex history following 1918 and 1938.
Thematic Research
We document more than just the standard stamps:
Science & Education
Studentika, university mail, and correspondence from academies and research institutions.
Technology & Industry
Railway mail, ship mail, airship routes, and promotional postmarks from major local manufacturers.
Military & Conflicts
Field mail, prisoner-of-war camps, and censored mail during times of great upheaval.
Local and Family Histories
Reconstructing everyday life based on personal letters, postcards, and local post offices.
Local History Collections & Focus Areas
Our members pay particular attention to research on specific places and regions:
This comprehensive analysis makes the Keeping cultural heritage alive and rescued from oblivion. Every local history is a valuable building block in the philatelic documentation of the German Eastern Territories.
Our History: A Journey Through Time
From the pioneering spirit of the 1950s to the digital future of research.
Founding & Pioneering Spirit
Dr. Tzschaschel began gathering the first interested individuals around him. The first newsletters were produced—at that time, they were still laboriously reproduced using wax stencils.
Community in Bad Laer
The start of the legendary annual meetings in Bad Laer, organized by Mr. Lemke. Prof. Dr. Haake leaves a lasting impression on the meetings with his in-depth lectures.
Growth & Networking
Mr. Klemm assumes the chairmanship and strengthens the strategic ties with the BDPh—a milestone for the national recognition of the research.
The Major Project
The major project “Documentation of All Postmarks of East Prussia” is getting underway—a remarkable achievement by the collector-friends in our working group who are participating.
A Look into the Future
Hans-Jörg Kolbeck is taking over as head of the ArGe. The focus is shifting to digital networking and modern research methods.
This journey through time shows how the Arge has evolved from humble beginnings into a strong network that connects researchers worldwide.
