Finschhafen
In the mid-1870’s, German companies established the first trading ties within the area that would become German New Guinea. In 1884, the German flag was raised over several coastal towns, and the Neu Guinea Kompagnie was chartered to administer the area in 1885. This included the ability to administer postal services.
The Neu Guinea Kompagnie first opened a post office at Finschhafen on 15 February 1888. In March 1891, the entire German population of Finschhafen was struck down by malaria, forcing the closure of the post office.
On 1 April 1899, the German government assumed responsibility for administering the colony, citing the inability of private sources to finance the necessary development within the colony.
A formal post office was re-established in 1904, and it would remain open until Australian forces occupied German New Guinea in December 1914.
Finschhafen Post Office, c. 1888
Postmark Information
Catalog:
- Friedemann 5
- ArGe Kolonien FINSCHHAFEN ◆1
Dates of Use:
-
15 February 1888 to 19 March 1891
-
Used sporadically at Stephansort in April / October 1891
Finschhafen Post Office (left), c. early 1900s
12 June 1914
Postmark Information
Catalog:
- Friedemann 6
- ArGe Kolonien FINSCHHAFEN D-N-G ◆2
Dates of Use:
-
15 July 1904 to December 1914
Notes:
-
With year date “15” handwritten over “13” known only on money orders
PO Information
Opened: 15 February 1888
Closed: 19 March 1891
Re-Opened: 15 July 1904
Closed: December 1914
Album Page(s)
Finschhafen
PO Information
Opened: 15 February 1888
Closed: 19 March 1891
Re-Opened: 15 July 1904
Closed: December 1914
In the mid-1870’s, German companies established the first trading ties within the area that would become German New Guinea. In 1884, the German flag was raised over several coastal towns, and the Neu Guinea Kompagnie was chartered to administer the area in 1885. This included the ability to administer postal services.
The Neu Guinea Kompagnie first opened a post office at Finschhafen on 15 February 1888. In March 1891, the entire German population of Finschhafen was struck down by malaria, forcing the closure of the post office.
On 1 April 1899, the German government assumed responsibility for administering the colony, citing the inability of private sources to finance the necessary development within the colony.
A formal post office was re-established in 1904, and it would remain open until Australian forces occupied German New Guinea in December 1914.
Finschhafen Post Office, c. 1888
Postmark Information
Catalog:
- Friedemann 5
- ArGe Kolonien FINSCHHAFEN ◆1
Dates of Use:
-
15 February 1888 to 19 March 1891
-
Used sporadically at Stephansort in April / October 1891
Finschhafen Post Office (left), c. early 1900s
12 June 1914
Postmark Information
Catalog:
- Friedemann 6
- ArGe Kolonien FINSCHHAFEN D-N-G ◆2
Dates of Use:
-
15 July 1904 to December 1914
Notes:
-
With year date “15” handwritten over “13” known only on money orders
Album Page(s)