The GermanStamps.net Collection

The GermanStamps.net Collection

Germany & Related Areas, 1872 – 1945

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Kiautschou

Litsun

In November 1897, two German missionaries were murdered by a mob in Shantung Province, China.  In response, German naval forces occupied the port city of Tsingtau, and the German government used the occupation to press the Chinese government for a long-term lease of the port and the surrounding area. In March 1898, Germany and China entered into a 99-year lease under which Germany would control both sides of the entrance to Kiautschou Bay, as well as the islands within. Around this leased territory would be a small neutral zone which would, in effect, also be under German control.

A post office was opened at Litsun on 7 December 1904.  It remained open until the early days of World War I, closing on 20 September 1914.

Postmark Information

Catalog:

  • Friedemann Unlisted
  • ArGe Kolonien Litsun Kiautschou 1

Dates of Use:

  • 7 December 1904 to March 1905

Notes:

  • Upon the opening of the post office in Litsun, a Litsun canceller was not available.  Instead, the Tsangkou canceller was used until arrival of a dedicated Litsun canceller in March 1905.  This Litsun provisional cancel was placed alongside the Tsangkou cancel.  

Postmark Information

Catalog:

  • Friedemann 5

  • ArGe Kolonien LITSUN KIAUTSCHOU 2

Dates of Use:

  • March 1905 to 26 August 1914

PO Information

Opened:  7 December 1904
Closed:  20 September 1914

Album Page(s)

Kiautschou

Litsun

PO Information

Opened:  7 December 1904
Closed:  20 September 1914

In November 1897, two German missionaries were murdered by a mob in Shantung Province, China.  In response, German naval forces occupied the port city of Tsingtau, and the German government used the occupation to press the Chinese government for a long-term lease of the port and the surrounding area. In March 1898, Germany and China entered into a 99-year lease under which Germany would control both sides of the entrance to Kiautschou Bay, as well as the islands within. Around this leased territory would be a small neutral zone which would, in effect, also be under German control.

A post office was opened at Litsun on 7 December 1904.  It remained open until the early days of World War I, closing on 20 September 1914.

Postmark Information

Catalog:

  • Friedemann Unlisted
  • ArGe Kolonien Litsun Kiautschou 1

Dates of Use:

  • 7 December 1904 to March 1905

Notes:

  • Upon the opening of the post office in Litsun, a Litsun canceller was not available.  Instead, the Tsangkou canceller was used until arrival of a dedicated Litsun canceller in March 1905.  This Litsun provisional cancel was placed alongside the Tsangkou cancel. 

Postmark Information

Catalog:

  • Friedemann 5

  • ArGe Kolonien LITSUN KIAUTSCHOU 2

Dates of Use:

  • March 1905 to 26 August 1914

Album Page(s)