These cards were issued on 31 December 1938 (P276) and 16 February 1939 (P277) to commemorate the Köln Carnival held 23-28 February 1939.

The first card (P276) was a publicity card which was only on sale in Köln and the philatelic counter at the Berlin post office. The second card (P277) was for use during the carnival.

The reverse of the cards depicts Köln Cathedral.

Two commemorative cancels were available — the firsts depict “Prinz Karneval”; the second, round cancel was used 16, 19-21 February 1939.