{"product_id":"1959-east-germany-german-democratic-republic-heimische-vogel-eagle-owl-black-grouse-hoopoe-fdc-native-birds-series","title":"1959 East Germany German Democratic Republic Heimische Vögel – Eagle Owl, Black Grouse \u0026 Hoopoe FDC | Native Birds Series","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis elegant 1959 First Day Cover from the German Democratic Republic continues the popular “Heimische Vögel” series with three more native birds: the majestic Eagle Owl, Black Grouse, and colorful Hoopoe. Featuring vivid stamps and the signature nesting-tree cachet, it is an excellent piece for building a complete bird series from East Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eKey Points:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e German Democratic Republic (DDR)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate of Issue:\u003c\/strong\u003e July 2, 1959\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCity of Cancellation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heimische (postmark dated 2.7.59)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStamp Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15pf (Eagle Owl), 20pf (Black Grouse), 25pf (Hoopoe)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheme:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heimische Vögel (Native Birds) – Forest and Woodland Species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical or Cultural Relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highlights East German biodiversity and reflects the DDR’s emphasis on education and nature appreciation through postage stamps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Market Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e $8–$20 USD, depending on condition and demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eProduct Overview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cover displays three finely printed stamps from the 1959 Native Birds set, each capturing woodland and forest birds with realistic detail and soft, natural coloring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Elements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePurple 15pf Eagle Owl (“Uhu”) stamp showing the large nocturnal bird\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePink 20pf Black Grouse (“Birkhahn”) stamp depicting the displaying male\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue-green 25pf Hoopoe (“Wiedehopf”) stamp with its distinctive crest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatching black-and-white cachet of a tree with nesting birds and flying swallow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“ERSTTAGSBRIEF” lettering and “HEIMISCHE” postmark dated 2.7.59\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal to Collectors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for completing bird topical collections or East German wildlife series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eHistorical Context:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIssued on July 2, 1959, alongside the other values in the “Heimische Vögel” series, these stamps formed part of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik’s efforts to promote environmental awareness. The designs reflect careful scientific illustration common in DDR philately. First Day Covers with uniform cachets and cancellations are particularly prized by collectors of thematic or country-specific material from the Cold War era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Part of the 1959 DDR Native Birds wildlife series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eCollectible Value:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypical Market Value or Rarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e These covers are sought after in sets; individual or paired bird FDCs from this issue typically range from $8–$20 in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho Would Be Interested:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBird and wildlife thematic collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDDR \/ East German stamp specialists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors focused on European nature series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilatelists interested in 1950s socialist-era design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eUnexpected or Notable Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Hoopoe’s exotic crest and the dramatic Eagle Owl provide strong visual contrast to the more common species. The uniform cachet design across the entire 1959 bird issue gives collectors a cohesive display opportunity. The soft pastel tones of these three stamps contrast nicely with the brighter colors of the companion cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAdd this rare \u003cstrong\u003e1959 German Democratic Republic Heimische Vögel Eagle Owl, Black Grouse \u0026amp; Hoopoe\u003c\/strong\u003e First Day Cover to your collection today!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51300234756260,"sku":null,"price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/20260409083136.jpg?v=1775749340","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/1959-east-germany-german-democratic-republic-heimische-vogel-eagle-owl-black-grouse-hoopoe-fdc-native-birds-series","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}