1959 German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Heimische Vögel – Cormorant, Black Stork & Goshawk First Day Cover | Native Birds Series

This vibrant 1959 First Day Cover from the German Democratic Republic features three beautifully engraved stamps from the popular “Heimische Vögel” (Native Birds) series, highlighting the Cormorant, Black Stork, and Goshawk. With its colorful stamps, matching illustrated cachet, and clear postmark, it is a striking collectible for bird enthusiasts and collectors of East German philately.

Key Points:

• Country: German Democratic Republic (DDR)
• Date of Issue: July 2, 1959
• City of Cancellation: Heimische (postmark dated 2.7.59)
• Stamp Value: 5pf (Cormorant), 10pf (Black Stork), 40pf (Goshawk / Wanderfalke)
• Theme: Heimische Vögel (Native Birds) – Waterbirds and Raptors
• Historical or Cultural Relevance: Part of the DDR’s 1959 Nature Protection series promoting scientific awareness and appreciation of East German wildlife and biodiversity
• Estimated Market Value: $8–$20 USD, depending on condition and demand

Product Overview:

This First Day Cover presents three stamps from the classic 1959 Native Birds issue, each depicting a different indigenous bird in its natural environment with rich colors and fine detail.

Design Elements:

• Yellow 5pf Cormorant stamp showing the bird on a branch by water
• Green 10pf Black Stork stamp with the stork standing in a wetland scene
• Red 40pf Goshawk (Wanderfalke) stamp featuring the raptor perched on a branch
• Black-and-white cachet illustrating a tree with nesting birds and a flying swallow
• “ERSTTAGSBRIEF” text and “HEIMISCHE” circular postmark dated 2.7.59

Appeal to Collectors: Highly sought after by thematic collectors of birds, wildlife, and mid-20th-century East German stamps.

Historical Context:

Released on July 2, 1959, as part of the “Heimische Vögel” series, this set was issued by the Deutsche Post of the German Democratic Republic to celebrate native fauna and support nature conservation themes. The stamps were designed with ornithological accuracy typical of DDR issues of the era. First Day Covers with the special “Heimische” cancellation provide a direct link to the postal and cultural history of East Germany in the late 1950s.

Note: Part of the 1959 DDR Nature Protection / Native Birds wildlife series.

Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity: Moderately available but desirable when the stamps are fresh and the postmark/cachet are sharp; complete bird series FDCs from 1959 often command a premium.

Who Would Be Interested:

• Bird and ornithology stamp collectors
• Collectors of East German (DDR) and Eastern Bloc philately
• Thematic collectors of wildlife and nature protection issues
• Enthusiasts of 1950s European commemorative stamps

Unexpected or Notable Details:

The consistent artistic cachet across the bird series creates a unified look, while the bright, contrasting stamp colors (yellow, green, red) make this cover visually striking. The “Heimische” postmark cleverly ties into the “native birds” theme. The Goshawk stamp adds a dynamic raptor element that complements the more aquatic species shown.

Add this rare 1959 German Democratic Republic Heimische Vögel Cormorant, Black Stork & Goshawk First Day Cover to your collection today!