{"product_id":"1959-german-democratic-republic-heimische-vogel-cormorant-black-stork-goshawk-first-day-cover-native-birds-series","title":"1959 German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Heimische Vögel – Cormorant, Black Stork \u0026 Goshawk First Day Cover | Native Birds Series","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis 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.\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 5pf (Cormorant), 10pf (Black Stork), 40pf (Goshawk \/ Wanderfalke)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheme:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heimische Vögel (Native Birds) – Waterbirds and Raptors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical or Cultural Relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Part of the DDR’s 1959 Nature Protection series promoting scientific awareness and appreciation of East German wildlife and biodiversity\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\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Elements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow 5pf Cormorant stamp showing the bird on a branch by water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen 10pf Black Stork stamp with the stork standing in a wetland scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed 40pf Goshawk (Wanderfalke) stamp featuring the raptor perched on a branch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack-and-white cachet illustrating a tree with nesting birds and a flying swallow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“ERSTTAGSBRIEF” text and “HEIMISCHE” circular postmark dated 2.7.59\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal to Collectors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highly sought after by thematic collectors of birds, wildlife, and mid-20th-century East German stamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eHistorical Context:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eReleased 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Part of the 1959 DDR Nature Protection \/ 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 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.\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 ornithology stamp collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of East German (DDR) and Eastern Bloc philately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThematic collectors of wildlife and nature protection issues\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnthusiasts of 1950s European commemorative stamps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eUnexpected or Notable Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAdd this rare \u003cstrong\u003e1959 German Democratic Republic Heimische Vögel Cormorant, Black Stork \u0026amp; Goshawk\u003c\/strong\u003e First Day Cover to your collection today!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51300232822948,"sku":null,"price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/20260409083133.jpg?v=1775749222","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/1959-german-democratic-republic-heimische-vogel-cormorant-black-stork-goshawk-first-day-cover-native-birds-series","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}