LATVIA : INDEPENDENCE 1918-1940





ALŪKSNE

The postmark of Alūksne on a card to Valmiera. This town -town rights in 1920- is located in notheastern Latvia, near the border, on the shores of Lake Alūksne.

Original print size of this image: 13,623 x 8,645 cm (is
something more as the postal item)

This picture and all pictures below on this page, if not mentioned otherwise:
scanned about 300 dpi. Then set right and cut out - noted the actual print size-, resized 25 % of this image and saved as jpg.

In Alūksne the post office is opened January 7, 1919, and 15 different postmarks are used here. Four of these postmarks have two forms: month in Arabic or in Roman.
About the postmarks, used in independent Latvia, see the handbook 'Lettland : Handbuch Philatelie und Postgeschichte : Die Stempel' (see literature) . A recent (18.08.2013) overview of the postmarks of the history of the standard postmarks of Latvia is placed -as pdf-file- on the nice site of 'Latvian Philately' by Juris Mors.
The postmark here is the only with indexletter B: type 6 with nine bars. The postmarks type 6 have the name LATVIJA below (not LATWIJA), and the place name at the top, 7 or 9 bars. The postmark ALUKSNE, indexletter B: the earliest reported date of use is 3 I 22, the latest 21 III 41.

The oldest standard postmarks - 1918/1919 - are produced with the text in the 'old orthography': Latin letters. In 1921 starts a transition to the new 'orthography': the Latvian alphabet consists of 33 letters, 22 Roman letters (these do not include Q, W, X, or Y) and 13 extra letters which have symbols above or below the letter. The 'W' is not in the Latvian alphabet, so LATWIJA becomes LATVIJA.
Other postmarks, used in Alūksne:

  • number 1 is type 2 (without bars, name LATWIJA below) without indexletter, at the top ALUKSNE
  • number 2 is type 5 (with bars, name LATWIJA below), with indexletter A, 7 bars, at the top ALUKSNE, two forms (month in Arabic and in Roman)
  • number 3 is type 6 (with bars, name -new orthography- LATVIJA below), with indexletter A, 7 bars, at the top ALUKSNE, two forms (month in Arabic and in Roman)
  • number 4 is also type 6 (with bars, name -new orthography- LATVIJA below), with indexletter A, 7 bars, at the top -new orthography- ALŪKSNE, two forms (month in Arabic and in Roman)
  • number 5 is type 10 (without bars, name -new orthography- LATVIJA below), with indexletter A, at the top -new orthography- ALŪKSNE, two forms (month in Arabic and in Roman), this very late postmark is earliest reported 28.3.39
  • number 6: the postmark above type 6, indexletter B with nine bars
  • number 7 is type 6 with indexletter C and at the top ALUKSNE
  • number 8 is type 6 with indexletter C and at the top -new orthography- ALŪKSNE
  • number 9 is type 6 with indexletter D and at the top ALUKSNE
  • number 10 is type 6 with indexletter D and at the top -new orthography- ALŪKSNE
  • number 11 is type 10 with indexletter D
  • number 12 is type 6 with indexletter E and at the top ALUKSNE
  • number 13 is type 6 with indexletter E and at the top -new orthography- ALŪKSNE
  • number 14 is type 6 with indexletter F and at the top ALUKSNE
  • number 15 is type 6 with indexletter F and at the top -new orthography- ALŪKSNE

Details about earliest and latest reported dates are in the list of Juris Mors (see literature) .



AUCE

Postcard, sent from Auce. The post office is opened February 1, 1919. The name in the first postmark is WEZAUZE, and later VECAUCE. On October 1, 1924 the post office is renemed in AUCE. With the name AUCE above in the postmark are 4 different postmarks of type 6 used with codeletters A, B, C, D (all 9 lines in bars). Also type 10 (without bars) is used with codeletter D.

About the postmarks, used in independent Latvia, see the handbook 'Lettland : Handbuch Philatelie und Postgeschichte : Die Stempel' (see literature) . A recent (18.08.2013) overview of the postmarks of the history of the standard postmarks of Latvia is placed -as pdf-file- on the nice site of 'Latvian Philately' by Juris Mors (see literature) .

Original print size of this image: 13,826 x 9,051 cm (is something more as the postal item)




The postmark is type 6 (with 9 lines in bars, V in LATVIJA) with codeletter A, resized 50 %
This postmark is ordered 03.06.25.
The earliest reported date of use is 13 II 26, the latest 19.VII 44.

Auce is located in southern Latvia, near the Lithuanian border. The German name is Alt-Autz and in tsarist period the Russian indication - АЛТЪ-АУЦЪ [ALT-AUTS] - is a transcription of the German.
In Latvian this became Vecauce (Vec = old = Alt) and in 1924 the place is renamed Auce.



CĒSIS

This card is sent on December 19, 1921, from Cēsis, the formerly Wenden. The post office here is opened December 28, 1918. In the postmark you see the old indication Zehsis. Also -below in the postmark- Latvia is indicated as LATWIJA, as in the 'old orthography'.

Original print size of this image: 14,004 x 9,102 cm (is something more as the postal item)

According the handbook of v. Hofmann and Juris Mors (see literature) there are 4 postmarks used with the indication ZEHSIS: type 2 (withhout codeletter and without bars), 5 (LATWIJA, codeletter A and B, 7 bars) and 6 (LATVIJA, codeletter A, 7 bars.).
So here we clearly are dealing with type 2: double circle, re-using the old tsarist postmarks, place above, LATWIJA below, left a decoration, right a codeletter or decoration, without bars.
The decoration of type 2 is 4 arrowheads (Type 1: a pointed star): here type 2. The postmark on this card is without codeletter, and has an early date.
This postmark type 2 has as earliest reported date 18 12 19, the latest reported date is 22 7 27.

On the site 'Latvian Philately' by Juris Mors is also given an overview of the history of the standard postmarks of Latvia .
The Latvian standard postmarks resemble the tsarist postmarks: double circle with a date bridge inside the inner circle. The oldest standard postmarks - 1918/1919 - are produced with the text in the 'old orthography': Latin letters. In 1921 starts a transition to the new 'orthography': the Latvian alphabet consists of 33 letters, 22 Roman letters (these do not include Q, W, X, or Y) and 13 extra letters which have symbols above or below the letter. The 'W' is not in the Latvian alphabet, so LATWIJA becomes LATVIJA.

Card, sent from Cēsis to Riga, 20 IX 29.

Original print size of this image: 14,182 x 9,000 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In the postmark is used the new orthography: CESIS and LATVIJA. This postmark is type 6 with 9 bars (codeletter C). There is also used a postmark type 10 (without bars) with codeletter C.
In total there are used 9 postmarks in Cēsis, 4 with ZEHSIS and 5 with CESIS or CĒSIS. From 1935 on accentuation marks - as in CĒSIS here, were added above vowels. This was required by the newest orthography.
Three postmarks with ZEHSIS are in two subtypes: engraved again, the month in arabic numerals changed in Roman.

On the map here the location of Cēsis, something north-east of Riga. The Battle of Cēsis(details on Wikipedia) - June1919- was an important turning point in the Latvian war of Independence. Estonian and Latvian troops defeated a German Army.

Detail of a map in the Times Atlas, 1922.

On the map is also indicated the old name for Cēsis, Wenden (Venden).
On the map is indicated the River Aa. Aa is an indo-european word and means water. So many rivers are called Aa. Here we are dealing with the 'Livonian Aa'. In independent Latvia the name becomes Gauja. Cēsis is located on the river Gauja, on the border of the Gauja National Park.

Cēsis was on the route of the railway post line Valka-Riga (postmark). On this card a view of Cēsis, sent by railway post. The postage stamps and postmark are on the picture-side, 'Bildseitig'.

Original print size of this image: 13,928 x 8,797 cm (is something more as the postal item)












The card is sent to Denmark, 10-4-1923, but the rate for an international postcard from January 31, 1923 upto February 1, 1925, was 12 santīmu. An overview of the postal the rates of Latvia 1918-1945 on internet: site of Sijtze Reurich.
The new rates were necessary by the new currency: 1 lats = 100 santīmu = 50 Latvian roubles. The first postage stamps in the new currency are issued on January 31, 1923: 4 santīmi and 20 santīmu.
But the senser has indicated: 'printed matter' (Drukas darbs). For inland printed matter the rate was 2 santīmi, but for international the rate was not clear: discussion about postage due.



DAUGAVPILS

Daugavpils is located in the south-east of Latvia, near the border. The name Dinaburg is used 1667—1893. Then the name changed to the old Russian name Dvinsk and this name is used 1893—1920. Then comes the Latvia name in use: Daugavpils. The post office is opened December 20, 1918.


Original print size of this image: 14,004 x 9,102 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In the postmark is used the 'old orthography': DAUGAWPILS and LATWIJA.
The postmark is double circle, without bars, pointed star left: type 1.
Two different postmarks type 1 with DAUGAWPILS are reported, both with indexletter a.

  • a = height 2,4 mm, postmark is delivered 21.05.20, earliest date of use reported is -1 6 20, the latest date is 12 4 25
    The postmark here -date 14 11 23- must be this type. I have also taken the measure of a.
  • a=3mm, S in DAUGAWPILS is more rounded. Dates reported: 14 2 24 earliest, latest on -7 3 32





Original print size of this image: 13,750 x 8,721 cm (is something more as the postal item)

Total 28 different postmarks of Daugawpils/Daugavpils are mentioned by Juris Mors: 7 with the names in the 'old orthography' and 21 with the names in the 'new orthography'. Here a card with a postmark in the 'new orthography': DAUGAVPILS and LATVIJA.
This postmark - type 6- with indexletter I is used (reported dates): 28 X 24 upto 11 V 35. The postmark is ordered 01.09.23.
There exist a different postmark with indexletter I: also type 5, nine bars, but with point after the year. Also there is used a postmark type 10 (without bars)with indexletter I.


On this map -a detail from the Times Atlas 1922- Daugavpils is located near the border. Also the old name -Dvinsk- is mentioned.




JAUNMĪLGRĀVIS

This card is sent from Jaunmīlgrāvis, located near Riga (now part of Riga?.
The post office is opened September 23, 1919 and closed February 28, 1939.

Original print size of this image: 16,623 x 8,771 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In Jaunmīlgrāvis are used three different postmarks: type 6 (with nine bars, indexleter A and B)and type 10 (without bars, indexletter B). Here is used type 10. This postmark has as earliest reported date 30.10.37 and 18.2.39 is the latest eported date.



On the picture-side: Brīvības bulvāris, Freedom street in Riga.
The oldest name of this main street of Riga was Smilšu (sand)way. In 1812 the Alexander-arch was build on the street, a triumph arch in honour of the victory of Alexander I over Napoleon. So the street was called around 1818 Alexanderstreet and in 1861 'Great Alexanderstreet'. In 1936 the triumphal arch is replaced to the park Viestura verplaatst (north of the Elizabethstreet).
In 1870 a part of the Alexanderstreet get the name Alexander Boulevard, now a part of the Brivīdas Boulevard. In 1923 the name Brivīdas-street, Freedom Street, is introduced. On the picture here you see also the Freedom-monument in this street.
The monument is made by Karlis Zale (1888-1942), a well-known Latvian artist. The munument is 42 meter high and on the top is placed the Freedom-statue, a woman with three stars, symbolising the three parts of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. In 1935 is monument is unveiled in the Brivīdas iela. During the German occupation in World War II the name became Adolf Hitlerstreet (1942 tot 1944) and the Brivīdas Boulevard became of course Aldolf Hitler Boulevard.
In 1950 Brivīdasstreet, Brivīdasboulevard and alley, Kalku en Svertuvesstreet were united to the Leninstreet.
The Freedom-monument in Lenin-street, is now on the same place, but again in Brivīdas iela or Freedom-street.




JELGAVA

Cover, sent from Riga to Jelgava: to the armored car division of Hekerad Keller. The addressee is a motorcyclist.
The sender in Riga is not mentioned (or cut from the cover). The postmark has a very early date: August 27, 1919.


Original print size of this image: 10,600 x 9,711 cm (is something more as the postal item)



The postoffice of Jelgava is opened December 28, 1918. According the book of von Hoffmann and Juris Mors (see literature) 15 different postmarks are used. In the oldest postmarks we see the name JELGAWA. Of this old type postmarks are 4 different of Jelgawa:
1 of type 1, codeletter a: double circle, place JELGAWA above, LATWIJA below, codeletter right, pointed star left, without bars
This postmark of type 1 is used here.
3 of type 5, codeletters B, C, D: bridge date-stamps JELGAWA above, LATWIJA below, three stars left, codeletter right, 7 bars.




As we have seen above (Cēsis) the oldest standard postmarks - 1918/1919 - are produced with the text in the 'old orthography': here is used LATWIJA and JELGAWA In later postmarks LATWIJA becomes LATVIJA, JELGAWA becomes JELGAVA, as you can see on the card here below.





This map is an detail of a map in the Times Atlas, 1922. Jelgave is located in Central Latvia, south of the Baltic Riviera.





Original print size of this image: 13,826 x 8,822 cm (is something more as the postal item)

On this card a newer postmark of Jelgava: the indication of Latvia in the postmark is now LATVIJA and the name of the city is now Jelgava. There are 4 different postmaks with Jelgawa and 11 different postmarks with the indication Jelgava.
Nine postmarks with Jelgava are Type 6: 9 bars, and have codeletters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. There ere two postmarks Type 10 with Jelgava: without bars, codeletters G and K.




The picture side of the card: a street in Jelgava.



A short overview about the West Russian Army in the area of Jelgava is given in the handbook 'The postal and monetary history of Latvia 1918 - 1945' (see literature, p. 3-54 up to p. 3-58). Originally this Army was under command of General v.d. Goltz, but he must depart to Germany on 3 October 1919. He turned over the command to Colonel Bermont of the Czarist Russian Army. He used then the name of his mother and called himself prince Avaloff. He has also later written a book with his memoirs about this period:
Im Kampf gegen den Bolschewismus : erinnerungen / von General Fürst Awaloff Oberbefehlshaber der Deutsch-Russischen Westarmee im Baltikum. - Glückstadt und Hamburg : J.J. Augustin, 1925.



ĶEMERI

Ķemeri was a separate town in the period 1928 to 1959. Then it became a part of the city Jūrmala.
The German name is Kemmern and it is founded in 1838 as resort: Nicolas I gave land for building the first bath-house with mineral water. During World War I the railway station and many building are destroyed. After this war the resort is restored and in 1924 a bathing facility for mud baths is build.


Original print size of this image: 13,775 x 8,797 cm (is something more as the postal item)

The post office of Ķemeri is opened March 25, 1920, and there are used 7 different postmarks: Type 6 (indexletter A with 6 bars, B anc with 9 bars) and type 10 (A, B, C, D, without bars).
On this card to Riga is used the postmark type 6 with indexletter C, but without postage stamp. This is not nice for the receiver, but as philatelist we like this: the PIEMAKSAT (= to pay)-postmark. The amount was according the rules two times the missing amount.
In the table of postal rates on internet (Sijtze Reurich) the rate in the period 21-12-1931 – 15-04-1935 was for an inland postcard 20 santīmu. So in the piemaksat-postmark is written: 20.


Among the mineral baths in Latvia Ķemeri was the most important. The resort had good connection: on the railway line Ventspils-Riga, about 45 kilometres from Riga. So we finf also railway post from Ķemeri. In the period 1937-1941 there was even a railway post line Riga-Ķemeri, number 21. The opposite direction Ķemeri-Riga was route number 22.

Ķemeri is not located on the rea, but there was also a connection with the sea-beach: a short tram-ride.
Ķemeri is desribed also in the guide 'Lavia : the Baltic Riviera : health resorts and watering places'(1920).: "But the popularity and renown of Ķemeri lie in its unparalleled mineral springs. The curative properties of this delightful health resort are both natural (Alkaline sulphur water and sulphurous' peat-mud) and artificial (Sulphite, sulphur-conifer extrakt, carbonaceous and sulphuetted hydrogen baths, ultra violet rays etc.)."
There are 8 springs and the book gives an analyses of spring number I an spring number IV. The spring of Ķ emeri are 'cold': about 7.2 degrees C. and have a strong content of sulphur, sulphide of hydrogen and carbonic acid.
In the book (1920) are mentioned many cases of remarkably effecacy: "Rheumatism of the muscles and joints, gout, nervous disorders, organic nervous affections (Neuralgia, neuritis), paralysis and spinal diseases, .....[and more].".



KRAPE

This card is sent from Krape. In 2009 Krape parish is absorbed by Ogre municipality, and is located in the southeast part of Ogre. Now Krape has 747 inhabitants.
The post office of Krape is opened October 7, 1919.


Original print size of this image: 14,055 x 8,949 cm (is something more as the postal item)

This postmark is type 6, the name LATVIJA below (not LATWIJA), and the place name at the top, here with 9 bars and with indexletter A. The earliest reported date of this postmark is 19.I.28. and 16.VIII.38. is the latest date.
There are two other postmarks used in Krape, both type 10, with month in Roman numerals (used in the end of thirties) and with month in Arabic numerals (during World War II).



ĻAUDONA

This card is sent from Ļaudona, but the date is not clear for me. I suppose that the date is not correct set in the postmark.

Original print size of this image: 13,978 x 8,898 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In the postmark used the 'old orthography': LATWIJA, without bars. The place name is LAUDONA. The decoration of type 1 is a pointed star (Type 2: 4 arrowheads): here type 1. This postmark is reported with earliest date 30 6 20, latest date 19 11 30.
The other existing postmarks - with LATVIJA and ĻAUDONA - are type 6 (indexletter A and B) and type 10 (indexletter C).
The post office is opened April 1, 1919.

Ļaudona is located in eastern Latvia. The German name is Laudohn and originally it was an estate of the family Laudohn (in 1432). After the independence of Lavia the estate is during the land reform divided in 42 parts.

The other side of the card is a poem in Latvian.



LIEPĀJA

This card is sent from Liepāja to Daugavpils. In the postmarks is used the 'old orthography': LATWIJA, without bars, LEEPAJA and DAUGAWPILS.
The post office is opened December 27, 1918.


Original print size of this image: 14,156 x 8,873 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In the postmark is used the 'old orthography': LATWIJA and LEEPAJA.
This postmark is made from earlier postmarks of the German "Ob. Ost" administration (type 3 or 4). Text is in the "old orthography".
Type 3 - Country name above but place name below: LATWIJA / LEEPAJA, the earliest reported postmark of Liepāja, 28.1.19.12-1 (the latest reported date: 11.8.24.5-6).
Type 4 - Place name above but country name below, so here type 4: LEEPAJA / LATWIJA. This postmark is used with as earliest reported date 17.5.19.11-12r (latest date 21.3.39.10-11 r).
The date is supplemented by the time of the day: r / R for morning, w / W / / V / N for afternoon.



Detail of a map in the Times Atlas, 1922.


Liepāja is on this map indicated with the old German name Libau.
In a guide- published 1920- 'Latvia : the Baltic Riviera : health resort and watering places' (see literature) is Liepāja described in the chapter 'Baltic Watering place Liepāja (Libau)' , p. 28-31:
"...important place : an excellent Latvian seaport." But. also: "ideal bathing place and health resort. The town is admirably located between the sea and the 'Small Lake'. With its broad avenues...... The pure, ozonous wood and sea air is an excellent tonic. .....
Apart from its natural curative properties, as light, air, sunshine and water, Liepāja also possesses a highly modern hydrophatic establishment where different artificial means of curing are employed, as warm sea-baths, baths of pine-needle extract, carbonaceous baths, electrical treatment, ultra violet rays, vapour and mud-baths. These methods have been succesfully adopted in cases of nervous disorders, neuralgia, heart disease, stomach trouble and affections of the alimentary canal, chlorosis, chronic rheumatism, paralysis, debility caused by mental or physical over-exertion.
There is also a magnificent Casino ('Kurhaus') with reading-rooms, music-rooms and so forth, in the middle of a beautiful park. Theatrical performances, concets, balls and other amusement are afforded at the Kurhaus or Casino during the season."



SIGULDA

This card is sent from Sigulda on 26 7 24. The post office is opened January 23, 1919.

Original print size of this image: 13,902 x 8,720 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In the postmark used the 'old orthography': LATWIJA, without bars. The decoration of type 2 is 4 arrowheads (Type 1: a pointed star): here type 2. This postmark is reported with earliest date 21 12 19, latest date -8 1 31.
There are 5 other postmarks known of Sigulda: type 6 with nine bars (indexletter A, B and C) and type 10 without bars (indexletter C and D).

In the guide - published 1920- 'Latvia : the Baltic Riviera : health resort and watering places' (see literature) is Sigulda described in the chapter: 'Livonian Switszerland : Sigulda (Segewold), Krimulda (Kremon), Turaida (Treyden)' (p. 39-43):
"One of the most beautiful landscape features of Latvia is the idyllic and picturesque section of hilly country along the banks of the river Gauja, embracing the districts of Sigulda, Krimulda and Turaida, collectively known as the <>."
Sigulda, the railway station of Livonian Switzerland, is two hours by train from Riga (direction Estonia). On the map above (see Cēsis) Sigulda is indicated as Zegevold (Segewold is the German name).



VALMIERA

This card is sent from Valmiera, located in northeast Latvia, on the railwayline Riga-Pskow. The German name is Wolmar.
The post office is opened January 17, 1919.


Original print size of this image: 14,156 x 9,152 cm (is something more as the postal item)

In the postmark is used the 'old orthography': LATWIJA and WALMEERA as indication for Valmiera., without bars.

The decoration of type 1 is a pointed star left with indexletter on the right. Type 2 is 4 arrowheads on the left and the same on the right or indexletter on the right.
Here type 2E:
Estonian type (made in Estonia) and only used in Valmiera. Text is in the "old orthography", 4- or 8-pointed star-like ornaments on the both sides.
There are two postmarks of this type, the other has in the lower segment an index letter.
This postmark is reported with earliest date 27 9 21, latest date -6 3 33

Postmark of Valmiera, resized 50 % on a card from Alūksne.

Here is used type 6, indexletter B (with 9 bars, name above in new orthography and LATVIJA below, also new orthography). This postmark is delivered February 25, 1922. As earliest date is reported 22 3 33,and as latest date 15 3 38 is reported.