Baltic States overprints

[Michael]

This may or may not be a "first issues" question....I collect Russian and Baltic States classics, and I have various overprinted Russian definitives that I believe derive from the German occupation of the Baltic States in 1941.  Some are overprinted "Latvija" and are briefly noted in Scott in the Latvia section but not valued or specifically described.  Others are overprinted "Pernau" which I think refers to Parnu, Estonia.  These are not mentioned, to my knowledge, in Scott or Stanley Gibbons (the only catalogs I have).  I heard rumors that both types of overprints are listed in Michel, where there are actually lower case and Roman Numeral subtypes that have varying estimated values.  I recently saw some of these for sale in APS approval books for prices between 20 cents and 40 dollars (but they look grossly similar so not sure what distinguishes the rarer varieties, or if someone is just looking for suckers..there is one born, on average mind you, every second)!  If anyone can share information from Michel (or elsewhere) about these issues, and how they are catalogued (what is "1a" or "8 Type III", etc) and estimated values, that would be great!  Maybe someone could even share by fax (FAX 205 934-8490) or email (mkilby@uab.edu) a copied page from an appropriate catalog.  Thanks for any advice!

Michael

[Nick]

Hi Michael
I have drawn a blank on Pernau / Parnu - the only reference I can find is online at Linns - 'Parnu (Pernau) (1941) Stamp-issuing status: inactive. A city in Estonia. Overprinted Russian stamps were issued by the German military commander.' here http://www.linns.com/reference/entities/entity_p.asp.

There is no mention of that overprint in SG vol 10 for Estonia, but said book does have a brief listing for occupied Latvia with an overprint of (approx)

LATVIJA

[numones]

Nick,
I have the stamp Kurland 6pf surcharged on 5pf green Hitler.  I can scan it and e-mail to you.   Should I scan at 300 dpi?  And which e-mail address should I send it to?

[Nick]

Thanks Dave
300 will be fine.
Please send it to nick_blackburn@yahoo.com.
Cheers
Nick

[numones]

Hi Nick,
I sent two scans, one darker than the other.  Let me know if they are all right.  Or if you need some other scan.

[Nick]

Thanks Dave
Now installed at http://www.snap-dragon.com/fi_guinness_page_26.htm#Courland

Cheers
Nick