Local Delivery Rates During the World War II Occupation

"Ortstarif" Rates 1940-1945

Easily overlooked by postal history collectors are the reduced rates for local delivery of postcards and letters that first began during the World War II occupation.

The so-called “ortstarif” rates took effect on October 1, 1940, when the Reich currency was implemented. These rates continued in francs and centimes after the occupation until October 1, 1945.

Here are three examples from the occupation period:

5-Rpf. Local Postcard Rate Kayl – Local Use 7 November 1941

8-Rpf. Local 20g Letter Rate Düdelingen im Moselland – Local Use 25 January 1944

16-Rpf. Local 20g-250g Letter Rate Mixed Franking 6 Rpf Charlotte (2nd) & 10 Rpf Hindenburg Luxemburg 1 d – Local Use 18 February 1941 From the Bofferding brewery to the brewers’ association!

16-Rpf. Local 20g-250g Letter Rate Turned Envelope Free mail sent by the Finanzamt Esch (Alzig) Esch-Alzig n, 24 Jun 1943, to Düdelingen Returned by the recipient Esch (Alzig) g – Local Use 16-Rpf Hitler Head – Sole Use! 18 May 1944   This turned cover also reminds us of the paper shortages that were experienced toward the end of the occupation.

38-Rpf. Local 20g Registered Letter Rate Fels (Moselland) a – Local Use 15 August 1942 8-Rpf postage + 30-Rpf registry fee Gemeindeverwaltung Heffingen = Heffingen Local Government

After the occupation, the 20g local letter rate was 80 centimes, and 1.60 Fr for 20g-250g local letters. The local postcard rate was 50 centimes.

Add Ortstarif covers to your collection. They are a small but interesting part of Luxembourg’s postal history!