WWI German Tsingtau China 1915 Kolonialkriegerdank Postcard Kiautschou Stamp

Original WWI German colonial-era postcard from the Kolonialkriegerdank, depicting German soldiers manning an observation position overlooking Tsingtau (Qingdao), China, with the German Imperial War Flag flying above the rocky position.

The printed caption reads:

“Auf Beobachtungsposten vor Tsingtau”
Translation: “At an observation post outside Tsingtau.”

This exact postcard is documented in the Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek / Karlsruhe City Archives as part of the WWI postcard series “Aus großer Zeit 1914/15.” The archive describes the scene as German soldiers with rifles positioned on a rocky elevation beneath the Imperial War Flag and dates the issue to the 1914–1918 period. The publisher is identified as Graphische Kunstanstalten F. Bruckmann A.G., München.

The reverse bears the heading “Kolonialkriegerdank”, an organization established to support former German colonial soldiers of the Army, Navy, Schutztruppe and police forces, as well as their surviving dependents.

This example is postally used, dated 28 March 1915, and retains a 5 Pfennig Deutsches Reich Germania stamp with circular postal cancellation. It is addressed to Hans Krams in Halle.

The handwritten message begins:

“Lieber Hans! Zu deinem Geburtstag senden dir die herzlichsten Glückwünsche…”

Translation:

“Dear Hans! For your birthday we send you our warmest congratulations…”

It is signed with several names, including what appear to be Reinhold, Ernst, Lauch(?) and Anna Dinkgräve(?). Some names are difficult to decipher with certainty due to the old German handwriting.

The postcard relates to Tsingtau/Kiautschou, Germany’s former colonial territory in China and the site of the important 1914 Siege of Tsingtao. This particular Kolonialkriegerdank design is also specifically cataloged by collectors as a Tsingtau/Kiautschou patriotic WWI postcard.

Artist signature is visible at the lower left of the illustration.

Condition shows expected age and handling wear, including corner/edge wear and a noticeable crease at the lower right. Stamp remains attached. Please see all photos for exact condition.

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YB7 series