09.I.1945 – Mi 170 – 172 – First Croatian Storm Division Charity Issue

Design: O. Antonini      Perforation: 11 ¼

In the second half of 1944, following a reorganization to strengthen the armed forces with elite units, the 1st Croatian Assault Division was founded on October 9, 1944. Three stamps and a block were issued to honor this new elite unit.

Sheets

Stamps are printed in sheets of 20 stamps.

Perforations

Varieties and errors

Color proofs

Color proofs for 50 kn

Color proofs for 100 kn

Minister albums

Minister albums were issued and inside them are imperforated sheets and sheets in phase proofs.

Block

As a part of the same set, Mi Block 8 was issed with 3 stamps: MI 170 I – 172 I

Stamps in the block have the same motif and colors as stamps from the normal set, but below a picture frame are initials of the graver: O.A.

Block is issued in a quantity of 2.500.

Sheet pane consist of four blocks and every block has a different hand written graver letters O.A. below the frame of stamps.

Minister albums contain imperforated and blocks with phase print and only one stamp print on the block.

This block has probably the greatest number of forgeries from all WW2 issues and most of the blocks circulating on the market are not genuine. Special problem presents forgeries with certificates because many experts actually can’t tell the difference between the original and the forgery.

Block 8, perforated and imperforated

Block proofs