Die Geschichte des Prüfwesens in der deutschen Philatelie (1860 - 1945)

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Wolfgang Maassen, a prominent author and editor of "philatelie," explores the history of philatelic examination in Germany from 1860 to the end of World War II. Following the introduction of the first postage stamps in 1840, counterfeiters emerged, initially to evade postal fees and later targeting collectors by selling fraudulent stamps. Over approximately 85 years, Maassen outlines developmental trends, highlighting key individuals and events. He addresses gaps in Carlrichard Brühl's 1985-86 work on the history of philately, providing a comprehensive analysis of the early counterfeiting phenomenon and the evolving response of philatelic examination in Germany. The complexity of collectors' initial attitudes toward reprints and facsimiles, which flooded collections, is emphasized. Maassen profiles notable examiners and counterfeiters, including Alfred Moschkau, Waldemar Herrmann, Emil Reinhard Krippner, and Georges Fouré, as well as prominent facsimile producers like François Fournier and Jean de Sperati. He also discusses the ongoing struggle of collectors' associations against counterfeiters and the scrutiny faced by dealers and examiners. The narrative spans the Kaiserreich, Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of counterfeiting and examination efforts. Since 1999, Maassen has meticulously gathered sources, images, and reports, culminating in this extensive work.