Thursday, December 7, 2023

PODLIPA auxiliary post office

The Podlipa auxiliary office of the Vrhnika post office used two different postmarks during the period I am collecting. Both are two-line rectangular postmarks with the inscription "PODLIPA / (VRHNIKA)". The first is a bit smaller and originates from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, measuring 58.1 x 13.2 mm, while the second appeared during the German occupation, measuring 59.5 x 16.5 mm. There is no information on why the postmarks were changed, but the first was likely damaged or lost. Interestingly, the second postmark stands out with two large five-pointed stars, which was unusual given their association with the Partisans. 

The usage of the auxiliary post office Podlipa was, in general, very rare, but usage was even scarcer during the Italian occupation from 6 April 1941 to 8 September 1943. It was also extremely scarce to find it together with stamps of the Ljubljana Provisional Issue during the Democratic Federative Yugoslavia...

The smaller postmark on the postcard sent from Vrhnika (16.III.36) to Gorenja vas. Period of Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

The smaller postmark on the money order (3.V.41). Very rare usage during the period of Italian occupation. 

The larger postmark on the money order (3.II.44). Period of German Occupation.

The larger postmark on the money order (12.VI.45). Scarce usage together with stamps of the Ljubljana Provisional Issue during the period of the Democratic Federative Yugoslavia.

The larger postmark on the stationery sent from Vrhnika (9.IX.48) to Podnart (10.IX.48). Period of the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia.