Every so often, stamps for the Heeres Nachrichtendienst come available on the collectors’ market. They each sell for hefty amounts of money. There is even one individual who printed up and sells rolls of reproduction stamps to German telecommunications equipment collectors and reenactors doing Nachrichtentruppen impressions.
Because the graphic on the stamp includes lightning bolts and the inscription includes the word “Nachrichtendienst,” it is believed that the stamps had some sort of a connection to WW2 German signals operations. Makes sense, huh? Well, as I often say, the German language is very enigmatic and confusing.
In reality, “Heeres Nachrichtendienst” translates into “Army Intelligence Service.” The agency had nothing to do with WW2 German military radio or telephone communications. It was primarily concerned with gaining information about enemy communications, battle plans, troop movements, and equipment movements. The stamps were used to seal and mark envelopes containing this information when it was sent to agency operatives and Heer personnel via the mail.
Check out my new book on WW2 German field telephone equipment…https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/rotwang-manteuffel/world-war-2-german-field-telephone-equipment-a-basic-guide-for-reenactors-and-historians/paperback/product-976w9q.html?page=1&pageSize=4
WW2 German Field Telephone Equipment 