Saar, 50 Different Stamps

The Saar Protectorate (Saarland) was a French protectorate in Allied-occupied Germany.  It was controlled by the French military government until it became part of West Germany.

The Saar region is located along the modern-day border between Germany and France.

Saar began issuing its own stamps in 1920, initially using overprinted German stamps with “Saargebiet.”

Later, original designs were released featuring local scenes, coat of arms, and industries.

In 1935, a vote resulted in the Saar region rejoining Nazi Germany.  Saar stamps were discontinued, and German Reich stamps were used instead.

After WWII, Saar was placed under French control and later became the Saar Protectorate.  Stamps issued between 1947–1956 were labeled “Saar” or “Sarre” and used the French franc.

Designs included Saar landscapes, architecture, and industries—similar to earlier League designs but with more modern engraving.

Saar officially became a state of West Germany on January 1, 1957.  In 1959, Saar stamps were phased out, and standard West German stamps were used.