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[ Postmark Valuation List ] [ German SWA Postal History ] [ German SWA Postmarks ] The History of Post Offices & Postal Agencies of Colonial German South West Africa (SWA) 1884 - 1915
------------------------------------- Abbabis - Nama word that indicates "Spring in Red Ground". A field post office under the same name was established in 1915. The office originally opened on 8.8.1904 and closed on 27.2.1910. Wanderstempel (2 different types) exist in black & violet. A PO negative sealer with lilac ink is known used on Official and Field Post Covers during the Herero Rebellion. 2 different type registration labels are known - provisional & permanent. Arahoab - Nama word for "the Red Area". Office opened on 12.12.1908 and closed towards end of March 1915. The manuscript cancellation that exist for this agency was very short lived, and one of the big SWA rarities. The permanent date stamp had a 6 year "life span" and was used from 20.2.1909 to end March 1915. Permanent registration labels are not known and only provisional ones have been found. No PO neg. sealer known used here. Aris - Nama name for an Edible Plant. Office opened 22.9.1907 and closed beginning May 1915. Only one permanent date stamp was used. Provisional & permanent reg. labels are known. No PO neg. sealer was used. Aroab - nama word meaning "the river with the ARO bushes". Office opened 5.12.1912 and closed on 26.9.1914. A permanent registration label was used. Only one canceller was used here. Aub - nama word that translates to "Small Spring". The office opened 6.12.1907 and moved to Bergland on 29.3.1914. Only one permanent canceller was used, and only perm. reg. labels are known. Aus - the nama name connected with a spring. The office at Kubub was transferred here. PO opened on 13.10.1906 and closed 1.4.1915. The town is situated between Keetmanshoop and Luderitzbucht. A wanderstempel was used here during 1906. It exist in both Violet and Black. The Black Wanderstempel is the scarcer of the two. Both provisional and permanent registration labels are known. Barby - the office was situated near Helmeringhausen of today. It was named by the farm owner Friedrich Elze, after his birthplace near Magdeburg in Germany. The office opened on 19.8.1913 and closed 31.5.1915. Only one date stamp is known, and only permanent reg. labels was used. This is a very elusive postmark to track as not much mail was send from here. Bergland - a Railway siding named by a railway construction unit. The agency was moved from Aub on 29.3.14 and closed on 31.3.1915. No registration label of the agency is known or has been recorded so far. The postmark is one of the rarest of German SWA postmarks. Berseba - it was originally known by the Namas as Autsabisis, but missionary Hahn renamed it when he found a mission station there on 17.10.1850. The office opened 1.11.1907 and closed during April 1915. Only one permanent date stamp, one provisional, and one permanent type registration label was used. Bethanien - a village on the banks of the Konkiep River. It is the second oldest missionary station in the country - founded in 30.5.1814 by JH Schmelen. The name is of Biblical origin. The original Nama name is Ui-Ganis or Ui-Gantes, which translates to strong spring covered by smooth stones. Office opened 15.7.1899 but pre-dated postmarks by favor is known from 1.5.1899. Office closed during April 1915. Postmarks is known in black, blue and violet. A PO negative sealer was used here on Official and Military Mail. Bogenfels - named after a rock formation 80km south of Lüderitz. Office opened on 7.3.1914 and closed 10.9.1914. Date stamp had a life of only 6 months and is one of the great SWA rarieties. It also exists in Blue, but is extremely rare.. Only provisional registration labels are known. Brackwasser - translated = Brackish water. Office opened on 1.1.1907 and closed 6.4.1915. a Wanderstempel was used during 1907 with town name inserted in violet or black. Permanent date stamp was used from 29.3.1907 to closing date of this office. A negative sealer was also in use. Provisional and permanent reg. labels are known. Brackwater (Bz. Windhuk) - district name "Bezirk" was added to distinguish this office from one above. Office opened on 1.12.1909 and closed during May 1915. Only one, permanent date stamp was in use. Provisional and permanent registration labels are known. Cap Cross - original named "Cabo de Padrao". Situated 120 km's North of Swakopmund, and is the place where Diago Cao landed in 1486 to erect a cross. In 1892 a German patrol rediscovered it. The Kaiser order that the cross be taken to the Marine Museum in Kiel. A replica was erected a few years later. It's now a national monument. By 1895 about 100 people was employed to load guano onto ships. Supplies was exhausted by 1903. PO opened 5.10.1895 and closed on 20.8.1903. A manuscript cancellation is known, but was only used for a brief period during end 1895 to March 1896. A permanent date stamps was used from 17.3.1896 till the office closed in 1903. Both a provisional and permanent reg. label are known. Today a huge Seal colony can be found at "Cape Cross" - note name change ! Chairos - name name = Chairob that translates to a small patch of sand where one can obtain water by digging for it. Office opened on 1.8.1912 and closed during June 1915. Only one permanent date stamp was employed at this office, and only a permanent registration label is known. A variety of the postmark - oblique stroke between day and date i.s.o. stop is known. Ekuja - Herero word for Ekuva meaning an ax. The office opened 5.7.1912 and closed again on 5.7.1915. Only one canceller is known used in black, blue and violet. Provisional reg. labels was used. Empfängnisbucht - translated to Conception Bay in English. (originally Las Conceptio - from Portuguese). Office opened on 10.7.1910 and closed on 10.11.1914. Only one Permanent date stamp and no registration label is known. Epukiro - Herero word for "a country where one gets lost". A mission station opened here in 1903. PO opened 27.2.1905 and closed during May 1915. 2 different wanderstempels and one permanent cancel was employed. First wanderstempel had the name inserted in manuscript, while the 2nd had a rubber stamp insert in Violet. (date stamp was in black). On 4.8.1906 both the town name and insert was in violet (extremely scarce). Permanent date stamp was used from end Dec. 1906 to mid May 1915. It also exist with the year inserted in manuscript. Only provisional reg. labels was used. Fahlgras (bz Windhuk) - name of a farm in the district (Bezirk) of Windhoek. Office opened on 1.10.1910 and closed beginning May 1915. Only one permanent date stamp was used from 3.10.1910 till closing date. Both provisional and permanent reg. labels have been seen. Fort Fogelsang - the previous name for Lüderitzbucht. Rubber oval cancel (personal cachet of FAE Ludertiz) was used here unofficially. It is extremely rare. Not much more is known. Gibeon - name has it's origin from the Bible. Kido Witbooi named the place on 19.12.1863 after a German Missionary - J.Knauer - opened a mission station here on 10 April 1863. A German army unit was also stationed here for a short period. PO opened on 1.10.1895 and closed during April 1915. Only one permanent date stamp was used. A negative sealer is known used on Official and Herero Campaign mail. 6 different permanent reg. labels are known. Gobabis - or place of Elephants - the original name Goabes, which most likely originates from the word "Goba-bes" : "where one argued or quarrelled". Joseph Tindall, a missionary, arrived here on 6.8.1845 and christened the place "Elephant's Fountain". After he left, missionary Simon Eggert started a Rhenish Mission Station on 23.8.1856. After an attack in 1880, the missionary had to be vacated. Only in 1908 was a new Mission Station established under Jacob Irle. There was a permanent German troop detachment stationed at Gobabis. PO opened 1.8.1898 and closed on 18.5.1915. One permanent date stamp and a Negative Sealer was in use. The postmark also exist in blue. Only permanent reg. labels are known and comes in 3 different variations. Gochaganas - Nama name that indicates a place with many Camelthorn Trees (Acacia Giraffae). Post Office opened on 6.12.1907 and closed again on 6.8.1909. It reopened on 10.3.1911 and finally closed under German control in 13.5.1913. A wanderstempel was in use from 6.12.1907 to 6.8.1909. The office then got a permanent date stamp when the PO reopened in 1911. Only provisional reg. labels are known used here. No negative sealer known. Gochas - Nama name originating from the Go Bush (Acacia Hebeclada). A mission station was opened by Missionary Rust in 1889. PO opened on 6.9.1903 and closed October 1904 due to Herero War. Office reopened during November 1905 and finally closed on 31.3.1915. A wanderstempel with name in manuscript was in use from 6.11.1903 to 2.7.1904. In 1906 a permanent date stamps came into use (30.1.1906). Usage of the Okongava Negative Sealer with manuscript insert of Gochas is known, but extremely scarce. 3 different registration labels are known - one provisional and 2 permanent. Grootfontein - Nama name was Geitsaub = "great spring" - a Group of Trek Boers from Angola settled here around 1883-1885. A republic "Upingtonia" was established here in Aug. 1896. In 0rder to control Rhinderpest outbreaks, German troops opened a station here. PO opened on 17.10.1899 and closed 6.7.1915. One permanent date stamp was used. A negative sealer is known, and 3 different reg. labels is known - permanent (2 types) and provisional. Gross - Barmen - named after the town Barmen in Germany. Missionaries Hugo Hahn & Jan Bam settled here in 1844. This was the first Mission station in Hereroland. Operated as a postal agency since 1.9.1897. Gross - Witvley - a direct translation from the Nama words - "Urigab" : Uri = white , Gab = vlei. Office opened 1.10.1907 and closed 17.5.1915. Only 1 permanent date stamp was in used. A permanent reg. label was used. Gründorn - name originated from the Nama word "Am-Khu-s" that was translated into German. PO opened on 12.4.1914 and closed on 20.4.1915. Date stamp only in used therefore for around 1 year. It's one of the big SWA rarities. No registration label is known. Very few exist on cover. Guchab - name originates from the Bushmen language and indicates a kloof in the mountains where the Bushmen hid stolen sheep. PO opened 1.6.1908 and closed on 29.6.1915. One permanent date stamp was in use. Provisional and permanent registration labels are known. Haris - name originates from the Nama language and refers to the damp earth found here. The watering place contains water throughout the year. Office opened 18.2.1900 and closed during 1915. Originally a Rubber date stamp was used together with a pen cancellation. A provisional 3-line date stamp was used from 18.2.1900 to end of April 1900. The colour of the postmark is violet or reddish - violet. A permanent date stamp was in used from 23.4.1900 'till closing date. Both provisional and permanent reg. labels was in use. Hasis - PO opened 6.4.1900 and closed 31.12.1900. It's name changed to Kubas on 1.1.1901. Permanent date stamp was in use 'till 17.12.1900. It's is not known which canceller was in used for the remainder of the period. Only a permanent registration label was in use. Hasuur - Nama name is Oanchab. Office opened on 13.10.1903 to March 1914. Provisional date stamp with manuscript insert on wanderstempel (used from 13.10.1903 to June 1904). 3 different handwritings are known to exist. The Hasuur postal agency was transferred to Aroab on 5.12.1912. Permanent date stamp was in use from June 1904 to 4 Dec. 1912. PO was raided on 12.11.1904 by Nama soldiers. Only the Negative Sealer was permanently lost. Following the Herero rebellion, the negative sealer was replaced. During 1905 the colour of the postmark was violet (July - September). Permanent and provisional reg. labels are known. Hatsamas - Nama name translated means "place where many Tsamas grow". PO opened on 1.3.1900 and closed again on 1.7.1906. It reopened 12.3.1910 and closed beginning May 1915. A provisional date stamp with manuscript insertion was used from 1.3.1900 to 1.6.1900. Different handwritings (at least 2) are known. A permanent date stamp was used from 1.6.1900 to 1.7.1906 (note name with Z - Hatzamas). From 12.3.1910 a second permanent date stamp was used (name now with S) 'till beginning 1915. This date stamp has also been seen in blue. A provisional and 2 permanent reg. labels have been reported used at this office. Hoachanas - Nama word translating to "The place of the round stone blocks". A mission station was established by F.H. Vollmer on 21.6.1853. The office opened on 5.1.1908 and closed by end April 1915. Only a permanent date stamp was in use and can be found in both black and violet. Only one type of registration label was known used here. Hohewarte - name comes from the name of the farm on which the office was erected. It was a Police Post on a high point with a good view of the Post Office. PO opened 1.9.1897 and closed by beginning of May 1915. A permanent date stamps was in use from 22.4.1898 'till closing date. During the period when no canceller was available, the mail was cancelled in Windhoek. 2 Permanent reg. labels are known, with the possibility of a provisional label. Jakalswater - a place where jackals used to drink. A railway station was erected here (situated between Swakopmund and Karibib). Office opened 29.4.1899 and closed again on 13.4.1912. Office reopened as a Field Post Station in 1915 and closed in March 1915 when it was occupied by South African Forces on 22.3.1915. A provisional date stamp - wanderstempel with insertion in Violet was used from 1.5.1899 to 4.1.1900. A permanent date stamp was in use from 5.1.1900 to 13.4.1912. It exist in both black and violet. A negative sealer was used but mostly on Field Post Mail. 2 Provisional and 3 types of permanent reg. labels can be found. Johann - Albrechtshöhe - Herero word "Otjimukoka" meaning "furrow caused by dragging an object through the sand, but renamed after a German nobleman Duke Johann Albrecht of Mecklenburg. Office opened on 15.1.1909 and closed 3.5.1915. A permanent date stamp was in used during this period and exist in black, violet and blue. No negative sealer is known used here. Kalkfeld - this office changed name from Okowakuatjiwi on 17.8.1907 and closed during June 1915. Only one permanent date stamp was in use here. A negative sealer was in use. 2 Different permanent reg. labels are known to have been used here. Kalkfontein - office opened on 22.5.1906 and was renamed Kalkfontein - Süd on 14.12.1906 with a new date stamp that came into use. 2 Provisional date stamps was in use together with Wanderstempel type IV. No registration label is known, and by 1.12.1906 there was already a reg. label of "Kalkfontein-Süd" in use. Kalkfontein-Süd - Nama word "Kharas" for stone field (today known as Karasburg). A permanent date stamp was in use here from 14.12.1906 to April 1915. The office was renamed from Kalkfontein. The postmark also exist in blue and violet. 2 Types of permanent registration labels and one provisional are known. Kanus - Nama name indicating a spring where acacia bushes grow. It can also mean "place of refreshment". The PO opened on 1.7.1907 and closed by April 1915. A permanent date stamp exist in black, blue or violet. A negative sealer was in use. 1 Provisional and 2 types of permanent reg. labels are known for this office. Kapenoussëu - Herero name meaning "a place with no more problems". PO opened on 1.10.1901. It was renamed Waldau on 1.3.1903. A provisional provisional wanderstempel date stamp type II was used with town name inserted in manuscript, either written our, or abbreviated. Several handwritings exist. Later a rubber stamp with town inserted in black (34mm in length) was used. This continued with various other rubber stamps with different typo's and lengths, eg. 38mm, 41mm and again 34mm. For the later formats, both used in black and violet colours are known. Only provisional registration labels are known. No permanent date stamp was in use. Karibib - Nama name Kharibes and Damara Kharibeb which translates to "an edible onion type plant". PO opened 1.7.1900 and closed on 3.5.1915. First permanent date stamp was in use from 1.7.1900 to Jan. 1911. The postmark can be found in black, blue and violet. Second permanent date stamp was used from end Jan. 1911 to 3.5.1915. A negative sealer was used at Karibib. Two provisional and 5 different types of permanent reg. labels were used at Karibib. Keetmanshoop - was originally named "Zwartmodderfontein. The name was translated from Nama and given by Guilliam Visagie who was the first white settler to have lived here. A Rhenish mission was later established here and missionary Schröder renamed the place Keetmanshoop. PO opened here 15.10.1895 and closed on 19.4.1915. 4 Different permanent date stamps was in use. First permanent date stamp was used from 15.10.1895 to 1.12.1904. Can be found in both black and violet. During mid - 1900 there was a shortage of stamps here, and firstly bisected stamps was authorised, and finally a 2 line rubber stamp implemented. "5pfg bezahlt, Postassistent". 2nd Permanent date stamp was used from 1.12.1904 to middle Jan. 1908. It was also used on Field Post Mail. Later it was also used as reserve canceller until 1915. 3rd Permanent date stamp was used from middle Jan. 1908 to 19.4.1915. 4th date stamp had a time indication. Was in use from Jan. 1911 to 19.4.1915. A negative sealer was primarily used on Field Post Mail. Some believe that 2 different sealers was in use. 7 Different permanent reg. labels are known. Khan - a railway station and copper mine in the lower part of the Khan River. Opened in 1908 and closed after WWI. PO opened 20.10.1908 and closed toward end August 1914. One permanent date stamp was in use and can be found in both black and violet. One provisional registration label and 2 permanent are known. Khanrivier - office opened on 10.8.1898 and closed on 28.4.1899. It was renamed Welwitschia in May 1900. Only a provisional date stamp - Wanderstempel type 1 with town name in manuscript - was in use. At least 20 different handwritings have been reported to date. This wanderstempel was previously in use as the Ojimbingwe date stamp, with latter removed. The name can also be found abbreviated - "Khan" in red crayon. Manuscript usage after transfer of the date stamp to Jakalswater on 29.4.1899, are Railway Cancellations. Only provisional reg. labels are known and used with or without a manuscript name. Klein-Nauas - name for "hole where rock is removed". Office opened 1.3.1913 and closed on 30.4.1915. One permanent date stamp, used in black or violet, is known. One provisional and one permanent reg. label was in use. Koës - 4 different versions of this Nama word are known. It can translate to names of Birds, or mean "smooth plain". PO opened on 12.1.1909 and closed 3.4.1915. From 12.1.1909 to Feb. 1909 mail was cancelled with Koes in manuscript, then postmarked in Keetmanshoop or Luderitzbucht. During Feb. - March 1909 a 2 line rubber stamp and date in blue crayon was used : Koes / DSWA. A permanent date stamp was used from 1.4.1909 to 3.4.1915. A permanent and provisional reg. label was in use. Kolmannskuppe - named after John Kolmann who transported Rail goods from Keetmanshoop to Luderitzbucht. He used to relax near a kopje which became known as Kolmanskuppe. It became the location of a diamond rush during 1908/9. Today the town is a ghost town, with many parts buried in sand. Office opened on 21.2.1909 and closed around 18.9.1914. Initially a provisional crayon blue cross cancellation was applied and then postmarked in Luderitz. A permanent date stamp came into use on 17.5.1909 until 18.9.1914. Provisional and permanent reg. labels are known. Kub - Nama name for "place of thorns" (due to many Acacia trees along the Fish River). The location of the office was changed from Kuis to Kub in December 1904 and closed on 27.4.1915. Only a permanent date stamp was in use. It exist in both black and violet. The date stamp of Kuis was in use here until 11.10.1905, from which date the new Kub date stamp was used. Two provisional and 2 permanent registration labels was used. Kubas - Nama name for a stone embankment that contains rainwater for long periods. The office was renamed from Hasis on 17.12.1900 and closed 24.3.1915. One permanent date stamp was in use. During 1900 it was seen without the year slugs. A negative sealer was also in use, but it is rare. 2 Provisional and 2 permanent reg. labels are known. Kubub - nama name "khubub" for a rock formation. During 1891, a Mr. Hermann started a wool sheep and horse breeding station for the "Deutsche Kolonialgesellschaft". The office opened on 16.1.1900 and when the railway line reached the Aus office, it was moved there on 12.10.1906. One permanent date stamp and a negative sealer was in use. 1 Provisional re. label and 4 permanent labels was in use. Kuibis - Nama word for a Milk - Bush area. Kuibis is a railway station on the Luderitz - Keetmanshoop line. A Provisional date stamp (type I) with town name inserted in violet was used from 20.7.1907 to 12.8.1907. The year was inserted in manuscript. From 13.8.1907 to 17.8.1907 the name was inserted in black. A Permanent date stamp came into use from 18.8.1907 until April 1915. Variations of the postmark exists, eg. with stop between date i.s.o. oblique stroke. It has also been seen with a vertical stroke. Both provisional and permanent reg. labels was in use. Kuis - a Nama name explanation is not possible anymore. The office opened on 1.2.1900 and moved to Kub during Dec. 1904. A provisional cancellation with pen cross and manuscript date was used from 1.2.1900 to 20.2.1900. It is very scarce indeed. A permanent date stamp came into use on 20.2.1900 and was used 'till Dec. 1904 when the office moved. The Kuis date stamp was used in Kub for roughly 10 months. A negative sealer was in use. Provisional and permanent reg. labels are known to have been used here. Lüderitzbucht - original Nama name was "Chanugaub" translated to "running through the water from the mainland to Shark Island). Luderitzbucht was founded on 7.8.1884 by Adolf Lüderitz. It was previously called "Fort Vogelsang", but only for a short while. Prior to that, the Bay was called Angra Pequena on older maps. PO opened on 12.11.1895 and closed on 19.9.1914. First permanent date stamp was used from 2.12.1895 to 12.8.1906. This canceller was used as a blank date stamp, with town name inserted in manuscript (black ink used), from 12.11.1895 to beginning Dec. 1895. From 1.1.1896 to 12.1.1896 the date was inserted using violet ink. When year slugs again became available, the permanent date stamp was again used, but this time only with violet ink (no black ink pad was available). From 3.1.1905 to 17.1.1905 a large provisional "05" rubberstamp was used to complete the date in the canceller. A Second permanent date stamps was used from 12.8.1906 to mid - Sept. 1911. Due to damage to the bridge of the canceller, it was replaced by a third date stamp, which was used from middle Sept. 1911 to 14.9.1914. This canceller had no vertical lines above and below the date. On 14 Sept. the town was evacuated by the Germans. On 16 Sept. it was re - occupied. A manuscript cancellation was used on 18.9.1914 (L'bucht and pen cross). A negative sealer (Dienstsiegel) was in use. 5 Provisional and 4 permanent registration labels was used. Maltahöhe - original Nama name was Dawebgaos - translated to "the place of the Abiekwa Tree". The town is situated west of Gibeon and was a military station originally known as "Grootfontein Süd". The town was named in 1900 by the District Commander of Gibeon after his wife "Malta". The postal agency was run by military personnel, and was already operating by 1.9.1899. The office operated 'till 29.4.1915. Mail was first cancelled by pen crosses, and next to the cross was a 3 line rubber stamp " Grootfontein / Gross - Namaland / Deutsch-Suedwestafrika". A permanent date stamp arrived only 3 months later and was used from 1.12.1899 to 29.4.1915. One provisional and 4 permanent reg. labels are known for this office. Mariental - name was chosen by the first settler, a Mr. Hermann Brandt, who named the town after his wife Maria. The original Nama name was "Tsarachaibes" (dust plain). The place became a railway station in 1912. Office opened on 1.2.1900 and was destroyed during Oct. 1904. It reopened 1.12.1910 and closed on 27.4.1915. First permanent date stamp (with H - Marienthal) was used from 1.2.1900 to Oct. 1904. The postmark can be found in the normal black colour, but canceller was occasionally also used with violet ink. When the office reopened a second permanent date stamp was used, but this time without the H : Mariental. It can also be found in both black and violet. A negative sealer, was used, but it is rare. Permanent registration labels are known with and without H. A Provisional label is known without the H. Nauchas - Nama word today is Hauxas, relating to the Euclea plant, which was bundled and used to sweep huts. The government established a horse depot here in 1894, as the district was free of horse sickness. PO opened on 1.11.1903 and closed towards end of April 1915. A provisional date stamp from Wanderstempel type II, with town name inserted in manuscript, was used from 1.11.1903 to 13.1.1904. A permanent date stamp came into use on 13.1.1904 and was used to end April 1915. It exists in both black and violet. A negative sealer was used, but mainly on Field Post Mail. Provisional and permanent reg. labels are known for this office. Neudamm - is an experimental agricultural farm which opened around 1906. It had one of the first dams built in the territory. The office opened on 1.12.1907 and closed beginning May 1915. One permanent date stamp was used throughout. Only one permanent registration label was in use. Neuheusis - also an experimental farm - originally called "Heusis". Nama name was "Hoisis" - translating to milk bucket made from Aruwood. The office opened on 2.6.1912, and closed by beginning May 1915. One permanent date stamp was in use. Only a permanent reg. label is known to have been used here. Okahandja - Herero name for "Place of the Gnats" (the Bushmen name is Gaikais). It was the Herero Chiefs residence. The orginal mission station was founded by Karl Hugo Hahn, a German Missionary. On 18.5.1870 missionaries Philipp Diehl and Jacob Irl founded the Rhenish Mission Station, and troop built a Fort in June 1894. PO opened on 12.8.1895 and closed on 3.5.1915. A provisional date stamp from Wanderstempel type I with name in manuscript, was used from 12.8.1895 to 1.1.1896. The first permanent date stamp was used from 1.1.1896 to 12.1.1904. On 12 Jan. 1904 Okahandja was plundered by the Hereros, during which time this date stamp was lost. During this time a sealer with date was used and the town's name added by means of a rubber stamp. A provisional date stamp was used from 13.1.1904 to 31.1.1904. It's colour was black and the name of the town was inserted in violet. From 30.1.1904 to 14.3.1904 a provisional date stamp with 2 line rubber violet insert was used. On 29 and 30 January, only the 2 line rubber canceller in violet was used. Date was added in manuscript by blue crayon. Next came a provisional date stamp with single line violet town name insertion on Wanderstempel type II. This was used from 7.2.1904 to 15.3.1904. The town name also exists in black but is extremely rare. A Permanent date stamp came into use from 15.3.1904 to 3.5.1915. A second permanent date stamp came into use on 23.10.1911, and was used until 3.5.1915. A negative sealer was in use, but mostly on Field Post. A smaller design negative sealer is known, but extremely scarce. 5 Provisional and 5 permanent types registration labels is known. Okasise - Herero word for place of many coloured cattle. The office is a station on the railway line between Okahandja and Karibib. It opened on 11.6.1906 and closed 4.5.1915. One permanent date stamp was in use here. A negative sealer is known, but very scarce. 2 Different types of provisional and permanent reg. labels was used. Okatjomboa - Herero word for "place of the dog". The agency was situated on a farm with this name. The office opened 9.12.1913 and closed during May 1915. One permanent date stamp was in use. Postmarks from this office is extremely rare, and one of the top German SWA rarities. No registration label have been recorded. Okaukwejo - During 1896, a Rinderpest control station was opened here, as well as a police post in 1900. Later it bacame a rest camp in the Etosha National Park. The office opened 1.1.1908 and closed on 6.7.1915. One permanent date stamp was in use during this period. During the autumn of 1914 this date stamp was used on an Angola Expedition by Col. Franke. It was used as a Field Post Date Stamp during this time and is extremely rare. One permanent reg. label is known. Okombahe - Herero word for "place of the Giraffe". A mission station was established here for the Berg Damara in 1873, by a Daniel Cloete. Missionary Niederwelland came permanently in 1882. The office opened on 20.11.1899, and closed 20.6.1915. Only one permanent date stamp was in use, and exist in both black and violet. A negative sealer was in use, but is rare. 3 Different permanent reg. labels, and 1 provisional label (ex Omaruru) was in use. Okowakuatjiwi - name of a Herero tribe, the Okavakuatjivi people, that settled in the area. Office opened on 23.1.1907, and was renamed Kalkfeld on 16.8.1907. A Provisional date stamp from Wanderstempel type II with town name inserted in blue was in use from 23.1.1907 to 16.8.1907. It also exist with name inserted in Black. One provisional reg. label is known. Olukonda - office opened on 5.1.1912 and closed around 19.7.1915. One permanent date stamp was in use. The colony surrendered on 9.7.1915, but this only became known in Olukonda by around the middle of July. No registration labels are known. Omaruru - Herero word meaning "bitter or sour milk" (due to bitter bushes growing here). A Rhenish Mission opened here on 22.6.1870. At that time it was the largest white settlement in the country with more than 100 people. In 1894 the Schutztruppe opened an army post here. PO opened on 1.8.1895 and closed 20.6.1915. Two permanent date stamps was in use. The first one was used from 1.8.1895 to 31.12.1914. Second permanent date stamp came into use on 21.4.1913 and was used untill June 1915. It also exist used in violet. A negative sealer was in use, chiefly on Feldpost mail. 4 Provisional and 6 different perm. registration labels was used. Omaruru labels was also used at Outjo, Okombahe and Waterberg. Omitara - Herero word for "huts that have not yet been completed". The office opened on 20.6.1914 and closed during May 1915. Only one permanent date stamp was in use. It is probably the rarest of German SWA postmarks. To date no covers or postcards with the Omitara postmark has been found, only 2 - 3 pieces. No registration label has been seen. Onguati - Herero word "Ounguati" refers to Omunguati bushes that grows here. A railway station is still based here today as a siding. The area is also known as a farm. The railway station lies between Kranzberg and Etiro. Office opened on 10.6.1907 and closed during April 1909. PO reopened Sept. 1909 and finally closed on 30.4.1915. Only one permanent date stamp was in use, and was most likely used from July 1907. One provisional and 2 permanent reg. labels are known. Osona - Herero word for "Fat Ram with long fat tail". The office opened on 27.11.1907 and closed 6.5.1915. A Provisional date stamp with one line name, inserted in violet or black, was used from 27.11.1907 to 3.2.1908. A permanent date stamp was in use from 31.1.1908 to 6.5.1915. Only 2 Provisional reg. labels have been recorded, no permanent. Otavi - the spring at Otavifontein was named "Outavi" by Herero chief Nandavetu who came from this area. PO opened 18.10.1899 and closed beginning 1904. It reopened Oct. 1905 and closed 30.6.1915. A provisional date stamp - ornamental manuscript inserted in Wanderstempel type II. This was used from 18.10.1899 to 3.2.1900. This provisional date stamp also exists with name inserted in ordinary manuscript and is much scarcer. From 3.2.1900 to 30.6.1915 a permanent date stamp was in use. It exists in both black and violet. A negative sealer is known, but is extremely rare. 2 Provisional and 3 permanent registration labels was in use. Otavifontein - see Otavi - the manuscript cancel that was used here has been found on a few registered letters, but not used according to regulations. A provisional reg. label is known. Otjihawera - Herero word that indicates where it's a pleasure to live due to good grazing. Office opened on 25 Nov. 1907 and closed 10 May 1915. A provisional date stamp, with 1 line rubber stamp insert in Wanderstempel type II (in blue), was used from 20 Jan. to 30 Nov. 1907. This also exists in Violet from 30.11.1907 to 20 Jan. 1908. A permanent date stamp was used from 20.1.1908 to 10.5.1915. It exists in black, blue or violet. A provisional reg. label "Otjihavera" is known, but in format with W it's know in both permanent and prov. labels. Otjimbingue / Otyimbingue - Herero word meaning "Man rejoices in his heart on looking upon this Spring". Missionary Rath founded this Mission Station (Richterfeld) here on 4.7.1849, but the popular name of Otjimbingue persisted. PO opened on 16 July 1888 and closed on 13.10.1891 when it moved to Windhoek. It reopened as Otjimbingue (with a J) on 1 July 1895 and closed on 30 April 1915. Due to rebellions during Nov. 1888, the Postal Agency was forced to move many times. Otyimbingue (with Y) date stamp was used from 16.7.1888 to March 1892. Permanent date stamp with J was used from 1 July 1895 to 30 April 1915. A negative sealer was in use. Registration labels exists with both Y and J. A provisional and 3 permanent labels is known with a J in name. Otjiwarongo - Herero word meaning "good or beautiful place". Office opened 20.4.1906 and closed during June 1915. A provisional date stamp, with Violet typewriter-style insert in Wanderstempel type V, was in use from 20 April 1906 to 25 July 1906. Later a manuscript insert was found in place of first type insert. A new type of insert (Script type) was used from 26 July 1906 to 28 Nov. 1906. A permanent date stamp was in use from 29.11.1906 to 23.6.1915. Registration labels : 4 provisional and 2 permanent exist. Otjosazu - Herero word indicating a "place of the red oxen". PO opened on 1 April 1914 and closed during May 1915. a permanent date stamp was in use from 1.4.1914 to closing date of the office. No registration labels is known. Otjosondu - Herero word for "place of the sheep". Office opened on 1 Jan. 1907 and closed 17 July 1908. A permanent date stamp was in use during this period. Only provisional reg. labels are known. Otjosonjati - Herero word for "place of the buffalo". PO opened on 7 Oct. 1907 and closed on 8 May 1915. A permanent date stamp was in use, and exist in both Black and Violet. No registration label is known with S in name, but a permanent label with Z in name (Otjozonjati) was in use. Otjundaura - Herero word for "oxen with white stripe on their back". Office opened 1 Oct. 1913 and closed on 15 May 1915. Only a permanent date stamp was in use. No registration label has been seen for this agency. Outjo - old Damara/Nama name taken over by the Herero. The Herero was converted from the original Tsuo into Otsou, which the Germans made into Outjo. To combat Rinderpest in Ovamboland, an Army Post was established here in 1894. Office opened 1 Aug. 1897 and closed 23 June 1915. First permanent date stamp was in use from 1.8.1897 to end 1910. It can be found in Black, Violet and Blue. Second perm. date stamp was used from 26 Apr. 1910 to 23.6.1915. A negative sealer was in use, chiefly on Fieldpost. 5 Permanent and 1 provisional reg. label was in use. Owikokorero - originally it was a military post, and later became the property of the Liebig company. Office opened during 1904 and closed 12 Sept. 1906. Pomonahügel - Latin name for Goddess of tree fruit. Name was chosen for a diamond field with excellent yields. PO opened 7 March 1914 and closed 10 Sept. 1914. Only one permanent date stamp was used during this short period. A provisional registration label is known. Prinzenbucht - originally it was called "Prince of Wales Bay" - the name of a sailing ship which traded regularly along the South West Africa coast in goods such as guano, fish and copper. Office opened 4 Oct. 1909 and closed 10 March 1914. A Permanent date stamp was in use from 21 Dec. 1909 to closing date. One provisional and one perm. registration label is known. Ramansdrift - Nama name "Garagas" - a person named Ramon, settled here at the Oranje River drift in 1897, where he started a ferry service. The river crossing was on the old postal route from Keetmanshoop via Warmbad to Steinkopf and Kommagas. It later became a Border and Police Post. Office opened on 21 June 1899 and closed 25 May 1914. A provisional 2 line rubber violet stamp with manuscript date was in use from 21 June 1899 to 12 Sept. 1899. A permanent date stamp was used from 12 Sept. 1899 to 25 May 1914. It is seen in both black and violet. A negative sealer is known. 2 Provisional and 4 permanent reg. labels was in use. Rehoboth - Nama name was Anis - meaning "smoke", due to smoke-like cloud that hung over the hot springs on winter days. A biblical name was given to the missionary station established here in 1845 by F.H. Kleinschmidt. Office opened 14 Dec. 1896 and closed during April 1915. A permanent date stamp was in use during this period. It exist in black and blue. A negative sealer is known. 4 Diff. registration labels was in use. Richthofen - originally named after Freiherr Oswald von Richthofen, who was a member of the German Colonial Council, and strongly supported the building of a railway line. PO opened on 27 Nov. 1907 and closed 7 Feb. 1910. A permanent date stamp was in use, and is known in black and violet. A permanent registration label was in use. Rössing - name for a range of mountains and a railway station named in 1897 after the commander of the German Railway Brigade. Office opened on 16 June 1898 and closed 9 August 1898. Only a provisional date stamp with manuscript name insertion in Wanderstempel type I, was in use. Several different handwritings are recorded. This date stamp was used from 10 Aug. 1898 at Khanrivier. Only provisional reg. labels was in use. Seeheim - Nama name "Guachase - Gaos (meaning Sheep River Mouth). The German Name comes from the time when the Fish River came down in flood, and the spot formed an island. PO opened on 25 April 1908 and closed during April 1915. From 25 April 1908 to 1 June 1908, the mail of Seeheim was cancelled in Brackwasser. A provisional date stamp with blue rubber insertion of the name in Wanderstempel type IV, was in use from 1 June 1908 to 15 June 1908. Can also be found with town name inserted in violet. A permanent date stamp came into use on 15 June 1908. Can be found in black and violet. Both provisional and permanent reg. labels are known. Seeis - Nama name for Mountain which, when viewed from a certain angle, resembles a human face. Office opened 1 Sept. 1897 and closed beginning May 1915. For the period 1 Sept. 1897 to 30 Apr. 1898, Seeis had not yet received the date stamp. The mail was send to Windhoek for cancellation. A permanent date stamp was in use from 1 May 1898. It exists in both black and violet. A negative sealer was in use, and used chiefly on Field Post Mail. One provisional and 2 permanent registration labels was in use. Swakopmund - originally name Tsoaxaub (Nama name for "much manure") which became Tsaochaub Mund. The name was officially changed on maps only around the turn of the 20th century. The town was planned by Captain von Francois in Oct. 1892, with a view to develop it into a port for SWA. PO opened on 30 May 1895 and closed on 24 Dec. 1914. 4 Different permanent date stamps was in use. First date stamp came into use in 1895, the 2nd on 23 Oct. 1904, the 3rd from 2 Oct. 1905 and the 4th from Dec. 1905. A straight, 1 line rubber stamp "Swakopmund" has been seen on a few postal items. (further details unknown). A negative sealer (Dienstsiegel) was in use and used chiefly on Field Post. 2 Provisional and 7 different types of permanent reg. labels are known. Tsumeb - originally a Herero word "Osume" - translated to : "green hill caused by oxidised copper" and "green algal mud". The hills around Tsumeb are full of copper, resulting in a green appearance. On 16 Dec. 1906 the Railway line was opened. PO opened on 18 Nov. 1906 and closed 6 July 1915. One permanent date stamp was in use, and is found in black and blue. A negative seal is known. One provisional and 2 types of perm. registration labels are known. Uhabis - Nama name meaning "to own a place". A German Army Post was established here in 1894 to fight the smuggling of alcohol and arms. Post Office opened on 30 Jan. 1896 and closed 12 Oct. 1897. A provisional manuscript cancellation (with name and date) was used from 30 Jan. 1896 to 27 Jul. 1897. A permanent date stamp was used from 28 Jul. 1897 'till closing date. A negative seal is known, but very rare. One provisional reg. label is known. Ukamas - Nama name for "headbone of an ox". PO opened on 11 June 1899 and closed during April 1915. A permanent date stamp was in use during this period. Exists in both black and blue. A negative sealer was used, and is fairly elusive. 3 Different permanent registration labels are known. Usakos - Nama name translated to "catch him at his heel". (Herero word is Okanduu - "mud - water pond"). Post Office opened on 2 Nov. 1904 and closed 30 April 1915. An official sealer, equipped with dates, was altered by removing all sundry lettering. Was used with black ink, with the town's name inserted in Violet. This was a very short-lived canceller - 2 Nov. to Dec. 1904. It is very rare, especially on cover. A permanent date stamp came into use on 1 Jan. 1905. Can be found in both black and blue impressions. A negative sealer is known, but very scarce. 2 Provisional and 3 permanent reg. labels was in use. Waldau - German word translating to "forest glen". Waldau was formerly known as Kapenousseu. The Railway officially renamed it on 9 May 1903. The old date stamp was still in use until the end of May 1903. Office opened on 1 March 1903 and was destroyed on 15 January 1904. It reopened on 16 Feb. 1905 and closed 3 May 1915. A provisional date stamp of Kapenousseu with Waldau inserted in manuscript - most likely used from 1 March 1903 to 7 May 1903. It is extremely rare. The first permanent date stamp was in use from 3 May 1903 to 14 Jan. 1904. This date stamp was lost when the PO was plundered by Hereros on 15 Jan. 1904. A second permanent date stamp came into use on 16 Feb. 1905 and was used 'till closing date of this office. 2 Provisional and one permanent reg. label was in use. Warmbad - Nama name "Abees" translated to "warm water". London missionaries named it Nesbitt's Bath, but Warmbad was the name finally accepted by the missionaries - Albrecht brothers in 1806 - due to hot sulphur springs to be found here. A German Army Post was opened here in April 1894. PO opened on 2 Jan. 1896 and closed on 30 March 1915. The 1st permanent date stamp was used from 2 Jan. 1896 to 25 Nov. 1904. Due to the Bondelswarts rebellion the Post Office was closed from 25 Nov. to 11 Dec. 1904 during which time the date stamp was lost. During the siege an emergency provisional 3-line rubber stamp in black was used from 27 Nov. 1904 to 21 Jan. 1905. It is a rare cancel. The 2nd permanent date stamp was used from 18 Feb. 1905 to closing date. It can be found in black and violet. A negative sealer was used chiefly on Field Post Mail during the Bondelswarts rebellion. One provisional and 5 different permanent registration labels is known for Warmbad. Waterberg - Herero name "Otjozonjupa" - translated to "place of the Calabash". The name Waterberg is derived from a mountain with the same name. A strong spring is situated at the mountain's foot. A mission station was founded here by H. Brincker and C.H. Beiderbecke on 15.11.1897. Office opened 21 Oct. 1899 and was destroyed on 14 Jan. 1904. The office reopened on 7 Nov. 1904 and closed 9 May 1907. It the reopened again on 12 Aug. 1908 and closed 22 June 1915. A provisional manuscript cancellation was in use from 21 Oct. 1899 to 25 Jan. 1900. First permanent date stamp came into use on 25 Jan. 1900 and this continued to 14 Jan. 1904. During the destruction of the PO the date stamp was lost. A provisional date stamp, a one line rubber stamp in violet, with Wanderstempel type II in black, was used from 7 Nov. 1904 to 5 Dec. 1904. A second permanent date stamp was used from 5 Dec. 1904 to 9 May 1907. Same canceller converted with oblique stroke changed to a stop, was in use from 8 Sept. 1908 to closing date of the Agency. Date stamp can be found in black, blue, violet & deep violet. One provisional and 3 different permanent registration labels are known to have been used. Wilhelmstal - Herero word "Kamombonde" meaning "Place of Acacia giraffae". It was a railway station named on 15 June 1903. Office opened on 9 Jul. 1907 and closed 4 May 1915. One permanent date stamp was in use. For a period during 1909, the year was inserted in manuscript as the "09" year slugs had not yet arrived. Cases is also known where the "08" slugs was used during this period. A negative sealer was in use. One provisional and 2 permanent registration labels are known for Wilhelmstal. Windhoek / Windhuk - many earlier names existed, including Queen Adelaide's Bath, Barmen, Essek and Concordiaville. The name Windhoek was the one that persisted though. PO opened on 18 October 1891 and closed 11 May 1915. The date stamp of Otyimbingue was used here from 18.10.1891 to March 1892 as an emergency date stamp. First permanent date stamp was used from March 1892 to 31 Aug. 1903. The second permanent date stamp was in use from 1 June 1900 to 31 Aug. 1903. During 1902 an additional 1 line rubber stamp "Austellungsplatz" in blue was added to the date stamp (20 & 21 June 1902). A third permanent date stamp (now reading "Windhuk") was in use from 1 Sept. 1903 to 11 May 1915. A fourth permanent date stamp (for internal use) was used from 1 Sept. 1903 to 11 May 1915. It was almost exclusively used as an auxiliary canceller. A 5th permanent date stamp was in use from Jan. 1906 to 11 May 1915. The lower frame of the date bridge showed early damage. By about Aug. 1906 the gap was 2mm wide, and this gradually became much larger with time. A commemorative date stamp for the Windhoek Exhibition was used from 29 May 1914 to 4 June 1914. 2 Negative sealers have been found and is extremely rare. 1 Provisional and 4 permanent reg. labels (Windhoek), and 2 different with spelling Windhuk. A further 3 with time codes a, b and c was in use. Bibliography : Postmarks of Colonial SWA to Independent Namibia, by Ralph F. Putzel ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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