Aachen Workers Council

This was one many left wing workers' and soldiers councils which were set up in Germany to run local affairs following the fall of the German empire in 1918, and was the only council to produce its own distinctive stamps.

Many people, both in Germany and abroad, saw the councils as a logicial step towards the triumph of communism in Europe. The communist element in the council was small and elections in December showed that most favoured a moderatly democratic goverment. The workers' and soldiers council remained in control until the establishment of the Weimer Republic.

The Aachen council stamps consisted of the 1905 - 1916 definitive German series overprinted with female figure holding a banner in her right hand and letting a sword drop from her left hand.

It is generally accepted that they were never used for postage, although examples of these overprinted stamps are known with postmarks inscribed 'AACHEN ASR' standing for 'Arbeiter und Soldatan - rat', (Workers and soldiers council).

For Aachen see also Aachener Bogen.