World Stamps

New philatelic catalog focuses on 1918-19 Western Ukraine

Feb 3, 2025, 11 AM

By Linn’s Staff

Western Ukraine 1918 – 1919: A Specialized Philatelic Catalog, by Ingert Kuzych, 2024, published by Ukrainian Philatelic Resources, spiral bound 8½-inch by 11-inch pages with color illustrations, 166 pages.

In Western Ukraine 1918 – 1919: A Specialized Philatelic Catalog, Kuzych provides a comprehensive listing of all varieties and printings for the stamps and stationery of Western Ukraine, the brief Austria-Hungary successor state that later came under Polish administration.

According to the introduction, previous catalogs for Western Ukraine lack completion. Kuzych’s 2011 catalog A Comprehensive Catalog of Western Ukraine Postage Stamps 1918-1919 listed all the stamp varieties then known, but did not provide valuations for all the varieties. The 2024 catalog provides a value for every listed variety.

The catalog is divided into three parts, each separated by a colored divider. The first part focuses on the 122 stamps produced by the Western Ukraine government from 1918-19, along with the hundreds of known varieties.

This section also contains descriptions of Austrian stamps used in Western Ukraine post offices, local provisional stamps, occupational stamps and more.

The author provides a compilation of Western Ukraine postal stationery in the second part of the catalog. These listings are expanded with accounts of Austrian postal stationery obtainable in Western Ukraine post offices, local provisional stationery, postal stationery of occupational forces and more.

Three appendices make up the third part of the catalog. The first appendix compares the numbering section used in the catalog with eight major philatelic publications that have listed Western Ukraine postage stamps.

The second appendix shows Western Ukraine mail markings, such as cancellations, cachets and censor marks. The third appendix covers postal rates, including those for letters, cards, newspapers, express delivery, money orders and more.

Additionally, the catalog features almost two dozen full-color images of covers demonstrating various stamp usages and postal rates. The catalog’s spiral binding allows it to be laid flat or propped, and a special wrap-around cover provides a book-like spine when it is stored on a bookshelf.

According to a press release, Western Ukraine 1918 – 1919: A Specialized Philatelic Catalog serves as a partial prequel to Postal History of Western Ukraine, 1918-1919, which is co-authored by Kuzych and Ihor Kulczycky and will be printed in either 2025 or 2026.

Ingert Kuzych has significantly influenced Ukrainian philately during the past 40 years. After joining the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society in 1984, he became editor of its journal, Ukrainian Philatelist, expanding it and increasing the publication frequency.

He has written more than 450 philatelic articles and books, contributing to publications such as the Ukrainian Weekly and the Congress Book. He has worked with editors of the Scott catalogs to revise and expand entries for Ukraine, Western Ukraine and Carpatho-Ukraine.

Kuzych is known for his exhibits, which have earned top honors at international philatelic events. He has held leadership roles in the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society and the Austrian Philatelic Society, and his collecting interests include Austria, Hawaii and flag stamps.

Western Ukraine 1918 – 1919: A Specialized Philatelic Catalog can be ordered by sending a check or international money order to Ingert Kuzych, Box 3, Springfield, VA 22150.

The catalog costs $45. Shipping is $5 within the United States, $25 to Canada, $35 to Europe and $40 to Asia and Australia.

Payments through PayPal may be accepted by special arrangement, and Kuzych can be reached by email at ingert@starpower.net.

New books may be sent for consideration of review to Linn’s Editor, Box 4129, Sidney, OH 45365. Reviews will be published on a space-available basis.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Like us on Facebook
    Follow us on Twitter