The George Westermann firm, known for printing maps and atlases, was given the order to produce postwar Germany's first stamps, commonly known today as the AMG issues.
Ink, gummed paper, and skilled workers were not the problem. Interestly, the hurdle was perforating the stamps. The machines used by the firm were not designed for stamp production and quickly proved impractical. Perforating combs broke and getting them repaired was time-consuming and difficult.
These perforation machines were not powered by electricity, but by foot. Eventually, four electrical machines were brought in from Hamburg to supplement them.
Just as production seemed to be going well, a coal shortage forced the firm to turn off the heat. With the cold came dampness, and with the dampness, the humidity impacted the gummed paper, which made printing virtually impossible. Coal was requisitioned and emergency stoves were set up to warm the smallest areas necessary..
And then, just as production was back on track, and ten new perforating machines ordered from Sweden were on their way, the Westermann firm lost the stamp contract, and production went to the Government Printing Office.
Borrowed from Paul Talbot
