Today I present a Liechtenstein parcel card dated 26.3.1968. The parcel accompanying it was probably sent by the stamp dealer Alfons Kliemand in Vaduz to E. Sieger in Lorch (Baden-Württemberg). To get there, it went via Switzerland and passed through customs in Romanshorn before it probably crossed Lake Constance on a ferry to Friedrichshafen and from there to Lorch. As it was an express item, this all happened in one day.
The postage was 5.30 Fr and it was franked with the 1963 5sFr stamp for the 25th anniversary of the reign of the Prince and the 30 Rp stamp from the 1967 set of Liechtenstein legends. The 30 Rp stamp depicts a scene from the legend of the hoard on Gutenberg: the unsuccessful rescue of the white maiden by a peasant boy.
In addition to the three stamps issued in 1967, three more were issued in 1968 and 1969 on the theme of “Liechtenstein Legends” by Louis Jäger.
It is possible that F. Auerbach also sold this valuable 1934 souvenir sheet below its value (commemorative issue National Exhibition in Vaduz).
Even more interesting than the legends, however, I find a story about the stamp dealer Alfons Kliemand with reference to Liechtenstein philately. Kliemand, together with three other stamp dealers (Hans Lorenz, Siegfried Feger, and Siegbert Tausk) sent a letter to the government in Vaduz in 1938 in which the four requested the expulsion of the dealer Friedlieb Auerbach. Although he had already been expelled on 31 December 1937 after unsuccessfully trying to obtain a residence permit, he did not leave the country. The reason given for the request is that Auerbach is running an unfair business: “Auerbach sells in particular souvenir sheets at prices far below their face value and also offers Liechtenstein stamps and sets at prices at which it is not possible for the real dealer to deliver them.” His ostracism in Switzerland, which has already taken place, is also listed: “He is also threatened with arrest there if he undertakes to sell goods there. Several traders here have received written and verbal communications asking them to beat up Auerbach on behalf of their Swiss colleagues.” Draconian calls. In any case, Auerbach leaves Liechtenstein in February 1938 but continues to trade there, traveling in during the day but staying overnight in Austria (Feldkirch or Buchs).
In contrast to the Association of Liechtenstein Stamp Dealers, the Liechtenstein Philatelic Association exists since 1934.
Thus the stamp dealers of Liechtenstein – represented by their association, which is only documented in 1938 – feel compelled to write another request, this time asking for an entry ban. One of the last paragraphs of the request is interesting: “We would like to mention that Dr. A. can hardly stay in Feldkirch for a long time because of the new political situation in Austria and that he might want to be a burden on Liechtenstein as a political refugee. For this reason alone, an early entry ban would be very appropriate.” The entry ban was indeed imposed on 29 March 1938. I have not yet been able to find out how he continues to fare, except that he emigrates to America after the war in 1947.
Sources:
https://www.e-archiv.li/textDetail.aspx?backurl=auto&etID=41578&eID=1
https://www.e-archiv.li/textDetail.aspx?backurl=auto&eID=1&etID=41575