This stamp originates from the Deutsches Reich definitive series, featuring a profile portrait of Adolf Hitler, printed in carmine-red with a face value of 40 pfennig. It was later overprinted “OSTLAND” for use in the Reichskommissariat Ostland, the Nazi-occupied territories covering present-day Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and parts of Belarus during World War II.

The overprint localized the German issue for postal use in occupied Eastern Europe, reflecting Nazi administrative control in the region between 1941 and 1944. These occupation overprints are historically significant, as they symbolize the wartime postal system imposed on conquered territories.

For collectors, genuine Ostland overprints are sought after due to their association with WWII history and occupation philately. Counterfeits exist, so authentication is important when handling these issues.