Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Peoples 1953 Underground Mail stamp series

Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Peoples — Stamp Series  (3 Stamps)

Underground Post of Ukraine

In 1953, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Peoples (ABN), the Underground Post of Ukraine—an émigré underground organization under the auspices of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN)—issued a set of four commemorative stamps. These stamps had a clear political and ideological purpose: to promote resistance against communism.

Created by Mykhailo Dmytrenko, a prominent Ukrainian émigré artist, the stamps featured allegorical images symbolizing struggle, awakening, and spiritual strength.

General Information:

• Number of stamps in the series: 4

• Year of issue: 1953

• Printing volume: 5,000 copies

• Purpose: Commemorative, Propaganda

• Theme: Anti-communist struggle, Spiritual awakening

• Value: High historical and collectible value

Text on All Stamps:

• Top: "In Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Peoples 1953"

• Bottom: "Underground Post of Ukraine"

• Perimeter: "1943 Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Peoples 1953", "Underground Post of Ukraine

Description of Stamps:

25 Steps (Green)

• Image: A man holding a burning torch — symbolizing awakening and struggle.

• Colors: Green background, red torch, red number "25", yellow "ABN" inscription.

• Symbolism: Light in the darkness, spiritual awakening, the idea of freedom.

50 Steps (Dark Blue)

• Image: Saint George on horseback, slaying a red snake with a spear — symbolizing the struggle between good and evil, and resistance to Bolshevism.

• Colors: Dark blue background, white figure of Saint George, red snake, red number "50".

• Symbolism: Christian heroism, the victory of spiritual strength.

15 Steps (Red)

• Image: A similar scene with Saint George, but rendered in a red-brown palette.

• Feature: Textured background with wavy lines, adding depth to the design.

• Colors: Red tones, red number "15".

• Symbolism: Emotional tension, determination.

10 Steps (Yellow-Green)

• Image: A figure with a torch, reminiscent of the 25 Steps stamp, but with a different color scheme.

• Colors: Yellow-gold background, turquoise and red details, red number "10".

• Symbolism: The same symbol of awakening, presented in a softer interpretation