Greek Women Patriotic League WWI Relief Issue
OVERVIEW
Offered is an authentic used example of Greece Scott RA2C, a World War I era Red Cross associated charity Cinderella label issued between 1915 and 1922 by the Greek Women's Patriotic League.
Cataloged as Scott RA2C, this non postal Cinderella label was produced to support national humanitarian and relief efforts.
Far more than a simple label, this is a historical fundraising artifact tied directly to wartime operations in Greece during one of its most turbulent periods, providing excellent crossover appeal for Cinderella specialists and Red Cross topicals.
FRANKING AND STAMP DETAILS
The offering consists of a single charity label positively identified as Scott RA2C.
Because it is a non postal Cinderella issue, it is not listed in the standard Stanley Gibbons or MICHEL catalogs.
The label features a red and blue color palette showcasing the Red Cross emblem within a blue seal, topped by a royal crown denoting monarchical patronage. It was printed by ASPIOTIS ELKA in Corfu via lithography, as confirmed by the Greek imprint at the bottom.
ASPIOTIS was one of the most important security printers in Greece, elevating this label into a documented piece of major national printing output.
It is a used example with no original gum remaining.
POSTAL MARKINGS
The label is tied by a partial black handstamped circular date cancellation. While visually appearing to originate from Lamia, the strike is partially obscured so the exact origin is informed but not guaranteed. This distinct cancellation appears consistent with Greek postal usage and adds significant postal history crossover interest despite the non postal status of the label.
CONTEXT
Produced during the tumultuous era spanning World War I and the Greco Turkish War, these labels were sold to raise funds for military hospitals, care for wounded soldiers, and support for affected families.
Operating under royal patronage, the Greek Women's Patriotic League played a significant humanitarian role and became one of the most important institutions of the early twentieth century.
WHY IT MATTERS
The primary sales trigger is the combination of the Red Cross wartime charity theme with the documented ASPIOTIS ELKA security printing output.
This is a quiet premium factor that elevates the item beyond a generic Cinderella, making it highly desirable for collectors of World War I ephemera, wartime propaganda, Greek philatelic history, and women's wartime organizations.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Year of Issue: 1915 1922
Country: Greece
Scott Number: RA2C
Stanley Gibbons Number: Not Listed
MICHEL Number: Not Listed
Denomination: None Charity Label
Currency: None
Color: Red Blue
Type: Charity Label Cinderella
Topic: Red Cross WWI Charity
Theme: Humanitarian Aid Women League
Era: World War I
Quality: Used
Cancellation Type: Handstamped Circular Cancel
Printing Method: Lithography
Paper Type: Wove Paper
Features: ASPIOTIS ELKA Corfu Print
SKU: GRE-RA2C-CINDERELLA-ASPIOTIS-USED
CONDITION
The label is in sound used condition with a visible circular cancellation, light age toning, and minor edge and perforation irregularities consistent with period handling.
The central design, including the Red Cross emblem, royal crown, and Greek inscription, remains clear and legible.
No major structural faults, heavy creases, or tears are observed.
The ASPIOTIS imprint at the bottom is fully readable.