NAZI GERMANY
STAMPS
1938

MICHEL 663
PLEBISCITE in AUSTRIA
(EIN VOLK - EIN REICH - EIN FÜHRER)

On 12th March 1938 Austria became part of "Greater Germany" when German forces crossed the Austrian border. A plebiscite (vote) was held on the 10th April to 'legalise' the invasion and officially recorded a 99.7% 'Yes' vote from the Austrian people, however it is doubtful that the vote was free or fair. Apart from the stamps show below there were also special postcards and various special postmarks. The poster shown on the left was also used to urge voters to vote "Yes" to a union between Germany and Austria.

The stamps were designed by Prof. Puchinger and Michel 663 was printed engraved at the Berlin State Printing Office on coated sheets (10x5) with a swastika watermark and were perf K 14. Michel 663 measures 23 x 28mm. Michel 663 was printed by the Austrian State Printing Office on coated paper on sheets (10x10) but this time without watermark and Perf K 12½. Michel 663 measures 21.5 x 26mm.

The stamp itself depicts a German carrying a Nazi flag with his arm around the shoulder of an Austrian, standing together in unity.