POSTAGE STAMPS
(1938)
This page was last updated
11-Jun-2023 06:12
MICHEL 663
PLEBISCITE in AUSTRIA
(EIN VOLK - EIN REICH - EIN FÜHRER)
6Rpf
BACKGROUND: On 12th Mar 1938 Austria became part of "Greater Germany" when German forces crossed the Austrian border. A plebiscite (vote) was held on the 10th of Apr to 'legalise' the invasion and officially recorded a 99.7% 'Yes' vote in favour of union with Germany, from the Austrian people, however it is doubtful that the vote was free or fair. Apart from the stamps show below there were also an official postcard and various special postmarks.
Two almost identical stamps were issued to commemorate the event, one in Berlin and the other in Vienna. They were designed by Prof. Puchinger and Michel 662 was printed engraved at the Berlin State Printing Office and measures 23 x 28mm. Michel 663 was printed at the Austrian State Printing Office in Vienna and measures 21.5 x 26mm.
In addition to the small difference in size, the other difference is that Michel 663 has a small "E.P." lettering engraved next to the right foot of the character on the left, whereas Michel 662 has no such engraving. I suspect that "EP" are the initials of the professor but this needs to be verified.
ABOVE LEFT: Mi 663 E.P. Engraving
ABOVE RIGHT: Mi 662 no E.P. engraving
VALIDITY: 8th Apr 1938 until 31st Dec 1938
VALUE: 6Rpf
COLOUR: black green
WATERMARK: None
PERF: K12¾.
AVAILABILITY: Sheets 100 (10x10)
QUANTITY PRINTED: Unknown
VARIATIONS
Michel 663 U: Imperforate
PLATE FLAWS
There are no major plate flaws
STAMPS FROM MY COLLECTION
All stamps shown from here until the end of the page are from my personal collectionMINT / UNUSED
SPECIAL CANCEL - ANSCHLUSS
The following Michel 663 below left, has been cancelled with one of the special handstamps used on 9th Apr 1938 in the run up to the vote on Austrian union with Germany. Below right is the special cancel used on the day of the vote, 10th Apr 1938
