German Reich postage stamps year 1938 Austria’s Annexation

German Reich postage stamps year 1938 Austria’s Annexation – MNH (**) stamps

In 1938, following the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany), the Deutsche Reichspost issued several postage stamps to commemorate the event. Here are some key details about these stamps:

Key German Reich Stamps (1938) – Austria’s Annexation

1. 12+38 Pfennig “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer”
   • Issued: April 4, 1938
   • Design: Depicts Adolf Hitler and the phrase “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer” (One People, One Empire, One Leader).
   • Purpose: A propaganda stamp celebrating the annexation of Austria.
   • Semi-postal: The additional fee (38 Pfennig) was used for the Nazi party.
2. 6+4 Pfennig & 12+8 Pfennig “German Troops Entering Austria”
   • Issued: April 10, 1938 (on the same day as the Anschluss referendum).
   • Design: Shows a Nazi soldier and a marching column of German troops entering Austria.
   • Purpose: To commemorate German military presence in Austria.
   • Semi-postal: Extra surcharge went to the Nazi party.
3. Ostmark Overprints on Austrian Stamps
   • After annexation, Austrian postage stamps were overprinted with “Österreich” crossed out and replaced with “Deutsches Reich”.
   • These were used until full German Reich stamps replaced them.

Historical Significance

These stamps were part of Nazi Germany’s propaganda efforts to legitimize and celebrate the annexation of Austria. They were widely distributed and used in both Germany and Austria.