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8th April 1938
Mi.P268

Mi.P268
Mi.P268

Commemorative postcard (Mi.P268 - designed by Richard Klein and printed by Brend'amour, Simbart & Co. of Munich) with the slogan '13 MÄRZ 1938 EIN VOLK EIN REICH EIN FÜHRER' beneath a depiction of Adolf Hitler at the centre of a Germany that includes Austria. Complete with 6 Pf imprint stamp (Mi.662 - designed by Prof E. Puchinger of Vienna). With 'FAHRBARES POSTAMT' (Mobile Post Office) cancellation. See below for an alternative address format without imprint stamp. Ref: 01.05.1938

See alternative image of reverse below. The image to the front is subtly different in font and positioning of 'Hannover'?. See 28/91



'13th March 1938'


  • According to Bender (Vol.2, p.136) the present postcard was issued on the 8th April 1938.


  • The slogan shown on the postcard has been used in a similar way on the German Empire postage stamp issue of 1900 (Mi.63-66). The 5 M value (Mi.66) has the inscription, 'Ein Reich, Ein Volk, Ein Gott'. It appears that Adolf Hitler, 'Ein Fuhrer' has taken the place of 'Ein Gott'!


  • The postcard was originally produced to celebrate the plebiscite organised by Austrian Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg for the 13th March.


  • On the 11th March 1938 Hitler demanded Schuschnigg resign and hand over power to the Austrian Nazi's or face invasion.


  • Regardless of the answer, Hitler had already laid plans for an invasion. This took place on the morning of the 12th March, with the German 8th Army being the first to cross the Austrian border.


  • The Austrian Armed Forces (the Bundesheer) had been given orders not to resist and the German forces were generally greeted with open arms.


  • Hitler had originally intended to leave Austria as a satellite state with Seyss-Inquart as head of a pro-Nazi government. However, the overwhelming reception caused him to change course and absorb Austria directly into the Reich.


  • The Anschluss was given immediate effect by legislative act on 13th March, subject to ratification by a plebiscite. Austria became the province of Ostmark, and Seyss-Inquart was appointed governor. The plebiscite was held on 10th April and officially recorded a support of 99.7% of the voters.


The version of this postcard doesn't include the 6 Pf imprint stamp (Mi.662), however, it does include two Austrian print Mi.662, together with two special hand-stamped cancellations in violet (though commonly in black). These cancels read, 'One people, one Reich, one Fuhrer. 10th April 1938 Vienna' and 'Day of Greater Germany. 9th April 1938 Vienna'. Ref: 10.04.1938 - 28/91
The version of this postcard doesn't include the 6 Pf imprint stamp (Mi.662), however, it does include two Austrian print Mi.662, together with two special hand-stamped cancellations in violet (though commonly in black). These cancels read, 'One people, one Reich, one Fuhrer. 10th April 1938 Vienna' and 'Day of Greater Germany. 9th April 1938 Vienna'. Ref: 10.04.1938 - 28/91

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Mi.P268

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