Allenstein,
now is called Olsztyn, is a city in northeastern Poland. Allenstein became part of
the German Empire in 1871 during the Prussian-led unification of Germany. From
1818–1910 the city was administered within the East Prussia Allenstein District,
after which it became an independent city. In 1920 during the East Prussian
plebiscite, Allenstein voted to remain in German East Prussia instead of
becoming part of the Second
Polish Republic.
In order to advertise the plebiscite, special postage stamps were produced by overprinting
German stamps and sold from 3 April. The stamps became invalid on 20 August. On
2 August 1945, the city was placed under Polish administration by the Soviets according
to the Potsdam Agreement and officially renamed to Polish Olsztyn.