Postcards of Hitler's Germany

This ten-year study was produced because of an early fascination with the colorful and historical propaganda postcards of the Third Reich era. Studying them and the events they portrayed created a hunger for more knowledge about the German postal system and its function. I soon learned there was much more to this hobby than just propaganda cards. Cards flooded the postal system carrying their blatant, and sometimes subtle, messages alongside equally interesting "official issue" postcards (Amtliche Ausgaben) and the "printed to private order" postcards. It is these three categories of Third Reich postcards that I have addressed in this work.

The "official issues" were available at all post offices or at special counters at exhibitions. Their issuance was ordered by the postal authorities. They are the most common of the postcards encountered because of their numerous distribution outlets. Postage stamps are imprinted.
The "printed to private order" postcards were produced to commemorate special events, from local postal exhibitions to city and district commemorations. Some are common because of their profuse usage over a long period of time (sometimes months), and some are very rare as they may have been produced in limited numbers for a week-end event. On this wide range of subject cards, the postage stamps are also imprinted.

The third category covered in this study is that of "propaganda" postcards. These are the most colorful of the three and are generally political in nature. They required a postage stamp.

As I observed the thousands of cards available to me I noted that all three catagories, in their own way, depicted a mini-history of Germany during the Third Reich period.
When I put the three groupings of cards together in a chronological order, I not only saw most every event that was important to the German populace portrayed, but also the complex latticework of Gerinan culture and society. Not only did they portray the frustrations with the Versailles Treaty, but at the other end of the spectrum, the status of females in the "new order" to the love of nature. It was with this enlightenment that the format you are about to view was developed.

For a purely philatelic approach to the subject of "official issues" and "printed to private order" postcards there are no better references than Michel's "Ganzsachen-Katalog Deutschland," "Privatpostkarten-Katalog Deutschland: Deutsches Reich 1873-1945," "Bildpostkarten-Katalog Deutschland," and Borek's "Ganzsachen-Spezial-Katalog Deutschland ab 1933." Although they are in German, they go into much greater detail on not only postcards but also special cancels. They were my bibles when cross-referencing or confirming details I had gathered from the numerous international collections I was permitted to study and photograph.

What has developed from my years of research are three volumes on the above subject. They are as follows:

Vol. 1: 1923-1936. Only Party struggle cards from 1923 to 1933, and from 1934 to 1936, any dated card in a chronological order.

Vol. 2: 1937-1939. Any dated card in a chronological order.

Vol. 3: 1940-1945. Any dated card in a chronological order plus the postal stationery of annexed and occupied territories.

It should be noted that as extensive as my search was for appropriate cards for this series, I know that I have only scratched the surface and welcome contact from fellow collectors who hold hidden "gems" in their collections which are unknown to me. With their assistance I would like photos of such postcards, special cancels, and publishers' details, which can make up an expanded series in the future.

Format Examples

This volume on Third Reich era postcards illustrates any card that can be dated or tied to a particular event, which in reality, presents a mini-chronological history of Hitler's Gennany. Postcards without a double border or separate stamp (indicating imprinted) is a privately published card. These cards are in the greatest numbers of variations and are classified as "Propaganda Cards." Most often these cards are of a political nature and always require a postage stamp.
Cards with a double border and separate stamp indicates "Official Postal Stationery" with imprinted stanlp. These official issues (Amtliche Ausgaben) are quite common as they were available at all post offices or at special counters at exhibitions and events.

Cards without the double border, but with a separately illustrated stamp, indicate "Printed to Private Order" postcards with imprinted stamps. These issues were printed to commemorate special events.


R. James Bender: "Postcards of Hitler's Germany, Volume 3, R. James Bender Publishing, 2003

www.bender-publishing.com

Collecting Documents and Photographs

Collecting autogrophs is not a new hobby or vocation by any means and it is hard to estimate how many people collect them.

Collecting signatures of WW II Axis and Allied personalities is not uncommon. However the number who collect only Third Reich signatures is relatively small. Autographed letters, books, photos, postcards and documents signed by political or military figures are in abundence and are quite inexpesive at this time.

Autographed letters and documents of historical significance generally run from $75. up depending on the contents, signer, the condition, whether it is on letterhead ect. A great variety of documents of lesser importance run anywhere from $8.00 up. Signed photos are of course less expensive than documents or letters. Signed photos of certain Generals and Admirals. and other officers can be had for approximately $15. and up.

Signed NSDAP and SS photos usually command higher prices. Signed Hitler photos are not terribly scarce particularly in New York City where they are not difficult to locate and at the present time they usually sell for $175. and up. Signed documents often sell for almost twice as much, depending again upon the contents.

One of the things the collector does not have to worry too much about is forged signatures, at least as for as the lesser known Reich Officials. One of the problems often encountered is signed photos with an undecipherable signature. Postcards usually have printed either on the front or back the name of the individual, whereas photos do not. The collar tabs and other insignia help greatly in determining the rank and branch, but unfortunately, can not tell you who the individual is. As is sometimes the case you may not be able to determine who the person is, but it, pays to hang onto the photo especially if it is a high ranking official, on the chance of perhaps identifying it in the future.

Many personalities of the Reich are still alive and sometimes will send out autagraphs, photos and perhaps a short letter if requested in a polite manner. The trick is to find out where they now live, and when you do be courteous and go to a translator if you can not write in German; it leaves a much better impression.

It is possible to tell many things by a sample of handwriting" though handwriting analysis is almost a science in itself. Himmlers pre-occupation with ancient runic letters can be seen in his signature, which with its straight lines is extremely similar to runes as written in the 9th century. Hitler's signatures are unusual because of the fact he used two different styles of signatures. The reason for signing his name in a different style later on, is not known.

Autographs are a sound investment, they steadily rise in value, year after year, and they never depreciate as stocks do, although it will take a good while for a autograph to double in value, but on the other hand there is little risk involved, which cannot be said for stocks, also in its favor is that its inexpesive, and takes up very little space. Those who are interested in autographs should endeavor to pick up a few samples, for they enhance any callection of 3rd Reich relics, particularly when framed.

Jay A. Robbins: "Autographs", "Military Collectors' News", 1972