German Postal Ephemera

Here are a few neat pieces of German postal ephemera I thought I'd share.

But as usual, first a little background...

In 1924, Germany began issuing stamps to benefit the Deutsche Nothilfe (German Emergence Aid) social welfare program. The surcharge on each stamp went to benefit the needy of German society, including the elderly, children, and the infirm. Each year, the German government would issue one or two sets for this purpose. This program continued through 1935, and in 1936 was replaced with the similar Wintehilfswerk (Winter Relief) program.

Normally, these stamps were purchased from the window at the post office. However, in order to accommodate large, special, or collector orders, they could also be purchased using order forms. These order forms had blanks for each stamp value, plus blanks for booklets (Markenheftchen) if they were issued in that manner, and postcards (Postkarten) if one was issued for the same occasion.

The order forms normally took the form of postcards.


1926 Coat of Arms Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1927 Hindenburg's Birthday Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1930 Buildings Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1931 Buildings Deutsche Nothilfe Issues

However, there were also large order forms that presumably were used by the post office to order in bulk. This sheet is A3 size, with blanks front and back.


1927 Hindenburg's Birthday Deutsche Nothilfe Issues

In an effort to encourage patrons to buy the stamps, the post offices also posted advertisements.


1926 Coat of Arms Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1927 Hindenburg's Birthday Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1928 Coat of Arms Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1929 Coat of Arms Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1930 Buildings Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1931 Buildings Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1933 Wagner Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1935 Costumes Deutsche Nothilfe Issues


1936 Modern Buildings Winterhilfswerk Issues


1937 Ships Winterhilfswerk Issues


1933 Landscapes & Flowers Winterhilfswerk Issues

The annual issuing of Winterhilfswerk stamps ceased after the 1940 set due to the war. A single stamp was issued to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of WHW on 1943, but the proceeds were, by that point, directed toward the war effort instead of the needy.

Lovely items Postmaster.

Great collector's collateral material to say the least. These can sure dress up a collection.

Chimo

Bujutsu

What a great collection of postal history! Höchstinteressant!

You seem to be able to find the coolest stuff. Where are you looking?

I got these from various German auction houses.

Here's my links page that lists the ones I use most frequently.

I'm at a show in Portland (PIPEX) today and have been asking if anyone has them. So far, all I've gotten is blank stares.

Just ask them if they have any Ankündigungsblätter or Bestellpostkarten.

For example, the advertisements (a.k.a. announcement sheets or Ankündigungsblätter) for the 1928 and 1929 Nothilfe sets are currently offered at the Reinhard Fischer auction closing 26 May. Starting prices of €30 and €40, respectively.

It's difficult to link directly to the lots, but the auction is here, and they're lots 4547 and 4550.

Two more nice ones today.

The first is an ad for Michel Block 7, the souvenir sheet was issued on 5 April 1937 to commemorate Hitler's 48th birthday.



The ad is A3 sized. The text reads "If you want to help the Führer in supporting the cultural programs, then buy the Führer commemorative stamp. On sale for a limited time at the counter."

The second is an ad for the 1926 Deutsche Nothilfe stamps.



The ad is huge -- 16"x21". The text reads "Is that a charity stamp on it? Funds from the sale go to the Deutsche Nothilfe."

Nice ad for the Deutsche Nothilfe stamps. At least the Angel is nice about it. The WHW were not so nice - more like if the Salvation Army was run by agressive street thugs. The WHW collection methods were extremely aggressive and folks would avoid them ig they could. Those who "gave" to the WHW were given some sort of souvenir (pin, badge, etc.) to prove they recently donated. A small cottage industry of fake souvenirs arose to help people avoid the WHW.

I just received an auction lot I won with 14 more of these. Many were duplicates of those I already posted above, but here are a few new ones.


1928 Coat of Arms Deutsche Nothilfe Issues Order Form Postcard


1932 Castles Deutsche Nothilfe Issues Advertisement


1934 Professions Deutsche Nothilfe Issues Advertisement

Great stuff...have never seen those bits of ephemera before. They're not even featured in the book "Philately of the Third Reich" by Robert W.Jones.Thanks for sharing.

Thanks again for the links..i was able to get some postal stationary items missing from my collection (at a reasonable price).
Will you be selling any of your duplicates?