1937 WW2 German Soldier Humor Postcard Care Package Parcels Hitler Stamp

Original 1937 Third Reich German military humor postcard featuring a humorous caricature of a German soldier overloaded with parcels, food and gifts from home.

The artwork is signed and dated “Erich Mügen 37” (artist’s surname appears to read Mügen/Muegen) and depicts a smiling uniformed soldier smoking a cigar while carrying an enormous assortment of packages, sausages and other provisions.

The speech bubble reads:

“Na, bin ich zuhause beliebt?”

Translation:

“Well, am I popular back home?”

The printed caption beneath the illustration reads:

“Das ist das Kennwort ‘Kwarte’, das uns die aufgegebenen Futter- u. Rauchpakete von daheim bekommt……”

The stylized script is somewhat difficult to interpret exactly, but the joke concerns the large quantity of food and smoking/tobacco parcels being sent to the soldier from home. The illustration makes the theme particularly clear—the soldier is literally loaded down with care packages.

Reverse

The reverse identifies the publisher as:

Milag & Co., Berlin-Lichterfelde-West, Drakestraße 31
Nr. 5, Genehm. Serie
Vorm. im Verlag “Die neue Scholle”

It is also marked:

“Nachdruck verboten!”
Translation: “Reproduction prohibited!”

The card has an original red 12 Pfennig Deutsches Reich Hitler definitive postage stamp attached at upper right. The card appears unused / not postally cancelled, with no recipient address or correspondence.

There is an old penciled collector/dealer notation on the reverse.

Collector Interest

A particularly attractive piece of prewar German military social history combining:

• Original 1937 dated artwork
• German soldier caricature
• Military humor
• Care packages from home
• Food and tobacco/smoking parcel theme
• Uniform and equipment details
• Original 12 Pfennig Hitler postage stamp
• Berlin publisher information
• Numbered No. 5 card from an approved series
• Unused postal stationery / postcard format
• Excellent display appeal

The subject provides an interesting glimpse into the popular image of the German serviceman during the prewar period, particularly the longstanding military tradition of receiving food, tobacco and other comforts from family and friends at home.

Condition

Original period postcard in good overall condition with age-related wear. There is visible surface loss/staining along portions of the front, particularly near the upper-right and lower areas, together with edge and corner wear. The reverse shows age toning, handling marks and an old pencil notation. The 12 Pfennig stamp remains attached and uncancelled.

Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. Item is sold exactly as shown.

SEO Keywords / Search Terms

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YB3 series