This lot of 6 pins are authentic pre-WW2, Nazi Germany Winterhilfswerk (WHW) des Deutschen Volkes (Winter Relief of the German People) clay pins. They were issued by the Nazi Party's Winter Relief Agency as part of the Winter Relief Campaign, to thank donors for their contributions, designed to raise funds for needy German citizens during harsh winters.
This particular lot is of the WHW Wilhelm Busch series (4) and the Struwwelpeter series (2) & includes Adele, Max, Nolte, Man w/Green Jacket, Thumb Sucker, & Rabbit in the Forest. The Struwwelpeter (Shockheaded Peter) is a 1845 cautionary tale German children's book providing moral lessons that demonstrates the disastrous consequences of misbehavior in an exaggerated way. All pins (save for the rabbit) contain their original pin back attachment.
Like other WHW gifts, the individual series' were limited and only available for a short period, driving a sense of urgency thus, encouraging collectors to donate weekly to complete a series.
Vintage Ca. early 1940s.
The Pins were issued between the years 1933 - 1945.
Measurements (approximate):
Measurements vary but are approximately the size of a Quarter.
HISTORY:
In Nazi Germany the Winterhilfswerk (Winter Charity Campaign, or WHW) collection campaigns took place each Winter and raised money for charitable purposes. It was normal for those who collected the contributions to give donors a small memento to show appreciation for their contribution, and by wearing the memento, it overtly indicated a donor contributed money (often a few Pfennigs). The primary goal of the WHW was to collect funds for the Nazi regime, and the pins were a way to solicit donations from the public.
WHW campaigns at the national & state level would collect money each month from October through March, & it was set aside to help those who were hungry or cold. The Tinnies (Badges or Pins) were produced in themed series' & by so doing, the WHW encouraged repeat donations and participation in the collection so donors could "collect" an entire series. The themed series' also aimed to promote a sense of community (Volksgemeinschaft) and national pride.
Donors of small sums received minimal gifts but more generous donors received better gifts, such as pins with various themes, including animals, historical figures, zodiac signs, etc.
Note: Multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear.
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Inter-War (Nazi Germany) Winterhilfswerk
(WHW) des Deutschen Volkes
Clay Pins (Lot of 6).
$26.00 (Firm)
(WHW) Winter Charity Campaign
Given as mementos to donors.
Collections from:
Wilhelm Busch (4) & Struwwelpeter (2)
Includes Adele, Max, Nolte, Man w/Green Jacket
Thumb Sucker, & Rabbit in the Forest
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