Accession Number: 2022.02.8.30

Stamp: VF NH 1933 One-100pf President Hindenburg “Medallion” stamps 3 and 6; Two German Empire 730 Winter Relief 1939 

Postmark: Day of Sacrifice 1940

Postcard Description: The text reads: “Dear Nephew, I hope you are all healthy and happy. I am doing well too. I am looking forward to the next visit with you all. Special regards to you.” The address is 52 Riverside Drive Apt. 8B. The image on the front of the postcard depicts a German soldier brandishing a sword, with the text reading “Mainfränkischer Opfertag Kriegs-WHW 1939-1940 20.-21. Januar“, which translates to “Main Franconian Sacrifice Day War-WHW (the Winterhilfswerk/Wartime Winter Charities fund drive) 1939-1940 January 20th-21st”. The offset print is J.M. Richter.

Historical background:

Winterhilfswerk

The Winterhilfswerk, which translates to Wartime Winter Charities fund drive or Winter Relief of the German People, was an annual donation drive by the National Social People’s Welfare. Hitler ordered the organization to be established in 1933 and the second largest mass organization in Nazi Germany. In theory, donations to the party were voluntary for German citizens, but in reality citizens were required under high levels of social pressure to contribute.