A Rare NSDAP Winterhilfswerk Donation Tin

This is a very rare Winterhilfswerk des Deutschen Volkes (Winter Relief of the German People) donation collections tin can, used in the Gau Bayrische Ostmark region. The lid features a small hole that is factory labeled “Papier Geld” (Paper Money), through which paper currency was passed into the can. The top section of the lid also has a slit through which coins were passed, with the serial number “29932” directly above the slit. On the bottom section of the lid is a mechanism that allows only coins to be passed into the can, without spilling coins in the event the can was held upside down. The side is stamped “Gau Bayr.-Ostmark” (Lower Bavaria). The tin can is factory painted in red, with a handle welded to the side of the can. Measurements: 10.5 cm diameter, 17.2 cm height. Overall near very fine condition. Footnote: The Winterhilfswerk des Deutschen Volkes was established by Heinrich Brüning in 1931 as part of the Nationalsozialistische Volkswohlfahrt (National Socialist People’s Welfare Organization) with the slogan “None shall starve nor freeze”. It aimed to provide less fortunate Germans with food, clothing, coal, as well as other necessary items throughout the harsh winter months.. “Can Rattlers” often took to the streets in pursuit to convince every supposedly outstanding German citizen to donate to the cause. Since not donating was often viewed as neglecting the cause of the N.S.D.A.P, failing to donate to the WHW was not without consequences - people who did not give their share would have their names put on a list, were prone to losing their jobs, or be victims of publish shaming by angry mobs.