Original German Third Reich period photographic propaganda postcard from the well-known “Männer der Zeit” series, Nr. 126, depicting Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini seated together during one of the official meetings between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
The striking black-and-white photograph presents the two Axis leaders side by side, with Benito Mussolini in Italian Fascist military uniform and Adolf Hitler wearing his characteristic political uniform and peaked cap. The close composition makes this an especially strong period image of the political alliance between Fascist Italy and National Socialist Germany.
The reverse identifies the card:
“Männer der Zeit” Nr. 126
“Der Führer und Duce.”
The publisher information reads Graph. Kunst- und Verlagsanstalt Jos. C. Huber, Diessen vor München, with the photograph credited to Angelo Zannantonio, Starnberg.
This exact postcard is documented in today’s collectors’ market as Männer der Zeit Nr. 126 – Der Führer und Duce, confirming the attribution and publisher.
Postal History
What makes this particular example more interesting than an ordinary unused Nr. 126 is the original 25 Reichspfennig postage stamp and large München commemorative cancellation.
The stamp appears to be the 1941 Reichspost exhibition issue, depicting an exhibition building and marked Reichspost 1941.
The large circular cancellation is dated:
MÜNCHEN – 30.1.1942
and incorporates political symbolism associated with Munich’s designation as “Hauptstadt der Bewegung” (Capital of the Movement).
The date is itself historically notable: 30 January was commemorated under the Third Reich as the anniversary of Hitler’s appointment as German Chancellor on 30 January 1933. Consequently, the cancellation provides an additional period political and philatelic dimension to an already desirable Hitler-Mussolini photographic postcard.
This card was apparently philatelically cancelled rather than conventionally mailed, as no recipient address or correspondence is present.
Collectors’ references confirm that Nr. 126 is encountered with a variety of period Munich special cancellations. Auction records include examples bearing several different 1941 Munich cancellations as well as examples cancelled for the Tag der Briefmarke in January 1942.
Condition: Very good original period condition. Strong photographic image with good contrast and only light age and handling wear. Reverse displays light age toning consistent with the period. Original postage stamp remains attached and the large München commemorative cancellation is exceptionally clear and visually attractive.
Period: Third Reich / Fascist Italy
Country: Germany
Subjects: Adolf Hitler & Benito Mussolini
Series: Männer der Zeit
Series Number: Nr. 126
Caption: Der Führer und Duce
Publisher: Graph. Kunst- und Verlagsanstalt Jos. C. Huber, Diessen vor München
Photographer: Angelo Zannantonio, Starnberg
Stamp: 25 Reichspfennig – Reichspost 1941 issue
Cancellation: München – January 30, 1942
Postal Status: Philatelically cancelled / unaddressed
Originality: Original Period Postcard
