Original German Third Reich Festpostkarte produced for the planned 1939 Reichsparteitag des Friedens – the “Reich Party Rally of Peace” – scheduled to take place in Nürnberg from September 2–11, 1939.
The front features a striking red field dominated by a large medallic design dated 1939 and inscribed “REICHSPARTEITAG.” The composition incorporates a German eagle clutching a swastika within a wreath above an allegorical mother-and-child scene with agricultural imagery, reflecting the propagandistic themes associated with the planned rally.
Below appears the prominent inscription:
“REICHSPARTEITAG – NÜRNBERG – 2.–11. SEPTEMBER”
The reverse is particularly important, identifying the card as:
“Festpostkarte – Reichsparteitag des Friedens – Nürnberg 2.–11. September 1939.”
It also carries an integrally printed 6 Reichspfennig Hitler definitive stamp, making this a purpose-produced postal stationery card rather than an ordinary souvenir postcard with a separately applied stamp.
The historical circumstances surrounding this issue make it especially interesting. The 1939 Nuremberg Rally was intended to be presented under the propagandistic title “Reichsparteitag des Friedens” (Party Rally of Peace). It was scheduled for September 2–11, but the event was cancelled immediately before it was to begin as the European political and military crisis reached its climax. Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, and the rally never took place.
Consequently, surviving postal stationery and commemorative material prepared for the cancelled 1939 rally represent physical artifacts of an event that was extensively planned and publicized but never actually occurred.
This example remains unused and unmailed, retaining its original printed Hitler postage indicium without postal cancellation. The absence of writing also leaves the original design clean and highly displayable.
An excellent period piece combining Nuremberg Rally history, Third Reich propaganda, postal stationery and the extraordinary historical context surrounding the outbreak of the Second World War.
Condition: Very good original condition. Strong red coloration and crisp central imagery remain on the front. Minor age toning, light handling wear and small areas of discoloration are visible, primarily along the margins and reverse. Unwritten and unmailed.
Period: Third Reich (1933–1945)
Country: Germany
Event: Reichsparteitag des Friedens
Location: Nürnberg (Nuremberg)
Scheduled Dates: September 2–11, 1939
Historical Status: Planned rally – cancelled before taking place
Postal Type: Festpostkarte / Postal Stationery
Postage: Imprinted 6 Rpf Adolf Hitler indicium
Postal Status: Unused / Unmailed
Publisher: Zentralverlag der NSDAP, Franz Eher Nachf., München
Originality: Original Period Postcard
