Bidspirit auction | WINTERHILFSWERK COLLECTION CAN

WINTERHILFSWERK COLLECTION CAN - Original early 'Winterhilfswerk' collection can with handle, 6.5 in. tall x 4 in. dia., with location 'Wien' ('Vienna') written in relief at front. The base bears the manufacturer's information from a Neheim factory. Original red paint is largely intact. The lid bears openings for change and paper money, and to keep collectors honest, there is a locking latch and a device to prevent coins from being shaken out of the can. Winterhilfswerk ('Winter Relief') was an annual drive by the National Socialist People's Welfare Organization to help finance charitable work. Its slogan was 'None shall starve nor freeze'. The drive was originally set up in 1931, though Hitler would later claim sole credit. It ran from 1933-1945 during the months of October through March. Although donations were 'voluntary', one civil servant was actually tried for failing to donate.