This is an original Third Reich-era Winterhilfswerk (WHW) donor medal from the winter of 1935–1936, issued to contributors as part of Nazi Germany’s expansive national charity program. The front features a raised profile of Adolf Hitler in left-facing relief encircled by an oak and ribbon wreath, a motif meant to evoke ancient Germanic traditions and nationalistic heroism. The reverse is marked with the words “Der Führer Dankt” (The Leader Thanks You), along with the initials “W.H.W.” for Winterhilfswerk and the years “1935–36.” At the bottom, it reads “Amtlich genehmigt” (officially approved), flanking the stylized “LN” maker’s logo and indicating its sanctioned use by the Nazi Party.

The Winterhilfswerk des Deutschen Volkes (Winter Relief of the German People) was a charitable campaign launched by the Nazi regime in 1933 under the auspices of the National Socialist People's Welfare (NSV). It aimed to support impoverished citizens during the cold winter months and served as a propaganda tool to reinforce unity and loyalty to the regime. Participation in WHW collections became a quasi-mandatory demonstration of allegiance, with citizens pressured to contribute through both financial donations and labor. In return, donors were often awarded a variety of tokens, badges, and pins acknowledging their generosity. These awards were collected by civilians and even worn on outer garments during special occasions to show support for the Führer and the National Socialist cause.

This example remains in excellent condition with its original pin-back attachment intact. It represents not only a specific campaign year but also the broader machinery of state-controlled philanthropy in Nazi Germany—where even charity served as an instrument of political messaging. Today, such pieces serve as sobering reminders of how totalitarian regimes exploit symbolism, social pressure, and even acts of “generosity” to further consolidate control and ideology.

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