Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original September 24, 1942 issue of Das Schwarze Korps (“The Black Corps”), the official weekly newspaper of the SS. It is identified as Issue 39 of the publication’s eighth year and remains in very good condition, showing expected discoloration and wear from age.

The SS (Schutzstaffel) was established in 1925 as a small bodyguard organization. Under Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, it developed into one of the most powerful organizations within the German regime, exercising extensive authority over security, policing, intelligence, occupation policy, persecution, and the concentration camp system.

Das Schwarze Korps was established in March 1935 under the authority of the Reichsführung-SS. It was published by the NSDAP controlled Franz Eher publishing house, with Gunter d’Alquen serving as chief editor and Max Amann as publisher. The newspaper was available for public purchase, while SS members were expected to read it and encourage its circulation.

The newspaper served as a principal propaganda organ of the SS. Its articles promoted SS policies and ideology while frequently attacking Jews, the Catholic Church, Freemasons, Communists, and other groups regarded by the organization as political or ideological enemies.

This issue is marked:

Berlin, 24. September 1942
39. Folge ✶ 8. Jahrgang

This translates as Berlin, September 24, 1942, Issue 39, Eighth Year.

The newspaper measures approximately 12½" × 18½". It has been folded in half, as commonly encountered with period newspapers, and the paper displays expected age discoloration. The central fold has become somewhat delicate and should be handled carefully to prevent further separation or damage.

The cover features a political caricature of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on crutches and falling over, with the theme “Inflation at the Door.” The illustration presents American economic difficulties through the distorted and mocking perspective typical of German wartime propaganda.

The principal headline reads “Europe is Crisis Proof.” The accompanying article reflects the German propaganda position that continental Europe remained economically and politically secure under German control, despite the widening war and growing pressure from the Allied powers. The remaining pages contain additional articles, photographs, and political material. As expected for a period newspaper, the rear cover contains commercial advertisements.

An interesting original wartime issue of the official SS newspaper, displaying well with its Roosevelt caricature cover and offering substantial primary source material for the study of German WWII propaganda, journalism, and public messaging.