Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII period blank poster for the NS-Reichskriegerbund “Kyffhäuser”, the National Socialist Reich Veterans Association. Measuring a substantial 16 1/4" x 23 1/4", the poster features a large closed wing eagle and prominent NSRKB shield insignia across the upper half, while the lower yellow field was intentionally left blank so local information could be added when the poster was placed into use. This unused format, combined with its bold graphics and large size, makes it an especially interesting piece of period veterans organization ephemera.

The roots of the organization reached back to the Kyffhäuserbund, founded in 1900 as an umbrella organization for Germany's numerous veterans and reservists associations. Its name derived from the Kyffhäuser Monument, or Kyffhäuserdenkmal, the monumental memorial complex erected on the Kyffhäuser mountain near Bad Frankenhausen in Thuringia.

Following the National Socialist takeover of power in 1933, the German veterans organizations were progressively brought under centralized political control through Gleichschaltung, or coordination. In 1938, the German Reichskriegerbund “Kyffhäuser” was renamed the NS-Reichskriegerbund “Kyffhäuser” and became the principal centralized organization representing veterans within the Third Reich. The national organization was dissolved in March 1943, with its assets transferred to the NSDAP and its remaining local organizational structure later contributing personnel and organization during the final phase of the war.

The upper half of this poster is dominated by a large closed wing eagle, creating an imposing and immediately recognizable graphic design. Centered over the eagle's chest is the NSRKB shield insignia. The shield is rendered in red with an Iron Cross at its center, containing a canted hook cross.

The entire lower half of the poster consists of a blank yellow field. This was evidently intended to receive locally added information such as an announcement, meeting notice, event details, or other organizational text. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate a period photograph showing this exact style of poster filled out and in use, so its specific intended application remains unconfirmed.

At the lower left is a small printed logo, most likely associated with the printer or publisher, although we have not been able to positively identify it. The lower right is marked:

№ 553

Overall condition is very good considering the age and fragile nature of the paper, with wear and deterioration commensurate with age. The white areas show overall age toning, and there is visible staining along the left edge.

The poster was folded into quarters for an extended period, leaving prominent horizontal and vertical fold lines. There is tearing along all of these fold lines, which should be noted as the principal condition issue. Additional tears and folding are present at the corners. Despite this damage, the main printed graphics remain strong and the poster retains excellent overall visual presence when displayed.

For the collector of German WWII paper items, veterans organization material, or period political and military ephemera, this is an unusual display piece. Its large 16 1/4" x 23 1/4" format, bold NSRKB eagle and shield artwork, untouched blank announcement field, and surviving № 553 marking give it considerably more visual and research interest than a standard membership document or small organizational handbill. The fold wear and staining are clearly present, but the strong surviving imagery makes this an appealing original example for framing or inclusion in an advanced German veterans association collection.