Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF) – KdF-Theaterring-Ausweis 1937/38 – Gau Düsseldorf

An attractive original Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF) / NS-Gemeinschaft „Kraft durch Freude“ (KdF) theatre pass for the 1937/1938 season, issued to Hans Fürth of the Krefeld area.

The pass features the striking original green „Freude am Feierabend“ cover design, incorporating the distinctive KdF emblem and architectural motif. The inside contains the holder’s handwritten personal details, an original portrait photograph, official period ink stamps and his handwritten signature.

Document details:

• Document: KdF-Theaterring-Ausweis (theatre pass)
• Season: 1937/1938
• Ausweis Nr.: 9532
• Name: Fürth, Hans
• Location: Hüls, Krefeld, Gau Düsseldorf
• Street address: Blumenstraße 19
• Issue date: 29 November 1937
• Official stamp: Deutsche Arbeitsfront, NS-Gemeinschaft „Kraft durch Freude“, Krefeld
• Additional printed material: KdF-Monatsheft advertisement, Gau Düsseldorf
• Printed number on reverse: 10070

The pass retains its original photograph of the holder, with official stamps crossing the photograph and handwritten signature beneath it. The reverse features printed promotional text for the KdF-Monatsheft des Gaues Düsseldorf, describing the cultural and recreational services offered by the organization.

Historical background

The Kraft durch Freude (Strength Through Joy) organization was established under the Deutsche Arbeitsfront to organize leisure activities for German workers, including theatre performances, concerts, excursions, holidays and other cultural events. Theatre passes such as this one formed part of its organized cultural programme during the pre-war period.

This example is particularly appealing as a named and photographed civilian document, complete with its original green cover artwork, handwritten particulars and official local stamps. It provides a tangible example of the administrative and cultural activities organized by the DAF and KdF in the Düsseldorf region during the late 1930s.

Condition

Good original period condition, with expected age-related toning, light staining, minor marks and handling wear. The booklet retains its original portrait photograph, handwritten entries, signature and official stamps. The cover artwork remains attractive and clearly legible. There is a visible vertical crease along the centre fold and some minor wear to the edges.

An interesting and visually attractive original document for collectors of Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF), Kraft durch Freude (KdF), Third Reich civilian documents and pre-war German social and cultural history.