Metallspende des Deutschen Volkes – Dankurkunde 1940 – Hermann Göring

Original “Metallspende des deutschen Volkes zum Geburtstag des Führers im Kriegsjahr 1940” Dankurkunde, issued in connection with the nationwide German metal collection campaign of 1940. The attractive DIN A5 landscape-format certificate features a large Reich eagle and an illustrated industrial/armaments scene showing workers handling artillery barrels and ammunition. The central text reads “Im Namen des Führers danke ich … für die opferbereite Beteiligung an dieser Spende”, thanking the recipient for their participation in the metal donation campaign. The recipient’s name has been entered on the certificate, although the handwritten entry has subsequently been heavily crossed through/overwritten and is therefore not completely legible.

The certificate is signed in facsimile by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, who launched the 1940 Metallspende appeal. On 27 March 1940, Göring called upon the German population to donate surplus metal—including copper, brass, bronze, tin, lead and nickel—for the German war effort. The campaign was promoted as a collective “birthday gift” for Hitler, whose birthday was 20 April. Donors received certificates such as the present example in recognition of their contribution. Contemporary museum and archival material confirms the use of this standardized certificate and Göring’s signature.

Condition: Overall good original condition, with light age toning, scattered foxing and discoloration, minor edge wear and handling/storage marks. The certificate remains complete, with the printed artwork and text well preserved.