War against Hitlerism souvenir teapot! What will these people think of next? I’m sure they love being reminded of the ongoing war while having their afternoon cuppa… but RIGHT SHALL PREVAIL, so I guess that makes it okay!
The blackout began 1st September 1939, 2 days before the outbreak of war. It meant everyone in every household had to cover their windows and doors at night with heavy blackout paint, cardboard or the like – whatever would keep light from shining through – so that it’d be harder for German aircraft to target their bombs. The card in the first picture actually gave me chills, probably because I have absolutely no clue what it is and because of the nonchalant, matter-of-fact way it’s just like… I can’t see anything. Second item, however, nearly killed me with laughter. This frilly armlet GENUINELY (GENUINELY, KAT! Are you reading this?) LIGHTS UP in the BLACKOUT! Will wonders never cease?
Women were starting to get in on the action too, evidently. I actually find printed material like this a bit creepy, probably because it’s so blatantly nationalistic and at heart, I’m something of an individualist. Can you say national pressure for women to do something?
HILARIOUS anti-Hitler items. Completely. Hilarious. I can’t imagine how anyone at that time took them seriously, I certainly wouldn’t take an Osama in Blunderland seriously. Particularly like the ashtray: DROP YOUR ASHES / ON OLD NASTY / CAUGHT IN THE ALLIES’ WEB. Nice, guys!
The postcard in the second picture is really funny in an Oliver-esque way. The Dolly’s Ration Book in the first picture, however, is one of those toys that strike me as really sad actually. It’s depressing when you have to teach your child to ration by making her play pretend rationing with her dolls, isn’t it? Isn’t playtime for imagining things that aren’t happening around you right now and getting away someplace better?
Filed under: photos , mobpa, museum of brands
