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Most people with an interest in Third Reich history are familiar with Adolf Hitler's concept of the Kraft durch Freude (KdF or Strength Through Joy) organization and its leader Reichsleiter Dr. Robert Ley's amazing organizational skills.

The original tan and green KdF Reisesparkarte (KdF Travel Savings Card) we offer on this USMBOOKS web page was used by Franz Greiner of Graz. He saved 26 KdF Sparmarken (stamps), each costing him 50 Reichspfennig (total savings on the card of 13 Reichsmarks) but he never redeemed them.

The 6-panel KdF savings card measures 4-1/8 x 5-3/4 inch (unfolded 5-3/4 x 12-1/4 inch). At the top of the three inside panels it says Kraft durch Freude, Freude durch Reisen, Reisen durch Sparen (Strength Through Joy, Joy through Travel, Travel through Saving).

Condition exactly as shown and 100% original to the Third Reich period in Germany.

The Third Reich advertising for the KdF cruise ship Wilhelm Gustloff shown left, is for reference only.

On the other hand, few collectors are aware that individuals in Third Reich Germany could actually save for their next KdF vacation by buying stamps and pasting them on a savings card.

The KdF organization improved working conditions for German laborers, introduced welfare programs for them, organized entertainment for military personnel and its travel branch made it possible average Germans to travel in and outside Nazi Germany.

Just like saving for a KdF Wagen (Volkswagen), there was a program for German citizens to buy savings stamps toward travel opportunities offered by the Kraft durch Freude organization of the Deutsche Arbeitsfront inside and outside of Nazi Germany - hiking trips, cruises to Norway, Italy or Madeira or a stay at the huge KdF seaside hotel on the island of Rügen.  The Third Reich advertising for this program shown left, is for reference only.