Invitation & Menu Cards

[jwburchell]

I have been offered the following invitation (x4) and menu (x3) cards and would like some feedback before purchasing. I have not seen these in-hand, only the pictures posted here.

I have checked the dates in conjunction with the event or persons named and it all seems to fit from a historical perspective. From what I can see, they all look OK with the exception of a few anomalies noted below.

All feedback will be appreciated as to perceived period authenticity. As well, if anyone cares to venture a comment as to what these might be worth as a purchasing guideline for me, it would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for looking and best regards,

John


1. Invitation to Duke Adolf Friedrich of Mecklenburg - a German member of the International Olympic Committee - to a meal ("zum Essen"), presumably the noon meal or "Mittag-Essen" since it is for 13:30 Uhr (1:30PM) on August 1, 1936, the day of the opening of the Summer Olympics in Berlin.

[jwburchell]

2. Invitation to a breakfast (Fruehstueck) to meet the Norwegian Minister President, Vidkun Quisling, in Berlin on 13.February.1942. The strange fact here is that the invitation is to attend a breakfast scheduled for 14 Uhr (2:00PM).

[jwburchell]

3. Invitation to a breakfast (Fruehstueck) in Nuernburg Castle ("auf die Burg in Nuernberg") on 13.September.1937 at another seemingly strange hour for a breakfast, ie. at noontime...12:15 Uhr (12:15PM).

[jwburchell]

4. Invitation to an evening meal (Abendessen) in Berlin at 19:30 Uhr (7:30PM) on 25.October.1939 to meet Dr. Hacha, President of the Protectorates of Bohemia & Moravia.

[jwburchell]

5 & 6. Menu cards presumably for the meal served at the Summer Olympics function held on 1.August.1936 (see invitation card #1 above).

[jwburchell]

7. Menu card for a function held on 17.January.1938.

[peterm]

Hi!

I am not an expert on these, but they are all looking good to me from Your pics.

Kind regards, Peter

[byterock]

No expert on this but the terms 'Abendessen' and 'Fruehstueck' I think would be terms to tell the invitee what sort of 'dress' was appropriate.

I would think the 'Abendessen' would be frock coat and medals and a sit down mean 'Abendbrot' would be less fromal while 'Fruehstueck' would be suite and stickpin medals???

[transvision]

i have a breakfast invitation from the ministry of propaganda and signed by joseph g.

[Wilhelm]

Wow! They were eating and drinking well back then.
Wilhelm

[jwburchell]

Thanks to all for the comments to date. I look forward to receiving any other postings in this thread. I am hopeful of acquiring these cards once a price has been agreed upon. As I have not seen any like these on offer, any feedback on pricing would be helpful.

Regards,

John

[Br. James]

Just a quick thought: the invitation for the event at Nuremberg Castle on September 13, 1937 took place on the final day of the Reichsparteitag of that year, which happened to be "Der Tag der Wehrmacht," and that seems to tie in with Byterock's comment on the dress code for such an event.

Very nice pieces all, dripping with history!

Br. James

[jwburchell]

Thanks very much, Br. James. The thought had crossed my mind that that particular card could be in relation to a Reichsparteitag in that year, but I have not had the time to research it. Your feedback is most welcome and helpful.

John

[jwburchell]

Dear interested Forum members: I have now acquired these cards and in-hand they are amazing. If only they could speak. As Br. James noted to me in a PM...they are "dripping with history"!

Regards,

John

[Br. James]

Congratulations, John, and do treat them well! You may actually have the only examples of those menu and invitation cards extant today! A great find!

Br. James