RARE!! 1937 Third Reich Party Official Examination Commission Letter-NSDAP Literary Review Commission-Berlin

An original and historically significant 1937 Third Reich document issued by the Parteiamtliche Prüfungskommission zum Schutze des N.S. Schrifttums (Party Official Examination Commission for the Protection of National Socialist Literature), one of the Nazi Party’s central organizations responsible for reviewing and approving publications for ideological conformity. The commission was established to evaluate books, manuscripts, and other printed works before publication, ensuring they aligned with National Socialist doctrine.  

Dated May 7, 1937, this official correspondence was sent from the commission’s Berlin headquarters to Dr. Strobel of Neubabelsberg-Potsdam regarding an urgent review of a manuscript by Austrian historian Adolf Helbok entitled:

“Was ist deutsche Volksgeschichte? Ziele, Aufgaben und Wege”
(“What is German Folk History? Goals, Tasks and Methods”)

The letter requests that Dr. Strobel provide his expert opinion as quickly as possible due to the urgency of the matter. Adolf Helbok was a historian and folklorist whose work became closely associated with National Socialist racial and historical ideology during the 1930s.  

This document offers an exceptional look into the internal bureaucratic process used by the Nazi Party to control literature and public messaging. Rather than being a military record or common party certificate, it represents the functioning of the regime’s censorship apparatus, making it an uncommon and desirable artifact for advanced collectors of WWII German historical documents.

Features

• Original 1937 NSDAP letterhead with Party eagle and swastika
• Dated 7 May 1937
• Berlin office address and official reference number
• Addressed to Dr. Strobel, Neubabelsberg-Potsdam
• References Adolf Helbok’s manuscript for official review
• Original typed text throughout
• Red urgency notation requesting an expedited opinion
• Original ink signature
• Original commission ink stamp
• Traditional “Heil Hitler!” closing
• Original filing punch holes from government archive use
• Professionally matted and framed for display

Condition

Very good original condition for its age. The paper displays expected age toning, light foxing, and original filing holes from period administrative use. The official stamp, signature, and typed text remain clear and legible. The modern frame and mat present the document attractively and are ready for display.

Historical Note

The Parteiamtliche Prüfungskommission was created in 1934 under the authority of the NSDAP to regulate literature claiming to represent National Socialist thought. It reviewed thousands of books, calendars, and manuscripts and played a central role in the regime’s censorship and propaganda system until its functions were absorbed into other agencies during the war.  

A scarce and highly collectible example of original Third Reich administrative paperwork documenting the inner workings of the Nazi Party’s literary censorship system.