An original German Halma-Spiel strategy board game dating from the early WW2 period, complete with its original box, reversible folding game board, wooden playing pieces and printed German rules. While Halma itself is a classic strategy game, what makes this example particularly appealing is the military-themed cover artwork depicting German soldiers enjoying a game during their leisure time, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in wartime Germany.

The reversible board provides two different playing layouts, with a traditional chequered Halma board on one side and a star-shaped variation on the reverse for alternative styles of play. The set retains its four groups of turned wooden playing pieces in their original colours, housed within the original compartmented tray inside the box. The printed instructions remain affixed inside the lid and are entirely in German using the traditional Fraktur typeface associated with the period.

Although the set is not military-issued equipment, the contemporary military-themed artwork and period presentation make it an attractive crossover piece for collectors of WW2 German militaria, wartime social history and vintage board games alike. The absence of a manufacturer’s mark prevents precise dating, but the style of construction, typography and artwork are all consistent with production during the early years of WW2.

Condition is good overall for its age. The box displays honest signs of use and storage, including age-related wear, light staining, scuffing and some fading to the outer paper covering. The corners retain their original metal reinforcements, while the folding board remains bright and structurally sound. The original wooden playing pieces and internal divider tray are present; however, in the interest of complete accuracy, I must point out that while the red, green and natural wood playing pieces each total 19, there are only 17 blue playing pieces. The printed rules remain securely attached inside the lid. Overall, it is a well-preserved and highly displayable original example of a wartime German Halma-Spiel set.