WW2 French Anti-Hitler Propaganda Dexterity Toy in Original Sealed Box
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Added by : Andrew Robinson
Description
An original WW2 French anti-Hitler propaganda dexterity toy, complete with its original sealed cardboard box. Produced during the closing stages of the war or the immediate post-Liberation period, this unusual novelty combines political satire with a simple skill game, making it an excellent piece of wartime propaganda and social history.
The colourful box is decorated with a caricature of Adolf Hitler, with the game’s target being the circular opening positioned in his mouth. The accompanying French slogans are all anti-Hitler in nature and add greatly to the charm and historical significance of the piece.
The front reads “Tout passe… et pérasse”, a wartime play on words which roughly translates as “Everything passes…”, mocking both Hitler and the collapsing Nazi regime. Beneath this is a short verse which, in essence, encourages the player to launch the supplied projectile into Hitler’s mouth to “shut him up.”
The reverse of the box features the wording “Danger – Engins Surprise”, translating to “Danger – Surprise Devices”, along with the phrase “Hitler, finis les discours… on tente la chance à son tour”, meaning “Hitler, your speeches are over… now it’s your turn to try your luck.” The sides continue the playful theme with slogans including “Soyez Adroit” (“Be Skillful”) and “Le Bonheur des Enfants, Satisfaction des Parents” (“The Happiness of Children, the Satisfaction of Parents”).
The box remains factory sealed, with both ends still securely closed and no evidence of having ever been opened. Through the opening in Hitler’s mouth it is possible to see the original contents, which consist of two small balls and a wooden dowel, all still housed inside the box. As the box has never been opened by us, these contents remain exactly as found and have not been disturbed.
Condition is very good overall for its age. The printed graphics remain bright and attractive, with only light age-related wear, minor rubbing and gentle handling marks to the edges and corners of the box. The cardboard remains structurally sound, the printed text is clear throughout, and the original sealed construction has been preserved.
A wonderfully unusual and increasingly scarce piece of French WW2 anti-Hitler propaganda, combining wartime humour, political satire and vintage toy design into a highly displayable collector’s item.
For reference, this piece is about the same size as a box of cigarettes, and a tiny bit larger than a deck of cards.
£76.00
















