Efka Pyramiden cigarette papers in a colorful packet with camels and pyramids made in Nazi Germany
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 1.000 inches (2.54 cm) | Width: 2.750 inches (6.985 cm) | Depth: 0.250 inches (0.635 cm)
Creator(s)
- Efka Werke Fritz Kiehn Gmbh (Manufacturer)
Archival History
The cigarette papers were donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2004 by the Estate of Robert L. White.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of the Estate of Robert L. White
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
Unused package of fifty Efka cigarette rolling papers manufactured in Nazi Germany. This brand was very popular in the 1930-1940s and was distributed to German troops. The package has a graphic design featuring red camels in front of a red sphinx and and pyramids against white sand and a yellow sky. Around March 1943, the British psychological warfare unit used Efka Pyramiden packets to distribute propaganda that encouraged German soldiers to malinger, feign illness, or avoid reporting for duty. They reproduced the package sleeve and, in place of cigarette papers, inserted ten thin papers with suggestions for how to avoid work. The small packet could be distributed without notice by placing them in coat pockets or leaving in cafes and could be air dropped.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Rectangular offwhite cardstock folded in thirds to create a packet to hold cigarette papers. The multicolored graphic design on the front presents a desert scene with 2 yellow men with 2 red camels loaded with a box labelled Efka on white sand in front of 2 red and white pyramids and a red sphinx againt a yellow background, flanked by green palm trees with a green leafy border above and below. In the upper left and right is product information: 50 Blatt. At the bottom is a white banner with a blue border and German text. The paper folds over the back to create a top and bottom flap with German text. The sides fold in to form a closed packet; all sides have German text. Inside the packet is German text and a central open slot to dispense the fifty thin, white rolling papers.
Subjects
- Cigarette paper--Germany--History--20th century.
- Advertising--Cigarettes--Germany.
Genre
- Personal Equipment and Supplies
- Object