Rare NSDAP Auszug aus dem Block- Zellen- und Ortsgruppenaufbau der NSDAP

Extremely Rare NSDAP “Auszug aus dem Block-, Zellen- und Ortsgruppenaufbau der NSDAP in der Ostmark” – Instruction Manual for Block- and Zellenleiter (Austria, Bürckel Edition)

This is an exceptionally rare and historically important original internal NSDAP booklet , printed specifically for Party functionaries in Austria (“Ostmark”) shortly after the Anschluss of 1938. Titled:

“Auszug aus dem Block-, Zellen- und Ortsgruppenaufbau der NSDAP in der Ostmark – für Block- und Zellenleiter,” it served as an official training and instruction manual for Blockleiter and Zellenleiter , the grassroots political officers responsible for local surveillance, propaganda distribution, and the day-to-day enforcement of Nazi political control.

Because such manuals were restricted internal documents , distributed only to Party leadership personnel and often destroyed after the war, surviving examples—especially Austrian editions—are extremely scarce.

Issued Under Gauleiter Josef Bürckel – The Architect of Austria's Nazification

This booklet carries the printed authorization of Gauleiter Josef Bürckel (1895–1944) , one of the most powerful NSDAP officials of his time. Bürckel was appointed by Hitler as:

“The Beauftragte des Führers für die NSDAP in Österreich”
(“The Führer's Commissioner for the NSDAP in Austria”).

He played a central role in transforming Austria into the Ostmark , dismantling democratic institutions and implementing the German Party structure on all administrative levels. His office orchestrated the rapid reorganization of Austrian society, including the detailed hierarchy of Blocks, Cells, and Ortsgruppen described in this manual.

Having this booklet attributed to Bürckel directly connects it to the first phase of Nazi administrative consolidation after the 1938 Anschluss , making it a historically weighty and highly collectible example.

Purpose of the Booklet

The manual outlines:

• The structure and function of Block , Cell , and Local Group (Ortsgruppe) leadership

• The responsibilities, authority, and expectations placed on Blockleiter and Zellenleiter

• Procedures for political reporting, surveillance, and communication

• Training guidelines and Party discipline

• Administrative processes for documenting the political status of households

One of the most fascinating components is the inclusion of a blank Zentral-Haushalts-Karteikarte — a central household index card. These forms were used by Blockleiter to record the political alignment and demographic information of every household under their supervision. Surviving unused examples are exceptionally rare.

Historical Importance of Block- and Zellenleiter

Blockleiter and Zellenleiter formed the lowest but most pervasive level of NSDAP political leadership , effectively making them the “eyes and ears” of the regime. Their duties included:

• Conducting political surveillance

• Preparing detailed household records

• Reporting dissent or suspicious activities

• Organizing local propaganda efforts

• Acting as the direct link between citizens and the Party hierarchy

This booklet was therefore a functional and ideological tool , enabling the Party to extend its control deep into the private lives of Austrian citizens.

Condition

• Excellent original red soft-cover with NSDAP eagle emblem

• Clean, sharp interior pages with clear Gothic script

• Fully intact structure with no missing pages

• Bright administrative forms, including the rare unused household card

• Very minimal wear consistent with careful storage

Overall, this is an outstanding and museum-worthy example of an internal NSDAP administrative manual.

Collectability

This booklet stands out due to:

• Its rarity — Austrian (Ostmark) editions are significantly harder to find

• Its connection to Gauleiter Josef Bürckel

• Its completeness , especially with intact administrative inserts

• Its relevance to the daily mechanisms of authoritarian control

Such documents provide insight into how the regime managed, monitored, and influenced everyday life at the most local level. For collectors specializing in NSDAP administration, Austrian occupation history, political hierarchy, or internal documentation, this is a top-tier acquisition .