Hilde Hildebrand ~ This is a small format cigarette card from the early 1930s, published as part of the Film II series. It is card #5 from series 16. Size: just over 1¾" x 2¾" (a little larger than a typical American cigarette card). The edges are showing light wear. Overall the condition is very fine.

Hilde Hildebrand was a German actress born in Hanover, Germany on 10 September 1897. She died at the age of 78 in Grunewald, Berlin, on 27 May 1976.

German character comedienne and star of Berlin cabaret. Trained as a ballet dancer and from the age of sixteen a member of the ensemble of the Residenz Theater. Made her debut as a dramatic actress the following year. A leading performer in revues of the 1920s, she also appeared in silent films. She made her breakthrough after the arrival of sound, often featured in films which showcased her ability as a vocalist, or as shady ladies or wisecracking friends of the heroine. She was the third lead in Viktor und Viktoria.

She joined the Nazi Party in 1933, though this was thought to be for purely opportunistic reasons in order to keep working. She later became disenchanted with the regime and her career diminished accordingly.

This lot consists of a genuine German cigarette premium issued between about 1930 and 1937. In general, German cigarette cards and premiums make an interesting and inexpensive addition to any collection. The Nazi government of Germany opposed smoking and eventually put an end to cigarette cards. As a result, the native German card collecting hobby never developed to the extent of that in Britain or the United States. As a result, most German premiums and cards cost only a fraction of what might be expected from their American and British cousins.

Large photos are shown smaller than actual size while small ones are generally enlarged to as much as twice their original size. Almost all photos and cards are scanned through protective sleeves or pages which tends to cut the clarity a bit. Enlarged defects tend to look worse than they actually are.