This compact makeup case with pocket mirror from the XI Olympic Summer Games of 1936 in Berlin represents a distinctive category of memorabilia from one of history's most controversial Olympics. Manufactured from brass with a cream-yellow exterior finish and featuring the characteristic raised Olympic rings on the lid, this object belongs to the numerous souvenir items produced for the 1936 Olympic Games.

The 1936 Berlin Olympics, held from August 1 to 16, were the first Olympic Games to be instrumentalized by the National Socialist regime. The Nazis utilized the event as a massive propaganda platform to showcase the “New Germany.” Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels recognized the enormous propagandistic potential of this international event and invested considerable resources in its organization and media staging.

The production of Olympic souvenirs was an essential component of the Games' commercial exploitation. The Organizing Committee, led by Carl Diem and Theodor Lewald, issued numerous licenses for the manufacture of commemorative items. These ranged from simple postcards and badges to high-quality utilitarian objects like the present makeup compact. The use of the Olympic rings was strictly regulated and required official authorization.

Makeup accessories of this type were typical women's accessories of the 1930s. The compact format with integrated mirror corresponded to the fashion and practical needs of the era. The choice of brass as material and the cream-yellow surface treatment reflect the aesthetic preferences of the period. The marking “12” on the interior could indicate the manufacturer, a batch number, or a quality designation.

The Berlin Olympiad attracted approximately 3.8 million spectators and was the largest Olympic event to date. Visitors from around the world purchased souvenirs as mementos of their participation in this historic event. While Nazi propaganda attempted to project an image of tolerance and cosmopolitanism, anti-Semitic signs were temporarily removed and racist policies partially concealed.

The commercial dimension of the 1936 Olympic Games was remarkable. Hundreds of companies produced licensed articles, including porcelain, textiles, jewelry, and cosmetic items. These objects were intended not only to generate revenue but also to maximize the reach of Olympic symbolism. After the Games, many of these items became sought-after collectibles.

From a historical perspective, such everyday objects are important material witnesses of their time. They document not only the commercial exploitation of a major event but also the lifestyle, aesthetics, and consumer habits of the 1930s. The makeup compact connects feminine everyday culture with a politically charged historical moment.

The preservation in condition 2 indicates good conservation, which is noteworthy for brass objects of this era. Many such items were used in daily life and show corresponding wear or were lost. The fact that this object has survived the decades underscores its value as a collectible and historical document.

Today, 1936 Olympics memorabilia can be found in museums and private collections. They are examined in the context of sports history as well as the propaganda history of National Socialism. Scientific engagement with such objects requires a differentiated approach that considers both their sports-historical and political dimensions.