After the First World War began to drag out, Germany (however, like most other countries participating in the conflict) began to experience food shortages. Of course, a black market soon formed, in which products were traded at speculative prices.
The government tried to fight the speculators who were called “hamsters” in all ways, including satire. This series of postcards of 1916 created by Arthur Thiele, entitled “The Adventures of Hamsters” (Hamster-Erlebnisse) is an excellent witness to this period. However, even satire turned out to be a bad weapon against empty stomachs.
“State of siege” (Belagerungszustand!). In order not to catch the eye of the policeman, who decided to rest near the bridge, the speculator has to wait knee-deep in the water
«Oh, my dear!» (Oh, meine Lieblinge). Apparently, it is about both a child and a ham found next to him. Peasants observing from the side are clearly pleased with the embarrassment of the city lady
“Bad prospects” (Schlechte Aussichten). The crowd of “hamsters” along the beaten track came to the gates of the farm, but now they are not welcome here
“Hamster trap” (Die Hamsterfalle). A crowd of speculators follows from the village to the railway station but gets into view of an alert policeman. At this moment, an elderly woman becomes ill, her companion sweats and is on the verge of fainting.
“Critical moment” (Ein kritischer Augenblick). A crowd of speculators rushes wagons. One of speculators inappropriately reveals a bag full of eggs, and the policeman is right there. The station warden watches it all with a grin
«The eye of the law is watching!». A couple of young “hamsters” found, as it seems to them, an elegant solution and hides their eggs in a guitar, but a policeman is watching through the window
“Suspiciously!” (Anrüchig!). Dogs hanging around a huge basket of groceries. They are watched with interest by a policeman, while the “hamster” is trying to become invisible at the pillar
“Oh no! Not that!” (Na, das fehlte gerade noch!). A couple of speculators with rich trophies await the boatman at the ferry, but he appears in the company of a policeman
