The object is a German Nazi-era device for measuring the size of heads to find Jews, gypsies and Slavs. Adolf Hitler wanted to wipe out the Jews. It proved to be popular idea. He outlined his plan:
I scanned the revolutionary events of history and… [asked] myself: against which racial element in Germany can I unleash my propaganda of hate with the greatest prospects of success? …I came to the conclusion that a campaign against the Jews would be as popular as it would be successful.
The Nazis needed to work out who was Jewish. Where were you on the Aryan/non-Aryan spectrum of facials features, eyes and hair?
Spotter: Lisa Wade
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