Original WWI German Occupation Poster 'Bekanntmachung / Bekendmaking – Kartoffelernte / Aardappeloogst' – Etappenkommandantur Lokeren – 1917 – approx. 36 × 55 cm

An original First World War German occupation poster issued by the Etappenkommandantur in Lokeren on 27 July 1917. This bilingual proclamation appears in both German and Dutch, a typical format used by the German military administration in occupied Belgium to ensure the regulations were understood by both authorities and the local population.The notice concerns the harvest of potatoes, one of the most strictly controlled agricultural resources during the war. According to the announcement, the harvest of medium-early potato varieties was officially permitted only between 12 and 25 August, while the harvest of all other potato varieties was strictly forbidden before 10 September. These measures were introduced to regulate agricultural production and ensure food supplies were controlled and distributed according to the requirements of the German military administration.The poster clearly warns that violations of these regulations would be severely punished, illustrating the strict enforcement of agricultural policies in occupied territories. Such regulations were common during the war, as food shortages and military supply demands required careful monitoring of farming activities.The proclamation was issued under the authority of Oberstleutnant Mühler, acting as Etappenkommandant, whose name appears prominently at the bottom of both the German and Dutch versions of the notice.Measuring approximately 36 × 55 cm, the poster shows typical signs of age such as fold lines, light staining and minor wear consistent with original wartime paper announcements that were publicly displayed.A very interesting and historically significant piece illustrating the control of agricultural production under the German occupation of Belgium during World War I, making it a desirable item for collectors of WWI occupation material, German military administration documents, and early 20th century historical posters.