Lot 1021

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Description:

A TABLECLOTH FROM THE BERGHOF
A large, rectangular hand-woven wool tablecloth taken from Hitler's mountain retreat by an American officer, measuring about 4' x 6', intentionally unevenly woven for a rustic effect with fringed edges. The tablecloth is accompanied by a brief note of provenance from Lt. Co. Wendell J. Coates, 1p. 12mo., in full: "Berchtesgaden, Germany May 5, 1945 Taken from Adolph Hitler's Chalet after place was taken by 7th U.S. Infantry May 4, 1945. Wendell J. Coates". Also present is a V-Mail letter from Coates to a friend, Aug. 1, 1945 sending "something which you might like". He notes: "...There were dozens of similar folders at his chalet which he had received commemorating various occasions...". Also present is a June 21, 1945 newspaper clipping that pictures Coates and refers to a document owned by the recipient of Coates' letter mentioned above. The document, undoubtedly the one sent home by Coates, made Hitler an honorary citizen of Bad Lauterberg. This places Coates at Berchtesgaden without a doubt. The tablecloth then came into the hands of noted historian/dealer Ben Swearingen, who in turn sold it for inclusion into the Lattimer Collection, our consignor. Very good, offered in Swearingen's original mailing box, with Dr. John Lattimer's notes thereon indicating that the tablecloth is visible in photos from the period.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000