Description:

ADOLF HITLER AND HIS PUTSCH CO-DEFENDANTS SEND A SIGNED PHOTO FROM LANDSBERG PRISON

Hitler sends a signed photo from Landsberg Prison: "Whenever freedom is desecrated, the best meet in prison"

Extraordinarily rare I.S.P., 9 1/2"x7" photographer Heinrich Hoffman's photo "The Defendants of the Hitler Trial", first version, bearing the signatures of six of Hitler's co-defendants, with a superb inscription and signature by Hitler, signed while he was imprisoned at Landsberg Prison, signed on the mat. The photo shows Hitler with his eight fellow defendants standing on the court house steps. Six of the defendants have signed upon their respective images, including: WILHELM FRICK, FRIEDRICH WEBER, HERMANN KRIEBEL, ERICH LUDENDORFF, WILHELM BRUCKNER, and ERNST ROHM. The photo is set within a larger mount bearing a lengthy, tywo-line inscription in Hitler's hand: "Immer wenn die Freiheit geschändet wird, treffen sich die Besten im Gefängnis. Dem treuen Parteigenossen J. Singer - herzlichen Danke für sein Vertrauen" ("Whenever freedom is desecrated, the best meet in prison. To loyal Party Member J. Singer - many thanks for his trust."). Boldly signed "Adolf Hitler", adding "Landsberg the 3rd of April 1924". One could speculate that although not all of the defendants were jailed, this item could have been signed by all parties at Landsberg as well. Signed only two days after Hitler arrived at Landsberg to begin his 264 day sentence, during which he would write his political treatise, Mein Kampf. Johann Singer (1869-1939) was NSDAP member no. 58 and joined the party on Aug. 17, 1920, "Blood Order" bearer no. 33. Singer quickly became a confidant of Hitler's and quickly became Hitler's intermediary during the latter's incarceration, Hitler directing the movement through him, Singer rose the the rank of Reichsamtsleiter before his death in 1939. Singer in identified in the log of Hitler's visitors at Landsberg as having visitied him on the very day this photograph was signed by Hitler. Fine condition, and certainly one of the finest and rarest such images we've encountered anywhere.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipping for these pieces. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

December 8, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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