Lot 652

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

ADOLF HITLER
(1889 - 1945) Fuhrer of Germany and Nazi Party leader, Hitler's bloody rise to power, his military seizure of most of Europe and North Africa and his genocidal racial policies culminated in suicide in his Berlin bunker as Russian troops approached. Excessively rare and important association war-date I.S.P., 8 1/4" x 10 1/2" (sight), a Hoffmann photograph given by Hitler to Field Marshal GERD VON RUNDSTEDT on the occasion of the von Rundstedt's 65th birthday, set into a presentation sterling silver frame. In the detailed Hoffmann image, the ruthless dictator is shown from the waist, up staring sternly to the right of the camera, his right fist defiantly resting on his hip, with his Nazi Party armband visible on his left arm. In the white bottom margin, he inscribes the photograph: "To General-Field Marshal von Rundstedt on his 65th birthday with warmest congratulations Adolf Hitler Berlin 12 Dec. 1940". The photo is set into a heavy sterling silver frame bearing the Nazi Party eagle and swastika device at bottom which is flanked by Hitler's initials "A H", all surrounded by a Greek key border. At the top of the frame appear three hallmarks, including "FHW", that of Hitler's personal jewelers and silversmiths F. H. Wellner, "925", indicating the purity of the silver, and the crescent moon and crown [?] device. The maroon/brown leather covered rear of the frame bears the proper six swivel closures and hinged desktop support. The photo bears just the very slightest bit of soiling and is in otherwise near fine condition, as is the frame, but for a few scuffs to the leather and just a slight bit of tarnish. Hitler reserved such presentations only for his most important associates, and Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt (1875-1953) certainly would be considered among them. He had been promoted to that rank six months earlier. Commanding Army Group South in the invasion of Russia, von Rundstedt led brilliantly despite suffering a heart attack and refusing hospitalization, and took 300,000 prisoners before reaching Rostov at the time Hitler signed this photo. Later in the war, von Rundstedt would Germany's forces in the west. He rallied them in time to fight off Operation Market Garden, and would head all offensive operations in the Battle of the Bulge. In our opinion, this is likely the finest Hitler signed photo to come to market in the past decade!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, 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. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

January 21, 2010 10:00 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