Description:

ADOLF HITLER'S MUNICH DESK SET, BLOTTER AND TABLE LAMP
An important relic from Adolf Hitler's Munich apartment, his matching marble and brass-plated desk set, blotter and table lamp, bearing a letter of provenance from the widow of Party Member No. 2, Hermann Esser. The desk set is comprised of a solid slab of white and rose-colored marble set atop four brass-plated feet which bear leaf designs. The center of the marble bears an indentation to hold the blotter, pens, etc. and is flanked by two 3" tall inkwells, each 3 1/4" diameter. The inkwells are encased in ribbed brass plate and topped by matching marble lids with plated handles. Overall dimensions 17 1/2" x 10 1/2" x 5 1/4". The blotter is of matching marble with brass plate trim marked with a crosshatched design on the handle and about the body of the blotter, dimensions 7 1/4" x 3 1/2" by 3 3/4" tall. Finally, the table lamp is of matching marble with crosshatched brass trim about the circular marble base which is supported by four metal feet. Squared-off marble extends halfway up the lamp to meet a brass neck, and brass trim bearing star designs is placed at the bottom and middle. The lamp accommodates three regular-sized bulbs and was re-wired at one point in time. Some plating has worn in places, else very good. These items are accompanied by a signed typed letter of provenance from ANNY ESSER (b. 1911), widow of HERMANN ESSER (1900-1981). Esser entered the Nazi party with Hitler in 1920, became the editor of the Nazi paper, Völkischer Beobachter, and was a Nazi member of the Reichstag. Esser was the party's first chief of propaganda, but was excluded from the party after the Beer Hall Putsch (1923). Her letter, written in German in Holzkirchen on May 19, 2011, reads in part: "...Herewith I Anny Esser, widow of the former State Minister Hermann Esser (Party Member No. 2) warrant that the desk set below [the desk set, blotter and lamp are pictured on the letter] made out of marble and brass belonged personally to Reichskanzler Adolf Hitler. The desk set was in his private apartment in Munich/Prinzregentenplatz. My husband and I were often guests of Adolf Hitler. At these meetings political matters were discussed and partially transcribed. On these occasions this desk set was used. I affirm that the apartment of Reichskanzler Adolf Hitler on Prinzregentenplatz was looted by the local population as well as the U.S. army. These statements I make to the best of my knowledge and with good conscience...". Hitler's apartment at Prinzregentenplatz 16, used by Hitler from 1929 until 1945, was a huge 300 sq. meters with nine rooms. Judging from its design, color, and construction, this particular set was likely located in a salon or living room, versus Hitler's utilitarian office, and was likely used only occasionally. Only a few photos exist of the interior of Hitler's apartment, so potential buyers have relied on letters of provenance from his maid Anny Winter or other reliable sources.

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September 27, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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