Description:

ADOLF HITLER'S PAINTING OF THE KEHLSTEINHAUS
A superb relic of Hitler's Kehlsteinhaus, otherwise called the 'Eagle's Nest', an original watercolor of the structure under construction, believed to have been commissioned by the building's donor, MARTIN BORMANN, and ultimately given to its ultimate owner, ADOLF HITLER. The image, 17.5 x 11 in. (sight), depicts workers at the construction scene high above Berchtesgaden, five in the foreground with others scattered about the partially-constructed building and in the scaffolding. There are materials on small rail cars, a gondola, a cargo hook on a guy wire, etc. and the workers' quarters at left and in the foreground. This work closely resembles a period photograph of construction at the site, with a few changes and additions. The painting was undertaken by German artist ERICH MERCKER (1891-1973). Mercker, known predominantly for his detailed and effusive works of industrial scenes, was already well known. In the year he undertook this work, 1937, he won a Gold Medal at the Exposition Internationale in Paris. Merker's signature appear's at lower-right, along with: 'Mchn [Munchen] 1937' At lower-left appears another signature, unknown. We do know for certain that 18 of Mercker's paintings were purchased by the Nazi Party in the years preceding the Second World War. Hitler also furnished his own private residence with a further six of Mercker's paintings. The verso of the board with which the painting was framed bears several period ink stamps. One partial stamp reads: 'Berghof Inventa[r]', while another, quite extensive but faded, bears an NSDAP eagles and 'Inventar No. 621-27-69'. This work was offered by Mullock's in England in 2013, misidentified as being a painting of the Berghof (Hitler's residence). They stated that the piece emanated from the collection of 'John Horne', a fastidious, careful collector, and was consigned by his widow. According to the Mullock's description, Horne had stated that Bormann, who had donated the Kehlsteinhaud to Hitler, had also commissioned this very painting for his Fuhrer. In excellent condition. The Kehlsteinhaus remains in operation today as a bar and restaurant catering to tourists...

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December 5, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000