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, fine association large format I.S.P. in original silver presentation frame, approx. 10" x 13" (sight), 11" x 14 1/8" overall, a bust portrait of Hitler in civilian clothes ca. 1925 bearing a lengthy black ink signed inscription at bottom: "To my loyal comrade-in-arms, Mrs. Director Hermine Hoffmann - Munich, Christmas 1929 Adolf Hitler". Mount at bottom bears blind-embossed stamp of photographer "H[einrich] Hoffmann Munchen", and on the verso bears the stamp imprint "No reprints of any kind allowed! Exclusively published by H. Hoffmann". In hammered, glossy silver presentation frame with silversmith mark "Ed Wollenweber - handmade" and hallmark for silver content "800". The hinged back covered with dark red linen measure 36 x 28 cm.. Frame stand a bit loose, else fine to very fine condition. Hermine Hoffmann was an aunt of one of Hitler's associates, Anton Korbling, and in the early Twenties . She doted on the future Nazi leader, so much so that she earned the nickname "Hitler-Mutterl" Hoffmann would keep Hitler supplied with food, and looked after his laundry and other household needs. According to Hanfstaengl, Hitler had to however endure "a real telling-off by the vigorous old lady every now and then". Hitler, however, always remained grateful for the lady's care in his times of need. The gift list managed by Julius Schaub documents that she received "a book and liquor" in both 1935 and 1936. In 1937 Max Wunsche, at that time Hitler's adjutant, wrote in his diary: "9 p.m.: The Fuhrer visits Mrs. Director Hoffmann, Solin, on her 81st birthday (flowers and liqueur)...". An important association, in a rare format, early photograph.