Lot 354

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Description:

Group of eight stamps, constructed of metal pins set into a metal base, assembled in the forms of the numbers 1, 2 (two pieces), 3, 4, and 6, and the letters I and K. The number stamps are made with chisel-shaped pins, and are marked with the number they depict on the reverse. The "I" and "K" stamps are made with conical pins, and are both firmly attached to a 1 3/4" x 3/4" metal plate with a curved end. These plates were designed to be used with a special punch-like tattoo tool, manufactured by the firm of Jetter & Scheerer and known to have been used to tattoo inmates at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex, the only camps to apply identifying tattoos to their inmates in this manner. At first, the tattoos were applied to the left side of the chest, and later to the left forearm. The initial piercing would be followed by the application of ink rubbed into the bleeding wound. The use of punched tattoos, as represented here, was eventually found to be inefficient, and was later replaced by a single heated needle apparatus. Similar examples were discovered in 2014, and are now on display at Auschwitz. The origin of these examples is unknown, but it is certain that they emanate from the Jetter & Scheerer tattooing device.

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November 13, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, 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 + $10,000