Description:

EVA BRAUN PHOTO ALBUM
An extraordinary and probably unique collection of intimate photographs of Adolf Hitler, Eva Braun and other Nazi dignitaries, guests and friends, all from original negatives and obtained by a German-born Jewish-American soldier with intelligence connections. A total of 253 sharp 2 3/8" x 3 5/8" images are mounted by the soldier, Hans "Steve" Schoemann, within an American-made photo album, probably just after the war. These are very personal photographs, and the selection makes it apparent that they were the personal possessions of Eva Braun and were for the most part taken by her. The album opens with images of private quarters within the Berghof, likely those of Braun, along with casual photos of her seated at tables and on the floor with groups of close friends. The first part of the album also contains 23 candid photos of Hitler alone and with Julius Streicher, Ernst Udet, and other dignitaries and visitors at the Berghof. These images were almost certainly taken by Braun herself. Many photos show views from the Berghof, the structure itself, and portraits and group shots of the many guests, including Albert Speer, Karl Haushofer, and a dozen or so of Braun's many friends and close relatives. Eve Braun herself is shown in multiple candid, relaxed photographs, posing in swimsuits, fancy gowns, jumpers, etc. A trip to a lakeside beach is documented in many photos, with one participant labeled as "Goebbel's brother" and another closely resembling her brother-in-law, Hermann Fegelein. One selection shows the "brother" choreographing a bizarre pool-side romp of young men and women which Braun photographed. The album closes with a large selection of photos of Braun in one-piece bathing suits and traditional garb posing on the balcony at the Berghof, sixteen images from the Winter Olympics (one showing Eva guzzling beer from a bottle), and three photos of Hitler's sister with her brother's German shepard. The photos are all in fine condition, some identified, others bearing sarcastic comments. The identification of those appearing in the photos could only have been done by someone with intelligence connections. These photos were obtained by American soldier Hans Schoemann, born 1919 in Frankfurt. His Jewish parents operated a butcher shop but fled the country following the destruction of their business after Kristallnacht. His name Americanized to "Steve", he found work as a chef, was naturalized and joined the Army. He served as a chef to high-ranking US officers, but his ability to translate German to English was useful to the high command, especially during interrogations. When the war came to an end, he remained in Europe for an additional six months when these photographs of Hitler and his entourage came into his possession. Consigned by his grandson, with a copy of some of the soldier's military intelligence passes and permits.

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December 8, 2015 10:30 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$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