Description:

A fine, quite personal Eva Braun relic, a brown alligator-patterned leather handbag, 9.5 x 8.25 in., with a brass-push-button clasp, and features a zippered pocket and two open sleeves within. No label or other maker's markings are visible. The brass fittings show slight wear and verdigris, with an old repair to the handle and a 2 in. split to the leather at the base, else very good. The handbag was presented as a gift to Gretl Mitlstrasser, who worked as a kitchen assistant and maid to Eva Braun before being appointed executive housekeeper at Adolf Hitler's residence in Obersalzberg, the Berghof. She and her husband Willi, who served as the Berghof's chauffeur and caretaker, were married at the Berghof in 1943, with Hitler officiating. Provenance for the handbag is provided by a T.L.S. in German, 2pp. 4to., Munich, April 9, 1993, from Gretl Mitlstrasser, in part: "... This handbag was personally owned by Eva Braun and was a gift to me. Fraulein Braun bought this handbag in Portofino during one of her numerous trips to Italy. In May 1938, Fraulein Braun went on another trip to Italy accompanied by Mrs. v. Ribbentrop, Mrs. Himmler, Mrs. Bouhler, Mrs. Keitel, Mrs. Hess, and several others. Hitler was on a state visit to Mussolini. During this vacation, Fraulein Braun bought several articles of clothing made out of crocodile leather... As far as I can remember she bought shoes, hand gloves, a handbag and also numerous pieces of luggage, all made out of crocodile leather. A few months after she returned from this trip she gave her old crocodile leather handbag to me as a gift because the old handbag did not match the new collection. I was using this bag for several years until I packed it away along with some other memorabilia of that time. It was stored in our attic. The handle of the bag was repaired in the upper part. After many years of being Eva Braun's personal maid, I often got presents like that..." Gretl signs at the conclusion in blue ink. A b/w photo of the handbag presented here is also printed within the body of the letter, and a typed English translation is provided.

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November 20, 2019 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 + $10,000