Lot 590

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Fine relic recovered by an American G.I. from the ruins of Hitler's Berghof at Berchtesgaden, a 2" x 1" x 1/2" piece chipped away from the massive red and gray marble fireplace in Hitler's living room. This piece has the same grain and coloring as other verified sections of the same fireplace sold by us in the past. One example was a very substantial 8" x 3" piece engraved: "FIREPLACE HITLER'S HOUSE BERCHTESGADEN 1946". Other pieces of this fireplace have come to market, most often tiny sections presented in an ashtray reading: "Flick Your Ashes on Hitler's Hearth". These examples also match the piece being offered here. The marble was stored in a hand-carved wooden box with German crest, along with the unknown G.I.'s two shoulder patches, his five "hash marks" sleeve patch, and a period shoulder patch from the U.S. 2nd Chemical Battalion. Two notes were also present with these relics, both written by noted artist EDWARD VEBELL (1921–2018). Vebell, in later life a nationally-recognized illustrator, served as a staff artist for Stars & Stripes during World War II, as well as the official courtroom artist for the Nuremberg war trials. His notes identify the relics, and indicate that he purchased them in 1975 - but he could not recall the soldier's name. A copy of the soldier's patches and Vebell's notes are included with the fireplace relic, which is absolutely guaranteed genuine for life.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

July 30, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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