Lot 819

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

FRITZ SAUCKEL'S 'GUSLOFF-WERKE' SHIELDS
A fascinating and great association decorated document, 1p. 35 x 17 in. (opened), Thuringia, October 27, 1942, dedicated to the Gauleiter of Thuringia Fritz Sauckel (1894-1946) by officials of the 'Wilhelm Gustloff Stiftung' ('Wilhelm Gustloff Foundation'). This foundation was set up by the Nazis when they rose to power in 1933 and was funded almost entirely by money and property confiscated from German Jews. It ran various 'Gustloff Werke' ('Gustloff Factories') which were often groups of business formerly ran by Jews, which manufactured munitions and other materials for the war effort. The document features the names and hand painted shields of eleven cities where Gustloff Factories were located, including Weimar, Suhl, Meiningen, Schmiedefeld, Greiz, Kirtenberg, Kottingbrunn, Lichtenworth, Meuselwitz, and Berlin. At the bottom left of the document is the dedication which reads in part: '...The coat of arms of cities and municipalities in which Gustloff-Werke have production facilities...to the Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter Fritz Sauckel...October 27, 1942…' Sauckel was convicted by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg for the role he played as head of the 'Arbeitseinsatz', a system of forced labor used to meet industrial demands in Nazi Germany. The factories at the locations mentioned in the document were likely staffed by such slave laborers. Housed within a hardcover leather document holder that bears the words 'Gustloff Werke' on the front in gilded letters, along with an eagle. Document lightly toned and case is moderately worn, yet overall good condition. From a collection of Sauckel related items consigned to us by the estate of a four-star American general who participated in the liberation of Germany.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. 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.

December 8, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% 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