Description:

HERMANN GORING
(1893 - 1946) German politician who began his career as an ace in World War I, rose to become Hitler's right-hand man and head of the Luftwaffe, finally captured and committed suicide on the eve of his execution. An extraordinary association item, a photo of Goring inscribed to his rival and fellow Nuremburg defendant, Rudolf Hess (and wife). The I.S.P., 10" x 13 1/2" (approx., sight), b/w, depicts the bemedaled field marshal from the waist, up and looking sternly to the left of the viewer. He boldly inscribes the photo in the white bottom of the mat: "Many thanks for the lovely hours in the hospitable Hess house Hermann Goring Christmas 1938". The photo is contained within an early Goring hallmarked sterling silver presentation frame bearing an eagle and swastika device at top and measuring 11" x 14 1/4" overall. The verso of the frame is light brown stained wood with a solid wood easel. The frame was presented to Hess within a fitted purple satin and felt lined box with purple pebbled leather covering, a hinged closure, and Goring's seal in silver affixed to the top lid. The case itself is very rare, believed to be one of only three such cases known to exist. The photo is in fine condition as is the front of the frame, the verso of the frame bears a few scratches at the points of closure and the back of the easel stand. The presentation box bears a few trivial surface scrapes and the satin lining within bears a few tears, else very good. Hess was number two in succession to the chancellorship, behind Goring, until gradually undermined by Bormann, Goring and other power-seekers. Following Hess' "peace-making" flight to England in 1941, the pair would not meet again until the 1946 war crimes trials in Nuremburg. While on trial, Hess feigned insanity, mumbling to himself, laughing and claiming amnesia. So convincing was his performance that Goring insisted on being seated in another location (he wasn't). Later in the trial, Hess admitted the hoax. Also included in the lot: RUDOLF HESS T.L.S. "R.H." 1p. oblong 8vo., Munich, Nov. 21, 1933 to Hilde Franck mentioning his pleasure in having heard from her often and hoping to look her up when he next visits Stettin; a songbook, 16pp. small folio, 1937, "Valiant Songs" by pro-Nazi composer HANS GANSSER, inscribed: "Herr Reichsminister Hess and wife, with warmest good wishes from Hans Gansser August 1937"; a T.L.S. 1p. 4to., Bad Godesburg, June 30, 1934 to Hess from OTTO KUHNE, JR. asking Hess to visit; and a telegram in a secretarial hand from (Karl?) "Gebhardt" to Hess wishing him a Happy Birthday.

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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