Lot 261

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Description:

OTTO SKORZENY'S 25 YEAR NAZI SERVICE MEDAL
OTTO SKORZENY (1908 - 1975) Nazi officer and Hitler's chief and favorite commando, he made a daring mountain-top rescue of Mussolini, placed English-speaking soldier in American uniforms to mislead American forces in the Bulge, and after the war headed the organization that helped hundreds of ex-SS officers flee Germany. 25 year NSDAP Service Medal with ribbon and pin, showing some oxidation at bottom of lower arm. With case which bears two tape repairs. Skorzeny did not qualify for this reward and we are unaware as to how it came into his possession. Sold as-is. His post-war involvement with veterans may provide some explanation. This medal was bequeathed to Skorzeny's wife, Ilse Finckenstein Skorzeny at the time of Skorzeny's death in 1975. Ilse continued to reside in in the Tres Cantos section of Madrid, but was slowly cheated out of her wealth by various con artists and manipulators in Spain and in the United States. Early on, she befriended an influential businessman who sought to obtain her legal and financial assistance. By the time of her death in 2002, Ilse was bankrupt and living in a nursing home, supported by the charity of her friend. On Jan. 13, 1998 she granted the man her full power of attorney, and on May 4, 1999 she executed a legal document leaving her entire estate to the gentleman. He since transferred this property to his son, our consignor. In September, 2011 representatives of Alexander Autographs, Inc. met with the heir of Ilse Skorzeny's estate and his son, the consignor. A substantial amount of other Skorzeny's personal letters and documents were also made available for viewing, and are offered elsewhere in this sale. Also viewed was the original power of attorney given by Ilse and the fully-executed and notarized copy of the legal document bequeathing the property to her Spanish friend. Copies of those documents are included in the lot, as is a letter of provenance signed by the heir and his son, as well as a letter attesting to the fact that the son had been gifted the estate by the father, this document also signed by both.

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January 30, 2013 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, 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 + $1,000