Description:

PORTHOLE FROM THE YACHT "OSTWIND", COMMISSIONED BY HITLER
Unique Third Reich relic, an aluminum-framed porthole, 10" dia., removed from the racing yacht OSTWIND, one of a series of such craft commissioned by Hitler following Germany''s poor showing in the sailing events of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The porthole features an inner hinged pane, 8" dia., again in an aluminum frame and with the glass itself marked "Siemens Sicherheitsglas"("Safety Glass"). This pane is closed with a single "dog", frozen in place with oxidation, and secured with a modern replacement wing nut. The inside of the pane shows a black rubber gasket, mummified and cracked from age. The aluminum components and the steel dog and hinge show oxidation and corrosion commensurate with age overall, but the glass remains intact and clear. The Ostwind, built at Bremen and launched Sep. 4, 1939, was taken as a prize by the United States Navy at the end of World War II, and from there passed into a number of private hands. Several attempts were made to restore her and put her on display as a museum, including an effort at Plymouth, Massachusetts in the mid-1980''s, but these were always met with opposition by groups who objected to putting a symbol of Nazi Germany on display. She was eventually laid up at Jacksonville, Florida where she deteriorated until our consignor acquired the porthole presented here. Present with the item is a copy of the consignor''s notarized letter of provenance, dated April 22, 1997, in part: "...I... did on September 18, 1985, board the sailing vessel ''Ostwind'', while said vessel was docked at A-1 marine and Commercial Wrecking Company, and with permission of Dock owner, Mr. J.J. Nelson, did remove as a souvenir, the starboard side port lite of wheel house entrance..." Also present is a retrieved copy of a June 5, 1989 article from the New York Times, entitled "Boat Hitler Built Is Sunk in Ceremony", giving the back-story of the yacht and describing her acquisition and intentional sinking by the Miami Beach Cuban Hebrew Congregation, to curtail her vandalism or purchase by neo-Nazi groups. The article also confirms that J.J. Nelson was the owner prior to her sinking. The collection is rounded out by two newspaper clippings showing the Ostwind as laid up, in an advanced state of deterioration, as well as an additional photo of her dockside near the end of her life and a reproduced photo of her or one of her sisters participating in a race. Overall, a most unusual and one-of-a-kind relic.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, 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.

September 14, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% 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