Description:

A superb relic, a black silk top hat attributed to the architect of the 'Final Solution,' REINHARD HEYDRICH. The hat, measuring 5.75 in. tall and 12 in. front-to-back along the brim, bears a black silk brim and a moire hat band, and is lined with white silk moire. The top of the lining bears an unidentified monogram and Heydrich's 'RH' monogram, which have both clearly been affixed for decades, with some segments of each since cracked off, revealing period adhesive stains beneath. Above the monogram is the maker's mark of 'L. Schwartz Fernruf', a hat company from Witten in the Ruhr district of Germany. The lining has been re-stitched and bears light stains from use, with some loose threads indicating the presence of a since-removed sweatband. In addition, the very top of the hat bears a very light white stain, mentioned only for accuracy as it is barely noticeable. Sold with the top-and-bottom segments of its original cardboard hat box. Adding provenance, the bottom of the lid lists the same manufacturer as is found on the hat, and the top of the lid bears the gilt lettering: 'SS-BRIGADEFUHRER HEYDRICH MUNCHEN'. Promoted to SS-Brigadefuhrer in late 1933, Heydrich maintained this rank for just a year or so, during which he seized control of regional police forces, became head of the Gestapo and commanded the SD, established the SS as the German state security organization, destroyed the leadership of the SA during the Night of the Long Knives, and formed the SS into the dominant paramilitary group of the Nazi Party. Heydrich was promoted to SS-Gruppenfuhrer in 1934, just one year later, for his role in the purge. An excessively rare top hat, worn by Heydrich during the greatest expansion of the SS' power. From an established collector of Third Reich relics, with an emphasis on items from occupied Bohemia and Moravia. The hat was delivered to us in a metal hat box (also sold with the lot), though it is presumed not original to the piece itself.

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August 25, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, 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 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000