Lot 938

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Description:

An exceptional relic, a 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" (closed) engraved sterling silver cigarette case given to Nazi German Deputy Fuhrer RUDOLF HESS (1894-1987) by his wife, ILSE HESS (1900-1995). One corner of the front of the case bears a filigree design in relief with Hess' initials "R H". The reverse bears fanciful period engraving reading: "Meinem lb. Rudolf zum 35 Geburtstag Deine Ilse" ("My dear Rudolf for his 35th Birthday Your Ilse"). The case bears a gold wash to the interior and has two intact gold elastic bands. It is marked within "830" with the hallmark of the unknown silversmith. There is a minuscule ding to the cover and expected very light surface wear and tarnishing, otherwise fine. Hess' 35th birthday would put the year of this gift at 1929. The cigarette case was discovered with retained copies of letters from Hess and letters sent to Hess and Ilse by the notorious Dr. Karl Gebhardt (1897-1948). Gebhardt was personal physician to Himmler and president of the German Red Cross. He also conducted bone and muscle experiments on prisoners at Ravensbruck, and postwar was convicted of crimes against humanity and executed. INCLUDED is a letter from that grouping, a retained copy of a letter sent by Rudolf Hess to Gebhardt and initialed "R.H." in ink by Hess, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Jan. 6, 1937, in part: "...Special thanks for the words you wrote in the name of [the SS hospital at] Hohenlychen. I know what you can do with the assistance of your helpers and some hard work; I know that much of it opens up new territory of lasting value; I know of the myriad of individual cases in which you selflessly help people...I will do everything in my power always to help you and Hohenlychen..." Very good. Two pieces.

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May 1, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, 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